DMF logo
Paul J. Diodati
Director
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Division of Marine Fisheries
251 Causeway Street, Suite 400
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 626.1520
Fax (617) 626.1509
Massachusetts State Seal
Deval Patrick
Governor
 Ian Bowles
Secretary
 Mary B. Griffin
Commissioner

May 1, 2009
MarineFisheries Advisory

SPRING COD CONSERVATION ZONE EFFECTIVE TODAY
May 11th Public hearing on emergency action

The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (MarineFisheries) is issuing this reminder that a Spring Cod Conservation Zone (Spring CCZ), implemented by emergency action, is effective today, May 1st.

Spring Cod Conservation Zone rules (322 CMR 8.15):

  1. comprised of waters under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth north of latitude 42° 30’, south of latitude 42° 33’, east of 70° 43’ and west of 70° 40 (see map);
  2. any person is prohibited from landing or possessing cod in the Spring Cod Conservation Zone (Spring CCZ) during May 1 through June 30;
  3. vessels are allowed to transit the Spring CCZ during May 1 through June 30 with cod in possession provided said cod were caught outside of the Spring CCZ and all fishing gear is stowed;
  4. any person is prohibited from fishing, setting or abandoning gillnets in the Spring CCZ during May 1 – June 30.

MarineFisheries will take comments on this emergency action at a public hearing scheduled for Monday, May 11, 2009 (6PM) at the Annisquam River Marine Fisheries Station (30 Emerson Ave.)