Quote:
Originally Posted by AndyS
Increase to Commercial Summer Flounder Limits Effective October 1
Effective Wednesday, October 1, the commercial summer flounder possession limit for all gear types will increase to 5,000 pounds. This increase occurs automatically upon the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) determining that at least 10% of the state’s commercial summer flounder quota will remain available on October 1. Current quota monitoring information, which includes commercial landings reported through September 20, indicates that roughly 27% of the state’s 2025 quota remains available. Based on daily landings rates, DMF can safely project today that more than 10% of the quota will remain available on October 1, triggering the trip limit increase to 5,000 pounds.
As a reminder and consistent with the Letters of Authorization, the Consecutive Daily Trip Limit program ends September 30, 2025.
Unless otherwise notified, these limits are expected to remain in effect until 100% of the annual summer flounder quota is taken or through December 31, 2025 if the quota is not taken.
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Why, fish are congregated in tight schools and closest to inshore waters making them easy pickings. More lbs. per trip, shorter trips, less fuel consumed equates to higher profits for the commercials. Bad news for the stock, all mature females taken are loaded with eggs as well as the largest males being harvested. Shorts released by the recreational sector during the season will be killed in substantial numbers and no one at the North East Fisheries Science Center has ever conducted research on what impact commercial netting has on the efficacy of the overall spawn due to netting and stress placed on the stock.
Another hit to the stock and the recreational sector. And I'm sure as already mentioned multiple times, the NC fleet is already up here doing their damage to the stock as well.
