Fishermen want easing of restrictions

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. – Fishermen along Maine and New Hampshire’s coast say it’s high time officials ease restrictions on their trade.

The restrictions over the last decade have been designed to protect dwindling groundfish stocks.

John Nelson, chief of New Hampshire Fish and Game’s Marine Fisheries Division, said stocks are indeed on the rebound, but it’s too soon to ease restrictions.

He said stocks of Gulf of Maine cod are increasing, but there’s still too much harvesting going on.

Nelson said that despite the improvements, restrictions are likely to get tighter in the short term. But fishermen said relaxing restrictions would give them a financial boost and allow for more competition.

Currently, New England Fisheries Management Council regulations allow commercial fishermen to fish for cod, the mainstay of the industry, for a total of 88 days. Large areas of Georges Banks have been closed to fishing altogether and areas of Ipswich Bay, just off New Hampshire’s coast, are closed for part of the year. There are also daily limits. Currently, fishermen can keep only 400 pounds of cod each day.

“Eighty-eight days goes quick,” said Tony Marquis, a gill netter from York, Maine. “You’ve got to make all your money in three months.”