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DOC/NOAA

RIN: 0648-AV75

Publication ID: Fall 2008

Title: Emergency Action to Lower the Haddock Minimum Size Limit to 18 Inches To Reduce Regulatory Discarding
Abstract: Recent data on the haddock fishery indicate that there have been large amounts of regulatory discarding of haddock occurring because only a small fraction of the haddock have reached the current minimum size of 19 inches total length. The underlying reason for this situation is due to the fact that the very large 2003 year class of haddock, which is the largest year class of haddock since 1963, is growing more slowly than previously anticipated (recent survey data indicated an average size of 16.6 inches). In order to reduce the large amount of discards that have been occurring, and enable such fish to be landed, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is taking emergency action to reduce the haddock minimum size to 18 inches. A temporary 18-inch minimum size limit will enable a larger fraction of the haddock encountered to be landed, until a greater portion of the haddock population grows and reaches 19 inches. Although the discarding situation is principally on the Georges Bank stock of haddock, and the Gulf of Maine haddock appear to have a higher rate of growth than the Georges Bank haddock, NMFS is also decreasing the minimum size of Gulf of Maine haddock in order to achieve uniformity in regulations and enhance enforcement of the minimum size regulations.
Agency: Department of Commerce(DOC)	Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda	Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage
Major: No	Unfunded Mandates: No
CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801

Legal Deadline: None

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
Interim Final Rule	08/10/2007	72 FR 44979
Interim Final Rule Effective	08/10/2007
Interim Final Rule	11/14/2007	72 FR 64000
Final Action	11/00/2008

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No	Government Levels Affected: None
Small Entities Affected: No	Federalism: No
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No
Agency Contact: Patricia A. Kurkul Regional Administrator, Northeast Region, NMFS Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 55 Great Republic Way, Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone:978 281-9200 Fax:978 281-9117 Email: pat.kurkul@noaa.gov