June 13, 2019 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:
During its June meeting in So. Portland, ME, the New England Fishery Management Council made several decisions related to the Atlantic sea scallop fishery.
Amendment 21: The Council reviewed summaries of both oral and written comments gathered during the public scoping process for Amendment 21 to the Atlantic Scallop Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The Council then cast several votes to help guide further work on the amendment.
Framework Adjustment 32: The Council is working on this action to develop: (1) specifications for the 2020 scallop fishing year; (2) default specifications for 2021; (3) measures to reduce impacts on Georges Bank yellowtail flounder; and (4) options to utilize the dense biomass of small scallops in the Nantucket Lightship South “Deep” Area.
Scallop Research Set-Aside (RSA) Program: The Council approved research priorities for the 2020-2021
scallop RSA award cycle.