Alexandria, VA – The Commission’s American Lobster Management Board approved Addendum V to Amendment 3 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The Addendum amends the Area 3 (offshore waters) transferable trap program established under Addendum IV by setting the maximum trap cap at 2200 traps. It also institutes conservation taxes for the transfer of traps.
“I commend the Area 3 Lobster Conservation Management Team for proactively bringing forward a plan that meets both the conservation objectives of the lobster management program and the needs of their industry,” states Lobster Board Chair, Patten White of Maine.
The program allows Area 3 lobstermen to transfer trap tags to other lobstermen, with a 2200 overall trap cap and a two-tiered tax system. The system includes a 10% conservation tax (or reduction) on all transfers for those owning up to 1800 traps and a 50% tax for those with 1800 to 2200 traps.
Copies of the Addendum will be available by the end of March and can be obtained from the Commission’s website at www.asmfc.org under the Breaking News page or by contacting the Commission office at (202)289-6400. For more information, please contact Carrie Selberg, American Lobster Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at (202)289-6400 or cselberg@asmfc.org.