November 26, 2012 — In November, NOAA Fisheries announced proposed measures to expand on a previously approved groundfish sector exemption by allowing groundfish sector trawl vessels to harvest redfish using nets with codend mesh as small as 4.5 inches (11.4 cm). In addition, this action proposes to implement an industry-funded at-sea monitoring program for sector trips targeting redfish with trawl nets with mesh sizes that are less than the regulated mesh size requirement.
At the request of the fishing industry and the New England Fishery Management Council, NOAA Fisheries has reopened the public comment period for these proposed measures. The deadline for submitting comments is December 31, 2012.
Click here for more information on submitting public comments.