On August 8, 2012 the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASMFC) Atlantic Sea Herring Section (Section), consisting of Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts Commissioners), met to review catch rates for the June 1 – September 30 Atlantic Sea Herring Management Area 1A fishery. With present catch rates lower than projected, the Section determined it was appropriate to allow commercial sea herring vessels to fish seven days per week (no days out), beginning on August 13, 2012. The no days out fishing schedule will continue through September 30, 2012 or until 95% of the June – September quota allocation is harvested. The Section will meet again on September 20, 2012 in Warwick, RI to discuss days out measures.
Pursuant to 322 CMR 9.05(2) the Director, with the approval of the Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission, here by declares the following days out schedule for Management Area 1A:
August 13, 2012 –September 30, 2012 or Until Further Notification
During this period, vessels in the Atlantic Sea Herring Management Area 1A directed fishery are authorized to land Atlantic sea herring seven days per week. There will be no days out unless further notified.
For further information regarding the above days out meeting or more generally about Atlantic sea herring management, please visit the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission website (www.asmfc.org) and our website at (www.mass.gov/marinefisheries). |
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