Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Allowance of New Gear (Eliminator Trawl) in Specific Special Management Programs

NMFS proposes approval for using another type of trawl gear known as the ``eliminator trawl'' in the Regular B Days-at-Sea (DAS) Program and the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock Special Access Program (SAP). Vessels fishing in the Regular B DAS Program and the Eastern U.S./Canada Haddock SAP must use approved trawl gear in order to reduce the catch of multispecies (groundfish) stocks of concern. The Northeast (NE) Regional Administrator, NMFS, may approve additional gears for use in these programs if research demonstrates that the gear meets specific standards for the reduction of catch of stocks of concern. The intent of this action is to reduce catch of stocks of concern in the NE multispecies fishery.

Agency Contact: Thomas Warren, Fishery Policy Analyst, (978) 281-9347, fax (978) 281-9135.