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The New England Fishery Management Council developed Framework Adjustment 12 to the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery Management Plan (FMP).  The FMP manages a complex of seven skate species which are harvested in two different fisheries: One for food (wing fishery) and one for lobster bait (bait fishery).  Fishery-specific total allowable landings (TALs) and possession limits are set as part of an annual review and specifications process.  Framework 12 contains skate fishery specifications for the 2024-2025 fishing years. The Council recommends adjusting skate specifications in Framework 12 based on the best scientific information available to allow the fishery to achieve optimum yield. The Council also recommends increasing the seasonal skate wing possession limits while fishing on a day-at-sea (DAS) to allow more flexibility in how the additional quota may be harvested. In addition, this action would remove the species-specific possession restrictions for barndoor and smooth skates. Lastly, this action would remove the smooth skate possession restriction on all trips landing skate in both the wing and bait skate fisheries. This action proposes the Council’s recommended specifications.