Framework Adjustment 40 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan (2026–2027 Specifications)

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has approved and implemented Framework Adjustment 40 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan, establishing binding management specifications for fishing years 2026 and 2027. The rule sets days-at-sea (DAS) allocations for limited access vessels and defines catch limits for the Limited Access General Category (LAGC) fleet. The framework modifies area designations within the scallop fishery, including adjustments to rotational closure areas intended to protect juvenile scallop populations and allow recovery of depleted beds. These spatial management changes are designed to optimize long-term yield-per-recruit by reducing harvest pressure in areas with high concentrations of smaller, immature scallops. The action is legally required under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to prevent overfishing and achieve optimum yield from the fishery. NMFS determined that current stock conditions and recruitment patterns necessitated updated specifications rather than continuing prior-year measures. Commercial scallop fishing operations — including full-time, part-time, and occasional limited access permit holders as well as LAGC individual fishing quota (IFQ) holders — will be directly subject to these new allocations and area restrictions beginning in fishing year 2026.

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