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

NMFS issues a final rule to implement a Fishery Management Plan for the Scallop Fishery off Alaska (FMP). The FMP specifies the optimum yield (OY) for the scallop fishery in Federal waters off Alaska as a numerical range of 0-1.1 million lbs (0-499 mt) of shucked scallop meats. The only management measure authorized under the FMP is an interim closure of Federal waters off Alaska to fishing for scallops. Federal waters will remain closed for up to 1 year. This action is necessary to prevent overfishing of scallop stocks while an amendment to the FMP is prepared that would allow the controlled harvest of scallops in Federal waters. This action is intended to prevent overfishing of scallops that could otherwise result from unregulated fishing for scallops in Federal waters.