This week the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council met for three days in Galloway Township, N.J., during which time they voted to recommend a big increase in the spiny dogfish quota. If NMFS approves the recommendation, East Coast fleets will see a boost of 78.5 percent from 20 million pounds this year to 35.7 million pounds; trip limits will also increase from 3,000 to 4,000 pounds.
??For years fishermen have been testifying that spiny dogfish are voracious eaters of other important commercial species, like fluke, butterfish and weakfish.??
Personally, I'd rather eat flounder than dogfish tacos. But I'll make dogs a regular part of my family's menu because it simply makes me feel good to pay fishermen to thin the herd.??
In the meantime, keep an eye out for the public comment period on this rule — and send me your favorite dogfish recipe while you're at it.
