Spiny Dogfish Management Measures Proposed

May 15, 2006

Release from:
NOAA

NOAA Fisheries has proposed management measures for the 2006-2008 spiny dogfish fishery. These measures, including commercial quotas and possession limits, are intended to continue rebuilding the spiny dogfish resource. This proposed rule would maintain the annual dogfish quota at 4 million lb, with a possession limit of 600 lb, for both quota periods, for a period of 3 years.

Updated stock status information indicates that mature female biomass did not increase in 2005 compared to 2003 estimates. The possession limits are intended to allow for the retention of small amounts of incidentally captured spiny dogfish, but discourage directed fishing for mature female spiny dogfish (the stock component that is most in need of protection). The proposed measures would also be consistent with the 2006 measures being implemented under the Interstate Fishery Management Plan in state waters.

Public comments must be received by 5pm ET on May 23. Send comments to DogfishSpecs2006@noaa.gov.

For more information, contact Eric.Dolin@noaa.gov.