There are no under development actions associated with this management plan.
Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office Results
Spiny Dogfish Management Plan
About
The spiny dogfish fishery in the Greater Atlantic Region operates from Maine to Florida and from inshore to offshore waters on the edge of the continental shelf. The spiny dogfish fishery uses predominantly bottom gillnets, with lesser amounts caught by trawls and hook gear. There is little consumer demand for spiny dogfish in the United States, but it is commonly used in Europe as the fish in fish-and-chips.
Implementing regulations are found at 50 CFR part 648 subpart L. Find out more about Managing Sustainable Fisheries in the Greater Atlantic Region.
SAFE Reports
Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) reports are documents or sets of documents that summarize the best scientific information available for federally managed fish stocks. This includes information concerning the biological condition of stocks and marine ecosystems, essential fish habitat (EFH), and the socioeconomic condition of commercial and recreational fisheries. The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act requires that SAFE reports be made available on a publicly accessible website to facilitate use of the information. Atlantic Spiny Dogfish SAFE report documents are available on the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's website.
Species Managed
More Information
Actions
2023 Atlantic Spiny Dogfish Specifications
Final 2023 specifications for the Atlantic Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan
Effective
05/01/2023
Final Atlantic Spiny Dogfish 2022 Specifications and Trip Limit Adjustment
NOAA Fisheries announces 2022 Specifications and Trip Limit Adjustment for the Atlantic Spiny Dogfish Fishery.
Effective
05/01/2022
Final Rule to Implement Revised 2021 and Projected 2022 Specifications for the Atlantic Spiny Dogfish Fishery
NOAA Fisheries announces revised 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.
Effective
05/01/2021
2020 and Projected 2021 Specifications for the Spiny Dogfish Fishery
NOAA Fisheries announces specifications for the 2020 spiny dogfish fishery and projected specifications for 2021. These are necessary to establish allowable harvest levels and other management measures to prevent overfishing while allowing optimum yield.
Effective
05/01/2020
Monkfish Management Plan
About
The commercial monkfish fishery is conducted from North Carolina to Maine primarily using trawl gear in northern waters and gillnet gear in southern waters.Â
The fishery is managed using a days-at-sea and trip limit management system. There is no known directed recreational fishery for monkfish.
Implementing regulations are found at 50 CFR part 648 subpart F. Find out more about Managing Sustainable Fisheries in the Greater Atlantic Region.
SAFE Reports
Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) reports are documents or sets of documents that summarize the best scientific information available for federally managed fish stocks. This includes information concerning the biological condition of stocks and marine ecosystems, essential fish habitat (EFH), and the socioeconomic condition of commercial and recreational fisheries. The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act requires that SAFE reports be made available on a publicly accessible website to facilitate use of the information. Monkfish SAFE report documents are available on the New England Fishery Management Council's website.
Species Managed
More Information
Actions
Proposed Rule for Southern New England Habitat Area of Particular Concern
NOAA is requesting comment on Proposed Rule for Southern New England Habitat Area of Particular Concern
Published
09/26/2023
Final Rule to Implement 2024 Monkfish Fishing Year Quotas
NMFS is implementing specifications for the 2024 monkfish fishery. This action is necessary to ensure allowable monkfish harvest levels that will prevent overfishing and allow harvesting of optimum yield.
Effective
05/01/2024
Framework Adjustment 13 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan
NOAA Fisheries has published a final rule for Framework 13 to the Monkfish FMP that implements specifications for fishing years 2023 - 2025, adjustments to the annual days-at-sea allocation and an increase the minimum mesh size for gillnet vessels.
Effective
08/11/2023
Final Rule to Implement 2022 Monkfish Fishing Year Quotas
NOAA Fisheries is implementing monkfish quotas for the 2022 fishing year based on specifications approved by the New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils and announced on September 2020.
Effective
05/01/2022
Final Rule to Implement 2021 Monkfish Fishing Year Quotas
2021 monkfish specifications, 2021 monkfish quotas
Effective
05/01/2021
Framework Adjustment 12 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan
2021-2022 monkfish specifications
Effective
10/19/2020
Monkfish Fishery: 2019 Specifications
We are implementing specifications for the 2019 monkfish fishery. This action is necessary to ensure allowable monkfish harvest levels that will prevent overfishing and allow harvesting of optimum yield. This action is intended to establish the allowable
Effective
05/01/2019
Final Action to Close Nantucket Lightship and Closed Area I Closure Areas to Gillnet Gear
NOAA Fisheries closes Nantucket Lightship and Closed Area I Closure Areas to gillnet gear.
