Effective 0001 hours on Friday, October 14, 2005 MarineFisheries has increased the daily commercial scup possession limit to 3,500-lbs. The possession limit will remain in effect through the beginning of the Winter II period and remain in place until the federal quota is reached, or until December 31. Fishing is allowed 7 days per week.

This action will increase scup landings to improve the chances of the May-October commercial quota of 1,062,132 lbs. being reached. To date, about 70% of the summer/fall quota has been harvested. The management goal to protect spawning fish from directed fisheries during May – July has contributed to the low landings.

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.