ASMFC Approves Scup Addendum XI Northern States to Reduce Recreational Landings by 57%
Alexandria, VA – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission approved Addendum XI to the Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP). Addendum XI addresses the 2004 scup recreational fishery, establishing regional regulations. A prior addendum addressed the 2003 recreational fishery. This document expired at the end of 2003, necessitating the development of a new mechanism for managing the recreational scup fishery in 2004.
Due to the increased landings of scup in the northern region, the states of Massachusetts through New York will be required to reduce their landings by 57 percent through a combination of bag/size limits and seasonal closures. States will have the opportunity to develop their regulations to meet the needs of their fishery. The Board will approve final regulations in March. Mode splits (i.e., regulations by fishing sector) will not be permitted with this addendum as they had been in the past.
Recreational measures were approved for New Jersey through North Carolina as well. The Board approved a 10-inch minimum size, 50 fish bag limit and a season of July 1 – December 31 for New Jersey. Due to the very low landings in the southern range of the species, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina will be permitted to maintain a 10-inch minimum size, 50 fish bag limit and open season.
ASMFC Approves Scup Addendum XI
Northern States to Reduce Recreational Landings by 57%
Alexandria, VA – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission approved Addendum XI to the Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP). Addendum XI addresses the 2004 scup recreational fishery, establishing regional regulations. A prior addendum addressed the 2003 recreational fishery. This document expired at the end of 2003, necessitating the development of a new mechanism for managing the recreational scup fishery in 2004.
Due to the increased landings of scup in the northern region, the states of Massachusetts through New York will be required to reduce their landings by 57 percent through a combination of bag/size limits and seasonal closures. States will have the opportunity to develop their regulations to meet the needs of their fishery. The Board will approve final regulations in March. Mode splits (i.e., regulations by fishing sector) will not be permitted with this addendum as they had been in the past.
Recreational measures were approved for New Jersey through North Carolina as well. The Board approved a 10-inch minimum size, 50 fish bag limit and a season of July 1 – December 31 for New Jersey. Due to the very low landings in the southern range of the species, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina will be permitted to maintain a 10-inch minimum size, 50 fish bag limit and open season.