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This just in from the state of MA.
October 24, 2006
MarineFisheries Advisory
COMMONWEALTH TAKES EMERGENCY ACTIONS FOR THE GULF OF MAINE RECREATIONAL COD FISHERY
The Division of Marine Fisheries (MarineFisheries) is taking emergency action to implement minimum size and possession limit restrictions in the Gulf of Maine recreational cod fishery in response to new federal rules. As of November 1, 2006 all recreational fishermen fishing in the Gulf of Maine (see map below) will be subject to a 24” cod minimum size – an increase of 2”.
Recreational fishermen will continue to be limited to the current 10-cod possession limit during
April through October, but during November through March recreational fishermen fishing from shore or aboard private vessels in the area will be allowed a 2-fish cod possession limit not to exceed 75-lbs. per vessel.
More consistent with federal rules, for-hire vessels will be prohibited from taking any cod from the Gulf of Maine during November through March. MarineFisheries and the Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission determined that a complete prohibition on fishing by private anglers during the winter and spring months was not necessary to meet the Gulf of Maine’s targeted catch reduction.
For more information contact Melanie Griffin at 617.626.1528.
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