Estimated landings for the 2010/2011 northern shrimp fishery in the Gulf of Maine are approaching the level that triggers conservation measures. The 4,000 mt landings target shared between Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts for the December 1, 2010 to April 15, 2011 season is projected to be met as soon as February 19. Consequently, managers are considering an early closure to the fishery; it is unlikely that the season will extend into March.

The Northern Shrimp Section of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) will met via conference call on Friday, February 18, at 2:00 PM to determine the last day of the 2010/2011 season. The call is open to the public and comment will be taken prior to the Section members’ vote.

For more information on the call, please see the ASMFC News Release at:
http://www.asmfc.org/press_releases/2011/pr09NorthernShrimpSectionMtg.pdf