August 21, 2013 — Based on Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission recommendations, NOAA Fisheries is issuing an advance notice of proposed rulemaking to provide background information and request public comment on potential changes to Federal American lobster regulations.
The proposed measures for the lobster trap fishery are intended to address the Commission's recommendations for Federal action to address the poor condition of the Southern New England (SNE) lobster stock and foster stock rebuilding. The rulemaking action considers management measures that would reduce lobster exploitation by 10 percent and reduce trap fishing effort in this area.