Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Framework 12 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan; Technical Amendment to the Monkfish Landing Restrictions and Application/Renewal Permit Restrictions

NMFS issues this final rule to implement measures contained in Framework Adjustment 12 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The intent of Framework Adjustment 12 and these final regulations is to adjust the limited access scallop days-at-sea (DAS) allocations for the fishing year March 1, 2000, through February 28, 2001. This final rule also corrects and clarifies the final rule implementing the Monkfish FMP by providing clarification on how the 5- percent and 25-percent incidental catch criteria are to be calculated for the purpose of determining the allowable incidental catch level of monkfish and monkfish tails compared to the total weight of fish on board. In addition, this final rule clarifies the monkfish permit application/renewal deadlines.