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POGIES CLOSED
Off the RISAA list.
Just received from Bob Ballou, Chief of Marine Fisheries:
Steve --
I have just signed, and we are now filing with the Secretary of State,
the regulation that closes the commercial menhaden fishery in the
Narragansett Bay Management Area, effective midnight tonight (Thursday,
6/18). The closure is based on information revealing that the 50% cap
on landings has been reached. (Total landings through yesterday =
1,275,000 pounds). The total biomass estimate is data poor, based on
limited flyover information. But we feel compelled to act on the best
information available.
The fishery is closed until further notice. We will continue to
coordinate with Everett from ArcBait regarding continuing flyover
opportunities. We will also seek to undertake independent surveys using
the state helicopter, if available. If, on the basis of new
information, we have reason to believe that there are enough fish in the
Bay to allow for a reopening, we will recommend that such action be taken.
Let me know if anyone has any questions.
Bob
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