The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has announced a closure of the Northern Gulf of Maine (NGOM) Scallop Management Area until March 31, 2026. This decision is to prevent overfishing after the NGOM Set-Aside limit for scallops in 2025 was reached. Vessels with specific permits can still fish in state waters of Maine and Massachusetts. A new rule, Framework 39, might reopen this area if adjustments to the set-aside limit are approved.
Simple Explanation
The people in charge of fishing in the ocean near Maine have decided to close a special area where people catch sea scallops until March 2026 because too many scallops were caught this year. But if they come up with a new plan that everyone agrees on, people might get to start fishing there again sooner.