Effective
12/17/2018
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States: Monkfish Fishery; 2018 Monkfish Specifications
We are implementing specifications for the 2018 monkfish fishery, including total allowable landings limits, trip limits, and day-at-sea limits. This action is necessary to ensure allowable monkfish harvest levels that will prevent overfishing and allow h
Effective
06/04/2018
Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat Amendment 2
This action implements approved regulations for the New England Fishery Management Council's Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat Amendment 2. This rule revises essential fish habitat and habitat area of particular concern designations, revises or creates habit
Effective
04/09/2018
Northeast Skate Complex Management Plan
About
The Northeast skate complex fishery in the Greater Atlantic Region includes seven skate species and operates from Maine to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, and from inshore to offshore waters on the edge of the continental shelf. Skate is mostly harvested incidentally in trawl and gillnet fisheries targeting groundfish, monkfish, and sometimes scallops.Â
The Northeast skate complex fishery consists of seven species: Winter skate, barndoor skate, thorny skate, smooth skate, little skate, clearnose skate, and rosette skat). Â
The primary target species in the skate fishery are winter and little skates. Winter skates are harvested for their wings for human consumption, and little skates are harvested as bait for lobster fisheries. Thorny skate and barndoor skate are currently prohibited species.
Implementing regulations are found at 50 CFR part 648 subpart O. Find out more about Managing Sustainable Fisheries in the Greater Atlantic Region.
SAFE Reports
Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) reports are documents or sets of documents that summarize the best scientific information available for federally managed fish stocks. This includes information concerning the biological condition of stocks and marine ecosystems, essential fish habitat (EFH), and the socioeconomic condition of commercial and recreational fisheries. The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act requires that SAFE reports be made available on a publicly accessible website to facilitate use of the information. Mackerel, squid, and butterfish SAFE report documents are available on the New England Fishery Management Council's website.
Species Managed
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Little Skate
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Thorny Skate
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Barndoor Skate
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Rosette Skate
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Smooth Skate
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Clearnose Skate
More Information
Actions
Proposed Rule for Southern New England Habitat Area of Particular Concern
NOAA is requesting comment on Proposed Rule for Southern New England Habitat Area of Particular Concern
Published
09/26/2023
Northeast Skate Complex: Framework Adjustment 6 Revisions to 2018-2019 Specifications
This rule proposes to approve and implement measures submitted by the New England Fishery Management Council in Framework Adjustment 6 to the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery Management Plan and revise the 2018-2019 specifications. This action would reduce
Published
11/27/2018
2022-2023 Northeast Skate Fishery Specifications
Final Rule for 2022-2023 Specifications for the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery, as recommended by the New England Fishery Management Council.
Effective
05/01/2022
Final Rule to Implement Framework Adjustment 8 to the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery Management Plan
Northeast Skate Framework Adjustment 8 Proposed Rule
Effective
05/01/2020
Northeast Skate Complex; Framework Adjustment 6; Revised 2018-2019 Specifications
NOAA Fisheries approves and implements measures submitted by the New England Fishery Management Council in Framework Adjustment 6 to the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery Management Plan and revises the 2018-2019 skate fishery specifications.
Effective
02/15/2019
Final Action to Close Nantucket Lightship and Closed Area I Closure Areas to Gillnet Gear
NOAA Fisheries closes Nantucket Lightship and Closed Area I Closure Areas to gillnet gear.
Effective
12/17/2018
Northeast Skate Complex; Framework Adjustment 5 and 2018-2019 Specifications
NOAA approves regulations to implement Northeast Skate Complex Fishery Management Plan Framework Adjustment 5 management measures and 2018-2019 specifications for the skate fishery. The action is necessary to establish skate specifications to be consisten
Effective
09/28/2018
Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat Amendment 2
This action implements approved regulations for the New England Fishery Management Council's Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat Amendment 2. This rule revises essential fish habitat and habitat area of particular concern designations, revises or creates habit
Effective
04/09/2018
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Skate Complex; Inseason Adjustment to the Skate Wing Possession Limit
We announce the adjustment of the commercial per-trip possession limit in the skate wing fishery for the remainder of the 2017 fishing year, through April 30, 2018, based on a revised landings projection. This possession limit adjustment is necessary t
Effective
04/09/2018
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Skate Complex; Framework Adjustment 4
The final rule approves regulations to implement the Northeast Skate Complex Fishery Management Plan Framework Adjustment 4 management measures. This rule implements several measures to reduce the risk of the skate bait fishery from effectively closing do
Published
02/13/2018
Northeast Multispecies Management Plan
About
The Northeast multispecies fishery is managed by the New England Fishery Management Council using a variety of management tools, including days-at-sea, special management programs, and sectors. The fishery involves numerous species of groundfish found throughout the Greater Atlantic region. The fishery is executed using primarily trawl, gillnet, and hook gear.Â
Implementing regulations are found at 50 CFR Part 648 Subpart F. Find out more about Managing Sustainable Fisheries in the Greater Atlantic Region.
