NOAA Fisheries Seeks Comments on Proposed Rule to Increase Recreational Fishing Opportunities for Gulf of Maine Cod and Haddock

NOAA Fisheries seeks comments on a proposed rule published today in the Federal Register to modify recreational fishery management measures for Gulf of Maine cod and haddock, including daily bag limits, size limits, and seasonal possession restrictions.

We are proposing to increase recreational fishing opportunities for Gulf of Maine cod and haddock starting May 1.

The proposed changes would allow anglers to retain one cod per day during the months of August and September and keep up to 15 haddock per day for most of the fishing year. This action would increase recreational fishing opportunities for cod and haddock, enabling the fishery to achieve, but not exceed, anticipated catch limits.

Read the proposed rule and the accompanying documents, and send in your comments by March 18 via the Federal eRulemaking Portal or by sending mail to:

John K. Bullard
Regional Administrator
NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Region
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930

Please mark the outside of the envelope, "Comments on groundfish recreational fishing management measures."

Questions about this proposed rule? Contact William Whitmore, 978-281-9182; William.Whitmore@noaa.gov.