The following was released by NOAA Fisheries on October 12, 2023:
NOAA Fisheries announces reduced per-trip catch limits for all Atlantic mackerel permits in order to reduce the likelihood of overfishing. Effective today, limited access mackerel permits can possess and land 20,000 lb, and open access mackerel permits can possess and land 5,000 lb.
These catch limits are in place for the remainder of 2023 and into 2024 until the 2024 Atlantic mackerel specifications are implemented, which will likely be in the spring. These catch reductions were requested by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council to reduce the likelihood of overfishing to help maintain rebuilding the stock by 2032.
Read the rule as filed in the Federal Register today and our bulletin.
Questions?
Fishermen: Contact Carly Bari, Sustainable Fisheries, 978-281-9150
Media: Contact GARFO Public Affairs