PORTLAND — Federal regulators are considering changing interstate fishery laws to prevent fishermen from removing fins from spiny dogfish before they’re brought ashore.
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission is proposing an amendment to require the dogfish’s fins remain naturally attached until landing. The commission says the change would ensure consistency with 2010’s Shark Conservation Act. A current interstate agreement allows removal of the fins at sea as long as the dogfish’s carcass is retained.
The commission says Maine, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida already require fins to remain naturally attached to the dogfish, which is a type of shark, through landing.
The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries will hold two public hearings on the proposed changes. The commission’s Spiny Dogfish Board will consider approving the amendment in October.
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