March 3, 2023 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
- • Set management measures for the scallop fishery for the 2023 fishing year (April 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024), including the annual catch limits for the limited access and limited access general category fleets, as well as days-at-sea allocations and sea scallop access area trip allocations.
- Implement specifications that would result in projected landings of 34 million lb, a 6 million-lb reduction from the fishing year 2021 projected landings. This is due primarily to a decrease in harvestable biomass and a lack of significant scallop recruitment in recent years.
- Incorporate the new specifications-setting methodology and other changes developed in Amendment 21 into the fishing year 2023 specifications.
- Maintain the existing seasonal closure in Closed Area II to reduce bycatch of Georges Bank yellowtail flounder and northern windowpane flounder.
- Close an area on the New York Bight to fishing to protect small scallops and promote scallop recruitment in the mid-Atlantic