NMFS announces final specifications for the herring fishery (2007-2009)

April 10, 2007

Today NMFS published the Final Rule in the Federal Register for the 2007-2009 Atlantic herring fishery specifications. The herring specs are done on a 3 year basis, so this rule sets the TACs and other specs for the next 3 years.

The Area 1A (Gulf of Maine) TAC was lowered from 60,000mt to 50,000mt for the 2007 fishing year. This level was voted on unanimously by the NEFMC in October 2006.

NMFS decided to lower that further to 45,000mt in 2008 and 2009. This was based on recent low trawl survey numbers, a TRAC assessment and the Herring PDT’s risk assessment. This new data suggested that the inshore quota need to be lowered to 45,000mt to conserve the inshore resource.

Additionally, quota was added to the offshore area.

For full rule, go to following website:
Final Rule