NOAA Shuts Down Maine Scallop Spot to Save the Harvest
Published Date: 4/30/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting in 2025, scallop fishing will be closed in the Northern Gulf of Maine once the set limit is hit to protect scallop populations. This affects fishermen with limited access permits who must stop scallop harvesting there for the rest of the year. The move helps keep scallops healthy and fishing sustainable, so everyone can enjoy them for years to come.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Northern Gulf of Maine 2025 Closure
If you hold a limited access scallop permit, you must stop possessing, retaining, or landing scallops in the Northern Gulf of Maine for the remainder of the 2025 fishing year once the Northern Gulf of Maine Set-Aside has been reached and the Regional Administrator publishes a notice in the Federal Register.
Action Intended to Prevent Overharvest
The closure is intended to prevent overharvest of the 2025 Northern Gulf of Maine Set-Aside and to help keep scallop populations healthy and fishing sustainable for future years.
Exceptions May Allow Limited Landings
The closure rule says that, "subject to specific enumerated exceptions," possession, retention, or landing of scallops is prohibited after the set-aside is reached, meaning some specific exceptions may allow certain vessels or persons to continue landing scallops despite the closure.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-05599 — Deep Seabed Mining: Notice of Receipt of Applications for Deep Seabed Mining Exploration Licenses and Announcement of Public Comment Period and Virtual Public Hearings
NOAA got two applications from companies wanting to explore mining deep under the ocean floor. They’re holding virtual public meetings in April and want your thoughts by May 22, 2026. This affects anyone interested in ocean mining and how we protect our seas while exploring new resources.
2026-04256 — Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Spatial Fisheries Management; Amendment 15 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan
Starting April 3, 2026, new rules change shark fishing zones and times in the Atlantic to better protect sharks and manage fishing risks. Fishermen using bottom and pelagic longline gear will see updated area boundaries and must pay for electronic monitoring if fishing in certain safer zones. These changes help keep shark populations healthy while supporting responsible fishing.
2026-11859 — Fisheries of the Gulf of America; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review; Public Meeting
Fishermen, environmental groups, and fishery managers in the Gulf and South Atlantic are invited to join a free webinar on June 29, 2026, kicking off a big review of Black Sea Bass fish stocks. This review will help decide how to keep fishing fair and fish populations healthy, with no immediate cost changes but important future management decisions ahead. Everyone’s input counts in this step-by-step process to protect our ocean friends and fishing jobs.
2026-11787 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; American Lobster-Annual Trap Transfer Program
The government is asking lobster fishers and the public to comment on continuing the annual trap transfer program, which helps lobster fishers trade their lobster traps to fish smarter and protect lobster populations. This program affects lobster fishers along the Atlantic coast and aims to balance fishing limits with economic flexibility. Comments are open until August 10, 2026, and there’s no new cost, just a chance to share your thoughts!
2026-11788 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Tilefish Individual Fishing Quota Program
NOAA is asking for public feedback on the paperwork needed for the Tilefish Individual Fishing Quota Program, which helps manage how much tilefish fishermen can catch each year. This affects tilefish fishermen who hold special permits and ensures the rules stay fair and clear. Comments are open until August 10, 2026, with no new costs expected—just a chance to weigh in!
2026-11780 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NOAA Teacher at Sea Program
NOAA is asking for public feedback on their Teacher at Sea program’s info collection, which helps teachers join scientists on research ships for 2-4 weeks. This update keeps the program running smoothly and ensures it meets legal requirements, with comments due by August 10, 2026. Teachers and the public benefit from this hands-on ocean science adventure, with no new costs involved.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-07360 — List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks: HI-STORM 100, Certificate of Compliance No. 1014, Renewed Amendment No. 19
The NRC is giving the green light for updated safety rules on May 27, 2025, for the HI-STORM 100 spent fuel storage system. This update changes how the system handles tipover accidents, making it safer by using new stress tests and evaluation methods. If you work with these storage casks, get ready for these improved safety checks—no extra costs or delays expected!
Next: 2025-07449 — Policy Statement on the Treatment of Environmental Justice Matters in NRC Regulatory and Licensing Actions; Environmental Justice Strategy
The NRC is updating how it handles environmental justice by withdrawing its old policy and strategy to follow a new executive order. This change affects communities near nuclear sites and anyone involved in NRC licensing. It means the NRC will work smarter and fairer on environmental justice, with new rules coming soon but no immediate cost changes.