Due to late-breaking landings data that revealed a recent decline in the daily catch rates and ongoing inclement weather conditions that have prevented most vessels from fishing,  the Division of Marine Fisheries (MarineFisheries) is extending the commercial fluke season an additional week through August 31, 2010.  Current forecasts indicate the commercial fluke quota (846,667 lbs) will be obtained by the end of the fishing day (20:00 hours) on Tuesday, August 31, 2010.  The commercial summer flounder (fluke) fishery will be closed from September 1, 2010 through January 31, 2011.  The 2011 Period I fishery is currently scheduled to open on February 1, 2011 with a 500-lb. daily possession limit.

For further information on closures and reporting contact DMF at 617-727-3336 or please visit our website at www.mass.gov/marinefisheries.

Trip level reports should be sent to DMF Statistics Project, 30 Emerson Ave, Gloucester, MA 01930.  Blank forms and instructions were mailed out prior to the beginning of the 2010 fishing season, and additional copies can be obtained from the MarineFisheries web site at: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf/commercialfishing/trip_level.htm