NMFS is implementing approved measures contained in Amendment 9 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish (MSB) Fishery Management Plan (FMP). Amendment 9 was developed by the Mid- Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) to remedy deficiencies in the FMP and to address other issues that have arisen since Amendment 8 to the FMP became effective in 1999. Amendment 9 establishes multi-year specifications for all four species managed under the FMP (mackerel, butterfish, Illex squid (Illex), and Loligo squid (Loligo)) for up to 3 years; extends the moratorium on entry into the Illex fishery, without a sunset provision; adopts biological reference points recommended by the Stock Assessment Review Committee (SARC) for Loligo; designates essential fish habitat (EFH) for Loligo eggs based on best available scientific information; and prohibits bottom trawling by MSB-permitted vessels in Lydonia and Oceanographer Canyons.