NMFS Issues Final Rule to Modify Massachusetts Restricted Area and Federal Lobster Regulations

Summary

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a final rule to adjust the start date of the Massachusetts Restricted Area and expand it by 912 square miles, effective February 1, 2015. The rule also revises federal lobster regulations to align with the revised start date, adjusting the Outer Cape Lobster Management Area closure dates from January 15 to March 31.