Offshore
12-08-2005, 06:50 PM
Here are the three recreational Cod options for 2006. 3 Options for Rec. Fishermen. Only 1 will be picked at Jan/Feb. Council Meeting.These may be discussed at Groundfish O/S meeting in Peabody Mon.Dec.12
Draft Framework Adjustment 42
November 30, 2005
1.2.7 Recreational Fishing Measures
These measures are designed to achieve a reduction in the mortality of G.O.M. Cod that is due to Recreational (including Party / Charter) Fishing.
1.2.7.1 Option 1 - Cod Possession Season and Minimum Size Increase
Recreational (including party/charter) vessels are prohibited from possessing cod in statistical areas 511. 512, 513, 514, and 515 from November l through March 31. The minimum size for cod will be 24 inches.
Rationale: This seasonal prohibition and increase in minimum fish size is designed to achieve the necessary mortality reduction while providing opportunities to target other stocks.
1.2.7.2 Option 2 - Seasonal Cod Possession Prohibition in the WGOM Closed Area Closure
The possession of cod caught in the WGOM Closed Area by recreational (including party/charter) vessels is prohibited from June 1 through March 31.
Rationale: This seasonal prohibition on cod possession improves the effectiveness of the WGOM Closed Area, allows for year-round recreational fishing in other areas, and meets the mortality reduction requirements.
1.2.7.3 Option 4 - Seasonal Cod Possession Prohibition in the Gulf of Maine
The possession of cod by recreational (including party/charter) vessels is prohibited during the months of April and May in statistical areas 511.512.513.514. and 515.
Rationale: This measure meets the required mortality reduction while keeping the minimum fish size the same as current regulations, preserving opportunities to fish for other species, and allowing year-round access to the Western Gulf of Maine Closed Area (though cod cannot be retained from this area in April and May).
Draft Framework Adjustment 42
November 30, 2005
1.2.7 Recreational Fishing Measures
These measures are designed to achieve a reduction in the mortality of G.O.M. Cod that is due to Recreational (including Party / Charter) Fishing.
1.2.7.1 Option 1 - Cod Possession Season and Minimum Size Increase
Recreational (including party/charter) vessels are prohibited from possessing cod in statistical areas 511. 512, 513, 514, and 515 from November l through March 31. The minimum size for cod will be 24 inches.
Rationale: This seasonal prohibition and increase in minimum fish size is designed to achieve the necessary mortality reduction while providing opportunities to target other stocks.
1.2.7.2 Option 2 - Seasonal Cod Possession Prohibition in the WGOM Closed Area Closure
The possession of cod caught in the WGOM Closed Area by recreational (including party/charter) vessels is prohibited from June 1 through March 31.
Rationale: This seasonal prohibition on cod possession improves the effectiveness of the WGOM Closed Area, allows for year-round recreational fishing in other areas, and meets the mortality reduction requirements.
1.2.7.3 Option 4 - Seasonal Cod Possession Prohibition in the Gulf of Maine
The possession of cod by recreational (including party/charter) vessels is prohibited during the months of April and May in statistical areas 511.512.513.514. and 515.
Rationale: This measure meets the required mortality reduction while keeping the minimum fish size the same as current regulations, preserving opportunities to fish for other species, and allowing year-round access to the Western Gulf of Maine Closed Area (though cod cannot be retained from this area in April and May).