NOAAFinal Rule
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States: Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery; 2025 Closure of the Northern Gulf of Maine Scallop Management Area to the Limited Access General Category Fishery
AgricultureEnvironment
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Summary
The federal government is closing a fishing area in the Northern Gulf of Maine to commercial scallop fishing for limited-access boats during 2025. This closure is meant to protect the scallop population in that region, though it will reduce fishing opportunities for some commercial fishermen who hold limited-access permits.
Key Points
- 1The Northern Gulf of Maine scallop fishing area is closed to limited-access general category fishing vessels throughout 2025
- 2This closure applies only to certain commercial fishing boats with general category permits, not all scallop fishermen
- 3The rule is designed to help maintain healthy scallop populations by restricting how many can be harvested from this specific region
- 4Affected fishermen will need to fish in other approved scallop management areas instead of the Northern Gulf of Maine
- 5NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) made this decision based on scallop population data and fishing management plans
Impact Assessment
If you are a commercial scallop fisherman with a limited-access permit, this means you cannot fish for scallops in the Northern Gulf of Maine during 2025, reducing your income and fishing opportunities for that season.
Impact Level
Significant
Geographic Scope
Regional
Compliance Cost
Moderate
Who is Affected
Small BusinessesWorkers/LaborersConsumers
Key Dates
Published
April 16, 2025
Regulatory Connections
Amends CFR Sections
50 CFR Part 648
This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.
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