Along the Atlantic Coast, two squid fisheries are important for both Canada and the USA. Both species are short-lived and highly migratory.
The northern stock component, extending from Newfoundland to the Scotian Shelf, is assessed annually and managed by the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) based on a total allowable catch (TAC).
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) manages the Atlantic mackerel, longfin squid, Illex squid, and butterfish (MSB) fisheries under a single Fishery management Plan (FMP). The management unit includes all U.S. waters off the U.S. East Coast.
Longfin Squid (Loligio)
The majority of U.S. longfin squid are landed in Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, mainly by small-mesh bottom trawling.
Illex Squid
The northern shortfin squid (Illex illecebrosus) is harvested commercially from Newfoundland to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.
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