NOAA Fisheries is accepting comments through May 20, 2015 on proposed 2015 recreational management measures for the summer flounder, scup and black sea bass fisheries.
For summer flounder, proposed measures include "conservation equivalency," which would allow states or groups of states to set their own measures not to exceed the proposed coast-wide limit, similar to what was in place for last year.
For scup, proposed measures include a 9 inch minimum size, an open season of January 1 through December 31, and a 50 fish possession limit - an increase from last year's 30 fish possession limit.
For black sea bass, proposed measures include a a 12.5-inch (31.8-cm) minimum size, 15-fish possession limit, and open seasons of May 15-September 21 and October 22-December 31. Because the recreational harvest limit was exceeded by 33 percent in some states, the Commission recommends that some states implement more restrictive measures for their state waters fisheries.
Comments - Due May 20, 2015
You may submit comments on this proposed rule, identified by NOAA-NMFS-2015-0051, by either of the following methods:
Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2015-0051, Click the “Comment Now!” icon, complete the required fields. Enter or attach your comments.
—OR—
Mail: Submit written comments to John Bullard, Regional Administrator, Greater Atlantic Region, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930.
Comments must be received by 5 p.m. local time, on May 20, 2015.
For Further Information Contact
Moira Kelly, Fishery Policy Analyst, (978) 281-9218