The Division of Marine Fisheries (MarineFisheries) has projected that 100% of the 2009 commercial tautog quota will be taken by Tuesday, September 29, 2009. Consequently the commercial tautog fishery will close effective 0001 hours on Wednesday, September 30, 2009.

In an ongoing effort to conserve and rebuild local tautog stocks, MarineFisheries established a commercial tautog quota in 2007 with approval of the Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission. The 2009 commercial tautog quota is 55,714-lbs. Additionally, the spring period fishery beginning on April 16th was capped at 28% of the total with the remainder of the quota being applied to the fall fishing period.

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.