Beginning May 1, the spiny dogfish daily limit shall be 600-lbs. This trip limit will remain in effect through August 14 th. On August 15 th the trip limit will increase to 2,000-lbs. and remain in effect until DMF determines that 58% of the annual ASMFC approved regional quota of 6-million lbs. has been reached.

The increased 2,000-lb. trip limit in effect beginning August 15 th applies to permit holders who do not possess federal permits. The federal trip limit will remain unchanged at 600-lbs. and applies to any vessel that holds a federal permit for spiny dogfish. When 58% of the interstate plan quota is reached, and DMF closes the fishery – all landings of dogfish (by state and federal permit holders) will be prohibited through the end of the fishing year.

Please note that this two-part trip limit is a modification to trip limits announced in a March 19th MarineFisheries Advisory. The Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission approved this modification to maximize fishermen’s benefits from the late summer/early fall fresh-fish market overseas.

For more information, contact DMF at 617-626-1520 or online at www.mass.gov/marinefisheries.