Based on annual specifications determined by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the recreational scup fishery will close on Wednesday, August 31st. Beginning Thursday, September 1st it shall be unlawful for any recreational fishermen to possess scup until the 2006 recreational fishery opens on May 1, 2006.

The ASMFC Management Board adopted this region-wide seasonal closure after the latest stock assessment indicated the target fishing mortality had been exceeded in the recreational scup fishery. Other member states, including RI, CT, and NY have implemented similar seasonal closures. As a member state, MA must comply with mandates of the interstate plan or risk being found out-of-compliance and closure of the fishery.