Northeast Fishing regulators have approved a 2013 catch limit for yellowtail flounder on Georges Bank that's more than twice what was recommended by a committee that negotiates the shared catch with Canada.  Before voting, the New England Regional Fisheries Management Council heard from New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, who argued against a proposed 80% reduction in the yellowtail quota.

Members of the Management Council, who met Wednesday in Newport said they had no choice but to increase the catch limit, in order to avoid the collapse of the local fishing and scalloping industries.  However, the top federal regulator in the Northeast said the approval won't pass legal muster.

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