The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is seeking public input on potential modifications to the Summer Flounder Small Mesh Exemption Program and the flynet exemption from the summer flounder minimum mesh size requirements. Interested stakeholders are invited to provide comments during a webinar to be held on April 2, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. The Council is particularly interested in input from participants in commercial trawl fisheries who utilize the Small Mesh Exemption Program and/or flynet exemption.

The Council is considering these changes through a joint framework action/addendum being developed jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Board (Board). The Council and Board are seeking comments to inform their consideration of a draft range of alternatives at their April 2024 joint meeting.

Meeting Materials

• Draft Alternatives Quick Reference Guide and Public Webinar Discussion Questions

• Framework/Addendum Action Plan as of March 2024

• Meeting Materials and Discussion Document for April 2024 Council and Board meeting

• Staff Presentation

Which Regulations are Being Considered Through this Action?

• Small Mesh Exemption Program Area Revisions: The Small Mesh Exemption Program  currently allows trawl vessels to obtain a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to land more than 200 pounds of summer flounder east of longitude 72° 30.0'W, from November 1 through April 30, using mesh smaller than 5.5-inch diamond or 6.0-inch square. The Council and Board will consider modifications to the boundaries of the exempted area, including evaluating suggested revisions made by fishing industry representatives during the Fall 2023 review process for this exemption.

• Flynet Exemption Gear Definition Updates: Current regulations provide an exemption to the minimum mesh size requirements for vessels fishing with a two-seam otter trawl flynet. Through this action, the Council and Board will consider modifying the regulatory definition of a flynet in light of changes in the use and configuration of commercial trawl gear since this exemption was put in place in the 1990s.

Additional background and context for the action is available on the action webpage  Summer Flounder Commercial Mesh Size Exemptions Framework/Addendum.

Webinar Connection:

Registration in advance of the webinar is requested but not required.

• Register for the Webinar Here

To Provide Written Comments or For More Information

Written comments can be emailed to Kiley Dancy at kdancy@mafmc.org, and will be included in the Council and Board’s April meeting materials if received by 5p.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2024. Please contact Kiley for more information, or visit the Summer Flounder Commercial Mesh Size Exemptions Framework/Addendum action page.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold a public webinar on Wednesday, November 1, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., to solicit stakeholder input on several summer flounder regulations related to commercial minimum mesh sizes and their exemptions. Council staff and a contractor are currently evaluating whether modifications to these measures are needed. Feedback from fishing industry participants and other stakeholders is critical to a successful review of these regulations. The Council and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Management Board will review public comments and consider next steps at their December 2023 joint meeting.

Which Regulations are Under Review?

• Summer flounder trawl gear minimum mesh sizes (5.5-inch diamond or 6.0-inch square). Based on a recent study there is some concern that the selectivity of the 6.0” square mesh is not equivalent to that of the 5.5” diamond mesh and the 6.0” square mesh may be retaining too many undersized fish.

• The Small Mesh Exemption Program (SMEP), which allows trawl vessels to obtain a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to land more than 200 pounds of summer flounder east of longitude 72° 30.0'W, from November 1 through April 30, using mesh smaller than 5.5-inch diamond or 6.0-inch square.

• The flynet exemption to the minimum mesh size requirement, which provides an exemption to the minimum mesh size requirements for vessels fishing with a two-seam otter trawl flynet.

Please see the Overview of Summer Flounder Minimum Mesh Size Requirements and Exemptions for additional information and discussion questions for each issue.

Who Should Attend This Webinar or Provide Written Comments?

Any stakeholder with an interest in these measures is invited to attend the webinar and/or submit written comments. The Council is particularly seeking input from:

• Participants in the commercial trawl fishery for summer flounder (all states and areas).

• Participants in commercial trawl fisheries for summer flounder and/or other species who utilize the Small Mesh Exemption Program and/or flynet exemption.

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

• Overview of Summer Flounder Minimum Mesh Size Requirements and Exemptions 

• Presentation

Webinar Details

Click here to join the webinar

To join the webinar by phone only, dial 1-415-655-0001 and enter Access code: 2357 476 2725. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar.

