Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Surf Clam and Ocean Quahog Fishery; Suspension of Minimum Surf Clam Size for 2000

NMFS informs the public that the minimum size limit of 4.75 inches (12.065 cm) for Atlantic surf clams is suspended for the 2000 fishing year. This action is taken under the authority of the Fishery Management Plan for the Atlantic Surf Clam and Ocean Quahog Fisheries (FMP), which allows for the annual suspension of the minimum size limit based upon set criteria. The intended effect is to relieve the industry from a regulatory burden that is not necessary as the majority of surf clams harvested are larger than the minimum size limit.