Framework Adjustment 61 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan

This action approves and implements Framework Adjustment 61 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan. This rule revises the status determination criteria for Georges Bank and Southern New England-Mid Atlantic winter flounder, implements a revised rebuilding plan for white hake, sets or adjusts catch limits for 17 of the 20 multispecies (groundfish) stocks, and implements a universal exemption for sectors to target Acadian redfish. This action is necessary to respond to updated scientific information and to achieve the goals and objectives of the fishery management plan. These measures are intended to help prevent overfishing, rebuild overfished stocks, achieve optimum yield, and ensure that management measures are based on the best scientific information available.