PORTLAND (AP) — Federal fishing managers are looking for comments about the issue of localized depletion in Atlantic herring fishing.
Localized depletion is when fishing takes more fish than can be replaced locally or through migration. The request for feedback comes as the New England Fishery Management Council is working on an amendment to make sure future Atlantic herring catch limits take into account “scientific uncertainty,” the status of the herring stock and other factors.
Atlantic herring are used as both bait and food. The potential rules changes come at a time when the herring fishery is strong. Federal figures say it was valued at about $31.9 million in 2013. That is the second highest figure since at least 1950.
The council is taking comments until Sept. 30.
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