April 20, 2014 — MarineFisheries announced several changes to its fisheries regulations this week.
The recreational and commercial minimum size for American eels has been increased from 6 inches to 9 inches and the recreational possession limit has been reduced from 50 eels to 25 eels, with an exception for for-hire vessels which may continue to possess 50 eels. The use of fyke nets between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31 is prohibited and the use of eels pots with a wire mesh smaller than ½-inch by ½-inch has also been prohibited. The most recent Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission stock assessment for American eels indicated that the eel stock was depleted and recommended reducing fishing mortality at all life stages. These actions are designed to improve the stock status and to be consistent with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) eel management measures.
The minimum size for all hammerhead shark species has increased from 54 inches to 78 inches. The most recent stock assessment indicated that female scalloped hammerhead sharks did not reach sexual maturity until they were at least 78 inches. Accordingly, this action is being taken to improve the spawning stock biomass for these species. As hammerhead sharks species are difficult to differentiate once eviscerated, this rule applies to all hammerhead shark species, rather than just the scalloped hammerhead.