November 9, 2015 —The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
NOAA Fisheries is requesting comments on our proposed 2016-2018 regulations for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass.
The summer flounder catch limit would be reduced by 30 percent (from 23 million lbs to 16 million lbs) due to four years of below average recruitment (young fish entering the fishery). The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council has requested a stock assessment update for next year.
The scup catch limit would be reduced compared to 2015 levels, but will still be well above recent catch.
The black sea bass catch limit would increase from 5.5 million lbs to 6.67 million lbs for 2016 and 2017. However, this is still below the 2014 catch of 7.21 million lbs. This is based on the revised recommendation of the Mid-Atlantic Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.
To get all the details on these proposed regulations, read the proposed rule as published in the Federal Register today and the background document posted on our website.
We are accepting comments on these proposed rules through November 24.
Please submit comments either through the online e-rulemaking portal or by mailing your comments to:
John Bullard, Regional Administrator
National Marine Fisheries Service
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA, 01950.
Please mark the outside of the envelope, "Comments on the Proposed Rule for FSB Specifications."
Questions? Contact Jennifer Goebel at 978-281-9175 or jennifer.goebel@noaa.gov.