The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has approved and implemented Framework Adjustment 39 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan. This rule sets fishing specifications and management measures for 2025 and 2026, including allocations of fishing effort, opening and closure of certain areas to protect juvenile scallops, and clarifications to research set-aside program regulations. The aim is to prevent overfishing, improve scallop yields, and optimize management of the fishery. Framework 39 increases opportunities for harvesting while managing bycatch and preserving scallop stock sustainability.
Simple Explanation
The government is making new rules for catching scallops in the ocean to make sure there are still lots of them for the future. They want to help fishermen catch more scallops without hurting baby scallops or other sea animals.