NOAA Fisheries has published a proposed rule to implement Framework 15 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan/Framework 6 to the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan.
Developed jointly by the New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils, this action proposes area-based measures in the monkfish and spiny dogfish gillnet fisheries designed to reduce bycatch of Atlantic sturgeon, an Endangered Species Act-listed species.
Specifically, this action proposes:
A requirement for monkfish vessels fishing with gillnet gear in a specific area off the coast of New Jersey to use low-profile gillnet gear
Overnight soak prohibitions for spiny dogfish vessels fishing with gillnet gear in specific areas off the coasts of New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.
For more information, including coordinates of the proposed gear restricted areas, read the proposed rule as published in the Federal Register. You may submit comments through the online portal until September 11, 2024.