Phil Walsh of Alfa Gamma Critical of Plans to Raise Southern New England Lobster Carapace Size
SEAFOODNEWS.COM by John Sackton April 5, 2017
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission is taking public comments until April 7th on a series of measures to manage lobster stocks in Southern New England, Long Island, and New Jersey.
The measures include changing the minimum lobster carapace size to 3 1/2 inches, adopting some of Maine's protections for female and egg-bearing lobsters, and exploring seasonal closures, and where the management measures might apply.
Phil Walsh, of Alfa Gamma Seafoods, has written a critical comment on the proposed increase in carapace size. Maine currently has a 3 1/4 inch minimum carapace size. in Southern New England, the minimum is now 3 3/8 inches. One proposed action would increase this to 3 1/2 inches in Southern New England. Walsh says the increase would result in economic losses for companies that sell smaller size lobsters. Southern New England accounts for around 10% or so of total lobster landings.
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