In response to continuing low catch rates and to improve flexibility and safety, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Northern Shrimp Section has added two additional days per week to the shrimp trawl fishery. Starting immediately shrimp trawlers will be allowed to fish on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, until further notice.

The Commissioner of the Maine Department of Marine Resources has also amended the hours for the trawl fishery to allow fishing from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. only. Prior to the change, trawl fishing had been allowed around the clock. The change in hours for trawlers follows the recommendations of Maine Marine Patrol to decrease the potential for gear conflict between trawl nets and trap lines set by lobstermen and shrimp trappers, more likely to occur at night.

Trappers are allowed to haul traps around the clock Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and may land a maximum of 500 pounds per day.

“These decisions provide ample opportunity for trawlers and trappers to land their seasonal quota but reflect our commitment to balancing the financial needs and the safety of fishermen,” said Commissioner Keliher.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Northern Shrimp Section, which establishes regulatory standards for member states Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, set the 2013 quota for the shrimp season at 625 metric tons. The ASMFC management program allocates 87 percent of the total quota to trawlers and 13 percent to trappers. 

Landings will continue to be monitored closely by the Department of Marine Resources to prevent quota overages. Each fishery will close when 85 percent of its total allowable catch is projected to be reached.

For more information visit www.maine.gov/dmr or contact Chris Vonderweidt at 624-6558.