NOAA Fisheries is implementing the New England Fishery Management Council’s rebuilding plan for the southern red hake stock, and associated management measures required to address the statutory requirements for an overfished stock. The southern red hake stock will undergo a 10-year rebuilding schedule. Under this rebuilding program, catch limits will be established by reducing the acceptable biological catch (ABC) to 75-percent of the fishing mortality rate at maximum sustainable yield (FMSY) for the duration of the rebuilding period or until the stock reaches its biomass target, whichever happens first. Previously, the ABC has been set at 90-percent or higher of FMSY. In addition, effective January 25, 2021 , the year-round possession limit will decrease from 5,000-lb to a dual 1,000-lb/600-lb possession limit based on the selectivity of the gear-type or mesh size being used. The 600-lb possession limit will apply to standard small-mesh trawls (less than 5.5 inches square or diamond mesh), which are less selective. The 1,000-lb possession limit will apply to large-mesh trawls and approved selective gear types.
For more details on this action, please read the rule as filed in the Federal Register.
Questions?
Fishermen: Contact Shannah Jaburek, Sustainable Fisheries Division, (978) 282-8456
Media: Contact Allison Ferreira, Regional Office, (978) 281-9103
