CONCORD, N.H. -- A public hearing on proposed marine rule changes affecting recreational anglers targeting haddock and/or cod in New Hampshire waters will be held on Thursday, February 25, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. at the Urban Forestry Center, 45 Elwyn Road, Portsmouth, NH 03801.

"Many anglers will be happy to see that opportunities are expanding for recreational saltwater fishermen, including an increased bag limit and season for haddock, and a limited recreational cod fishing season," said Doug Grout, NH Fish and Game Marine Fisheries Division Chief. "Last year's stock assessment for haddock showed a substantial increase in the population so that they are no longer overfished. Cod abundance also increased enough to allow for a two month fishing season."

Fish and Game Department is proposing to adjust the requirements on fishing for groundfish, as follows:

Increase the minimum length for recreationally caught cod from 21 to 24 inches.
Increase the legal filet length for cod from 13 to 14 inches.
Allow the recreational take of cod from August 1 to September 30.
Increase the bag limit from zero to one cod per day for recreational anglers.
Increase the recreational limit for haddock from 3 to 15 per day.
Shorten the seasonal closure period for recreationally caught haddock to March 1 to April 15 annually.
The complete rulemaking notice, with original and proposed rule language for these proposals, can be viewed at www.wildnh.com/legislative/proposed-rules.html (see "2016 Cod and Haddock Update").

Written comments must be received by March 4, 2016. Send to: comments@wildlife.nh.gov (use the rule name in your subject line); or write to Executive Director, N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301; or fax to (603) 271-5829.

CONTACT:
Doug Grout: (603) 868-1095
Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211