Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Specifications and Management Measures

NMFS proposes 2011 specifications and management measures for Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish (MSB). This action proposes to modify the measure that transfers Loligo squid (Loligo) quota underages from Trimester I to Trimesters II and III by limiting the Trimester II quota increase to no more than 50 percent. This action also proposes to revise the 72-hr pre-trip observer notification requirement for the Loligo fishery to accommodate vessels departing for multiple day trips in a week. These proposed specifications and management measures promote the utilization and conservation of the MSB resource.