February 5, 2020 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
Framework 8 includes 2020-2021 Specifications and increased seasonal possession limits for the wing and bait fisheries to provide additional flexibility to fishermen. We propose to:
- Increase the annual catch limit for the skate complex to 32,715 mt from 31,327 mt in 2019.
- Increase total allowable landings of skate wings to 11,879 mt from 10,499 mt in 2019.
- Increase the total allowable landings of skate bait to 5,984 mt from 5,289 mt in 2019.
- Increase the bait fishery Season 3 possession limit to 25,000 lb from 12,000 lb.
- Increase the wing fishery Season 1 possession limit to 3,000 lb from 2,600 lb.
- Increase the wing fishery Season 2 possession limit to 5,000 lb from 4,100 lb.
- Increase the barndoor skate possession limit in the wing fishery from 650 lb to 750 lb in Season 1, and from 1,025 lb to 1,250 lb in Season 2.
To get all the details on these proposed modifications, read the proposed rule as published in the Federal Register today.
We are accepting comments through March 6, 2020.
Please submit comments either through the online e-rulemaking portal or by mailing your comments to:
Michael Pentony, Regional Administrator
National Marine Fisheries Service
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA, 01930.
Please mark the outside of the envelope, “Comments on the Proposed Rule for Skate Framework 8.”