CONTACT:
Doug Grout: 603-868-1095                 
Clare McBane: 603-868-1095
September 26, 2008   

COMMERCIAL SPINY DOGFISH FISHERY TO CLOSE MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2008            

DURHAM, N.H. -- Commercial fish harvesters are advised that the allowable spiny dogfish quota for the 2008/2009 fishing season (through April 30, 2009) has been reached. Therefore, the New Hampshire fishery for spiny dogfish will be closed in both state and federal waters effective Monday, September 29, 2008. No person or vessel shall take, land or possess spiny dogfish in New Hampshire waters from 12:01 a.m. on September 29, 2008, through 12:01 a.m. on May 1, 2009. At that time the Period 1 quota for the 2009/2010 fishing year will become available.

In accordance with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Fishery Management Plan for Spiny Dogfish, these measures are intended to avoid the over-harvest of spiny dogfish and to provide protection for the inshore component of spiny dogfish stocks.

During any closure of the spiny dogfish fishery, dogfish may be taken only by angling, for personal use only, and may not be sold.

Questions about the dogfish closure may be directed to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Marine Fisheries Division at (603) 868-1095.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state's marine, fish and wildlife resources and their habitats. Visit www.WildNH.com/marine.

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