Written Comment Instructions

Written comments will be accepted until November 17, 2023. Comments may be submitted through an online comment form or emailed to Kiley Dancy or Hannah Hart.

Staff Contacts

• Hannah Hart - hhart@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5263

• Kiley Dancy - kdancy@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5257

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will host a public webinar on Monday, October 16, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., to collect public comments on NOAA Fisheries’ draft procedural directive titled “Guidance on Council Authority for Preparing Fishery Management Plans for Stocks that May Extend across the Geographic Areas of more than one Council, pursuant to MSA §304(f).” Any comments provided during the webinar or submitted to the Council in writing (see below for instructions) will be compiled and submitted to NOAA Fisheries.

• Staff Presentation

Webinar Information

The webinar will be hosted by the Council on the Webex meeting platform. No pre-registration is required.

• Date and Time: October 16, 2023, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

• Webinar Link: Click here to join the webinar (if prompted, enter access code: 2341 187 1059 and password: uDYWF5pvq53). To join by phone only, dial 415-655-0001 and enter access code 2341 187 1059.

Submit Written Comments

Written comments can be submitted to the Council using the Online Comment Form or by email to Mary Sabo at msabo@mafmc.org. Comments must be submitted to the Council by November 10 to be compiled and transmitted to NOAA Fisheries prior to the comment deadline. Comments may also be submitted directly to NOAA Fisheries by email to marian.macpherson@noaa.gov.

Background Information

The draft procedural directive, which has also been referred to as the “Climate Governance Policy,” is intended to provide guidance on when and how the Secretary will review and assign, or re-assign, management authority over fisheries found across more than one Council jurisdiction. NOAA Fisheries has stated that additional guidance is needed to address governance issues associated with climate-related shifts in stock distributions. Given the Mid-Atlantic Council’s shared regional boundaries with two other East coast Councils, as well as the number of Mid-Atlantic stocks that extend beyond the Council region boundaries, this policy has the potential to directly impact a number of Mid-Atlantic Council fishery management plans. 

NOAA Fisheries is accepting public comments on the draft procedural directive until November 17, 2023. The eight regional fishery management councils have submitted a joint comment letter which identifies a number of  concerns regarding the draft procedural directive. The Mid-Atlantic Council is currently developing a separate letter which will include additional comments specific to the Mid-Atlantic region. The Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee has also reviewed and provided comments on the draft procedural directive.

Although NOAA Fisheries is solely responsible for the development and potential revision of this procedural directive, the Council is conducting this supplemental outreach effort to ensure that all interested individuals have an opportunity to provide comment on this important issue.

Learn More

Additional information and related documents are available at https://www.mafmc.org/actions/nmfs-climate-governance-policy. For questions about the Council webinar, please contact Mary Sabo at msabo@mafmc.org or 302-526-5261.

On Sept. 27, 2923, from 2:00 – 3:00pm eastern time, NOAA Fisheries will conduct a public webinar to provide information on the agency’s development of a procedural directive to guide the agency in future application of section 304(f) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA).  The deadline for submission of feedback on this project is COB November 17, 2023.

Webinar Registration

Please register in advance for this webinar.  Once you are registered, the URL and password will be sent to you by email.

Background

In anticipation of an increasing number of fish stocks shifting in geographic distribution, new fisheries emerging, and other demographic shifts in fisheries, NOAA Fisheries has identified a need to set forth a consistent and transparent plan for identifying the geographic scope of fisheries and determining which Regional Fishery Management Council(s) (Council) will be responsible for fisheries that extend or have moved beyond the geographical area of authority of any one Council, including those that move, across Council boundaries.  The draft procedural directive is available here:  Draft Procedural Directive on 304(f).

Submit Comments

NOAA Fisheries will accept public input during the webinar and will also accept written feedback submitted prior to COB November 17, 2023.  NOAA Fisheries does not plan to develop formal responses to comments.  Written comments may be submitted to Marian.Macpherson@noaa.gov.

