This notice serves as a reminder of various seasonal closures in the whiting fishery and the groundfish fishery affecting fixed and mobile gear fishing in Cape Cod Bay and adjacent waters during the fall.

During Sep. 1 – Nov. 20, the upper Cape Cod Bay Whiting area opens to trawlers using small-mesh nets (raised footrope trawl). In a small portion of the
area, the Fixed-Gear Free Zone is in effect and precludes lobstermen and gillnetters from setting gear in this area, west of the LORAN 13830 line, east of
the 13880 line, and north of the LORAN 44100 line (see adjacent map). This action was taken in order to assure access to trawlers fishing in the area; state law prohibits the molestation or removing of fixed gear so trawlers are forced out of areas filled with fixed gear.

The Office of Environmental Law Enforcement will patrol the area on a routine basis to ensure compliance with the various closures.

Fishermen violating this and any other MarineFisheries regulations are subject to fines and permit sanctions. The area will be re-opened to fixed gear after October 31. For more information, contact MarineFisheries at 617.626.1520 or visit our website at www.mass.gov/marinefisheries.