General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Amendment to Temporary Closure of Block Island to Some Fishing Gear Activity

In response to a request from the State of Rhode Island, NMFS has determined that it is necessary to modify the emergency interim rule that closed a portion of Federal waters off the coast of the State of Rhode Island, in Block Island Sound to protect public health, safety, and welfare. This action expands by approximately 28 square miles (73 square kilometers [km]) the area in which fishing for, landing, or possessing benthic crustaceans and mollusks, including but not limited to lobsters, clams, and crabs, is prohibited. Accordingly, the use and operation of lobster traps, trawl and dredge gear designed or used for fishing on the ocean bottom or any other gear designed for harvesting benthic crustaceans and mollusks is prohibited in the same area. This action also rescinds the prohibition on possessing, landing, or fishing for finfish, including squid, in the area with gear other than bottom trawl and dredge gear.