The Great South Channel Habitat Management Area that includes McBlair’s, Old South and Fishing Rip, is proposed to be partially opened to commercial fishing with gear types that damage habitat and the ecosystem.
The Nantucket Land & Water Council has submitted a letter in opposition to the proposed rule which allows surfclam and blue mussel hydraulic dredge gear, some of the most destructive gear to benthic habitat, in areas of this protected area. Many thanks to our local fishermen for keeping us informed and for the guidance of the Conservation Law Foundation. Read the full NLC letter here: NLC Comments on Clam Dredge Exemption Framework 11_14_2019
This area has some of the most pristine and sustainable marine habitat, ecosystems, mammals, and wildlife on the northeast coast. It must be protected, not disrupted and destroyed. All of the water ways and marine ecosystems of the USA are a natural resource and should be managed and protected for the greater good of the general public, not just a few! Not only now…but for future generations to experience. Every year, thousands of citizens utilize this habitat management area, and at this point in time, it stays sustainable. We urge National Marine Fisheries to take NO action on these exemptions, therefore keeping the habitat management area CLOSED to any disruptive and destructive gear.
Comments can be submitted here:
https://www.regulations.gov/comment?D=NOAA-NMFS-2019-0043-0001
Map of proposed exemption area to allow destructive dredging.
