Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Framework Adjustment 35 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan

NMFS issues this final rule to implement measures contained in Framework Adjustment 35 (Framework 35) to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP) to exempt a fishery from the Gulf of Maine (GOM)/Georges Bank (GB) Regulated Mesh Area mesh size regulations and closed area restrictions. Framework 35 establishes an exempted small mesh whiting fishery in the GOM. The exempted fishery is authorized in an area near Provincetown, MA, from September 1 through November 20 each year, and requires the use of raised footrope trawl gear.