Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Scallop Fishery Off Alaska; Scallop Vessel Moratorium

Resumo

NMFS proposes a temporary moratorium on the entry of additional vessels into the scallop fishery off Alaska. This action would implement Amendment 2 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Scallop Fishery off Alaska (FMP) as recommended by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council). The intended effect of Amendment 2 is to curtail increases in fishing capacity and to provide stability for industry while the Council develops a long-term limited access system for this fishery. This action is necessary to promote the conservation and management objectives of the FMP.