A limit on the amount of all groundfish that can be caught, as well as measures to respond if the catch limits are exceeded.Managers implemented new measures for the Northeast groundfish fishery in 2010 to end overfishing of and continue to rebuild overfished Northeast groundfish stocks (and maintain healthy ones).

This estimate remains well below the target biomass level of 61,218 metric tons, so the Gulf of Maine stock is considered 'overfished.' According to the most recent scientific stock assessment, Gulf of Maine cod spawning stock biomass was estimated to be 11,868 metric tons in 2010. In stock assessments, their abundance is measured in terms of 'spawning stock biomass' – the amount of fish in the population capable of reproducing. These data – along with similar data taken during surveys conducted by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, from sampling the landed catch, reported by fishermen and fish dealers, and collected by fishery observers – are used to help researchers monitor the condition of Atlantic cod and other species over time.īoth the Georges Bank and Gulf of Maine cod stocks are at very low levels. These surveys collect data on the environment as well as biological samples from fish caught during research trawling. Scientists at NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center conduct research bottom trawl surveys every year during the fall and spring throughout the Northeast continental shelf.