March 28, 2013 — The following was released by NOAA.
Today, NOAA Fisheries is officially announcing several new management measures for groundfish.
These measures include, among other things, recommendations by the New England Fishery Management Council and a joint US/Canada management body, for catch limits for fishing years 2013-2015 for Northeast groundfish stocks.
As previously conveyed, substantial reductions are proposed for both Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank cod and six other stocks. Catch limit increases are being proposed for several other stocks including healthy redfish and pollock. We are also proposing to allow some fishing on Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic winter flounder in 2013, but at levels that will continue to prevent overfishing. According to Council analysis, access to winter flounder should generate an estimated $5.4 million in additional ex-vessel revenue for the fishery.
To learn more about proposed measures and how to provide public comments on these proposed measures click here. The deadline for submitting public comments is April 15, 2013.