January 27, 2021 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:
The New England Fishery Management Council has selected final measures for Framework Adjustment 33 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan and voted to send the framework to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS/NOAA Fisheries) for review and implementation.
The framework includes: (1) specifications for the 2021 scallop fishing year; (2) default specifications for the 2022 fishing year; and (3) measures to minimize impacts on Georges Bank yellowtail flounder and northern windowpane flounder.
For 2021, full-time limited access vessels will be allocated:
- 1 trip to the Mid-Atlantic Access Area;
- 1.5 trips to Nantucket Lightship South;
- 1.5 trips to Closed Area II (Southwest and Extension) with a seasonal closure from August 15 through November 30 to reduce flatfish impacts;
- and 24 open area days-at-sea.