August 7, 2020 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
The Closed Area II Access Area is closed from August 15 – November 30. Scallop vessels must be outside of the area at 0001 on August 15, 2020, and any ongoing Closed Area II trips must be terminated. For fishing year 2020, the existing seasonal closure in Closed Area II is extended an additional 15 days to reduce bycatch of northern windowpane flounder and Georges Bank yellowtail flounder. Closed Area II will reopen on December 1, 2020, for the remainder of the 2020 fishing year and the first 60 days of fishing year 2021 (April 1, 2021 – May 30, 2021).
Questions?
Fishermen: Contact Travis Ford, Sustainable Fisheries, 978-281-9233
Media: Contact Allison Ferreira, Regional Office, 978-281-9103