RSA Fluke Permit
The Research Set-Aside (RSA) program is utilized to encourage cooperative research between commercial fishing vessels and scientific researchers to further the understanding of our nation's fisheries. Researchers and commercial fishing vessels participating in RSA activities often require special exempted fishing permits (EFPs) or other authorizations for scientific research.
The Captain Whittaker is a participant in the RSA (Research Set Aside) Permit program. Earlier this year, the Captain Whittaker successfully bid on a portion of the Fluke quota which is set aside for research purposes. We now have a permit from the New York State DEC to "collect and possess" Fluke. Under this permit we are allowed to fish for "RSA" Fluke outside the published Fluke Season in New York State with a different size and bag limit (We can't use the permit during the open season). We are required to weigh the fish, clean the fish at the dock and report our catch to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and National Marine Fisheries Service.
RSA Dates
June 16, 2009 - July 2, 2009
RSA 20in. total length and 4 fish daily possession limit.
August 18, 2009 - End of Year RSA
20in. total length and 4 fish daily possession limit.