The sampling of herring catches by MarineFisheries, NH Fish and Game, and the Maine Dept. of Marine Resources indicates the Atlantic Sea Herring gonadosomatic index (GSI) trigger has been reached.  Pursuant to 322 CMR 9.03(3), it shall be unlawful to possess or land sea herring caught from the Massachusetts/New Hampshire Spawning Area.  This closure is effective 0001 hours on Friday, September 16th and extends through Thursday, October 13th.  The fishery may re-open Friday, October 14th at 12:01 am.  The Director may extend the closure if MarineFisheries herring sampling indicates ongoing spawning in mid-October.

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.

For further information please visit our website at: www.mass.gov/marinefisheries