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.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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