Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery; Amendment 5

NMFS issues this final rule to implement Amendment 5 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery (FMP). The final rule closes a 9 mi\2\ (23.31 km\2\) site to transiting and fishing with other than hand gear for an 18-month period to allow for the conduct of a NMFS-sponsored sea scallop aquaculture research project, provides for exemptions from the closure for vessels using certain gear types and for vessels participating in the project, and provides for temporary exemptions for vessels participating in the project from certain fishing regulations that might inhibit or prevent their performing any activity necessary for project operations. The intended effect of this action is to support the aquaculture research project and prevent conflicts between fishing gear and project equipment for the limited duration of the project.