PORTLAND (AP) — A research organization dedicated to the Gulf of Maine bioregion says a new net can catch flatfish while avoiding other species facing severe population declines.
The Gulf of Maine Research Institute says the new trawl net can avoid nearly half the cod compared to traditional nets.
Cod can swim up and over the ultra-low-opening trawl net, which has a smaller vertical opening.
The Portland Press Herald reports the new net costs between $8,000 and $10,000.
The interstate fishing board has reduced the number of cod that can be landed from the gulf from nearly 1,600 metric tons two years ago to 280 metric tons today. Those caught with too much cod can be shut down.
Maine’s groundfish fleet has fallen from more than 300 in 1982 to about 50.
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