NMFS Proposes Modification to Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan to Allow Vessels to Fish for Skates in Southern New England

Summary

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing to modify the regulations of the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan to allow vessels with a Federal skate permit and a Skate Bait Letter of Authorization to fish for skates in southern New England from July to October, outside of the NE multispecies days-at-sea program, in order to align with the bycatch reduction objectives of the plan.