Questions on the GOM closure - The Hull Truth

AlloyToy · 11-01-2006, 10:06 AM

Ok Question:

Let's say I fish down the back side of the cape. This is an area that is not closed. Can I transport my catch through the closed area back to the ramp?

Damn Flood control

29topaz · 11-01-2006, 11:21 AM

How I understand it, the answer is yes. Here is an excerpt from the NMFS letter for charter and recreational vessels:
NORTHEAST (NE) MULTISPECIES FRAMEWORK ADJUSTMENT (FW) 42
CHARTER AND PARTY AND RECREATIONAL FISHERY RESTRICTIONS
Dear Permit Holder:
This letter serves to inform you that FW 42 to the NE Multispecies Fishery Management
Plan (FMP) has been approved and will become effective on November 22, 2006. FW 42 will continue the charter/party and recreational restrictions that are currently in effect, as implemented by the emergency action on May 1, 2006:
Seasonal GOM Cod Possession Prohibition: Private recreational and charter/party vessels are prohibited from possessing or retaining any cod from the Gulf of Maine (GOM) Regulated Mesh Area (RMA) from November 1 – March 31.
Minimum Size Restrictions: Private recreational and charter/party vessels are subject to a cod minimum size of 24 inches when fishing in the GOM RMA.
Gear Stowage Requirement: Private recreational and charter/party vessels are allowed to transit the GOM RMA with cod caught from outside this area, provided that all bait and hooks are removed from fishing rods and that all cod are stored in coolers or ice chests. These storage requirements are intended to facilitate the enforceability of these recreational measures. This letter is only a summary of new NE multispecies regulations that pertain to charter/party and recreational fishing, and should not be considered as a substitute for the actual regulations.

AlloyToy · 11-01-2006, 11:25 AM

And state waters are 3NM from any MA shore point correct??

mooncusser · 11-01-2006, 11:58 AM

Here are the cod areas:

Here are the State territorial waters:

If you were to go to AREA 9 from Green Harbor, you would have to adhere to the restrictions outlined above when transiting through AREAs 8, 5 & 6. In addition, you would have to stick to those areas and not go into Federal waters as I do not believe there is a transit provision in the Fed waters.

Codfisher · 11-01-2006, 02:15 PM

I cant see Mooncusser's maps for some reason but you may transit federal waters in the GOM as long as the stowage of gear mentioned above is observed. I would also leave my chart plotter tracks on in case I needed to prove from whence I came with my codfish.

AlloyToy · 11-01-2006, 02:55 PM

Good idea with the chartplotter George

Codfisher · 11-01-2006, 03:29 PM

Also, AT if you have a chartplotter, the 3 NM line should show on the chart on your machine if you are at the correct zoom level.

AlloyToy · 11-01-2006, 03:39 PM

Codfisher,
I was wondering about that. Another good point. I'll check it out this weekend when I'm chasing Tog in RI.

Thanks for all the help!!