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. DMF has established a public comment period on the following proposed measure for the 2008/2009 spiny dogfish fishery:

1. during May 1 – August 31, 2008 , it shall be unlawful for commercial fishermen to land or possess more than 600-lbs. of spiny dogfish per day;
2. beginning September 1, 2008, it shall be unlawful for commercial fishermen to land or possess greater than 2,000-lbs. of spiny dogfish per day;
3. once 58% of the ASMFC-approved 8-million pound quota has been reached, it shall be unlawful for commercial fishermen to land or possess spiny dogfish.

Unless otherwise notified by the Director, annual specifications shall become effective on May 1, 2008. Contact DMF for further details.

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 Tuesday, January 15, 2008.