Gillnet Fishing Allowed in Nantucket Lightship and Closed Area I Groundfish Closure Areas

In compliance with a 2019 Court Order, NOAA Fisheries has fulfilled its responsibilities under the Endangered Species Act for consultation on the New England Fishery Management Council’s Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat Amendment 2. Originally implemented in April 2018, a Court Order enjoined NOAA Fisheries from allowing gillnet fishing in the Nantucket Lightship and Closed Area I Groundfish Closure Areas until such time that it fully complied with the requirements of the Endangered Species Act and the Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. 

On May 27, 2021, NOAA Fisheries issued a Biological Opinion that considered the effects on ESA-listed species and designated critical habitat of NOAA Fisheries authorization of 10 FMPs, NOAA Fisheries North Atlantic Right Whale Conservation Framework, and the New England Fishery Management Council’s Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat Amendment 2. The 2021 Opinion determined that these actions would not jeopardize the continued existence of protected species, including the North Atlantic right whale. Finalizing this analysis fulfills the mandate from the Court and shows the Amendment is in compliance with the Endangered Species Act and Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.  As such, NOAA Fisheries is reopening the Nantucket Lightship and Closed Area I Groundfish Closure Areas to vessels using gillnet gear, as approved in the Omnibus Habitat Amendment.  

Ongoing Issues Related to Gillnet Fishing and Large Whales

It is important to note that the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team (TRT) is currently considering measures to further minimize impacts of gillnet gear on large whales, including North Atlantic right whales. Interested parties should contribute to the TRT process. More information is available on our website.