NOAA increases Northeast Skate Quota
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 27, 2011
Contact:
Maggie Mooney-Seus
978-281-9175 (office)
774-392-4865 (cell)
NOAA increases northeast skate quota for fishermen by 17 million pounds
New science shows increase in skate population
NOAA has taken emergency action to increase the amount of skate that fishermen can
land this year from 31 million to 48 million pounds, based on new scientific information showing
an increase in the overall skate population. The 56-percent quota increase will be effective on
November 28 and remain in effect through the end of the current fishing season, which ends on
April 30, 2012.
“We recognize that these are difficult economic times for many fishermen and are
working hard to increase fishing opportunity wherever possible,” said Eric Schwaab, assistant
NOAA administrator for NOAA’s Fisheries Service. “The quota increase will boost revenues for
many fishermen and related fishing businesses, while maintaining our responsibility to important
conservation objectives.”
At its June meeting, the New England Fishery Management Council reviewed updated
2008-2010 trawl survey data from the Northeast Fisheries Science Center, which shows
significant improvements in the overall skate population. They also looked at NOAA-funded
research on the survival of discarded skates, conducted by the New England Aquarium and
University of New England, which found that fewer skates die after they are thrown overboard
than previously assumed. Based this, the council asked NOAA to implement emergency
measures to increase the skate quota.
The bulk of the skate catch occurs incidentally in the groundfish, monkfish and scallop
fisheries. Skate wings are typically kept and sold as food. Skates are also harvested for bait for
the American lobster fishery.
The quota for the skate wing fishery, which receives 66.5 percent of the annual
allocation, will increase from 20 million pounds to 32 million pounds for the current fishing year
ending in April 2012. The skate bait fishery, which is allocated the remaining 33.5 percent, will
see a 6 million pound increase in their original allocation.
Increasing the quota and maintaining skate possession limits at current levels should
extend fishing opportunities throughout the entire fishing year, and allow fishermen to retain
more skates when both price and demand for skate wings are better later in the season.
Possession limits are unchanged. Seven species of skate are managed as part of the
skate complex including barndoor, thorny, smooth, winter, little, clearnose and rosette.
However, possession of barndoor, thorny, and smooth skates remains prohibited because
stocks are still rebuilding from previously depleted levels.
Source: NOAA – Press Release.