NOAA Fisheries is considering changes to the Atlantic sea scallop fishery that would allow fishermen to combine two limited access permits on a single vessel, potentially reducing operating costs for businesses with multiple boats.
The proposal, under consideration by the Secretary of Commerce, would allow two limited access scallop permits in the same category, under common ownership or control, to be stacked on one vessel. That vessel could then fish the allocations associated with both permits, reducing expenses tied to maintaining multiple vessels with limited days-at-sea allocations.
The potential amendment to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan is part of the Trump administration's Executive Order on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness, which calls for reducing regulatory burdens and improving profitability for domestic fishermen.
NOAA Fisheries will hold five public hearings in November and December to gather industry feedback:
- Nov. 17: Boston, Massachusetts, 4-6 p.m.
- Nov. 23: Virtual hearing, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Dec. 3: Barnegat Light, New Jersey, 4-6 p.m.
- Dec. 7: Virtual hearing, 6-8 p.m.
- Dec. 14: New Bedford, Massachusetts, 1-3 p.m.
The agency is also accepting written comments through Jan. 4, 2027.
Fishermen can find meeting registration information, the scoping document and additional details on NOAA’s website.