SAFE Reports
Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) reports are documents or sets of documents that summarize the best scientific information available for federally managed fish stocks. This includes information concerning the biological condition of stocks and marine ecosystems, essential fish habitat (EFH), and the socioeconomic condition of commercial and recreational fisheries. The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act requires that SAFE reports be made available on a publicly accessible website to facilitate use of the information. Northeast Multispecies SAFE report documents are available on the New England Fishery Management Council's website.
Species Managed
More Information
Actions
Fishing Year 2024 Recreational Management Measures for Cod and Haddock
Proposed Fishing Year 2024 Recreational Management Measures for Gulf of Maine Cod, and Gulf of Maine Haddock.
Comments Close
06/03/2024
Proposed Rule for Southern New England Habitat Area of Particular Concern
NOAA is requesting comment on Proposed Rule for Southern New England Habitat Area of Particular Concern
Published
09/26/2023
Approved Electronic Monitoring Providers for Groundfish Sectors
NOAA Fisheries is announcing additional approved electronic monitoring providers for fishing year 2022.
Published
01/20/2022
Receipt of Petition for Rulemaking for Atlantic Cod
Receipt of Petition for Rulemaking for Atlantic Cod
Published
08/18/2021
Approved At-Sea Monitoring and Electronic Monitoring Providers for Groundfish Sectors
Approved At-Sea Monitoring and Electronic Monitoring Providers for Groundfish Sectors
Published
02/04/2021
Northeast Multispecies Fishery Approved Monitoring Service Providers
NOAA Fisheries has approved four companies to provide Northeast multispecies sector at-sea monitoring services in fishing years 2019 and 2020. Regulations implementing the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan require at-sea monitoring companies
Published
02/01/2019
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; 2018-2020 Small-Mesh Multispecies Specifications
We propose small-mesh multispecies specifications for fishing years 2018-2020 and corrects a regulatory error from a previous rulemaking action. The specifications are intended to establish allowable catch limits for each stock within the fishery
Effective
04/27/2018
Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan: Control Date for Northeast Multispecies Charter/Party Fishery
This notice announces a new control date that may be used to determine future participation in the Northeast multispecies charter/party fishery. This notice is necessary to inform interested parties that the New England Fishery Management Council is consi
Effective
04/18/2018
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Fishing Year 2018 Recreational Management Measures
We propose to set 2018 recreational management measures for Gulf of Maine cod and haddock and Georges Bank cod. This action is necessary to respond to updated catch and other scientific information.
Effective
04/06/2018
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery;
This action proposes approval of, and regulations to implement, Framework Adjustment 57 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan. This rule would set 2018-2020 catch limits for 20 multispecies (groundfish) stocks.
Effective
04/06/2018
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Adjustment of Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic Yellowtail Flounder Catch
This action transfers unused quota of Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic yellowtail flounder from the Atlantic sea scallop fishery to the Northeast multispecies fishery for the remainder of the 2017 fishing year. This transfer implements an inseason adjust
Effective
03/21/2018
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Groundfish Fishery;
This rule extends the emergency action to remove the 2017 southern windowpane flounder accountability measures (AM) for non-groundfish trawl vessels. The rule is necessary because the emergency measures would otherwise expire before the end of the 2017 fi
Effective
03/01/2018
Framework Adjustment 66 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan
We are proposing Framework Adjustment 66 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The action would set specifications for 8 stocks and modify some accountability measure triggers.
Published
05/02/2024
Northeast Multispecies Common Pool Fishery and Other Measures for Fishing Year 2024
This action implements measures for the Northeast multispecies fishery for fishing year 2024, including common pool fishery possession and trip limits.
Effective
05/01/2024
FY 2023: Gulf of Maine Cod Trimester 3 TAC Area Closure and Trip Limit Adjustment
This action prohibits possession of GOM cod by common pool vessels through the end of the fishing year and closes the GOM Cod Trimester TAC Area to common pool vessels fishing with trawl, sink gillnet, and longline/hook gear for Trimester 3 of FY 2023.
Effective
12/15/2023
FY 2023 - White Hake Trimester Total Allowable Catch Area Closure for the Common Pool Fishery
This action closes the White Hake Trimester Total Allowable Catch Area to Northeast multispecies common pool vessels fishing with trawl gear, sink gillnet gear, and longline/hook gear, except Handgear A and Handgear B vessels, through December 31, 2023.
