August 8, 2019 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
NOAA Fisheries proposes the following adjustments to commercial and recreational summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass fisheries:
- Including conservation equivalency as an annual management consideration for the black sea bass recreational fishery, which allows federal measures to be waived in lieu of appropriate state measures;
- Creating a federal waters transit zone for non-federally permitted vessels fishing in state waters around Block Island Sound; and
- Incorporating a maximum recreational size limit in the list of potential specification measures for summer flounder and black sea bass.
These adjustments are intended to provide additional flexibility in the management of these species.
How Do I Comment?
Read the proposed rule as published in the Federal Register, and submit your comments through the online portal. You may also submit comments through regular mail to:
Michael Pentony, Regional Administrator
Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930
Please mark the outside of the envelope, “Comments on the Proposed Rule for Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Framework 14”
The comment period is open through September 9.