It is mentioned that federal scientists are favouring a 2010 herring quota for the inner Gulf of Maine of 20,000 metric tons. It means a third of the amount of the state’s lobster industry uses for bait each year. Base don that fishing scientists are expecting a sharp cut in the herring harvest in the inner Gulf of Maine next year, which could leave Maine lobstermen searching for an alternative to use for bait.
This is due to new federal law which states that the assessments of fish stocks must now be reviewed by independent scientists. So this year the scientists are recommending a smaller harvest for Atlantic herring in 2010. It is informed that last year, the allowable catch was more than 43,000 metric tons, and this year, the New England Fishery Management Council is expected to recommend a catch of less than half that amount — 20,000 metric tons — for 2010.
Records show that Maine’s lobster industry typically consumes 60,000 metric tons of herring each year as bait. Industry insiders say they’re not sure how lobster harvesters are going to make up the difference. While other fish, such as redfish or pogies, can be used for bait, the supply of those species is too small to makeup for the anticipated lack of herring, according to the paper.
