Agreeing with the Council that midwater trawl ships have exceeded their allowable groundfish bycatch threshold, the National Marine Fisheries Service indicated it would create new regulations to require 100% observer coverage on herring vessels fishing in a key area closed to protect groundfish, and end the destructive and irresponsible practice of dumping fish without allowing the observers to sample them.  See here for more details and stay tuned for information on how you can help during the rulemaking

Previous Update: April 9, 2009

Yesterday the New England Fishery Management Council took strong action to protect groundfish nursery areas from destructive midwater trawlers.  Thanks to those of you who helped the Herring Alliance weigh in on this critical issue. Responding to alarming incidents of haddock bycatch by herring vessels in areas of Georges Bank where groundfishermen can't even go, the Council voted to request that the National Marine Fisheries Service immediately implement several key monitoring reforms the Herring Alliance has been pushing for through Amendment 4.  Specifically, the Council voted for a Federal observer on every herring ship that wants to fish in Georges Bank Closed Area I, and even more importantly, it voted to end the irresponsible practice of dumping fish before the observer can sample them.  It is a good step, although the same reforms are badly needed for the whole herring fishery, especially the other groundfish closed areas.  See this letter from the NEFMC to NMFS for more details