PUBLIC NOTICE
MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
FISHERIES SERVICE
COMMERCIAL SPINY DOGFISH FISHERY CLOSED

The Secretary of Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today that the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) will close the commercial spiny dogfish fishery effective 12:01 a.m., Tuesday, December 19, 2006. NMFS has determined that the commercial spiny dogfish fishery quota for the coastal states from Maine to Florida will have been harvested.

Permitted vessels may not land spiny dogfish and federally permitted dealers may not purchase spiny dogfish caught in Maryland waters beginning 12:01 a.m., Saturday, December 23, 2006 through 12:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 1, 2007.

C. Ronald Franks
Secretary
Maryland Department of Natural Resources