The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announces a proposal to open some areas to ground fishing that have been off limits for nearly 20 years.

The proposal states there are three offshore areas under consideration for opening to the South and East of Cape Cod. 

NOAA Northeast Administrator John Bullard says there will still be restrictions even in the areas to be reopened.

Bullard says the opening is still months away.  The agency will accept public comment on the plan before a final decision is made. 

While fishermen will likely applaud the move, Bullard says he expects opposition from environmental groups concerned with over-fishing.

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