Along the above, they should re-instate the original control date of March 2008, a season opening date of June 1st and reduce the days and limits.
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Hey Dave, I was trying to refresh my memory on the 2008 control date and was surfing some old archives and came across this, the MA DMF Commercial Permit Application;
" Commercial Affidavit: I certify under the pains and penalties of perjury that all information contained in the application is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. I acknowledge March 6, 2008 as a control date for commercial fisheries conducted using hook-andline, longline or other hand gear within waters under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth, excluding the commercial striped bass fishery. I understand that future access to fisheries conducted using hooks (longlines, rod & reel, or hand gear) may not be guaranteed and may be subject to eligibility criteria for determining levels of access to and allowable harvest of these fisheries based on historic harvest levels of a vessel, person or other criteria".
From my interpretation of this, that 3/2008 date doesn't apply. Am I wrong? Really doesn't matter to me either way - been permitted since mid-90's - just trying to understand how they're looking to apply this 3/2008 date. As I recall, I believe the actual control date for bass was in 2003 brought about by an emergency action...thoughts?