July 11, 2025 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:
June Council Meeting Recap
The New England Fishery Management Council met in Freeport, ME, from June 24-26, 2025. Notable outcomes are summarized below.
Sea Scallop
Research Track Stock Assessment:
The Council received a presentation on the Scallop Research Track Stock Assessment, which underwent peer review in April 2025. Several Council members expressed concerns with the assessment’s findings, particularly regarding the fishing mortality reference points (FMSY). The Scallop Plan Development Team will develop methods to determine catch advice that consider a range of options. These will be reviewed by the Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) in August.
2025 Scallop Surveys:
Council staff provided an overview of the 2025 Scallop Research Set-Aside (RSA) survey efforts, including coverage areas and progress. The 2025 survey used towed camera, drop camera, dredge, and autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) gear, covering all scallop resource areas from the Gulf of Maine to the Delmarva region of the Mid-Atlantic Bight.
The Council also received an update on the status of the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) HabCam survey. On June 9, while conducting transit lines on Georges Bank aboard the NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow, the HabCam system struck an uncharted shipwreck. Recovery efforts have been hampered by strong currents and potential hazards near the wreck. A private salvage company has been contracted to attempt recovery of the HabCam unit. NEFSC HabCam operations are suspended for the remainder of the 2025 survey season. The NEFSC’s long-range AUV survey completed partial coverage of the planned area, and RSA survey partners are collaborating to provide coverage of the areas missed due to the HabCam incident.
Framework Adjustment 40 (FW 40):
The Council initiated FW 40, which will set specifications for the 2026 fishing year (FY) and default measures for FY 2027. Final action is scheduled for December 2025.
Limited Access General Category (LAGC) IFQ Program Review:
The Council received an update on the LAGC Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) program review, which covers the period from 2016 to 2023. The review includes analyses of fleet characteristics, quota and leasing activity, fishing effort, economic performance, crew income, and other metrics. The draft report is currently in progress, with additional analyses to be completed over the summer. The Council is scheduled to approve the final report in September.