2012 Gulf of Maine Recreational Cod Regs

Recreational fishermen that fish for Atlantic cod in the Gulf of Maine received notice concerning 2012 regulations on April 2. NOAA announced that that a total of 6,700 metric tons (mt) of GOM cod would be available to commercial and recreational fishermen for the 2012 fishing year, down from 8,000 mt in 2011.

In 2011, a stock assessment found that the cod biomass was much smaller than presumed, and that a cutback in the range of 90% would ultimately be needed. For 2012, NOAA accepted a 22% reduction in the total allowable catch, but predicted that a much more stringent reduction would likely need to be implemented for
the 2013 fishing year.

2012 Gulf of Maine recreational Atlantic cod regulations will include a reduced daily possession limit from 10 cod to nine, and a smaller minimum size (19 inches). The new minimum size is intended to reduce the number of cod discarded by anglers attempting to reach their nine-fish limit, thus reducing discard mortality.

What are Cusk?

The cusk is one of the lesser known saltwater fish found in New England. Cusk are related to cod but have a more eel-shaped body. Cusk is sometimes found in New England fish markets. Its mild meat is suitable for stews and chowders.

Although not managed as a commercial fishery, cusk were listed as a species of concern by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in 2004 due to very low estimates of abundance compared to historical levels.

To learn more about cusk populations, habitat preferences, and other information, Gulf of Maine Research Institute Fisheries recently undertook a study which will include underwater videography, hook and line surveys, and other data.

Early results found cusk in rocky, sheltered habitats, and none in more open habitats. Video footage of cusk shows them retreating into burrows, which suggests that conventional trawl surveys might not yield accurate information about cusk abundance.

source: Gulf of Maine Research Institute