Acting Commissioner Tom French of the Department of Fish & Game has disapproved a recent action taken by the Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission to grant squid trawlers extended access (May 1 – 8) to near-shore waters in the vicinity of Collier’s Ledge. Under M.G.L. c. 130 §17A the Commissioner approves or disapproves regulatory changes submitted by the Director of the Division of Marine Fisheries as part of the regulatory promulgation process.

To clarify, there will be no change to the regulations governing trawl fishing for squid (322 CMR 3.04(6) & 6.39). The squid season runs April 23 rd through June 9 th. There are not trip limits as of this date but a 2,500-lb. trip limit for mobile gear fishermen will be enacted when certain quota triggers are reached in any given trimester. MarineFisheries will provide notices of any such triggers and consequent trip limit. Mobile gear will remain prohibited during May 1 – October 31 in the longstandings inshore closure from Mashpee to Eastham (322 CMR 3.04(6)).