The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has announced that New York's commercial fishing quota for summer flounder for the year 2024 has been fully used. Starting December 21, 2024, and continuing for the rest of the year, vessels with a Federal permit for summer flounder are not allowed to land flounder in New York unless new quota becomes available through a transfer from another state. This rule is necessary to ensure that the state does not exceed its allocated quota and aligns with both Federal and New York State management plans for fishery sustainability. The rule was issued urgently to avoid exceeding the quota, which supports conservation efforts.
Simple Explanation
New York has caught all the summer flounder they are allowed for 2024, so they can't catch any more unless they get extra from another state. This helps make sure there are enough fish for everyone in the future.