Scallop Fishery off Alaska; Closure of Federal Waters to Protect Scallop Stocks

An emergency interim rule that closed Federal waters off Alaska to fishing for scallops is in effect through May 30, 1995. NMFS extends the emergency rule for an additional 90-day period (through August 28, 1995) to prevent overfishing of scallop stocks in an uncontrolled fishery for scallops in Federal waters by vessels fishing outside Alaska State's regulatory authority to govern the scallop fishery. This emergency closure is intended to control an unregulated scallop fishery in Federal waters until a Federal fishery management plan can be implemented. NMFS also responds to comments submitted on the interim emergency rule as published in the Federal Register on March 1, 1995, for comment. No change to the emergency rule was made as a result of NMFS' response to comments.