Framework 25 sets specifications for the Atlantic sea scallop fishery for fishing year 2014, including days-at-sea allocations, individual fishing quotas, and sea scallop access area trip allocations.
This action also sets precautionary default FY 2015 specifications, in case NMFS implements the next framework after the March 1, 2015, start of fishing year 2015, and the fishery must operate under transitional measures. Framework 25 also allows vessels to land pounds that went unharvested in Closed Area I Access Area in 2012 and 2013 in a future year; develops Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic windowpane flounder accountability measures; and provides full-time scallop vessels the option to exchange their allocated Delmarva Access Area trip for 5 days-atsea.