Framework Adjustment 40 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan (2026–2027 Specifications)
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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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Key Changes
- Establishes new days-at-sea (DAS) allocations for limited access scallop vessels for fishing years 2026 and 2027
- Sets Limited Access General Category (LAGC) individual fishing quota (IFQ) allocations for 2026–2027
- Modifies area designations within the scallop fishery, including changes to rotational closure zones to protect juvenile scallop populations
+ 3 more changes with Pro
Obligations
What this law requires
Limited access vessel operators must comply with assigned days-at-sea (DAS) allocations for fishing years 2026 and 2027 as specified in Framework Adjustment 40
Limited Access General Category (LAGC) individual fishing quota (IFQ) holders must comply with catch limits established in Framework Adjustment 40 for fishing years 2026 and 2027
Commercial scallop fishing operations must adhere to modified area designations and rotational closure areas as defined in Framework Adjustment 40, effective in fishing year 2026
Fishing vessels must not harvest scallops in designated rotational closure areas established to protect juvenile scallop populations during fishing years 2026 and 2027
Limited access and LAGC scallop permit holders must begin compliance with Framework Adjustment 40 specifications at the start of fishing year 2026