April 23, 2015 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
NOAA Fisheries published the Framework Adjustment 26 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan to set management measures for the 2015 fishing year.
Framework 26:
– Sets annual catch limits for both the limited access and limited access general category fleets,
– Sets days at sea and allocations for the sea scallop access area,
– Closes a portion of the Elephant Trunk access area,
– Closes the Georges Bank access areas,
– Adjusts the State Waters Exemption Program,
– Aligns two gear measures designed to protect sea turtles, and
– Implements other measures to improve the management of the scallop fishery and reduce bycatch of flatfish.
Read the complete final rule as published in the Federal Register, and view the bulletins for the Limited Access fleet and for the Limited Access General Category fleet.
Questions? Contact Jennifer Goebel, Regional Office, at 978-281-9175 or Jennifer.Goebel@noaa.gov.