Framework Adjustment 58 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan

This action approves and implements Framework Adjustment 58 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan. This rule sets 2019–2020 catch limits for seven of the 20 multispecies (groundfish) stocks, implements new or revised rebuilding plans for five stocks, revises an accountability measure, and makes other minor changes to groundfish management measures. This action is necessary to respond to updated scientific information and to achieve the goals and objectives of the fishery management plan. The 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.

The adjustment rule corrects minor errors published in the final rule approving and implementing Framework Adjustment 58 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan and distributes sector allocation carried over from fishing year 2018 into fishing year 2019 as authorized by the sector regulations.