Approval of New Gear Under Small-Mesh Fisheries Accountability Measures for Northeast Multispecies Fishery
Summary
NOAA Fisheries approves new selective trawl gear for use in several non-groundfish fisheries when subject to the Georges Bank yellowtail flounder accountability measure. The large-mesh belly panel reduces bycatch of groundfish species, while allowing the target fisheries to continue operating when selective trawl gear is required. Approving this selective trawl gear will provide the fishing industry with more flexibility because there are limited selective trawl gears currently approved for use.
