Framework Twenty One to the Atlantic Sea Scallop FMP, Including an Environmental Assessment, and Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis and Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) Report

摘要

This framework and Environmental Assessment (EA) presents and evaluates management measures and alternatives to achieve specific goals and objectives for the Atlantic sea scallop fishery. This document was prepared by the New England Fishery Management Council and its Scallop Plan Development Team (PDT) in consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS, NOAA Fisheries) and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC). This framework was developed in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSFCMA, M-S Act) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the former being the primary domestic legislation governing fisheries management in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This document also addresses the requirements of other applicable laws (See Section 6.0). In addition to the No Action alternative, the Council considered various other alternatives to address the purpose and need of this action. The purpose of this action is to achieve the objectives of the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan (FMP), which is to prevent overfishing and improve yield-per-recruit from the fishery. The primary need for this action is to set specifications to adjust the day-at-sea (DAS) allocations and an area rotation schedule for the 2010 fishing year. This framework adjustment also addresses other issues such as minimizing impacts of incidental take of sea turtles as per the March 14, 2008 Atlantic Sea Scallop FMP Biological Opinion and minor adjustments to the observer set aside program.