Director Paul Diodati has enacted an emergency extension to the spring cod conservation zone (CCZ) closure; it will be maintained through July 21, 2010.  Recent research has determined that local north shore spawning cod aggregations will remain in the spring CCZ for three more weeks; alleviation of fishing pressure on this spawning aggregation will encourage 2010 recruitment and sustainability of Gulf of Maine cod.

Spring Cod Conservation Zone rules (322 CMR 8.15):

1. comprised of waters under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth north of latitude 42º 30’, south of latitude 42º 33’, east of 70º 43’ and west of 70º 40’;
2. all persons are prohibited from landing or possessing cod in the spring CCZ from May 1 through July 21;
3. vessels are allowed to transit the spring CCZ from May 1 - July 21 with cod in possession provided said cod were caught outside of the spring CCZ and all fishing gear is stowed;
4. all persons are prohibited from fishing, setting or adandoning gillnets in the spring CCZ from May 1 - July 21.

A public hearing will be scheduled for later this summer to discuss permanently extending the spring CCZ closure.  Once notified, comments can be received by e-mail (marine.fish@state.ma.us), fax (617-626-1509), or mail (251 Causeway St. Suite 400, Boston, MA 02114). For more information, please visit our website at www.mass.gov/marinefisheries.