Public Hearing June 5 on Proposed Cod Rules and Lobster License Transfer in New Hampshire
OutdoorHub 05.17.12
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department will hold a public hearing regarding proposed groundfish restrictions affecting Atlantic cod length and creel limits for recreational anglers, as well as rules governing the transfer of lobster licenses, on Tuesday, June 5, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. at the Urban Forestry Center, 45 Elwyn Road, Portsmouth, NH 03801.
The N.H. Fish and Game Department is proposing to readopt as regular rules the current interim rules relative to the recreational taking of Atlantic cod, which: reduced the minimum size of cod from 24 inches to 19 inches; reduced the size of fillets from 14 inches to 12 inches; and reduced the daily limit from 10 to 9 cod.
The state rules for the recreational take of cod were changed on an interim basis on May 1, 2012, in conjunction with U.S. Department of Commerce actions to implement federal rules to reduce the fishing mortality rate for Gulf of Maine cod as required under the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation Act.
Fish and Game is also proposing to make certain changes in the rules affecting the transfer of limited commercial and commercial lobster licenses.
FOR MORE DETAILS: The complete rulemaking notices, with original and proposed rule language, can be viewed at http://www.wildnh.com/Legislative/Notices_summary.htm.
Written comments must be received by June 12, 2012. Send to: comments@wildlife.nh.gov (use subject line “Comments on Marine Rules”); or write to Executive Director, N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301; or fax to 603-271-1438.
Directions to the Urban Forestry Center, 45 Elwyn Road, Portsmouth, N.H.: From Portsmouth Traffic Circle: Take the Route 1 Bypass South exit off circle. Merge with Route 1 and go through five traffic lights. Turn left at sixth light onto Elwyn Road.
