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DOC/NOAA RIN: 0648-BH51 Publication ID: Spring 2018 
Title: ●Framework Adjustment 29 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan; Northern Gulf of Maine Measures  
Abstract:

This action implements the New England Fishery Management Council's Framework Adjustment 29 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan. The Atlantic sea scallop fishery consists of two primary fleets, the Limited Access fleet, and the Limited Access General Category fleet. The Limited Access fleet is managed with days-at-sea -- a number of days that can be fished per year -- and an access area rotation program. Framework 29 would set management measures in the Northern Gulf of Maine for the scallop fishery for the 2018 fishing year, including dividing the annual total allowable catch between the Limited Access and Limited Access General Category fleets. Currently, Limited Access vessels can access the Northern Gulf of Maine while on days-at-sea with no hard limit on landings while in the area. This has resulted in total landings from the Northern Gulf of Maine by the Limited Access fleet that far exceeded the total allowable catch for the Limited Access General Category fleet. Instead, this action would allow Limited Access vessels access through research set-aside compensation fishing. Currently the limited access fleet is allocated days-at-sea based on the condition of the scallop resource in the open area. They can choose to use these days-at-sea in the Northern Gulf of Maine if the area has not been closed. This action would prohibit the Limited Access fleet from accessing the Northern Gulf of Maine while participating in the days-at-sea program. The Limited Access fleet share of the Northern Gulf of Maine total allowable catch would be available through research set-aside compensation fishing only.

 
Agency: Department of Commerce(DOC)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: First time published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
EO 13771 Designation: Not subject to, not significant 
CFR Citation: 50 CFR 648   
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  02/20/2018  83 FR 7129   
NPRM Comment Period End  03/07/2018 
Final Action  05/00/2018 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: Yes 
Agency Contact:
Michael Pentony
Regional Administrator, Greater Atlantic Region
Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
55 Great Republic Drive,
Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone:978 281-9283
Email: michael.pentony@noaa.gov