spectr17
03-02-2003, 08:13 PM
ODFW News Release
For Immediate Release
February 26, 2003
Commercial Trip Limits Imposed for Two Nearshore Ocean Fish
NEWPORT — Commercial fishing boats will be limited to landing 1,200 pounds of cabezon or 350 pounds of greenling during each of two-month catch periods, under an emergency rule adopted to stretch out the season and prevent an early fishery closure.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife signed the emergency rule last week after hearing guidance from the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission and meeting with the commercial fishing industry on the expected catch rates. An ODFW review of the 2003 nearshore groundfish catch data found that the commercial fishery would reach the harvest quota before mid-summer. The action taken ensures local fish markets of fresh cabezon and greenling through October.
The trip limits apply to four catch periods in 2003: Feb. 22 — April 30, May 1 — June 30, July 1 — Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 — Oct. 31.
Both species are marketed as live fish for sale in specialty fish markets. Greenling also are known as sea trout. The species are among several grouped as "nearshore groundfish." Recently, harvest cuts have been imposed on groundfish that live in deeper waters due to overfishing. Little is known about many nearshore species, but concern exists that harvest pressure will continue to increase as some commercial boats shift to nearshore fisheries due to off shore regulation changes and market demands.
The harvest quota for 2003 is about 31.3 metric tons (69,000 pounds) for cabezon and 19.5 metric tons (nearly 43,000 pounds) for greenling. In 2002, the total harvest was 45.3 metric tons for cabezon and 53.4 metric tons for greenling. Between 1997 and 2002, the commercial harvest more than doubled due to improved fishing techniques for these species fueled by high demand for the high priced, live product.
The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission will review the temporary rule at its regularly scheduled meeting in Newport March 20-21 and consider making the rule permanent. ODFW will continue to monitor the catch and will adjust trip limits up or down to achieve the goal of reaching the harvest quota by Oct. 31.
For Immediate Release
February 26, 2003
Commercial Trip Limits Imposed for Two Nearshore Ocean Fish
NEWPORT — Commercial fishing boats will be limited to landing 1,200 pounds of cabezon or 350 pounds of greenling during each of two-month catch periods, under an emergency rule adopted to stretch out the season and prevent an early fishery closure.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife signed the emergency rule last week after hearing guidance from the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission and meeting with the commercial fishing industry on the expected catch rates. An ODFW review of the 2003 nearshore groundfish catch data found that the commercial fishery would reach the harvest quota before mid-summer. The action taken ensures local fish markets of fresh cabezon and greenling through October.
The trip limits apply to four catch periods in 2003: Feb. 22 — April 30, May 1 — June 30, July 1 — Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 — Oct. 31.
Both species are marketed as live fish for sale in specialty fish markets. Greenling also are known as sea trout. The species are among several grouped as "nearshore groundfish." Recently, harvest cuts have been imposed on groundfish that live in deeper waters due to overfishing. Little is known about many nearshore species, but concern exists that harvest pressure will continue to increase as some commercial boats shift to nearshore fisheries due to off shore regulation changes and market demands.
The harvest quota for 2003 is about 31.3 metric tons (69,000 pounds) for cabezon and 19.5 metric tons (nearly 43,000 pounds) for greenling. In 2002, the total harvest was 45.3 metric tons for cabezon and 53.4 metric tons for greenling. Between 1997 and 2002, the commercial harvest more than doubled due to improved fishing techniques for these species fueled by high demand for the high priced, live product.
The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission will review the temporary rule at its regularly scheduled meeting in Newport March 20-21 and consider making the rule permanent. ODFW will continue to monitor the catch and will adjust trip limits up or down to achieve the goal of reaching the harvest quota by Oct. 31.