This notice is designed to remind industry participants about the rules governing the catch and landing of summer flounder, scup, and lobster. For purposes of this notice, landing means to transfer catch from any vessel onto any land, dock, pier wharf, or other artificial structure.

Summer Flounder (Fluke) Quota Split and Unloading Rules.
The Commonwealth’s fluke quota is split between 70% for the summer/fall and 30% for the winter. To prevent any overages in the winter quota from impacting the summer quota, MarineFisheries enacted new rules this year that splits the winter period into two periods: Winter I (January 1 – April 22) and Winter II (November 1 – December 31). Fifteen percent of the winter quota is allocated to each period:

• The Winter I period fluke fishery re-opened on January 1, 2006 with a 2,500-lb. daily trip limit. When total landings exceed 10% of the annual quota, the trip limit will be reduced to just 100-lbs. until landings reach 15% of the annual quota when the fishery will close through April 22.
  
• The Winter II period will open on November 1st at a 2,500-lb. daily trip limit until the balance of the winter quota is reached. Fishermen and dealers are reminded that night-time (8 P.M. through 6 A.M.) landing of fluke is prohibited. Vessels may enter port and tie up during this prohibited period but shall not unload.

Scup Trip Limits.
Federally permitted vessels are bound by federal trip limits. The current federal scup trip limit is 30,000- lbs. and will be lowered to 1,000-lbs. when NOAA Fisheries determines 80% of the Winter I quota has been reached. MarineFisheries has enacted a process to declare complementary trip limits in many fisheries where federal or interstate plan rules are subject to frequent change.

Winter-time Lobster Landing Hours.
Fishermen and dealers are reminded that night-time (8 P.M. through 6 A.M.) landing of lobster is prohibited during February 1 through April 30. Vessels may enter port and tie up during this prohibited period but shall not unload.