| The National Marine Fisheries Service
sets annual quotas for most popular fish species. Up to 3% of the
quota is allocated for research. This research set-aside is
either used directly for research or auctioned off to finance research.
Until 2007 only commercial vessels participated in the auction.
For 2008 we acquired a significant amount of RSA
Fluke. The NMFS issued the Laura Lee an "exempted fishery
permit" to harvest RSA Fluke. The New York State DEC issued the
Laura Lee a license to "collect and possess" research set-aside Fluke.
These permits allowed us to fish for Fluke before after the regular Fluke season.
We have applied for these permits again for 2009
Under those special permits The size and bag limits are
the same as those during the regular season. The only
condition is that the Fluke must be cleaned at the dock after weighing.
Capt. Neil Delanoy |
