Modifications to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan

The proposed action is to amend the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan. The Plan was previously amended on June 27, 2014. After the publication of the final rule Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (MA DMF) requested that NMFS consider modifying the plan to change the time and area of the Massachusetts Bay Restricted Area seasonal trap/pot closure. MA DMF requested the closure begin February 1, 2015 and be expanded to include a larger portion of the Outer Cape lobster management area.

On October 1, 2014, the proposal was discussed with the Take Reduction Team - a group of Federal and State managers, fishermen, scientists and environmentalists. The Team agreed that the Agency should move forward with the rulemaking process to amend the closure area as suggested by MA DMF. The Plan was amended on December 12, 2014.

MA DMF’s proposal also included a change to the minimum number of traps per trawl requirements in state waters for safety reasons. We also received proposals from our other state partners after the publication of the June 2014 final rule requesting the same change.

During their January 2015 meeting, the proposals were discussed with the Team and the Team agreed that the Agency should move forward with the rulemaking process to adopt the proposals to amend the June 2014 final rule as suggested by the states. The Team also requested that the Agency develop unique gear marking for certain areas. The states requested that the recommendations are adopted via rulemaking before the existing June 2014 final rule becomes effective on June 1, 2015.