Paul J. Diodati Director

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries 251 Causeway Street, Suite 400 Boston, MA 02114 (617) 626.1520 Fax (617) 626.1509

May 16, 2005
MarineFisheries Advisory

As specified in 322 CMR 6.35, the Director of the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) may, by declaration, establish and adjust the manner and times of taking spiny dogfish, and the legal size limits, numbers and/or quantities of spiny dogfish to be taken as prescribed by M.G.L. c.130 §17A and specified by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. As required, prior to any such declaration, DMF has established a public comment period on the following measures for the 2005 spiny dogfish fishery to complement federal rules and the interstate plan:

1. During May 1 through October 31, 2005 commercial fishermen are prohibited from possessing greater than 600-lbs. of spiny dogfish per day; and
2. During November 1 through April 30, 2006 commercial fishermen are prohibited from possessing greater than 300-lbs. of spiny dogfish per day.

Written comments may be received by e-mail, (marine.fish@state.ma.us), fax (617.626.1509), or mail (DMF; 251 Causeway St., Suite 400; Boston, MA 02114) and will be accepted until 5PM on Monday, May 30, 2005.