This rule proposes to expand the current boundaries of the Great South Channel Scallop Dredge Exemption Area altering the area definition found in current regulations. All other regulations in accordance with the current Great South Channel Scallop Dredge Exemption Area would remain the same. The purpose of Great South Channel Scallop Dredge Exemption Area Expansion is to provide additional fishing area and greater flexibility to the Limited Access General Category fleet to achieve optimal utilization of the resource and equitable allocation of harvest opportunity in a manner that is consistent with the New England Fishery Management Council's Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan. The proposed expansion was initially requested by the fishing industry.