Framework Adjustment 33 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan

Framework 33 sets management measures for the scallop fishery for the 2021 fishing year, including the annual catch limits for the limited access and limited access general category fleets, as well as days-at-sea allocations and sea scallop access area trip allocations. Framework 33 implements specifications that would result in a reduction in projected landings compared to fishing year 2020 (40.0 million pounds for fishing year 2021 compared to 51.6 million pounds for fishing year 2020). This is due primarily to a decrease in harvestable biomass and a lack of significant recruitment in recent years. Because of this, the economic impacts of the Framework 33 fishery specifications are expected to be negative for the scallop vessels and small business entities compared to fishing year 2020. Furthermore, Framework 33 would maintain the existing seasonal closure in Closed Area II to reduce bycatch of Georges Bank yellowtail flounder and northern windowpane flounder and close areas to fishing to protect small scallops and reduce bycatch of flatfish.