Maine state legislators announced today that the New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) voted down the proposal to close 55-square-mile of Stellwagen Bank to recreational anglers, charter boats, and for hire vessels.

Stellwagen Bank in the Western Gulf of Maine remains one of the more prosperous areas for fishermen and the charter fleet to bring home the days catch of haddock, pollock, tuna and sharks during the fishing season, and the proposal would have designated the fishing grounds for habitat and fisheries research, according to a news release.

Since 2010, recreational anglers, captains, boat owners, and other businesses connected with the fishing industry have joined Massachusetts legislators to make calls, write letters, and provide oral testimony opposing the closure to the NEFMC committees. Last year, the NEMFC Recreational Advisory Panel unanimously opposed the closures, the release said.