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Northwest Atlantic Spiny Dogfish to Get Review
| The U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has agreed to update the status of Northwest Atlantic spiny dogfish before the end of the year. Recent landings and trawl survey data will be analyzed and peer reviewed at the December NMFS Stock Assessment Workshop. This update should serve to officially quantify the effects of fishery expansion since the last assessment (1994) and illustrate the urgency of the situation to Fishery Management Council members who are just embarking on the lengthy process of developing a fishery management plan (FMP). Once classified as "overfished," spiny dogfish will be eligible for expedited management under the new Magnuson-Stevens Act provisions. |
| The Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils are commencing the scoping process to allow for input on the development of a Fishery Management Plan for spiny dogfish. Between now and November 5, the Councils will hold four hearings in conjunction with their regular meetings. Written comments will be accepted until November 21, 1997 and should sent to: |
| David Keifer Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council Room 2115; Federal Building 300 South New Street Dover, Delaware 19904-6790 phone: (302) 674-2331; fax: (302) 674-5399 |
| See related SHARK NEWS article: British Columbian spiny dogfish stocks are doing fine |