ATLANTIC SEA HERRING SPAWNING CLOSURE POSTPONED

Based on recent MarineFisheries’ sampling of herring, the sea herring spawning closure that was scheduled to take effect on Tuesday September 21 will be delayed until Friday October 1. This closure will last 28 days and expire on October 29th, but may be extended by the Director if MarineFisheries’ sampling of herring landings indicates that spawning is ongoing. This is one of a few spawning closures in the Gulf of Maine timed to anticipate when herring begin their autumn spawning.

Effective 0001 hours on Friday October 1, it shall be unlawful to possess or land sea herring caught from the Massachusetts/New Hampshire Spawning Area (322 CMR 9.00).

Spawning area boundaries begin at the intersection of 43°30' N latitude and the Maine coast, then in a SW direction along the coast to the intersection of 70°00' W longitude with the Cape Cod shoreline, then north along 70°00'W to its intersection with 43°30' N latitude, then along the 43°30N line back to the coast.

Vessels participating in other fisheries may retain an incidental catch of herring that does not exceed more than 2,000 lbs of herring per trip.

This notice shall be mailed to all holders of sea herring permit endorsements and dealers who purchase herring from commercial fishermen.

For more information contact us at 617 626-1520 or please visit our website at www.mass.gov/marinefisheries.