Reminder:

New Recreational Gulf of Maine Cod and Haddock Limits Effective May 1^st

Effective May 1, 2016 new rules will govern the manner and times of recreational fishing for Gulf of Maine (GOM) cod and haddock in state and in federal waters (Table 1 and Table 2) for the 2016 fishing year (FY16) of May 1, 2016 – April 30, 2017. The new state and federal limits differ slightly. Massachusetts is providing private anglers fishing exclusively in state waters with more liberal access to these resources. However, the state and federal for-hire limits are identical given the majority of for-hire vessels operating in Massachusetts for GOM cod and haddock are federally permitted.

Table 1. State recreational fishing limits for GOM cod and haddock for May 1, 2016 – April 30, 2017

Table 2. Federal recreational fishing limits for GOM cod and haddock for May 1, 2016 – April 30, 2017

These rule changes were implemented in response to increases to the recreational catch limits approved in Framework 55 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan. Framework 55 increased the FY16 recreational catch limits for GOM cod by 30% and GOM haddock by 149% compared to the FY15 limits. For more information about Framework 55, the setting of recreational catch limits for these stocks, or other federal fisheries management issues, please contact the Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office.

You can view the state’s recreational GOM cod and haddock regulations at 322 CMR 6.03.

For additional information, please call us (617-626-1520) or visit our website.