April 30, 2015 — State legislators announced today that the New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) voted down the proposal to close 55-square-mile of Stellwagen Bank to recreational anglers, charter boats, and for hire vessels.
Stellwagen Bank. Photo Courtesy of NOAA
Stellwagen Bank in the Western Gulf of Maine remains one of the more prosperous areas for fishermen and the charter fleet to bring home the days catch of haddock, pollock, tuna and sharks during the fishing season, and the proposal would have designated the fishing grounds for habitat and fisheries research, according to a news release.
“I am pleased that the New England Fishery Management Council took both economic and environmental factors into consideration in their decision not to close Stellwagen Bank to our recreational fishermen,” Congressman Bill Keating said in the announcement. “Captain Mike Pierdinock and Beth Casoni should be applauded for their leadership on behalf of the recreational fishing industry. While it is important that we first and foremost promote efforts to protect the health and sustainability of our stocks, we must also recognize opportunities where we can protect both industries.”
Read the full story at the Marshfield Mariner