NMFS Modifies Scup Gear Restricted Areas (GRAs) and Exemptions to Reduce Bycatch and Negative Economic Impacts

Summary

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued regulations to modify the Scup Gear Restricted Areas (GRAs) to reduce scup bycatch in small-mesh fisheries, while also exempting Atlantic mackerel fishing and Loligo squid fishing from certain restrictions, and modifying landing limits in the affected fisheries to discourage directed fishing.