We are increasing the commercial skate wing possession limit for the remainder of the 2017 fishing year, ending April 30, 2018.
Effective April 9, 2018, the prior trip limit reduction is lifted, and the skate wing possession limit is returning to 4,100 lb of skate wings (9,307 lb whole weight) per trip. Vessels holding Federal skate permits may not possess or land more than 4,100 lb of skate wings (9,307 lb of whole weight) per trip for the remainder of the fishing year, unless they are fishing in accordance with a skate bait letter of authorization. Vessels that have started a fishing trip when this possession limit adjustment becomes effective may retain skate wings under the new possession limits for the remainder of that trip.
When the 2018 fishing year begins on May 1, 2018, the commercial skate wing possession limit will return to the skate wing season 1 (May 1 to August 31) possession limit of 2,600 lb of skate wings (5,902 lb whole weight) per trip.
This action applies to the skate wing fishery only and does not affect vessels fishing in accordance with a skate bait letter of authorization.
