The New England Fishery Management Council has received reports of escalating gear conflicts between lobster fishermen and scallopers in Lobster Area 4, located south of Long Island, NY.
Under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. § 1857(1)(K)), it is illegal to remove, damage, or tamper with fishing gear owned by others within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Violations of this Act, including unlawful gear interactions, may result in civil penalties.
In this area, lobster gear is set in 30-pot trawls running east-to-west, marked by highflyers. The gear is deployed starting in mid-July and fished through December, typically being tended every seven nights. Fishermen operating in this region are urged to remain vigilant, be aware of fixed gear, and adjust their radar to detect highflyers to avoid potential conflicts.
