The purpose of this rule development effort is to continue the suspension on the annual reduction of spiny lobster traps through the 2007-2008 license year. The suspension was implemented at the beginning of the Commission-mandated three-year evaluation of the spiny lobster fishery. The evaluation was scheduled to be completed at the end of 2006. However, it is now scheduled to continue through 2007, and the rule amendment is necessary to continue the suspension of trap reduction through the conclusion of the evaluation.