NOAA Fisheries announces revised 2021 and projected 2022 specifications for the Atlantic spiny dogfish fishery based on the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s updated risk policy. Although catch limits were already scheduled to increase in 2021, these adjustments, which allow for greater risk for stocks above biomass targets, increase the spiny dogfish commercial quota 8-percent above what was originally projected for 2021, and 27-percent higher than the commercial quota in fishing year 2020.
Summary of Final 2021 and Projected 2022 Spiny Dogfish Fishery Specifications.
| Units | Million Pounds | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptable Biological Catch | 38.58 | 17,498 |
| Annual Catch Limit = Annual Catch Target | 38.48 | 17,453 |
| Total Allowable Landings | 29.68 | 13,461 |
| Commercial Quota | 29.56 | 13,408 |
All other management measures and requirements, including the 6,000-lb federal trip limit, remain unchanged. As always, when state and federal trip limits differ, the more restrictive measures apply to all vessels with a federal permit.
