New MA Eel Regs?

[Mike J.]

here's the notice from last month from Mass DMF:
American Eels
MarineFisheries has made a series of adjustments to its eel fishery rules. The recreational and commercial minimum size for eels has been increased from 6 inches to 9 inches; the recreational possession limit has been reduced from 50 eels to 25 eels, with an exception for for-hire vessels which may continue to possess 50 eels;

[Mike J.]

and the follow-up when MSBA asked for some clarifications:

On April 16, 2014, the Division of Marine Fisheries (MarineFisheries) announced revisions to a number of regulations affecting the harvest and possession of American eels to reduce fishing mortality on all life stages. Among these regulatory amendments was an action to reduce the recreational eel possession limit from 50 eels to 25 eels, with an exception for permitted for-hire vessels. Following this announcement, MarineFisheries has received a number of inquiries regarding this new possession limit. This notice serves to clarify any confusion.

It is unlawful for any fisherman to take, possess or land more than 25 eels per day without holding a commercial fisherman permit endorsed for eels. Additionally, it is unlawful for a recreational fisherman to be fishing while in possession of more than 25 eels, whether purchased or harvested. These limits apply to both the individual and the vessel regardless of the number of persons onboard.

If an individual purchases more that 25 eels from a bait shop or dealer and is transporting eels, the individual must be able to document the purchase of eels with a receipt from the seller. This will allow Law Enforcement to determine that these eels were lawfully purchased.

All of the above is true for for-hire permit holders, except their limit is 50 eels, rather than 25 eels.
The complete text of Massachusetts’ American eel regulations can be found at 322 CMR 6.30.

[Liv2Fish]

Thanks. Sounds like the shops won't be able to sell crap shoe strings anymore.

[tlapinski]

This change went into effect across all of the New England states, perhaps beyond as well.

[DZ]

ASMFC has put the following out for comment in their draft amemdment which was just released:
"The recreational fishery is managed under a 25 recreational fish per day creel limit (with an exception for party/charter boats) and 9 inch minimum size."

Not sure if this will affect possession limits for those not in the party/charter industry or impact bait shops. But that is why they have a comment period.