Overfished halibut under scrutiny as Maine's catch increases

BRUNSWICK, Maine (AP) — Federal fishing regulators say they are looking to change the way they manage Atlantic halibut after the East Coast catch surged last year.

The government lists Atlantic halibut as "overfished" and conservationists want to protect it. But many fishermen say the catch is up because the stock has been rebuilt over recent years.

Halibut is a popular item among diners and chefs for its thick, meaty steaks.

Atlantic halibut is fished commercially in New England, with the majority of the catch coming ashore in Maine and Massachusetts. Fishermen caught more than 215,000 pounds of the flatfish in 2015. That was the most since 1972.

The regulatory New England Fishery Management Council has decided to review management of the fish with an eye toward change.