The North ministry next turned its attention to New England in general. The New England Restraining Act (short title: New England Trade And Fisheries Act, 15 Geo. III c. 31) was the ministry’s response to the American colonies’ decision to boycott British goods, as embodied in the Continental Association of 1774. It was given royal assent by George III on March 30, 1775. The Act provided that New England’s trade be limited to Britain and the British West Indies (trade with other nations was prohibited, effective July 1, 1775). Moreover, New England ships were barred from the North Atlantic fisheries (a measure that pleased British Canadians, but threatened considerable harm to New England’s economy), effective July 20, 1775.
Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restraining_Acts_1775