Approval of 2023 and 2024 Sector Operations Plans and Allocation of 2023 Northeast Multispecies Annual Catch Entitlements
Summary
We propose to approve fishing years 2023 and 2024 sector operations plans and contracts for 16 groundfish sectors and grant 18 regulatory exemptions to improve the efficiency and flexibility of sector vessels. We are also allocating preliminary fishing year 2023 annual catch entitlements based on Framework Adjustment 65 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan.
Approval of sector operations plans and contracts is necessary to allocate annual catch entitlements to the sectors for sectors to operate. This action allows limited access permit holders to continue to operate or form sectors, as authorized under the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan, and exempts sectors from certain effort control regulations.