NOAA has announced that the spiny dogfish stock has been rebuilt, which will allow catch levels for the dogfish fishery to increase from 12 million pounds to 15 million pounds this year.

This catch level is consistent with the level set by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission for state waters.

Vessel trip limits will remain at 3,000 pounds for the fishing year, which runs from May 1, 2010 to April 30, 2011.

New scientific information defining the size for a rebuilt dogfish stock became available in April, after catch level recommendations were made by the New England and Mid Atlantic Fishery Management Councils.

The councils, which consist of fishing industry, state agency and non-government organization representatives jointly develop management measures for this species that then must be approved by NOAA.

The councils recommended NOAA Fisheries Service set a quota that would allow for more stability in future landings in this fishery.

The higher landing limit will allow a larger harvest while still accounting for concerns about relatively low numbers of mature females expected to enter the spawning population in the next few years.

For more information please visit the Northeast Region's website.

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