NEFMC Invites Scoping Comments on Limited Access Scallop Leasing Program

The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is conducting scoping for a scallop fishery Limited Access days-at-sea (DAS) and access area leasing program to assess: 1) the need for a leasing program, and 2) what elements the leasing program should consider. The Council is gathering input from the public before committing to initiating an action that would develop a leasing program. This scoping process is being conducted by the Council in response to a request by industry members to consider leasing in the Limited Access component of the fishery. In September of 2022, the Council will decide whether to initiate an amendment to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan (FMP) that may allow leasing.

Written comments should be sent to: Thomas A. Nies, Executive Director, New England Fishery Management Council, 50 Water Street, Mill 2, Newburyport, MA 01950 Fax (978) 465–3116 Email: comments@nefmc.org The deadline for written comments is 8 a.m. EST on July 5, 2022. Please note on your correspondence; “Atlantic Sea Scallop Limited Access Leasing Scoping Comments.”

The deadline to submit written comments is 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 5, 2022. Be sure to label your correspondence as “Atlantic Sea Scallop Limited Access Leasing Scoping Comments” and send by email, fax, or mail as follows:

  • Email: comments@nefmc.org;

  • Fax: (978) 465-3116; or

  • Mail:
    Tom Nies, Executive Director
    New England Fishery Management Council
    50 Water Street, Mill #2 Newburyport, MA 01950

For additional information, please visit the NEFMC website.