Hey guys
After a lot of work NMFS has finally published a rule regarding midwater trawl access to Closed Groundfish Area 1. This is the area offshore where they encounter a lot of haddock and this rule was put in place as a result of the haddock being taken in recent years. The rule will require them to carry observers at all times when in the closed area and will also stop them from dumping. There are a couple exceptions in place for safety but they are good exceptions and there are rules in place that will make it so the exceptions are not abused.
We need to get comment letters in because this is an important rule. It is the first time the agency has gotten serious about this problem and its critical they know that people support it. I will post a couple samples you guys can use below, one is for charter captains and one is for rec fishermen. I will also post the info on how to submit comments. COMMENTS ARE DUE BY THE END OF THE WEEK! The original date was tomorrow but this has been extended by 6 days.
I know its a pain in the butt sending in more comments but its just something people need to do. All you have to do is send one in! Make sure you sign your name and hometown on the bottom of the letter!!!
Sample Letters
CHARTER
September 14, 2009
Pat Kurkul, Regional Administrator
NMFS Northeast Regional Office
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930
Re: Midwater Trawl Access to Groundfish Closed Area 1 (“0688-AX93”)
Dear Pat,
I am writing today to show my full support for the proposed rule as published in the Federal Register regarding midwater trawl access to groundfish Closed Area 1 (CA1). As charter captain I worry about the bycatch these boats have in closed areas and this proposed rule will finally help us get better information on what is really happening.
It is also very important that the rule be put in place as soon as possible. The midwater trawl fleet is already fishing in the closed area and will only fish more and more in the coming weeks. The rule is written well and will be very effective but it needs to be put in place in time for it to help this season. I would also like to see this rule applied to other closed areas but feel that it is a great start to address the problems in CA1.
Thanks for your time,
RECREATIONAL
September 14, 2009
Pat Kurkul, Regional Administrator
NMFS Northeast Regional Office
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930
Re: Midwater Trawl Access to Groundfish Closed Area 1 (“0688-AX93”)
Dear Pat,
I am writing today to show my full support for the proposed rule as published in the Federal Register regarding midwater trawl access to groundfish Closed Area 1 (CA1). As a recreational fisherman I worry about the bycatch these boats have in closed areas and this proposed rule will finally help us get better information on what is really happening.
It is also very important that the rule be put in place as soon as possible. The midwater trawl fleet is already fishing in the closed area and will only fish more and more in the coming weeks. The rule is written well and will be very effective but it needs to be put in place in time for it to help this season.
Thanks for your time,
HOW TO SUBMIT
Fax letter to: Patricia Kurkul, NMFS Regional Administrator Fax #(978) 281-9135
Submit comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal:
http://www.regulations.gov
(This is the easiest way to do it, in my opinion. Just type 'midwater trawl' into the search bar on the website and this proposed rule will be the first option that pops up)
Midwater Trawing in Groundfish Closed Areas! 
