Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery; Framework Adjustment 21

الملخص

NMFS proposes regulations to implement Framework Adjustment 21 (Framework 21) to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan (FMP), which was developed by the New England Fishery Management Council (Council). Framework 21 proposes the following management measures for the 2010 scallop fishery: Total allowable catch (TAC); open area days-at-sea (DAS) and Sea Scallop Access Area (access area) trip allocations; DAS adjustments if an access area yellowtail flounder (yellowtail) TAC is caught; limited access general category (LAGC) access area trip allocations; management measures to minimize impacts of incidental take of sea turtles as required by the March 14, 2008, Atlantic Sea Scallop Biological Opinion (Biological Opinion); minor adjustments to the limited access general category (LAGC) individual fishing quota (IFQ) program; and minor adjustments to the industry- funded observer program. This action also proposes changes to regulatory language to eliminate duplicative and outdated text, and to clarify provisions in the regulations that are currently unclear.