Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Surf Clam and Ocean Quahog Fishery; Suspension of Minimum Surf Clam Size for 2003

Resumen

NMFS suspends the minimum size limit of 4.75 inches (12.07 cm) for Atlantic surf clams for the 2003 fishing year. This action is taken under the authority of the implementing regulations for this fishery, which allow for the annual suspension of the minimum size limit based upon set criteria. The intended effect is to relieve the industry from a regulatory burden that is not necessary, as the majority of surf clams harvested are larger than the minimum size limit.