Effective
11/13/2023
Gulf of Maine Cod Possession and Trip Limit Adjustment for the Common Pool Fishery
This action decreases the possession and trip limits for Gulf of Maine (GOM) cod for Northeast multispecies common pool vessels for the remainder of the 2023 fishing year, through April 30, 2024.
Effective
10/12/2023
Framework Adjustment 65 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan & Emergency Measures for Gulf of Maine Haddock
NOAA Fisheries approved Framework Adjustment 65 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan and is announcing final quotas for fishing year 2023. This action also approves and implements emergency measures for Gulf of Maine (GOM) haddock.
Effective
08/18/2023
Fishing Year 2023 Recreational Management Measures for Cod and Haddock
Final Fishing Year 2023 Recreational Management Measures for Gulf of Maine Cod, Gulf of Maine Haddock, and Georges Bank Cod
Effective
08/14/2023
Gulf of Maine Cod Trimester Total Allowable Catch Area Closure for the Common Pool Fishery
This action closes the Gulf of Maine Cod Trimester Total Allowable Catch Area to Northeast multispecies common pool vessels fishing with trawl gear, sink gillnet gear, and longline/hook gear, through August 31, 2023.
Effective
07/27/2023
Approval of 2023 and 2024 Sector Operations Plans and Allocation of 2023 Northeast Multispecies Annual Catch Entitlements
Approval of 2023 and 2024 Sector Operations Plans and Allocation of 2023 Northeast Multispecies Annual Catch Entitlements
Effective
05/01/2023
Northeast Multispecies Common Pool Fishery and Other Measures for Fishing Year 2023
This action implements measures for the Northeast multispecies fishery for the 2021 fishing year, including common pool fishery possession and trip limits.
Effective
05/01/2023
White Hake Trimester Total Allowable Catch Area Closure for the Common Pool Fishery
This action closes the White Hake Trimester Total Allowable Catch Area to common pool vessels on a groundfish trip fishing with trawl gear, sink gillnet gear, and longline/hook gear, except for Handgear A and B permitted vessels.
Effective
04/18/2023
Northeast Multispecies Fishery: Amendment 23
NOAA Fisheries has approved and implemented measures in Amendment 23 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan, which the New England Fishery Management Council adopted.Â
Published
12/09/2022
Changes to Cod and Haddock Recreational Regulations in the Gulf of Maine for Fishing Year 2022
NOAA Fisheries Makes Changes to Cod and Haddock Recreational Regulations in the Gulf of Maine for Fishing Year 2022
Effective
08/30/2022
Framework Adjustment 63 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan
We approved Framework Adjustment 63 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan and are announcing final quotas for fishing year 2022, effective July 15, 2022. This action also approves and implements recreational measures for Georges Bank cod.
Effective
07/15/2022
Annual Catch Entitlements to Sectors for Fishing Year 2022
NOAA Fisheries Allocates Annual Catch Entitlements to Sectors for Fishing Year 2022
Effective
05/01/2022
Northeast Multispecies Common Pool Fishery and Other Measures for Fishing Year 2022
This action implements measures for the Northeast Multispecies Common Pool Fishery for Fishing Year 2022, including possession and trip limits, zero trips to the Closed Area II Yellowtail Flounder/Haddock SAP, and closure of the Regular B DAS program.
Effective
05/01/2022
Fishing Year 2021 Possession and Trip Limit Increases for the Common Pool Groundfish Fishery
This action increases the possession and trip limits of Gulf of Maine cod, Cape Cod/Gulf of Maine yellowtail flounder, and witch flounder for Northeast multispecies common pool vessels for the remainder of the 2021 fishing year.
Effective
02/24/2022
2021-2023 Small-Mesh Multispecies Specifications
2021-2023 Specifications for the Small-Mesh Multispecies (Whiting) Fishery, as recommended by the New England Fishery Management Council.
Published
02/01/2022
Rebuilding Plan for the Southern Red Hake Fishery
NOAA Fisheries approves and implements a rebuilding plan for the southern red hake stock as proposed by the New England Fishery Management Council in Framework Adjustment 62 to the Small-Mesh Multispecies Fishery Management Plan.
Effective
01/25/2022
Framework Adjustment 61 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan
Framework Adjustment 61 to the Northeast Multispecies (Groundfish) Fishery Management Plan (FMP)
Effective
07/27/2021
Northeast Multispecies Common Pool Fishery and Other Measures for Fishing Year 2021
This action implements measures for the Northeast multispecies fishery for the 2021 fishing year, including common pool fishery possession and trip limits.
