BOSTON (AP) — Regulators are again increasing the catch limit on the spiny dogfish, a species fishermen have long said is far too abundant.

On Thursday, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission upped the 2013 fishing year quota by about 5 million pounds in the region from Maine to North Carolina.

About 23.7 million pounds, roughly 60 percent of the overall quota, is tabbed for the coastal New England states. That’s an increase from the 20 million pound limit in 2011.

The dogfish was once protected by lower catch limits. But fishermen say the stock grew so large, it crowded out more valuable species, such as cod. Now, as they face massive cuts in their catch for other species, some rely on dogfish to get by.

Dogfish are eaten mainly overseas, in dishes such as fish and chips.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.