NOAA (the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) has amended the regulations governing how fishing net mesh size is measured in the Northeast.
The intent of this final rule is to ensure consistent and accurate measurements of fishing net mesh size. Fishing industry representatives have expressed concern that net measurements of larger mesh sizes may not result in accurate measurements. In response to these concerns, the New England Fishery Management Council sent a letter to NOAA requesting that an 8kg weight be required to be used for meshes at or greater than 120mm. The Council recommended the 8kg weight because it appears to be consistent with international standards of net measurements.
Upon consideration of this request and a survey of international standards, and in consultation with law enforcement officials, NOAA Fisheries determined that the Council's request was reasonable and that an increase in the weight of the wedge gauge may result in more accurate and consistent measurements. The change took effect on 1 May 2007.