Effective
05/01/2021
Approval of 2021 and 2022 Sector Operations Plans and Allocation of 2021 Northeast Multispecies Annual Catch Entitlements
Final Rule: Approval of 2021 and 2022 Sector Operations Plans and Allocation of 2021 Northeast Multispecies Annual Catch Entitlements
Effective
05/01/2021
Revisions to Framework Adjustment 59 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan and Sector Annual Catch Entitlements; Correction
This final rule distributes sector allocation carried over from fishing year 2019 into fishing year 2020 and corrects minor errors published in the final rule approving and implementing Framework Adjustment 59
Effective
03/25/2021
Fishing Year 2020 Possession and Trip Limit Increases for the Northeast Multispecies (New England Groundfish) Common Pool Fishery
Regulatory action increases possession and trip limits for certain Northeast multispecies (groundfish) common pool vessels for the remainder of the 2020 fishing year, through April 30, 2021.
Effective
03/11/2021
Increase in Sector Carryover of 2019 Annual Catch Entitlements and Carryover of Unused Leased-in Days-at-Sea by Common Pool Vessels
This temporary rule implements emergency measures under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to revise portions of the fishing year 2019 carryover provisions in the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan.
Effective
12/31/2020
Interim Final Rule; Fishing Year 2020 Recreational Management Measures for the Northeast Multispecies Fishery
This rule sets fishing year 2020 recreational management measures for Gulf of Maine cod and haddock. The measures are intended to ensure the recreational fishery achieves, but does not exceed, fishing year 2020 catch limits.
Effective
08/13/2020
Framework Adjustment 59 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan
Framework Adjustment 59 to the Northeast Multispecies (Groundfish) Fishery Management Plan (FMP)
Effective
07/28/2020
Removal of Regulations Implementing the Closed Area I Hook Gear Haddock Special Access Program
This action removes regulations that implement the Closed Area I Hook Gear Haddock Special Access Program. Eliminating the Closed Area I Hook Gear Haddock Special Access Program reduces confusion and inconsistency with other regulations.
Published
07/22/2020
2019 and 2020 Sector Operations Plans and 2019/2020 Allocation of Northeast Multispecies Annual Catch Entitlements
This rule approves Northeast multispecies sector operations plans and grants regulatory exemptions for fishing years 2019 and 2020, approves the formation of a new sector, and allocates annual catch entitlements to approved sectors for fishing year 2020.
Effective
05/01/2020
Northeast Multispecies Measures for Fishing Year 2020
This action implements measures for the Northeast multispecies fishery for the 2020 fishing year. These include FY 2020 common pool possession and trip limits and measures enacted via Regional Administrator authority.
Effective
05/01/2020
Approval of New Gear Under Small-Mesh Fisheries Accountability Measures for Northeast Multispecies Fishery
NOAA Fisheries approves new selective trawl gear for use in several non-groundfish fisheries when subject to the Georges Bank yellowtail flounder accountability measure.
Effective
04/06/2020
Possession and Trip Limit Increases for the Northeast Multispecies (New England Groundfish) Common Pool Fishery
Regulatory action increases possession and trip limits for certain Northeast multispecies (groundfish) common pool vessels for the remainder of the 2019 fishing year, through April 30, 2020.
Effective
03/23/2020
Expansion of the Scallop Dredge Exemption Areas Under the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan
NOAA Fisheries proposes to implement modifications to the regulations implementing the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan to allow vessels issued a limited access general category individual fishing quota sea scallop permit to fish
Effective
02/14/2020
2019 Southern Red Hake Possession Limit Reduction
The possession limit for southern red hake has been reduced from 5,000 lb to the incidental limit of 400 lb.
Effective
02/03/2020
Closure of the Regular B Days-at-Sea Program for the Remainder of Fishing Year 2019
This action closes the Regular B Days-at-Sea Program and prohibits the use of Regular B Days-at-Sea for all Northeast multispecies vessels for the remainder of fishing year 2019, through April 30, 2020. Â
Effective
12/16/2019
2019 Northern Red Hake Possession Limit Reduction
This action reduces the commercial per-trip possession limit for northern red hake for the remainder of the 2019 fishing year. Regulations governing the small-mesh multispecies fishery require this action because the northern red hake fishery is projected
Effective
09/09/2019
Framework Adjustment 58 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan
This action proposes to approve and implement Framework Adjustment 58 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan. This rule would set 2019–2020 catch limits for 7 of the 20 multispecies (groundfish) stocks, implement new or revised rebuilding
Effective
07/18/2019
Northeast Multispecies Fishery: Fishing Year 2019 Recreational Management Measures
The 2019 Gulf of Maine cod and haddock recreational management measures have changed. We are opening a 2-week season (September 15-30) for Gulf of Maine cod, the possession limit will be 1 fish per person, and the minimum size will be 21 inches.
