MA DMF...here is clear evidence they are biased.

[Mr. Sandman]

On 8/31 they closed the rec take of scup.


RECREATIONAL SCUP FISHERY TO CLOSE ON

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2005 –

Based on annual specifications determined by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the recreational scup fishery will close on Wednesday, August 31st. Beginning Thursday, September 1st it shall be unlawful for any recreational fishermen to possess scup until the 2006 recreational fishery opens on May 1, 2006.


The ASMFC Management Board adopted this region-wide seasonal closure after the latest stock assessment indicated the target fishing mortality had been exceeded in the recreational scup fishery. Other member states, including RI, CT, and NY have implemented similar seasonal closures. As a member state, MA must comply with mandates of the interstate plan or risk being found out-of-compliance and closure of the fishery.


Today I get this email:
subject:MA Commercial scup trip limit increased from 400 to 800 lbs.
September 9, 2005

MarineFisheries Advisory

COMMERCIAL SCUP POSSESSION LIMIT INCREASED TO 800-LBS. ON

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2005

MarineFisheries will increase the commercial scup possession limit to 800-lbs. on Monday September 12 through the end of the summer/fall quota period that ends on October 31. Also the rule governing no-fishing days (Saturday and Sunday) will be lifted. This action will increase scup landings to improve the chances of the May-October commercial quota of 1,062,132 lbs. being reached.

To date, less than 50 percent summer/fall quota has been harvested. The management goal to protect spawning fish from directed fisheries during May – July has contributed to the low landings. The directed fishery, primarily prosecuted by fish pots and hook and line, opened on August 1 and has averaged about 50,000 lbs. per week. At the current rate, about 30% of the summer/fall quota would go unused unless these adjustments were made.

On November1, the federally managed Winter II period opens and the trip limit will be 1,500 lbs. unless raised by MarineFisheries to be consistent with federal rules. By November, the fishery is predominately in offshore (federal) waters when scup migrate to deeper waters in response to dropping temperatures.

For further information please visit our website at www.mass.gov/marinefisheries



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