MARYLAND SUMMER FLOUNDER COMMERCIAL FISHERY RESTRICTIONS

The Secretary of Maryland Department of Natural Resources, pursuant to Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 08.02.05.12E, announced the closure of the 2007 commercial fishery for summer flounder in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries effective 12:01 am December 4, 2007. The 2007 quota for the Chesapeake Bay is expected to be caught by this date.

The bycatch allowance for commercial vessels harvesting summer flounder in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Maryland’s coastal bays and landing those flounder in Maryland is reduced to 50 pounds per vessel per day. Harvest on a 2007 Maryland Summer Flounder Landing Permit remains unaffected.

The 2008 Maryland commercial fisheries will open January 1, 2008 under conditions outlined in COMAR 08.02.05.12.

John R. Griffin
Secretary
Maryland Department of Natural Resources