May 9, 2014 — Local fishing captains and recreational anglers who are facing smaller catch limits and a shorter season are seeking ways that they can somehow spit the hook on this “strike” by federal regulators.
Beginning May 1, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has imposed new regulations on fish sizes, daily per angler bag limits, and length of fishing seasons in local ocean waters.
They say the goal is to protect the future of cod and haddock.
But local fishing captains are concerned it will damage their businesses, and riverfront observers say that recreational fishermen starting to hit the water this spring will be angered by the new regulations.
“This is a big issue,” said Bob Yeomans, who captains a party boat called the Erica Lee II out of Newburyport. “The limit on haddock is going down from unlimited to three fish per day. The season is getting shorter, and some callers are canceling.
“We want the people who come out with us to catch fish and enjoy the day, but these regulations are going to hurt everyone.”
Read the full story at the Newburyport Daily News