New regulations for squid, conch and striped bass fisheries were among the topics of a wide-ranging public hearing Wednesday at the Katharine Cornell Theatre. About 20 people, including commercial fishermen from on and off the Island, provided comments on eight draft and emergency regulations proposed by the Division of Marine Fisheries. 

The Vineyard was the first stop in a series of four public hearings that continued Thursday in Nantucket and Buzzard’s Bay, and will conclude Tuesday in Gloucester. Public comment may be submitted through Jan. 23. 

Much of the discussion on Wednesday focused on a proposal to rescind new regulations related to squidding in state waters south of the Islands. Beginning last year, small-mesh trawling for squid was allowed between June 10 and the close of the commercial fluke season. But Nantucket officials have since raised concerns about how the increase in fishing and boat traffic would affect fish populations and water quality. 

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