NOAA Fisheries approves a temporary rule that implements emergency measures to extend portions of the fishing year 2019 carryover provisions in the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan.
The Gulf of Maine (GOM) Cod Protection Closures, sometimes referred to as “rolling closures,” remain in place. There are five of these seasonal closures, which are active during different times of the year.
The Northern Gulf of Maine (NGOM) Scallop Management Area is closed to all federally permitted Limited Access General Category (LAGC) scallop vessels effective 0001 hr, on May 23, 2020.
Effective Date: June 18, 2020
NOAA Fisheries announces the creation of three exemption areas within the Great South Channel Habitat Management Area (HMA) where vessels may fish for Atlantic surfclams or blue mussels with dredge gear.
Final 2020-2021 specifications and seasonal possession limits for the wing and bait Northeast skate fisheries. This action is effective on May 1, 2020 for the start of the 2020 fishing year.
This action implements measures for the Northeast multispecies fishery for the 2020 fishing year, including common pool fishery possession and trip limits and other measures enacted via Regional Administrator authority, as shown below.
New and existing requirements for vessels participating in the Atlantic herring fishery. New requirements are effective on April 1, 2020, with the exception of industry-funded monitoring coverage which is delayed until June 15, 2020.