Final Rule to Implement Approved Measures in Framework Adjustment 12 to the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery Management Plan
Summary
NOAA Fisheries is implementing approved measures found in Framework Adjustment 12 to the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery Management Plan.
The final rule includes 2024–2025 specifications and increased seasonal possession limits for the wing fishery to provide additional flexibility to fishermen. The final rule will:
- Decrease the annual catch limit for the skate complex from 37,236 mt to 32,155 mt.
- Decrease the total allowable landings of skate wings from 14,059 mt to 10,453 mt.
- Decrease the total allowable landings of skate bait from 7,082 mt to 5,266 mt.
- Increase the wing fishery Season 1 possession limit from 3,000 lb to 4,000 lb.
- Increase the wing fishery Season 2 possession limit from 5,000 lb to 6,000 lb.
- Increase the possession limit for trips fishing on a Northeast multispecies B-DAS from 220 to 275 lb.
- Increase the possession limit for trips not fishing on a DAS from 500 lb to 625 lb.
- Remove the barndoor skate possession restrictions in the wing fishery.
- Remove the smooth skate possession restriction on all trips landing skate in both the wing and bait skate fisheries, including in the Gulf of Maine Regulated Mesh Area.