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News  Regulatory Updates - 2022 Q3 and Q4

12/23/2022
  • Division of Marine Fisheries

During the period of July 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 the following regulatory changes were enacted by DMF after public hearings and Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission approval, or by the Director under his declaratory and emergency authorities.

Commercial Period II Summer Flounder Trip Limit Increase (322 CMR 6.22).  Through an in-season adjustment, DMF increased the commercial summer flounder trip limit for October 1 – December 31 from 3,000 pounds to 10,000 pounds. This action was taken to enhance access to and increase the utilization of the available 2022 commercial summer flounder quota. 

Recreational Gulf of Georges Bank Cod (322 CMR 6.03). New recreational Georges Bank cod limits were implemented in July 2022. This established an August 1 – April 30 open season with a five-fish bag limit and a slot limit of 22” to 28”. The replaced the prior limits that allowed recreational fishing year-round with a 10-fish bag limit and 22” minimum size. These changes matched the federal regulations implemented as part of Framework 63 to the Multi-Species Groundfish Fishery management Plan. Framework 63 cut the Georges Bank recreational cod target by about 50% for the 2022 and 2023 fishing years and these amendments to the recreational fishing regulations were designed to keep recreational fishing mortality below the catch target. 

Recreational Gulf of Maine Cod (322 CMR 6.03). New recreational Gulf of Maine cod limits were implemented for September 1, 2022. This established open seasons of September 1 – October 7 and April 1 – April 14 with a 1-fish bag limit and 22” minimum size. This extended the fall recreational fishing season by three weeks and increased the minimum size by 1” compared to the prior limits that established open seasons of September 15 – September 30 and April 1 – April 14 with a 1-fish bag limit and a 21” minimum size. These state limits matched the federal rules adopted by NOAA Fisheries for this stock. 

Recreational Gulf of Maine Haddock (322 CMR 6.22).  New recreational Gulf of Maine haddock limits were implemented for September 1, 2022. This increased the recreational haddock bag limit from 15-fish to 20-fish while maintaining the April 1 – February 28 open season and 17” minimum size. These state limits matched the federal rules adopted by NOAA Fisheries for this stock. 
 

  • Division of Marine Fisheries 

    The Division of Marine Fisheries manages the state’s commercial and recreational saltwater fisheries and oversees other services that support the marine environment and fishing communities.
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