Effective 0001 hours on Tuesday, November 1, 2005 MarineFisheries will decrease the daily commercial scup possession limit to 3,000-lbs. The possession limit will remain in effect through the Winter II period until the federal quota is reached, or until December 31. Fishing is allowed 7 days per week. This reduction will complement recent federal action to implement a 3,000-lb. daily possession limit during the Winter II period of the commercial scup fishery. Details on the federal action are contained in an October 3rd NOAA Fisheries letter to permit holders available at: http://www.nero.noaa.gov/nero/nr/nrdoc/05scupwinteriiadjust.pdf.

On January 1, 2006 the Winter I period fishery will begin with a 10,000-lb. daily possession limit. All possession limits shall be based on a 24-hour day, shall be vessel limits, and shall apply regardless of the number of commercial fishermen with scup permits on board said vessel.