On April 30, 2010 the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Northern Shrimp Section voted to close the northern shrimp fishery beginning on May 6, 2010.  Consequently the Division of Marine Fisheries (MarineFisheries) has promulgated an emergency regulation.  This regulation prohibits the take, possession or landing of northern shrimp by any vessel in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts beginning on May 6, 2010 until further notice is given by the Director.

Marinefisheries will announce the 2010-2011 fishery rules for next year in late October or early November after the ASMFC Northern Shrimp Section meets to establish next season's restrictions. Dealers are reminded that it is unlawful to purchase northern shrimp from commercial fishermen when the fishery is closed. Further information regarding the management of northern shrimp can be monitored through the MarineFisheries web site at: www.mass.gov/marinefisheries.

A public meeting scheduled by ASMFC will be held at the MarineFisheries Annisquam River Field Station at 30 Emerson Avenue, Gloucester, on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 10:00 AM.