322 CMR, § 6.39 - Longfin Squid (Dorytheuthis pealeii) Management

(1) Season. It is unlawful for any commercial fisherman to land or possess longfin squid using small-mesh otter trawls except as authorized at 322 CMR 4.06(4)(c)(1) during the April 23^rd through June 9^th seasonal small mesh trawl squid fishery within the small mesh squid exempted area, as defined at 322 CMR 4.06(1): Definitions, unless the small mesh trawl squid fishery season is extended by the Director by permit conditions in accordance with M.G.L. c. 130, § 80, and 322 CMR 7.01(7): Conditions.

(2) Possession Limits. It is unlawful for commercial fishermen using mobile gear to land or possess greater than 2,500 pounds of longfin squid per vessel per 24-hour day when:

(a) NOAA Fisheries has announced that the federal incidental trip limit is in effect;

(b) the Director has filed a notice with the Massachusetts Register; and

(c) the Director has sent notice via the Division's email listserve and posted notice on the Division's website.

(3) Commercial Fishery Limit Adjustments. The director may adjust longfin squid commercial fishery landing/possession limits to correspond to limits established by NOAA Fisheries.

Notes

322 CMR, § 6.39

Amended, Mass Register Issue 1259, eff. 4/25/2014. Amended by Mass Register Issue 1265, eff. 7/18/2014. Amended by Mass Register Issue 1296, eff. 6/5/2015. Amended by Mass Register Issue 1324, eff. 10/21/2016. Amended by Mass Register Issue 1336, eff. 4/7/2017. Amended by Mass Register Issue 1363, eff. 4/20/2018. Amended by Mass Register Issue 1405, eff. 11/29/2019. Amended by Mass Register Issue 1413, eff. 3/20/2020. Amended by Mass Register Issue 1421, eff. 3/20/2020. Amended by Mass Register Issue 1463, eff. 2/18/2022. Amended by Mass Register Issue 1487, eff. 1/20/2023. Amended by Mass Register Issue 1491, eff. 1/20/2023.