NMFS amends regulations to modify the management measures applicable to the Federal American lobster (Homarus americanus) fishery. This action is in response to recommendations by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) in Addenda II and III to Amendment 3 of the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for American Lobster (ISFMP). The lobster management measures are intended to increase protection to American lobster broodstock throughout the stock's range, and will apply to lobsters harvested in one or more of seven Lobster Conservation Management Areas (LCMA). In addition, NMFS will clarify existing Federal lobster regulations. To allow adequate time to modify lobster trap gear to meet new gear configuration requirements, the effective date of actions identified in this final rule is May 1, 2006.