Effective
07/05/2019
Correction: Common Pool Gulf of Maine Winter Flounder Trip Limit
We are correcting a temporary rule that implemented measures for Northeast multispecies common pool vessels for the 2019 fishing year. These measures included possession and trip limits and the allocation of zero trips into the Closed Area II Yellowtail F
Effective
05/10/2019
Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Common Pool Measures for Fishing Year 2019
This action implements measures for Northeast multispecies common pool vessels for the 2019 fishing year. This action is necessary to ensure that the Northeast multispecies common pool fishery may achieve the optimum yield (OY) for the relevant stocks, wh
Effective
05/01/2019
Northeast Multispecies Fishery: Witch Flounder Trimester Total Allowable Catch Area Closure for the Common Pool Fishery
This action closes the Witch Flounder Trimester Total Allowable Catch Area to Northeast multispecies common pool vessels fishing with trawl gear through April 30, 2019. The closure is required because the common pool fishery is projected to have caught ov
Effective
04/12/2019
Adjustment of Georges Bank and Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic Yellowtail Flounder Annual Catch Limits
This action transfers unused quota of Georges Bank and Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic yellowtail flounder from the Atlantic scallop fishery to the Northeast multispecies fishery for the remainder of the 2018 fishing year. This quota transfer is authori
Effective
03/21/2019
Gulf of Maine Cod and Witch Flounder Trip Limit Increases for the Common Pool Fishery
This action increases the possession and trip limits of Gulf of Maine cod and witch flounder for Northeast multispecies common pool vessels for the remainder of the 2019 fishing year, in order to provide the common pool fishery greater opportunity to harv
Effective
03/13/2019
Small-Mesh Multispecies Fishery: Inseason Adjustment to the Northern Red Hake Possession Limit
This action reduces that the commercial per-trip possession limit for northern red hake for the remainder of the 2018 fishing year. Regulations governing the small-mesh multispecies fishery require this action because the northern red hake fishery is proj
Effective
02/27/2019
Updated Groundfish Annual Catch Limits for Sectors and the Common Pool for Fishing Year 2018
Under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), this final rule adjusts the 2018 fishing year allocations to sectors and the common pool specified in Framework Adjustment 57 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan;
Published
02/05/2019
Small-Mesh Multispecies Fishery: Inseason Adjustment to the Southern Red Hake Possession Limit
NOAA Fisheries announces that the commercial per-trip possession limit for southern red hake has been reduced for the remainder of the 2018 fishing year. Regulations governing the small-mesh multispecies fishery require this action to prevent the southern
Effective
12/26/2018
Final Action to Close Nantucket Lightship and Closed Area I Closure Areas to Gillnet Gear
NOAA Fisheries closes Nantucket Lightship and Closed Area I Closure Areas to gillnet gear.
Effective
12/17/2018
Georges Bank Cod Trip Limit Adjustment for the Common Pool Fishery
This action adjusts the possession and trip limits of Georges Bank cod for Northeast multispecies common pool vessels for the remainder of the 2018 fishing year, in order to ensure that the common pool fishery is able to harvest, but not exceed, its annua
Effective
11/29/2018
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States: 2018-2020 Small-Mesh Multispecies Specifications
NOAA Fisheries issues final 2018 and projected 2019-2020 specifications for the small-mesh multispecies fishery, and corrects an error from a previous action. The specifications are necessary to establish allowable catch limits for each stock within the f
Effective
06/14/2018
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Fishing Year 2018 Recreational Management Measures
This action adjusts recreational management measures for Georges Bank cod and maintains status quo measures for Gulf of Maine cod and haddock for the 2018 fishing year. This action is necessary to respond to updated scientific information and to achieve t
Effective
05/01/2018
Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat Amendment 2
This action implements approved regulations for the New England Fishery Management Council's Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat Amendment 2. This rule revises essential fish habitat and habitat area of particular concern designations, revises or creates habit
Effective
04/09/2018
Deep-Sea Red Crab Management Plan
About
The Atlantic deep-sea red crab fishery in the United States operates along the edge of the continental shelf off southern New England and the Mid-Atlantic Bight. Deep-sea red crab inhabit mud, sand, and hard bottom at depths from 200 to 1800+ meters, at water temperatures between 5-8° C. The small, directed red crab fishery uses traps and targets male red crabs at a depth of approximately 400-600 meters.Â
The market for deep-sea red crab is for human consumption and is sold either as fresh picked meat or as frozen legs. The red crab fishery was certified by the Marine Stewardship Council as sustainable in the fall of 2009.