Mid-Atlantic Council Comments on the Draft Policy

Given the Mid-Atlantic Council’s shared regional boundaries with two other East coast Councils, as well as the number of Mid-Atlantic stocks that extend beyond the Council region boundaries, this procedural directive has the potential to directly impact a number of Mid-Atlantic Council fishery management plans. The Mid-Atlantic Council is currently developing comments on the draft policy. Learn more here.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council has released its Draft 2020-2024 Strategic Plan for public review and comment. The plan includes updated vision and mission statements and proposes five major goals to guide the Council’s activities and management priorities for the next five years. Development of the plan was informed by public input provided through a survey and outreach meetings in early 2019.

The Draft Strategic Plan is available on the Council’s website here. All interested stakeholders and members of the public are invited to provide comments on the draft plan.

Strategic Plan Webinars

The Council will hold two public input webinars during which participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and offer public comments on the draft strategic plan. The webinars will be held on the following dates:

1. Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.

2. Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.

Connection information for both meetings will be posted at www.mafmc.org/council-events.

To join the webinars, go to: http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/mafmc-strategic-plan/. Meeting audio can also be accessed via telephone by dialing 1-800-832-0736 and entering room number 2122298.

Submit Written Comments

Written comments may also be submitted by any of the following methods:

1. ONLINE at http://www.mafmc.org/comments/2020-2024-strategic-plan

2. EMAIL to michelleduval22@gmail.com

3. MAIL to Dr. Chris Moore, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 North State Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901

4. FAX to 302.674.5399

Please include “Strategic Plan Comments” in the subject line if using email or fax or on the outside of the envelope if submitting comments by mail.

Comments must be submitted by Friday, November 15, 11:59 EST. The Council will review public comments and approve the final plan at its December meeting in Annapolis, MD.

For additional information and background documents, please visit www.mafmc.org/strategic-plan or contact Michelle Duval at michelleduval22@gmail.com or 919-601-3798.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council has released its Draft 2020-2024 Strategic Plan for public review and comment. The plan includes updated vision and mission statements and proposes five major goals to guide the Council’s activities and management priorities for the next five years. Development of the plan was informed by public input provided through a survey and outreach meetings in early 2019.

The Draft Strategic Plan is available on the Council’s website here. All interested stakeholders and members of the public are invited to provide comments on the draft plan.

Strategic Plan Webinars

The Council will hold two public input webinars during which participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and offer public comments on the draft strategic plan. The webinars will be held on the following dates:

1. Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.

2. Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.

Connection information for both meetings will be posted at www.mafmc.org/council-events.

To join the webinars, go to: http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/mafmc-strategic-plan/. Meeting audio can also be accessed via telephone by dialing 1-800-832-0736 and entering room number 2122298.

Submit Written Comments

Written comments may also be submitted by any of the following methods:

1. ONLINE at http://www.mafmc.org/comments/2020-2024-strategic-plan

2. EMAIL to michelleduval22@gmail.com

3. MAIL to Dr. Chris Moore, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 North State Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901

4. FAX to 302.674.5399

Please include “Strategic Plan Comments” in the subject line if using email or fax or on the outside of the envelope if submitting comments by mail.

Comments must be submitted by Friday, November 15, 11:59 EST. The Council will review public comments and approve the final plan at its December meeting in Annapolis, MD.

For additional information and background documents, please visit www.mafmc.org/strategic-plan or contact Michelle Duval at michelleduval22@gmail.com or 919-601-3798.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold four public hearings in August and September 2019 to solicit public input on the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Excessive Shares Amendment. The Council is also soliciting written comments on the amendment through September 14, 2019.

The Excessive Shares Amendment considers a variety of approaches to ensure that no individual, corporation, or other entity acquires an excessive share of the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog individual transferrable quota (ITQ) privileges. In addition, this action includes measures to revise the process for specifying multi-year management measures, require periodic review of the excessive share cap level, and allow adjustments to be made under the frameworkable provisions of the FMP. Lastly, this action may also revise the management objectives for the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery Management Plan.

