Hey guys

sorry for the late notice but wanted to let people know that there is a midwater trawl bill being discussed at a public hearing tomorrow at the MA state house. Bill language is below, as you will see it is trying to do some good things. If you are in the area and free, would be a good one to swing over to...

The hearing is scheduled for 10am to 1pm in Room 437 of the MA State House. This bill originated with Rep. Kocot's office and was filed back in January.

Section 95A. The director shall promulgate regulations and rules, including a system of fines, prohibiting the use of all midwater trawl and pair trawling for herring in Massachusetts waters, shall establish herring fishery rules and regulations that are compatible with regional efforts to rebuild valuable groundfish resources, including, but not limited to maximum vessel size permitted to fish within coastal waters, shall establish rules and regulations creating coastal herring fishing buffer zones, shall establish rules and regulations minimizing by catch mortality of groundfish, bluefin tuna and striped bass and shall increase observer coverage and establish a weight-based landing accounting system for all vessels targeting herring.

http://www.malegislature.gov/Bills/187/House/H02015