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DOC/NOAA RIN: 0648-AX20 Publication ID: Spring 2009 
Title: Modification to the Requirements for Chain-Mat Modified Dredges in the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery 
Abstract: NOAA Fisheries Service (NMFS) is currently developing a proposed rule that would modify the existing requirements related to the use of chain mats in the Atlantic sea scallop dredge fishery. Under the current regulations, sea scallop dredge vessels that enter waters south of 41° 9’ N latitude, from the shoreline to the outer boundary of the Exclusive Economic Zone, are required to have each dredge configured with a chain mat from May 1 through November 30 each year. Vessels that enter these waters are required to have the chain-mat configuration on all dredges for the duration of the trip. The chain-mat modified dredge is necessary to help reduce mortality and injury to endangered and threatened sea turtles in scallop dredge gear and to conserve sea turtles listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This rule proposes to make minor modifications to the existing requirements by: (1) further defining where on the dredge the horizontal and vertical chains comprising the chain mat should be hung; (2) excluding the sweep from the requirement that openings in the chain mat be 14 inches (35.5 cm) or less per side; and (3) adding a definition of the sweep. This action would be implemented under the ESA. 
Agency: Department of Commerce(DOC)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 50 CFR 222    50 CFR 223   
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq.   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  11/00/2009    
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Kristy Long
Fisheries Biologist
Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Room 13738, 1315 East-West Highway,
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone:301 713-2322
Fax:301 427-2522
Email: kristy.long@noaa.gov