The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries has projected that the target quota for the winter/spring period has been reached. Therefore, effective 0001 hours on Wednesday, March 2, 2005 the commercial fluke fishery daily trip limit will drop from 2,500 pounds to 100 pounds. This trip limit will remain in effect through the end of May. The commercial fishery is scheduled to re-open on June 10th with a 300 pound trip limit for commercial fishermen using nets and 200 pound trip limit for those using hooks.

Please note that potential changes to the fluke regulations will be aired at public hearings on March 21st and 22nd. These proposals could result in changes to the re-opening date of the directed fishery as well as the trip limits. MarineFisheries will provide further information as it develops. Information on the public hearing locations is provided below: