Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Amendment 9 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan

Résumé

NMFS issues this final rule to implement the approved portions of Amendment 9 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP). This rule adds Atlantic halibut to the species managed under the FMP, implements a 1-fish per vessel halibut possession limit with a minimum size of 36 inches (66 cm); postpones implementation of the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) requirement; modifies the framework process to allow for aquaculture projects and changes to the overfishing definitions (OFDs); and prohibits brush-sweep trawl gear when fishing for multispecies. The chief purpose of Amendment 9 is to address requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), as amended by the Sustainable Fisheries Act (SFA).