June 14, 2016 - The following was released by NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Regional Office:
Today, NOAA Fisheries announces interim management measures for the blueline tilefish fishery in the Greater Atlantic Region.
The interim measures, which go into effect on Friday, June 17 for vessels fishing north of the Virginia/North Carolina border, are the same as the previous emergency measures that expired on June 3:
- Commercial possession limit of 300 pounds whole weight per trip;
- Recreational limit of 7 fish per person, per trip;
- Requirement that commercial and charter/party vessels must hold a valid open access golden tilefish permits to land blueline tilefish.
We are currently working with the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council on an amendment to the existing Golden Tilefish Fishery Management Plan to include blueline tilefish measures.
These interim measures will be in place for 6 months, but will be superseded by the Council's amendment to the Golden Tilefish Fishery Management Plan when it becomes final.
Read the permit holder letter, and the interim rule as filed in the Federal Register.
Vessels fishing for or possessing blueline tilefish south of the Virginia/North Carolina border must follow regulations in place for the Southeast Region.
Questions? Contact Jennifer Goebel, Regional Office, at 978-281-9175 or Jennifer.Goebel@noaa.gov.