July 24, 2014 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
REMINDER: The Closed Area 2 Scallop Access Area will be closed from August 15 through November 15. Any vessel that plans to fish in this scallop access area must begin its trip prior to 00:01 on August 15.
In 2013, Scallop Framework 24 (see page 2 of this bulletin) put this seasonal closure in place to prevent discards of Georges Bank yellowtail flounder during a time of elevated bycatch rates. Please contact the Sustainable Fisheries Division at (978) 281-9315 if you have any further questions.