U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik has disapproved a proposal for new annual catch limits for cod in New England waters.

The proposal was protested by New England fishermen after its initial approval last December.

“Everyone in the fisheries expects (the proposal) to torpedo their businesses,” said New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association CEO Jerry Leeman at the time.

The rejection will require the New England Fishery Management Council to come up with a new plan to divide the two cod stocks into four geographic regions.

The National Marine Fisheries Service announced Lutnik’s decision Wednesday.

“The Secretary of Commerce disapproved (the proposal) Amendment 25…on the basis that Amendment 25 and its supporting analyses do not adequately demonstrate how the proposed action is consistent with National Standard 1 or other required provisions,” said a statement released Wednesday.

National Fisherman reports the 2025 groundfish season should be able to continue during the next ensuing rounds of debate.

The statement directed New England Fishery Management Council to continue its work on the proposal.

“Because the four stock Atlantic cod structure and the resulting management track stock assessments have been determined to be the best scientific information available…(existing law and policy) compels the Council to incorporate these cod stocks into the FMP, said the statement.