This rule sets fishing years 2015–2017 catch limits for several groundfish stocks, modifies management measures for Gulf of Maine cod, and adopts other measures to improve the management of the groundfish fishery.

This action is necessary to respond to updated scientific information and achieve the goals and objectives of the fishery management plan. The final measures are intended to prevent overfishing, rebuild overfished stocks, achieve optimum yield, and ensure that management measures are based on the best scientific information available.

Final Rule

Framework 53 Submission Document (resubmit 3/16/15)
Appendix I
Appendix II
Appendix III
Appendix IV

Framework 53 Background Documents