DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
REGISTER NOTICE
SAN # 2001-05, 06 and 07
Tidal Finfish Reg. No. 27, Spiny Dogfish; Closure of Fishery
1. TITLE OF THE REGULATION:
To amend Tidal Finfish Regulations in order to remain in compliance with fishery management plans adopted by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.
2. BRIEF SYNOPSIS OF THE SUBJECT, SUBSTANCE AND ISSUES:
Tidal Finfish Regulation No. 21, SCUP SIZE LIMIT is proposed to be amended to adjust the recreational size limit from 7 inches to 8 inches and add a daily creel limit of 50 scup in order to reduce fishing mortality by 33% relative to the 2000 coast wide landings.
Tidal Finfish Regulation No. 23, BLACK SEA BASS SIZE LIMIT; TRIP LIMITS; SEASONS; QUOTAS, is proposed to be amended to authorize the Division of Fish and Wildlife to adjust commercial quarterly trip (possession) limits during each of the four quarters on an as needed basis for black sea bass according to limits established by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries commission and authorize the closure of the commercial black sea bass fishery in any quarter when the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission determines a quarterly quota is filled rather than the National Marine Fisheries Sevice.
Tidal Finfish Regulation No. 27, SPINY DOGFISH; CLOSURE OF FISHERY, is proposed to be adopted to permanently close the commercial fishery for spiny dogfish in order to eliminate fishing mortality until this stock is recovered.
3. POSSIBLE TERMS OF THE AGENCY ACTION:
These regulations are required for Delaware to be in compliance with amended fishery management plans. If Delaware does not comply, that particular fishery may be closed by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
4. STATUTORY BASIS OR LEGAL AUTHORITY TO ACT:
7 Delaware Code §903 (e)(2)(a).
5. OTHER REGULATIONS THAT MAY BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSAL:
None
6. NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT:
Individuals may present their opinions and evidence and/or request additional information by writing, calling or visiting the Fisheries Section, Division of Fish and Wildlife, 89 Kings Highway, Dover Delaware 19901, (302)739-3441. A public hearing on these proposed amendments will be held at the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Auditorium, 89 Kings Highway, Dover DE at 7:30 PM on Tuesday, March 20, 2001. The record will remain open for written comments until 4:30 PM on March 30, 2001.
7. PREPARED BY:
Charles A. Lesser, (302)-739-3441, February 6, 2001
PROPOSED REGULATIONS
TIDAL FINFISH REGULATION NO. 27, SPINY DOGFISH; CLOSURE OF FISHERY
a) It shall be unlawful for any commercial fisherman to harvest, land or possess any spiny dogfish, Squalus acanthias.