Scallop Fishery off Alaska; Closure of Federal Waters to Protect Scallop Stocks

NMFS proposes regulations to implement a Fishery Management Plan for the Scallop Fishery Off Alaska (FMP). The FMP would specify the long-term optimum yield (OY) for the scallop fishery in Federal waters off Alaska as a numerical range of 0-1.1 million lbs (0-499 metric tons (mt)) of shucked scallop meats. The only management measure authorized under the FMP would be an interim closure of Federal waters off Alaska to fishing for scallops. The closure of Federal waters would remain effective for up to 1 year and is necessary to prevent overfishing of scallop stocks during the period of time an alternative FMP is prepared that would allow the controlled harvest of scallops in Federal waters. This action is intended to promote the objective of preventing overfishing of the scallop resource that could otherwise result from unregulated fishing for scallops in Federal waters.

Agency Contact: Susan Salveson, 907-586-7228.