After Rhode Island took a voluntary hit on blackfish regulations earlier this year, Massachusetts is weighing the benefits of adopting the same rules. Readers may remember that Rhody opted to enact a slot limit on blackfish that activates after an angler lands a fish measuring 21 inches or more. The official rule states that the minimum size for blackfish is 16 inches, but only one fish per limit may be greater than 21 inches in length. This was done in an effort to protect what is a robust population in Rhode Island by leaving most of the really big fish out there swimming to spawn and pass on their superior genes.
In a press release dropped my Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries on September 30th, the state is putting the option out there for public comment to enact the same regulations for 2023. The official release reads, “Recreational Tautog Slot Limit and Trophy Fish (322 CMR 6.40). Adopt a 21-inch maximum size limit for the recreational tautog fishery—making a 16- to 21-inch slot limit—with an allowance for an angler to retain one trophy fish exceeding the 21-inch limit per calendar day. This proposal matches a rule enacted in Rhode Island for 2022 and would ensure Massachusetts and Rhode Island consistently manage their recreational fisheries across jurisdictions, as recommended in the interstate plan.”
The Stellwagen Charter Boat Association, a group that comprises 27 charter boat captains between Gloucester and New Bedford, has come out in staunch opposition of the proposed change, but was unavailable for comment. However, Greg Vespe, President of the Rhode Island Saltwater Angler’s Association applauded Massachusetts lawmakers for considering the change, “It’s refreshing to see Mass attempting to join Rhode Island in being proactive for protecting these slow-growing fish that are quickly becoming the backbone of the New England fall fishery. With no change to the bag limit and everyone still allowed to catch a trophy and set their own, club or state record, it’s hard to find anything negative with this change. It’s responsible management at its best.”
There are differing opinions among Rhode Island charter boat captains regarding year one of the ‘trophy slot’ just about everyone we spoke with was fully booked for the 2022 season and many admit that most of the big tog go back anyway. But some, who asked not be quoted, cite a feeling of being ‘regulated to death’ and ‘liking that they had the choice to keep more than one big fish’. On the other hand, when we asked Capt Rob Taylor of Newport Sportfishing Charters if the new rules had affected his business he said, “Not at all! It lets everyone know we have a trophy tog fishery here in Rhode Island and most of the guys that come on my boat have been releasing their big tog for years now. We have a great fishery and we want to keep it that way!”
Other items up for debate on this slate of proposals is adopting a 20 fish per angler recreational limit on Atlantic mackerel. Imposing a commercial permit endorsement for the sale of Atlantic mackerel ($30 for residents and $60 for non-residents) – this would be required to possess numbers of Atlantic mackerel that exceed the recreational limit. Another proposal on the docket looks to prohibit the retention, possession and landing of shortfin mako in the waters under the jurisdiction of the state, an exemption would be granted for the possession of shortfin mako caught legally in federal waters.
DMF will host a virtual public hearing on November 1 at 6 p.m. to take comment on the above described draft regulations. Those wishing to participate will have to regsiter online. DMF will also accept written public comment through 5 p.m. on Friday, November 11. Submit written comments to Director Daniel McKiernan by e-mail ([email protected]) or mail at 251 Causeway Street, Suite 400, Boston, MA 02114. For more information and to register for the online hearing, visit DMF’s website at www.mass.gov/marinefisheries.
