The Division of Marine Fisheries (MarineFisheries), has determined that the numbers of horseshoe crabs landed to date has not met the annual quota thereby allowing the horseshoe crab bait fishery to remain open. The fishery was scheduled to close on July 7th to allow MarineFisheries staff to tally catch reports and assess landings agains the annual quota. This closure is not necessary as harvest totals to date are below the target quota.

MarineFisheries will continue to monitor landings and should a closure be necessary in the future, notification will be provided.

For more information, contact DMF at 617-626-1520.