A summary of the new regulations are available by clicking here.  A complete copy of the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery regulations are available by clicking here.

Amendment 10 was developed by the New England Fishery Management Council to establish a long-term, comprehensive program to manage the sea scallop fishery. The new management approach includes an area rotation management program to maximize scallop yield. Area rotation would close and re-open areas based on the condition and size of the scallop resource in discrete areas. Amendment 10 also contains measures intended to make the management program more effective and efficient. Amendment 10 includes the following management measures:

• an initial area rotation closed area,
• a controlled access area,
• area specific days-at-sea (DAS) for
  the area rotation program,
• DAS allocations for the 2004 and 2005
  fishing years,
• an increase in the minimum ring size for scallop dredge gear,
• an increase in the minimum twine top mesh size for scallop dredges,
• a new possession limit restriction for limited
  access scallop vessels fishing outside of
  DAS,
• set-asides of total allowable catch (TAC) and DAS to pay for scallop resource and fishery-related research,
• set-asides of TAC and DAS to help defray the cost of at-sea observers,
• a new biennial framework process, and
• a process to address interactions between the scallop fishery and species protected under the Endangered Species Act
• area closures to minimize the impacts of the scallop fishery on EFH
• measures to minimize bycatch and bycatch mortality

• Broken Trip Adjustment Sheet (June 2007)
• Revision to the Instructions Pertaining to Observer Coverage Compensation
• Questions & Answers
• Amendment 10 Permit Holder Letter
• Amendment 10 Final Rule
• Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, Regulatory Impact Review, & Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

New Regulations: (978) 281-9315
Permit Applications: (978) 281-9370