Quote:
Originally Posted by JLH
I think it's a good example of just how screwed up fisheries management is.
What is the rationale behind a 1 fish bag limit for MA and a 10 fish for RI? I'm asking because I don't know could be a valid reason for it.
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Cod are managed as two separate sub-populations. One subgroup is the Gulf of Maine population and the other is the Georges Bank population. Yes there is a fair amount of intermixing, but the science says that they are two distinct and separate groups. The dividing line between the two groups is set at Latitude 42.20. North of that, the State of MA has a one fish per person limit in state waters, the feds have a zero possession limit in federal waters. South of 42.20 the federal limits is 10 fish per person for private boats and unlimited possession for charter/party boats. The States of NY and RI have a 10 fish per person limit as does MA south of 42.20.