Measures for Recreational Summer Flounder Fisheries Announced

[The Broken One]

NOAA Fisheries is implementing interim coastwide summer flounder recreational management measures to prevent overfishing and improve the health of the summer flounder fishery. This action also ensures that appropriate management measures are in place on January 1, 2008, when the 2007 rules are longer effective. The rule implements a 4-fish bag limit, a minimum fish size of 18.5 inches, and a year-round season as the interim measures. The interim measures will remain effective until replaced by final 2008 measures. The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will meet on December 11-13, 2007, in Secaucus, New Jersey, to review the updated 2007 recreational fishery information and to recommend measures to manage the 2008 summer flounder recreational fishery. The final measures once developed and implemented by NOAA Fisheries, will replace or revise this interim measure.

For more information, please contact Michael P. Ruccio, (978) 281-9104.

[Hotrod]

I can live with the 4 fish,  the 18.5 hurts, but the fish should be getting bigger right? All year? eh.  interesting..  That should help the little guy since the size and limit shouldn't hinder how often they are getting the business.

Delaware= 4 fish all year 18"

[IrishAyes]

And the comms can still keep 14"ers!  bngh bngh bngh
 What a freakin joke the regs are!!!

[Bucktail]

The rule implements a 4-fish bag limit, a minimum fish size of 18.5 inches, and a year-round season as the interim measures.

I don't like the 4 fish at 18 1/2" part.  But no closed season should be welcome news to the local B&Ts and party boats.  That is, if it stays that way.