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Northeast Skate Complex Management Plan

New England

About

The Northeast skate complex fishery in the Greater Atlantic Region includes seven skate species and operates from Maine to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, and from inshore to offshore waters on the edge of the continental shelf. Skate is mostly harvested incidentally in trawl and gillnet fisheries targeting groundfish, monkfish, and sometimes scallops. 

The Northeast skate complex fishery consists of seven species: Winter skate, barndoor skate, thorny skate, smooth skate, little skate, clearnose skate, and rosette skat).  

The primary target species in the skate fishery are winter and little skates.  Winter skates are harvested for their wings for human consumption, and little skates are harvested as bait for lobster fisheries. Thorny skate and barndoor skate are currently prohibited species.

Implementing regulations are found at 50 CFR part 648 subpart O. Find out more about Managing Sustainable Fisheries in the Greater Atlantic Region.

Species Managed

  • Little Skate
  • Thorny Skate
  • Barndoor Skate
  • Rosette Skate
  • Smooth Skate
  • Clearnose Skate

More Information

Actions

Under Development Implemented Actions

Northeast Skate Complex: Framework Adjustment 6 Revisions to 2018-2019 Specifications

This rule proposes to approve and implement measures submitted by the New England Fishery Management Council in Framework Adjustment 6 to the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery Management Plan and revise the 2018-2019 specifications. This action would reduce
Proposed Rule
,
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Published
11/27/2018

2022-2023 Northeast Skate Fishery Specifications

Final Rule for 2022-2023 Specifications for the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery, as recommended by the New England Fishery Management Council.
Final Rule
,
New England
Effective
05/01/2022

Final Rule to Implement Framework Adjustment 8 to the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery Management Plan

Northeast Skate Framework Adjustment 8 Proposed Rule
Final Rule
,
New England
Effective
05/01/2020

Northeast Skate Complex; Framework Adjustment 6; Revised 2018-2019 Specifications

NOAA Fisheries approves and implements measures submitted by the New England Fishery Management Council in Framework Adjustment 6 to the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery Management Plan and revises the 2018-2019 skate fishery specifications.
Final Rule
,
New England
Mid-Atlantic
Effective
02/15/2019

Final Action to Close Nantucket Lightship and Closed Area I Closure Areas to Gillnet Gear

NOAA Fisheries closes Nantucket Lightship and Closed Area I Closure Areas to gillnet gear.
Final Rule
,
New England
Mid-Atlantic
Effective
12/17/2018

Northeast Skate Complex; Framework Adjustment 5 and 2018-2019 Specifications

NOAA approves regulations to implement Northeast Skate Complex Fishery Management Plan Framework Adjustment 5 management measures and 2018-2019 specifications for the skate fishery. The action is necessary to establish skate specifications to be consisten
Final Rule
,
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Effective
09/28/2018

Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat Amendment 2

This action implements approved regulations for the New England Fishery Management Council's Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat Amendment 2. This rule revises essential fish habitat and habitat area of particular concern designations, revises or creates habit
Final Rule
,
New England
Mid-Atlantic
Effective
04/09/2018

Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Skate Complex; Inseason Adjustment to the Skate Wing Possession Limit

We announce the adjustment of the commercial per-trip possession limit in the skate wing fishery for the remainder of the 2017 fishing year, through April 30, 2018, based on a revised landings projection. This possession limit adjustment is necessary t
Temporary Rule
Effective
04/09/2018

Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Skate Complex; Framework Adjustment 4

The final rule approves regulations to implement the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery Management Plan Framework Adjustment 4 management measures. This rule implements several measures to reduce the risk of the skate bait fishery from effectively closing do
Final Rule
Published
02/13/2018

Last updated by Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office on 01/03/2023