Additional information is available at http://www.mafmc.org/actions/scoq-excessive-shares-amendment. A public hearing document is available HERE.

Attend a Hearing

Public hearings will be held on the following dates:

1. Thursday, August 1, 2019 at 6:30PM:  The Grand Hotel. 1045 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204; telephone: (609) 884-5611.

2. Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at 6:30PM:  Internet webinar. Connection information to be posted at www.mafmc.org/council-events prior to the meeting.

3. Monday, September 9, 2019 at 6:30PM:  LaQuinta Inns & Suites, 300 S. Salisbury Blvd., Salisbury, MD 21801; telephone: (410) 546-4400.

4. Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at 6:30PM:  Radisson Hotel Providence Airport. 2081 Post Rd, Warwick, RI 02886; telephone: (401) 739-3000.

Submit Written Comments:

In addition to providing comments at any of the public hearings, you may submit written comments by 11:59 PM, Eastern Standard Time, on September 14, 2019. Written comments may be sent by any of the following methods:

1. ONLINE at http://www.mafmc.org/comments/scoq-excessive-shares-amendment;

2. EMAIL to jmontanez@mafmc.org;

3. MAIL to Dr. Christopher Moore, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 North State Street, Suite 201, Dover, Delaware 19901; or

4. FAX to (302) 674-5399.

Please include “SCOQ Excessive Shares Amendment Comments” in the subject line if using email or fax or on the outside of the envelope if submitting written comments.

Please direct any questions about the amendment to José Montañez, jmontanez@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5258.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold four public hearings in August and September 2019 to solicit public input on the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Excessive Shares Amendment. The Council is also soliciting written comments on the amendment through September 14, 2019.

The Excessive Shares Amendment considers a variety of approaches to ensure that no individual, corporation, or other entity acquires an excessive share of the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog individual transferrable quota (ITQ) privileges. In addition, this action includes measures to revise the process for specifying multi-year management measures, require periodic review of the excessive share cap level, and allow adjustments to be made under the frameworkable provisions of the FMP. Lastly, this action may also revise the management objectives for the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery Management Plan.

Additional information is available at http://www.mafmc.org/actions/scoq-excessive-shares-amendment. A public hearing document is available HERE.

Attend a Hearing

Public hearings will be held on the following dates:

1. Thursday, August 1, 2019 at 6:30PM:  The Grand Hotel. 1045 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204; telephone: (609) 884-5611.

2. Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at 6:30PM:  Internet webinar. Connection information to be posted at www.mafmc.org/council-events prior to the meeting.

3. Monday, September 9, 2019 at 6:30PM:  LaQuinta Inns & Suites, 300 S. Salisbury Blvd., Salisbury, MD 21801; telephone: (410) 546-4400.

4. Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at 6:30PM:  Radisson Hotel Providence Airport. 2081 Post Rd, Warwick, RI 02886; telephone: (401) 739-3000.

Submit Written Comments:

In addition to providing comments at any of the public hearings, you may submit written comments by 11:59 PM, Eastern Standard Time, on September 14, 2019. Written comments may be sent by any of the following methods:

1. ONLINE at http://www.mafmc.org/comments/scoq-excessive-shares-amendment;

2. EMAIL to jmontanez@mafmc.org;

3. MAIL to Dr. Christopher Moore, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 North State Street, Suite 201, Dover, Delaware 19901; or

4. FAX to (302) 674-5399.

Please include “SCOQ Excessive Shares Amendment Comments” in the subject line if using email or fax or on the outside of the envelope if submitting written comments.

Please direct any questions about the amendment to José Montañez, jmontanez@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5258.

The meeting will be held via webinar at http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/excessshareaug7/

Audio connection instructions will pop up when you enter the webinar. For audio-only access via phone, dial 1-800-832-0736 and enter Room Number 9294759.

If you have never attended an Adobe Connect meeting before: Test your connection: http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm Get a quick overview: http://www.adobe.com/products/adobeconnect.html

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold four public hearings in August and September 2019 to solicit public input on the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Excessive Shares Amendment. The Council is also soliciting written comments on the amendment through September 14, 2019.

