February 19, 2015 — The following was released by NOAA:
On February 9, 2015, we received an exemption request from several sectors proposing to withhold 30 metric tons of Gulf of Maine (GOM) cod annual catch entitlement in return for regulatory exemptions from the current 200-lb GOM cod trip limit and the GOM broad stock area restrictions.
A notice will publish in the Federal Register on Monday, February 23, 2015, seeking public comment on this new sector exemption through Monday, March 2, 2015. We intend to make a final decision soon after the public comment period closes.
Read more about the sector exemption application.
Send your comments via email to William Whitmore. Include in the subject line: "Comments on Gulf of Maine Cod Sector Exemption Request."
Questions? Email Jennifer Goebel, Regional Office, or call her at 978-281-9175.