Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Provisions; Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Exemption Supplement to Framework Adjustment 35

NMFS issues this final rule to modify the regulations implementing Framework Adjustment 35 (Framework 35) to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP). Framework 35 established an exempted small mesh whiting fishery in the Gulf of Maine (GOM), near Provincetown, MA. The fishery occurs from September 1 through November 20 each year and requires the use of raised footrope trawl gear. This final rule modifies the boundaries of the current exemption area through inclusion of an area east of Cape Cod and allows the fishery to continue in the newly added eastern portion of the exemption area through December 31 of each year.