Feds to slow harvest of skates as fishermen near quota
The federal government is cutting down on the harvest of skate wings because fishermen are nearing their quota for the seafood item.
Skate wings are the meat of skates, which are fished commercially on both coasts. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is reducing the commercial skate wing possession limit from 4,100 pounds per trip to 500 pounds per trip.
The new rules are in place through April 30. NOAA says skate wing harvest is at 85 percent of its quota.
Fishermen caught more than 40 million pounds of skates last year. The fishery is most active in Alaska, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.