Implementing regulations are found at 50 CFR part 648 subpart M. Find out more about Managing Sustainable Fisheries in the Greater Atlantic Region.
Species Managed
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Red Crab
More Information
Actions
There are no under development actions associated with this management plan.
Final Rule for 2022 Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab Quota
2022 atlantic deep-sea red crab quota
Effective
03/01/2022
Final Rule to Implement 2021 Red Crab Quotas
2021 Red crab quotas
Effective
04/26/2021
Final Rule for Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab 2020 Specifications
Red Crab Specifications
Published
04/14/2020
2019 Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab Specifications
We are finalizing specifications for the 2019 Atlantic deep-sea red crab fishery, including an annual catch limit and total allowable landings limit. This action is necessary to fully implement previously projected allowable red crab harvest levels that w
Effective
03/01/2019
Final Action to Close Nantucket Lightship and Closed Area I Closure Areas to Gillnet Gear
NOAA Fisheries closes Nantucket Lightship and Closed Area I Closure Areas to gillnet gear.
Effective
12/17/2018
Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat Amendment 2
This action implements approved regulations for the New England Fishery Management Council's Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat Amendment 2. This rule revises essential fish habitat and habitat area of particular concern designations, revises or creates habit
Effective
04/09/2018
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab Fishery; 2018 Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab Specifications
We are implementing specifications for the 2018 Atlantic deep-sea red crab fishery, including an annual catch limit and total allowable landings limit. This action is necessary to implement allowable red crab harvest levels that will prevent overfishing a
Published
02/02/2018
Atlantic Sea Scallop Management Plan
About
The Atlantic sea scallop is one of the most valuable fisheries in the United States. The primary range for the Atlantic sea scallop fishery is along the Atlantic coast from the Mid-Atlantic to the United States/Canada border. The scallop fishery uses predominantly paired or single scallop dredges throughout the entire range of the fishery. To a lesser extent, and mainly in the Mid-Atlantic region, the scallop fishery uses trawl gear. Most vessels land Atlantic sea scallops as shucked meats (the adductor muscle) but some vessels also land whole (in-shell) scallops.
Implementing regulations are found at 50 CFR Part 648 Subpart D.
Get more information on New England/Mid-Atlantic fisheries.
Species Managed
More Information
Actions
Proposed Rule for Southern New England Habitat Area of Particular Concern
NOAA is requesting comment on Proposed Rule for Southern New England Habitat Area of Particular Concern
Published
09/26/2023
Proposed Rule; Request for Comments; Northern Gulf of Maine Measures in Framework Adjustment 29 to Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan
We propose some of the measures included in Framework Adjustment 29 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan that establish scallop specifications and other measures for the Northern Gulf of Maine scallop management area
Effective
03/07/2018
2024 Closure of the Northern Gulf of Maine Scallop Fishery
This temporary rule closes the Northern Gulf of Maine scallop fishery 00:01 on April 20, 2024 until March 31, 2025.
Effective
04/20/2024
Framework Adjustment 38 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan
Framework 38 establishes scallop specifications and other measures for fishing years 2024 and 2025, including changes to the catch, effort, and quota allocations and adjustments to the rotational area management program.
Published
03/22/2024
Framework Adjustment 36 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan
Framework 36 would set scallop fishery specifications and other management measures for fishing years 2023 and 2024. Framework 36 would implement measures to protect small scallops and revise regulatory text.
Effective
04/01/2023
Closure of the 2022 Closed Area I Scallop Access Area for the Limited Access General Category Individual Fishing Quota Fleet
The Closed Area I Scallop Access Area is closed to Limited Access General Category Individual Fishing Quota scallop vessels effective 0001 hours, on January 14, 2023, and will remain closed for the remainder of the fishing year.
Effective
01/14/2023
2022 Closure of the Northern Gulf of Maine Scallop Management Area for Limited Access General Category Vessels
2022 Closure of the Northern Gulf of Maine Scallop Management Area for Limited Access General Category Vessels
Effective
05/26/2022
Amendment 21 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan
NOAA Fisheries approves and implements through regulations measures included in Amendment 21 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan.
Effective
04/01/2022
Framework Adjustment 34 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan
Framework 34 set scallop fishery specifications for fishing year 2022, including days-at-sea, individual fishing quota, sea scallop access area trips, and Northern Gulf of Maine allocations.
Published
03/30/2022
2021 Closure of the Closed Area I Scallop Access Area for the Limited Access General Category Individual Fishing Quota Fleet
The Closed Area I Scallop Access Area is closed to Limited Access General Category Individual Fishing Quota scallop vessels effective 0001 hours, on September 17, 2021, and will remain closed for the remainder of the fishing year.
