Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Foreign Fishing and Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; 2002 Specifications and Foreign Fishing Restrictions

Résumé

NMFS announces initial specifications for the 2002 fishing year for Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish (MSB). Regulations governing these fisheries require NMFS to publish specifications for the upcoming fishing year and to provide an opportunity for public comment. The intent of this action is to fulfill this requirement and to promote the development and conservation of the MSB resources. This action also proposes an inseason adjustment procedure for the 2002 mackerel joint venture processing (JVP) annual specifications. Finally, NMFS proposes to revise the regulations to add a provision that specifies a method for carrying over Loligo squid Quarter I underages into Quarter III.