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DOC/NOAA | RIN: 0648-AV75 | Publication ID: Spring 2009 |
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: Completed Actions |
Major: No | Unfunded Mandates: No |
CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648 | |
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801 |
Legal Deadline:
None |
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Timetable:
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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 |