This notice is to clarify the times when the Commonwealth of Massachusetts implements a 2,500-lb trip limit for Loligo squid. The federal management plan for Loligo squid requires federally permitted vessels to comply with a daily trip limit of 2,500 lbs. once the quota trigger has been reached for any given trimester. The state complements a 2,500-lb trip limit during those times that a federal trip limit is in place (322 CMR 6.39).

As noted in an April 17th MarineFisheries Advisory the state Loligo squid trawl fishery opened on April 23 rd under a 2,500-lb. trip limit given prior action by NOAA Fisheries to implement a 2,500-lb. trip limit for the remainder of that trimester, through April 30 th. A new trimester began on May 1 st and the federal trip limit was lifted. As of this date there is no federal Loligo squid trip limit and thus no complementary trip limit for the state Loligo squid trawl fishery.

The state waters small-mesh trawl fishery remains open through June 9 th. MarineFisheries will provide notification should the quota trigger be reached for this trimester and a subsequent a 2,500-lb trip limit would be implemented.