Northeast Multispecies Fishery

The Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) amends the regulations implementing the Fishery Management Plan for the Northeast Multispecies Fishery (FMP). This emergency interim rule implements: A 500-pound (226.8 kg) possession limit of haddock for all vessels permitted under 50 CFR 651.4 and to all vessels in possession of haddock from or in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), except scallop dredge vessels, which are prohibited from possessing or landing haddock; a January through May closure of the area known as Closed Area II, except for lobster pot vessels and scallop dredge vessels; an expansion of Closed Area II by 20 minutes longitude to the west and 15 minutes latitude to the south, along its existing western and southern boundaries, intersecting with the Regulated Mesh Boundary line; a suspension of the February through May closure of the area known as Closed Area I, except for vessels using sink gillnet gear; a prohibition on transfer of fish at sea; and a ban on pair trawling in the multispecies fishery. The intended effect of this rule is to provide protection to depleted haddock and cod stocks.