After weeks of uncertainty the National Marine Fisheries Service issued an emergency action Tuesday to ensure the Northeast groundfish season will open May 1.
The temporary rule establishes measures for the Northeast Multispecies fishery to operate for 180 days, ensuring fishing can continue without interruption, by setting interim specifications for two stocks of cod and for Georges Bank haddock.
The emergency action affirms specifications for other Northeast Multispecies stocks previously set by the New England Fishery Management Council in Frameworks 65 and 66, according to an agency statement.
“The action also approves groundfish sector operations plans and allocates annual catch entitlements to sectors,” according to NMFS. “Finally, the action sets trimester total allowable catches and possession limits for commercial vessels fishing in the common pool, and prohibits commercial common pool vessels and recreational vessels from possessing Georges Bank cod.”
The measures authorize the fishery to operate between May 1 and the potential implementation of the council’s Framework 69. Under that framework, cod stocks would be divided into four geographic units: Eastern Gulf of Maine, Western Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank, and Southern New England.
In late 2024 council officials said the changes are based on new research This decision indicating distinct biological and environmental differences among these regions. By targeting management measures to each area, the council aims to more address decades of stock declines.
However, in its emergency rule NMFS noted that it does not intend to implement the management transition to the Framework 69’s proposed four stocks of cod, if approved, until May 1, 2026, “because transitioning management in the middle of the fishing year from two stock units of cod to the four stock units would be challenging for fishery participants and NMFS. Other measures included in Framework 69, if approved, would be implemented during fishing year 2025."
The emergency rule is effective for 180 days unless replaced by permanent measures, and it can be extended for up to 186 days if necessary.
