🦪Framework Adjustment 39 to Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Regulation
NMFS approves and implements Framework Adjustment 39 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan that establishes specifications and other management measures for fishing years 2025 and 2026, including fishing effort allocation into access areas, modifying when areas open to optimize yield and minimize bycatch, and closures to protect juvenile scallops. Vessels with a limited access general category B permit may transit outside of the Northern Gulf of Maine with scallops onboard. Research set-aside program regulations are clarified. This action is necessary to prevent overfishing and improve resource yield-per-recruit and management of the fishery.
Learn More🎣Amendment 25 to Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan
NMFS announces that the New England Fishery Management Council (Council) has transmitted Amendment 25 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan to the Secretary of Commerce for review. If approved, Amendment 25 would revise the stocks of Atlantic cod managed in the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan. This action is necessary to incorporate the best scientific information available into the fishery management plan. The intended effect of Amendment 25 is to revise the fishery management plan to manage Atlantic cod in U.S. waters as four stocks rather than two. This document is intended to alert the public to this action and provide an opportunity for comment.
Learn More🌊Draft Environmental Assessment Notice for Incidental Take Permit
NMFS announces the availability of the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) on the effects of issuing an Incidental Take Permit (ITP) (No. 27490) to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST), pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended, for the incidental take of ESA- listed sea turtles and sturgeon associated with the otherwise lawful fisheries survey activities within and adjacent to the Massachusetts/ Rhode Island Wind Energy Area. The duration of the requested permit is 10 years. NMFS is requesting comment on the draft EA.
Learn More