The Division of Marine Fisheries (MarineFisheries) has projected that 28% of the 2009 commercial tautog quota has been harvested. Consequently the spring commercial tautog fishery will close effective 0001 hours on Friday, May 8th through August 31, 2009. Possession of tautog for commercial purposes will be prohibited until the 2009 Fall Open Season begins on September 1st with a possession limit of 40 tautog per 24-hour day.

Dealers are reminded that it is unlawful to purchase tautog from Massachusetts commercial fishermen when the fishery is closed. Quota totals and regulations can be monitored through the MarineFisheries web site at: www.mass.gov/marinefisheries.