Alexandria, VA – The Commission’s Winter Flounder Management Board set specifications for the 2014 recreational fishing season for the Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic (SNE/MA) stock. The season will extend from March 1 to December 31 with a two fish creel limit. This change is an expansion of the 60- day recreational open season. The action is intended to increase fishing opportunities in the southern range where other species’ availability may be limited later in the year. All other commercial and recreational management measures for the Gulf of Maine (GOM) and SNE/MA stocks will be maintained (see Table 1).
Table 1. Minimum commercial and recreational management measures for the Inshore Winter Flounder FMP. No changes were specified for FY2013.
| Stock | Sector | Trip Limit/ Possession Limit | Size Limit | Season | Gear |
| GOM | Commercial | 500 lbs/trip/ day | 12” | Maintain Closures | Minimum 6.5” square or diamond mesh in cod‐end |
| Recreational | 8 fish | 12” | NA | ||
| SNE/MA | Commercial | 50 lbs 38 fish/trip/day | 12” | Maintain Closures | Minimum 6.5” square or diamond mesh in cod‐end 100‐lb mesh trigger |
| Recreational | 2 fish | 12” | March 1 – December 31 |
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to work cooperatively with the New England Fishery Management Council and NOAA Fisheries Northeast Regional Office to effectively rebuild winter flounder stocks throughout their range. For more information, please contact, Melissa Yuen, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at myuen@asmfc.org or 703.842.0740.