Cod fishing 2012 in GOM

[Captain Greg Sears]

I keep reading threads about changes in the cod regs for 2012 but I can not seem to find any government information on proposals for 2012. I can only find a few threads talking rumors can anyone point me to any factual documents or government articles regarding this?

Not sure where they are coming from...? the last three years I have had the best Cod seasons catching more fish than I have in the ten years before. Is this a case of less fishermen means less fish reported... causing a low stock count...? Is there a comment website or form...

I have gone on many Government sites looking for information but I can't find any????

[fonzie]

I don't think anything has been announced yet, the link below touches on it. I agree w/you about the cod fishing, it might take a little bouncing around, but when you get on them, it's pretty easy picking. http://www.gloucestertimes.com/local...e-cod-findings

[FullStrikeAngler]

Greg, I believe the official report will be released at the council meeting next January. From what I am gathering, they are considering reducing recreational fisherman (private as well as CB/PB boats) to 2-3 cod PP or at worst a complete closing of the fishery. Couple that with reduction in haddock to 7 PP it will be a tough sell to attract clients from outside states (NJ NY VT etc) to drive here spend their money. Personally I cant blame them as I know most of my customers are in it for the fish especially during the spring run.

The decision on what they will do for 2012 will be voted on at the Council's meeting on January 31 - February 2, 2012 - at the Sheraton Harborside in Portsmouth, NH .

[Captain Greg Sears]

Greg, I believe the official report will be released at the council meeting next January. From what I am gathering, they are considering reducing recreational fisherman (private as well as CB/PB boats) to 2-3 cod PP or at worst a complete closing of the fishery. Couple that with reduction in haddock to 7 PP it will be a tough sell to attract clients from outside states (NJ NY VT etc) to drive here spend their money. Personally I cant blame them as I know most of my customers are in it for the fish especially during the spring run.

The decision on what they will do for 2012 will be voted on at the Council's meeting on January 31 - February 2, 2012 - at the Sheraton Harborside in Portsmouth, NH .

Is there a comment period or form we can use to comment on this??

[LurkerCharters]

"A number of day boat fishermen over the past six months have reported to the Times that larger trip boats — sized, rigged and staffed to work the offshore waters of Georges Bank — had been making brief runs into the Gulf of Maine stocks of Stellwagen Bank on their way to and from the offshore zones."

Here is a quote from that article which I find most concerning, once again industrial fishing methods COULD be contributing to the demise of the near shore fishery. Why can't the day boat guys have their own area? If nmfs was really trying to rebuild the stock, they wouldn't be letting draggers tow in a national marine sanctuary and ruin the habitat these fish rely on to survive.

[FullStrikeAngler]

Is there a comment period or form we can use to comment on this??

I havent seen anything yet but I am sure there will be a comment period made available in advance of the meeting.

[gmoney]

"A number of day boat fishermen over the past six months have reported to the Times that larger trip boats — sized, rigged and staffed to work the offshore waters of Georges Bank — had been making brief runs into the Gulf of Maine stocks of Stellwagen Bank on their way to and from the offshore zones."

Here is a quote from that article which I find most concerning, once again industrial fishing methods COULD be contributing to the demise of the near shore fishery. Why can't the day boat guys have their own area? If nmfs was really trying to rebuild the stock, they wouldn't be letting draggers tow in a national marine sanctuary and ruin the habitat these fish rely on to survive.

Indeed, i recall sometime in late august there were 5 or 6 of the larger Gloucester draggers on the bank. (miss trish, capt joe and one other red hulled boat are the ones that stand out) if they were fishing on the bank, fishing must of been pretty good.

[FullStrikeAngler]

I just saw this posted on another site.

COD MEETING

This excerpt from the article should raise a red flag in everyones eyes:

"fishermen catching pollock or other fish would also be affected because they would have to be wary about catching stray cod."

I was in Gloucester yesterday speaking with other charter boat captains about this issue and no one mentioned anything about this meeting. Seems like they wanted to keep it quiet and not awaken the masses until they put their plans in place.

[On The Edge]

Just saw this over there to George.
This whole frigging thing stinks.

[LurkerCharters]

As a charter boat captain I am pissed because those boats capable of going to George's are part of the overfishing that is occurring in the Gulf of Maine, so if they close the GOM fishery the big boats will just move back out to George's and leave the small boats with their d*cks in their hands, more evidence that the current state of the stock is fishery mismanagement.