Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass, Loligo Squid, Illex Squid, Atlantic Mackerel, Butterfish, and Bluefish Fisheries; Framework Adjustment 1

NMFS issues this final rule to implement measures contained in Framework Adjustment 1 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish; Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass; and Bluefish Fishery Management Plans (FMPs). This final rule modifies the quota-setting process to allow the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) to set aside up to 3 percent of total allowable landings (TAL) specified for these species to be used for research purposes. This rule also announces that NMFS is deferring action on the tilefish portion of this rule until the regulations implementing the Tilefish FMP are effective. The intent of this action is to foster cooperative research efforts by fishermen and scientists, and to encourage the collection of information to improve management of these fisheries.