The following was released by NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Region on August 18, 2016:
NOAA Fisheries proposes modifications to the Southern Scup Gear Restricted Area, as recommended by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council.
The proposed changes would modify the southern and eastern boundaries of the Southern Scup Gear Restricted Area, which is in effect from January 1 through March 15 of each year.
This rule is intended to increase access to traditional squid fishing areas, while maintaining protection for juvenile scup. Scup is currently estimated to be at 210 percent of its biomass target.
Read the proposed rule as published in the Federal Register, along with the supporting documents, on our website.
Please submit your comments online through our e-rulemaking portal, or by mailing them to:
John K. Bullard, Regional Administrator
National Marine Fisheries Service
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930.
Mark the outside of the envelope, “Comments on the Scup GRA Framework.”
Comments are due on September 19.
Questions? Contact Jennifer Goebel at 978-281-9175 or email jennifer.goebel@noaa.gov.