Consistent with federal and interstate action and 322 CMR 9.00, the Division of Marine Fisheries (MarineFisheries) is limiting landing/possession of Atlantic sea herring to 2,000 lbs. per day for vessels fishing in Management Area 1A effective 0001 hours on November 14 th (see Figure 1). Ninety-five percent of the Area 1A Total Allowable Catch (TAC) adopted by the New England Fishery Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission is expected to have been caught by this date. This restriction will cease at 0001 hours, January 1, 2009 when the Period 1 Area 1A TAC for Atlantic sea herring will become available. Atlantic sea herring caught from other management areas may be possessed and landed in the Commonwealth until further notice.

Figure 1. Map of Herring Management Areas.

For further information please visit our website at www.mass.gov/marinefisheries.