The Secretary of Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), pursuant to the Code of Maryland Regulations 08.02.05.24, announced today the modification of limits for the commercial spiny dogfish fishery in Maryland waters effective 12:01 a.m., Friday, May 20, 2005.

Maryland licensed fishermen with a federal spiny dogfish permit may possess and land 600 pounds of spiny dogfish per day from Maryland waters or waters of the EEZ (greater than three miles from shore). Maryland licensed fishermen without a federal spiny dogfish permit may catch and land up to 600 pounds per day from Maryland waters but may not harvest spiny dogfish from the EEZ. These daily landing limits will remain in place through October 31, 2005. Effective November 1, 2005 through April 30, 2006 the daily landing limit will change to 300 pounds per day for all fishermen. These daily landings limits may be modified or the fishery may be closed if the National Marine Fisheries Service determines the fishery quota is reached during this period.

These restrictions are in compliance with the Spiny Dogfish Plans of the Mid Atlantic Fisheries Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.