August 13, 2014 — The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s spiny dogfish board last week approved changes to the fishery management plan for public comment. The draft addendum proposes requiring that fins remain naturally attached to spiny dogfish through commercial landings in order to ensure consistency with the Shark Conservation Act of 2010. Currently, the interstate fishery management plan allows removal of the fins of spiny dogfish at sea, as long as the carcass is retained.
The board also approved increasing the commercial possession limit from 4,000 to 5,000 pounds for the northern region (Maine to Connecticut) for the 2014-15 fishing season. This action will be effective Sept. 8, 2014 and is consistent with recently adopted measures for federal waters.
The marine fisheries commission also approved more conservative regulations for public comment to the interstate fishery management plan for Atlantic striped bass. The draft addendum proposes new fishing mortality reference points, as recommended by the 2013 benchmark stock assessment, and associated management measures to reduce fishing mortality to a level at or below the proposed target within three years.
Fishermen and other interested groups are encouraged to provide input on the spiny dogfish and striped bass draft addenda, either by attending state public hearings (to be announced) or by providing written comment. Both draft addenda will be available on the commission website (www.asmfc.org) by Aug. 18. Public comment will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Sept. 30.