NOAA Fisheries seeks comments on a proposed rule to revise summer flounder specifications for the 2017 and 2018 fishing years. 

Because the July 2016 summer flounder assessment update indicated that overfishing continued through 2015 and that the biomass continues to decline, we are proposing a 30 percent reduction from catch limits previously implemented for the 2017 fishing year and a 16 percent reduction from current 2018 allocations. We are proposing these measures in order to ensure sustainability of summer flounder stocks for future generations of fishermen and consumers.

The comment period for this proposed rule is open through Tuesday, November 30.

Submit your comments through the e-rulemaking portal or by mailing:

John Bullard, Regional Administrator
Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930

Please mark the envelope: "Comments on the Proposed Rule for Summer Flounder Specifications."

Questions? Contact Jennifer Goebel at 978-281-9175 or jennifer.goebel@noaa.gov