BOSTON (AP) - An independent team is expected to review
scientific and commercial data to determine whether to grant
federal protection for the Atlantic wolffish.

The Conservation Law Foundation says the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration review could lead to the first listing
of a New England ocean fish species as endangered.

The Atlantic wolffish lives along the ocean bottom in deep
waters off New England.

The conservation group says NOAA found information from a
petition filed by the nonprofit group in October indicating that an
endangered species listing may be warranted.

The wolffish have powerful jaws and teeth that can crush lobsters, urchins, clams, scallops and crabs.

Commercial fishing nets and dredges that are dragged along the
ocean bottom have destroyed much of the fish's habitat.