Effective
09/17/2021
Framework Adjustment 33 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan
Framework 33 sets management measures for the scallop fishery for 2021, including the annual catch limits for the limited access and limited access general category fleets, as well as days-at-sea allocations and sea scallop access area trip allocations.
Issued
05/19/2021
Closure of the Northern Gulf of Maine Scallop Management Area for Limited Access General Category Vessels
NOAA Fisheries announces the closure of the Northern Gulf of Maine Scallop Management Area for the remainder of the 2021 fishing year for Limited Access General Category vessels.
Effective
05/06/2021
2020 Closure of the Closed Area I Access Area to the Limited Access General Category Individual Fishing Quota Fishery
The Closed Area I Access Area is closed to all Limited Access General Category Individual Fishing Quota scallop vessels effective 0001 hours on September 13, 2020, and will remain closed for the remainder of the fishing year.
Effective
09/13/2020
2020 Closure of the Mid-Atlantic Access Area to the Limited Access General Category Individual Fishing Quota Fishery
The Mid-Atlantic Access Area is closed to all Limited Access General Category Individual Fishing Quota scallop vessels effective 0001 hours on July 19, 2020, and will remain closed for the remainder of the fishing year.
Effective
07/19/2020
Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery; Emergency Action to Extend Portions of the Fishing Year 2019 Scallop Carryover Provisions
NOAA Fisheries approves and implements and emergency rule to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan that extends portions of the fishing y ear 2019 carryover provisions.
Effective
06/01/2020
2020 Closure of the Northern Gulf of Maine Scallop Management Area to the Limited Access General Category Fishery
The Northern Gulf of Maine Management Area is closed to all Limited Access General Category scallop vessels effective 0001 hours on May 23, 2020, and will remain closed for the remainder of the fishing year.
Effective
05/23/2020
Framework Adjustment 32 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan
Approves and implements Framework Adjustment 32 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan that establishes scallop specifications and other measures for fishing years 2020 and 2021.
Effective
04/01/2020
Closure of the Mid-Atlantic Scallop Access Area to General Category Individual Fishing Quota Scallop Vessels
NOAA Fisheries announces that the Mid-Atlantic Scallop Access Area is closed to Limited Access General Category Individual Fishing Quota scallop vessels for the remainder of the 2019 fishing year. No vessel issued a Limited Access General Category Individ
Effective
10/02/2019
Closure of the Closed Area I Scallop Access Area to General Category Individual Fishing Quota Scallop Vessels
The Closed Area I Scallop Access Area is closed to Limited Access General Category Individual Fishing Quota scallop vessels effective 0001 hours on June 23, 2019, and will remain closed to Limited Access General Category Individual Fishing
Effective
06/23/2019
Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery; 2019 Closure of the Northern Gulf of Maine Scallop Management Area to the Limited Access General Category Fishery
NOAA Fisheries announces the closure of the Northern Gulf of Maine Scallop Management Area for the remainder of the 2019 fishing year for Limited Access General Category vessels.
Effective
04/25/2019
Framework Adjustment 30 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan
NOAA Fisheries approves and implements the measures of Framework Adjustment 30 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan that establish scallop specifications and other measures for fishing years 2019 and 2020.
Effective
04/01/2019
Adjustment of Georges Bank and Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic Yellowtail Flounder Annual Catch Limits
This action transfers unused quota of Georges Bank and Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic yellowtail flounder from the Atlantic scallop fishery to the Northeast multispecies fishery for the remainder of the 2018 fishing year. This quota transfer is authori
Effective
03/21/2019
Closure of the Mid-Atlantic Scallop Access Area to General Category Individual Fishing Quota Scallop Vessels
NOAA Fisheries announces that the Mid-Atlantic Scallop Access Area is closed to Limited Access General Category Individual Fishing Quota scallop vessels for the remainder of the 2018 fishing year (though March 31,2019).
No vessel issued a Limited Access
Effective
12/24/2018
Final Action to Close Nantucket Lightship and Closed Area I Closure Areas to Gillnet Gear
NOAA Fisheries closes Nantucket Lightship and Closed Area I Closure Areas to gillnet gear.
Effective
12/17/2018
Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat Amendment 2
This action implements approved regulations for the New England Fishery Management Council's Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat Amendment 2. This rule revises essential fish habitat and habitat area of particular concern designations, revises or creates habit
Effective
04/09/2018
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northern Gulf of Maine Measures in Framework Adjustment 29 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management
We approve and implement those measures included in Framework Adjustment 29 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan that establish fishing year 2018 and 2019 scallop specifications and other measures for the Northern Gulf of Maine sca
Effective
04/01/2018