Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Announces Harvest Limit Increases for Northeast Fishermen

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced that he is raising fishing limits on several fish stocks based on new scientific analysis, delivering on a commitment he made to Northeast fishermen and members of Congress, reports www.megafishnet.com with reference to NOAA.

"I directed Dr. Lubchenco to undertake new assessments of several stocks out of concern for the Northeast's fishermen and their families," Locke said. "The full scientific review shows this year's commercial catch limits can be raised and not harm critical stock rebuilding efforts."

The pollock limit was today raised from 6 to 36 million pounds. Previous recent actions have also raised the spiny dogfish limit from 12 to 15 million pounds and revised the skate limit upward from 67.5 to 90.5 million pounds. Another pending action proposes to increase the red crab limit from 3.56 to 3.91 million pounds. These increases in catch limits were put in place by NOAA, the agency that studies and manages federal fishery resources.

 "By working quickly to raise catch limits based on newly available scientific information, we are demonstrating our commitment to help create stable and healthy fishing communities and fisheries," said Dr. Jane Lubchenco, under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator.