Framework Adjustment 16 to the Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan

This action implements Framework Adjustment 16 to the Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan. Framework 16 was developed by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council to establish a volumetric hold baseline for limited access Illex squid vessels, clarify Illex squid reporting requirements, and allow NOAA Fisheries to collect information on the vessel processing type for Illex and longfin squid vessels. This action is necessary to restrict future increases in the capacity of the Illex squid fishery and to gain more accurate catch information to inform stock assessments.