Summary of Plan Plan Amendments Framework Adjustments

Original FMP
Framework Adjustment
Federal Register Publication Date
Date Implemented
Description of Actions
Waiting approval
resubmitted on April 17, 2014
   
 
5/20/13
 
 5/7/12
 
8/1/11
 
6/28/10
 
20
12/24/07
This action maintains the trip allocations and possession limits established by the interim measures that were enacted by NMFS on June 21, 2007, for the Elephant Trunk Access Area (ETAA) in 2007 to reduce the potential for overfishing the Atlantic sea scallop (scallop) resource and excessive scallop mortality. This action reduces the number of scallop trips to the ETAA, and prohibits the retention of more than 50 U.S. bushels (17.62 hL) of in-shell scallop outside ot the boundaries of the ETAA (deckloading). The action also clarifies that the current restriction on landing no more than one scallop trip per calendar day for vessels fishing under general category rules does not prohibit a vessel from leaving on a scallop trip on the same calendar day that the vessel landed scallops.
6/1/08
Framework 19 includes the following scallop managment measures: Limited access scallop fishery specifications for 2008 and 2009 (open area days-at-sea (DAS) and Sea Scallop Access Area (access area) trip allocations); Elephant Trunk
Access Area (ETAA) and Delmarva Access Area (Delmarva) in-season trip
adjustment procedures; new Hudson Canyon Access Area (HCAA) measures;
DAS allocation adjustment measures if an access area yellowtail flounder
(yellowtail) total allowable catch (TAC) is caught; adjustments to the scallop
overfishing definition; a prohibition on deckloading of scallops on access area
trips; adjustments to the industryfunded observer program; a 30-day
vessel monitoring system (VMS) power down provision; general category access
area specifications for 2008 and 2009; and general category measures
dependent on the implementation of Amendment 11 to the FMP, including a
quarterly TAC, 2008 and 2009 general category quota allocations, and
individual fishing quota (IFQ) permit cost recovery program requirements.
06/15/06
Management measures implemented by this rule: Scallop fishery specifications for 2006 and 2007 (open area days-at -sea (DAS) and Scallop Access Area trip allocations); scallop Area Rotation Program adjustments; and revisions to management measures that would improve administration of the FMP. In addition, a seasonal closure of the Elephant Trunk Access Area (ETAA) implemented to reduce potential interactions between the scallop fishery and sea turtles.
10/21/05
Requires that vessels issued a general category scallop permit and that intend to land over 40 lb. of shucked or 5 bu. of in-shell scallops, install and operate vessel monitoring systems (VMS). Also allows general category scallop vessels with VMS units to turn off (power -down) their VMS units after they have off-loaded scallops and while they are tied to a fixed dock or mooring. Finally, this measure revises the broken trip adjustment provision for limited access scallop vessels fishing in the Sea Scallop Area Access Program.
11/02/04
To address and implement scallop area management in parts of the groundfish closed areas for Fishing Year 2004 and 2005. The measure focuses on allocations of fishing effort and scallop TACs, provisions to fund observers and research, enforcement provisions, monitoring requirements and measures to minimize or control bycatch.
03/01/03

The purpose for the proposed framework action is address a narrowly focused change in management regulations, giving the Council time to analyze, carefully consider, and take public comment on a broad range of management issues in Amendment 10. The focus of this action is to temporarily adjust the annual day-at-sea allocation for the 2003 fishing year to be consistent with Amendment 7 targets and objectives, while also temporarily continuing the successful area access program for the Hudson Canyon and VA/NC Areas. Other than adjusting the area access scallop possession limit to be consistent with increasing catch rates in the Mid-Atlantic, all associated area access provisions would remain unchanged from what is currently in place for 2002. No new area closures are being contemplated in this framework action, because this action and its effects is being analyzed and more thoroughly considered within the context of Amendment 10, including a carefully developed rotation management area system and a plan to minimize impacts on habitat and bycatch.
05/01/01
Adjusted the annual days-at-sea allocation for the 2001 and 2002 fishing years; allowed controlled access to portions of the Hudson Canyon and VA/NC areas for scallop fishing; and introduced a 50-busshel possession limit of in-shell scallops on vessels shoreward of the vessel monitoring system (VMS) demarcation line.
06/15/00
Temporarily re-opened portions of the groundfish closed areas for scallop fishing with restrictions. (Same as Framework Adjustment 34 to the Northeast Multispecies FMP). Except for Section 648.57 introductory paragraphs (a) and (b), which become effective 06/15/00 through 03/01/01 and 648.58(c)(3)(i) and (c)(3)(ii), which becomes effective 06/14/00
03/01/00
Adjusted the day-at-sea allocations for the 2000 fishing year and corrected the final rule implementing the Monkfish FMP by clarifying the 5% and 25% incidental catch criteria and clarifying the monkfish permit application/renewal deadlines.
Except Sections 648.4(a)(9)(i)(B) and 648.94(b)(4)(i), (b)(4)(ii), (c)(1)(i), and (c)(3)(i), which become effective 03/03/00.
06/15/99
Temporarily re-opened portions of the groundfish closed areas for scallop fishing with restrictions. In addition, required a minimum mesh twine top of 8 in. for vessels under a day-at-sea when fishing outside the Exemption Area. The primary intent of the action was to provide scallop vessels with a short-term strategy to access Closed Area II without compromising multispecies rebuilding or habitat protection while the New England Council develops an amendment that would implement a sea scallop area rotational management plan.
(Same as Framework Adjustment 29 to the Northeast Multispecies FMP)
Except for Section 648.51 (b)(2)(ii), which becomes effective 12/16/99.
08/28/98
through 02/28/00
Extended a closure to transiting and fishing with other than hand gear for an 18-month period to allow for the conduct of an NMFS-sponsored sea scallop aquaculture research project.
08/13/97
Exempted limited access and general category permit holders who fish exclusively under the State Waters Exemption Program from the 400lb. trip limit.
07/19/96
Allowed certain limited access vessels that cannot practically use a dredge to fish for scallops to use trawl nets.
03/05/96
(61 CFR 8490)
03/11/96
Permanently reduced the maximum crew size from nine to seven.
08/09/95
Modified the demarcation line in the current regulations that is used to monitor vessel activity. The intent of the framework was to enhance enforcement capability. (Same as Framework Adjustment 11 to the Northeast Multispecies FMP).
07/31/95
Restricted the use of trawl nets to catch scallops and the use of twine tops in dredges.
05/01/95
Temporarily adjusted the maximum crew limit on certain vessels from nine to seven through February 29, 1996.
12/4/95
Eliminated the requirement that permit applicants own title to a fishing vessel at the time they initially apply for limited access/moratorium permits. (Same as Framework Adjustment 1 to the American Lobster FMP and Framework Adjustment 7 to the Northeast Multispecies FMP).
11/16/94
Implemented an exemption from Federal gear regulations for vessels when fishing in state waters under a state scallop management program.
08/17/94
Temporarily adjusted the maximum crew limit; re-designated the fishing year for sea scallops to begin on March 1 each year; and refined existing gear requirements.