WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Bill Delahunt announced today that he is urging the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to increase the fishing quota for spiny dogfish.

“After many years of conservation, our fisheries scientists have determined that dogfish stocks have come back,” Delahunt said.  “Given the severity of the current economic climate, it is important that we expand access to this fishery, which will not only help our fishermen and their families, but also give a boost to coastal communities.”

Delahunt backs a recent decision by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) to adopt an annual quota increase from eight to twelve million pounds for state waters.  ASMFC also supports a similar quota for federal waters.  This recommendation was based on the agreement by scientists that dogfish are not overfished and overfishing is not occurring.  Additionally, this move would synchronize quota levels for state and federal waters for the first time in almost a decade.

In addition to urging an increase in quota, Delahunt has asked NMFS to consider the possibility to re-opening the dogfish fishery for the remainder of the current fishing year (ends May 1, 2009), up to the 12 million pound limit.

Spiny dogfish, also known as sand sharks, were a significant species for Southeastern Massachusetts fisherman prior to the late 1990’s when quotas for dogfish were slashed from 50 million to 12 million pounds after stocks collapsed.  Catches are primarily exported to Europe where among other things they are served as fish and chips. 

The fishery is managed by NMFS in federal waters through a Fishery Management Plan and by the ASMFC for state waters (up to three miles from shore).

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