Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Temporary Haddock Size Limit Extension

NMFS continues the haddock minimum size implemented by an August 10, 2007, emergency final rule that is set to expire on February 6, 2008. Specifically, this temporary rule continues the commercial minimum haddock size of 18 inches (45.7 cm) that was reduced from the previous minimum size of 19 inches (48.3 cm). This action is taken pursuant to NOAA's authority to issue emergency measures under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson- Stevens Act). The intent of this extension is to continue measures intended to reduce regulatory discards of Georges Bank (GB) and Gulf of Maine (GOM) haddock to prevent excessive waste and comply with the goals of reducing discards and maintaining the rebuilding programs of the Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP), while helping to achieve optimum yield at the same time. This action is intended to reduce discarding and maintain consistency with the FMP and the Magnuson-Stevens Act.