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

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) has requested NMFS to implement a proposed Fishery Management Plan for the Scallop Fishery off Alaska (FMP). The FMP would authorize an interim closure of Federal waters off Alaska to fishing for scallops for up to a 1-year period. The interim closure is necessary to prevent overfishing of scallop stocks during the period of time an alternative fishery management plan is developed that would allow the controlled harvest of scallops in Federal waters. This action is intended to promote the objective of the proposed FMP to prevent overfishing of the scallop resource that could otherwise result from unregulated fishing for scallops in Federal waters. Comments are requested from the public. Copies of the revised FMP amendments may be obtained from NMFS (see

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