NMFS Implements Amendment 13 to the Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery Management Plan to Address Overfishing and Habitat Impacts

Summary

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has finalized Amendment 13 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery, which aims to prevent overfishing and protect Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) for these species. The amendment includes measures such as multi-year fishing quotas, vessel monitoring systems, and adjustments to the minimum size limit, in order to simplify regulatory requirements and comply with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.