State fishing representatives are proposing a $3.5 million research study that would provide alternative scientific data and analysis on the status of winter flounder, a groundfish stock whose diminished levels are largely responsible for restrictive fishing regulations that took effect on May 1.
A draft of the five-step research proposal, which calls for fishing vessels to participate in a second winter flounder survey, was submitted last week in time to meet a deadline set by Gov. Deval Patrick.
The proposal will "contribute to developing strategies to possibly mitigate days-at-sea reductions in southern New England and to support future advances in fisheries management," said Brian Rothschild, who chairs the New Bedford Mayor’s Ocean and Fisheries Council.