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March 8, 2013: 2013 Shrimp Season Specifications Update

On March 8 the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Northern Shrimp Section (Section) voted to allow fishing seven days a week in both the trap and trawl fisheries, remove the trap fishery daily possession limit, and close both fisheries on Friday, April 12, 2013. Additionally, the Commissioner has amended the trawl fishing hours to allow trawl fishing from sunrise to sunset. These changes become effective on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 and continue until further notice.

A summary of the 2013 shrimp specifications that become effective on March 13, 2013 for each fishery is below.

General

• Individuals may fish with either trap or trawl gear. Fishing with one gear type (trap or trawl) forfeits an individual’s opportunity to fish with another gear for the remainder of the 2013 season. An individual with multiple shrimp licenses is restricted to the same type of gear for all of their licenses.
• The Commissioner may implement additional adjustments to effort control measures based on updated research surveys and landing information.
• The Section will continue to monitor the shrimp landings and close by emergency action if shrimp becomes mixy.

Trawl Fishery Specifications

• Vessels may fish from sunrise to sunset (as defined in 12 M.R.S. § 6001(45 & 46)) seven days a week. Nets must be secured by sunset.
• Vessels may land once per calendar day only.
• The fishery will close at sunset on April 12, 2103 or when 85% of 539.02 mt quota is projected to be harvested.

Trap Fishery Specifications

• Vessels may haul traps 24-hours a day.
• Vessels may land once per calendar day only.
• The fishery will close at 11:59 p.m. on April 12, 2013 or when 85% of 80.54 mt quota is projected to be harvested.
• Shrimp traps must be removed from the water no later than 11:59 p.m. on April 17 (5 days after the season is closed) and no shrimp may be retained from traps hauled after the close of the season.

For more information, contact Chris Vonderweidt at 624-6558.

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