Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery; Amendment 19

Resumen

This final rule implements Amendment 19 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan, which the New England Fishery Management Council adopted and submitted to NMFS for approval. Amendment 19 establishes a specifications process outside of the current framework adjustment process and adjusts the start of the scallop fishing year from March 1 to April 1. These changes will help reduce potential economic and biological consequences from late implementation of specifications and reduce the overall administrative burden associated with late implementation. As a result of these changes, NMFS will be able to implement simple specifications actions at the start of the fishing year on a more consistent basis.