Scallop vessels are required to comply with the gear restrictions described below for fishing year 2024. In fishing year 2022, the scallop fleet landed 326% of its northern windowpane flounder sub-annual catch limit (ACL). This accountability measure was also required in fishing year 2023 because of 2021 northern windowpane landings.
Because the scallop fleet exceeded its northern windowpane flounder sub-ACL in fishing year 2022, the Georges Bank Accountability Measure Area will become a windowpane flounder gear restricted area April 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025. Dredge gear must meet the description below in the gear restricted area. In addition, vessels may not fish for scallops with trawl gear in the gear restricted area when the accountability measure is in effect.
Gear Restriction
When a vessel is subject to this gear restricted area, the vessel will be required to fish with dredges as follows:
- The maximum number of rows of rings in the apron of the topside does not exceed five rows; and
- The maximum hanging ratio for a net on the top of a scallop dredge (twine top) does not exceed 1.5:1 overall.
