Final Rule to Implement Revised 2021 and Projected 2022 Specifications for the Atlantic Spiny Dogfish Fishery

NOAA Fisheries is implementing revised catch specifications for the 2021 Atlantic spiny dogfish fishery and projected status quo specifications for fishing year 2022, based on the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's updated risk policy, as recommended by the Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils. Although catch limits were already scheduled to increase in 2021, these adjustments to allow more risk for stocks above biomass targets would increase the spiny dogfish commercial quota 8-percent above what was originally projected for 2021, and 27-percent higher than the commercial quota in fishing year 2020. All other management measures and requirements, including the 6,000-lb federal trip limit, would remain unchanged.