The Excessive Shares Amendment considers a variety of approaches to ensure that no individual, corporation, or other entity acquires an excessive share of the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog individual transferrable quota (ITQ) privileges. In addition, this action includes measures to revise the process for specifying multi-year management measures, require periodic review of the excessive share cap level, and allow adjustments to be made under the frameworkable provisions of the FMP. Lastly, this action may also revise the management objectives for the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery Management Plan.

Additional information is available at http://www.mafmc.org/actions/scoq-excessive-shares-amendment. A public hearing document is available HERE..

Attend a Hearing

Public hearings will be held on the following dates:

1. Thursday, August 1, 2019 at 6:30PM:  The Grand Hotel. 1045 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204; telephone: (609) 884-5611.

2. Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at 6:30PM:  Internet webinar. Connection information will be posted on this page prior to the meeting.

3. Monday, September 9, 2019 at 6:30PM:  LaQuinta Inns & Suites, 300 S. Salisbury Blvd., Salisbury, MD 21801; telephone: (410) 546-4400.

4. Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at 6:30PM:  Radisson Hotel Providence Airport. 2081 Post Rd, Warwick, RI 02886; telephone: (401) 739-3000.

Submit Written Comments:

In addition to providing comments at any of the public hearings, you may submit written comments by 11:59 PM, Eastern Standard Time, on September 14, 2019. Written comments may be sent by any of the following methods:

1. ONLINE at http://www.mafmc.org/comments/scoq-excessive-shares-amendment;

2. EMAIL to jmontanez@mafmc.org;

3. MAIL to Dr. Christopher Moore, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 North State Street, Suite 201, Dover, Delaware 19901; or

4. FAX to (302) 674-5399.

Please include “SCOQ Excessive Shares Amendment Comments” in the subject line if using email or fax or on the outside of the envelope if submitting written comments.

Please direct any questions about the amendment to José Montañez, jmontanez@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5258.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold four public hearings in August and September 2019 to solicit public input on the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Excessive Shares Amendment. The Council is also soliciting written comments on the amendment through September 14, 2019.

The Excessive Shares Amendment considers a variety of approaches to ensure that no individual, corporation, or other entity acquires an excessive share of the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog individual transferrable quota (ITQ) privileges. In addition, this action includes measures to revise the process for specifying multi-year management measures, require periodic review of the excessive share cap level, and allow adjustments to be made under the frameworkable provisions of the FMP. Lastly, this action may also revise the management objectives for the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery Management Plan.

Additional information is available at http://www.mafmc.org/actions/scoq-excessive-shares-amendment. A public hearing document is available HERE..

Attend a Hearing

Public hearings will be held on the following dates:

1. Thursday, August 1, 2019 at 6:30PM:  The Grand Hotel. 1045 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204; telephone: (609) 884-5611.

2. Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at 6:30PM:  Internet webinar. Connection information to be posted at www.mafmc.org/council-events prior to the meeting.

3. Monday, September 9, 2019 at 6:30PM:  LaQuinta Inns & Suites, 300 S. Salisbury Blvd., Salisbury, MD 21801; telephone: (410) 546-4400.

4. Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at 6:30PM:  Radisson Hotel Providence Airport. 2081 Post Rd, Warwick, RI 02886; telephone: (401) 739-3000.

Submit Written Comments:

In addition to providing comments at any of the public hearings, you may submit written comments by 11:59 PM, Eastern Standard Time, on September 14, 2019. Written comments may be sent by any of the following methods:

1. ONLINE at http://www.mafmc.org/comments/scoq-excessive-shares-amendment;

2. EMAIL to jmontanez@mafmc.org;

3. MAIL to Dr. Christopher Moore, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 North State Street, Suite 201, Dover, Delaware 19901; or

4. FAX to (302) 674-5399.

Please include “SCOQ Excessive Shares Amendment Comments” in the subject line if using email or fax or on the outside of the envelope if submitting written comments.

Please direct any questions about the amendment to José Montañez, jmontanez@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5258.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting to get public feedback on the Saltonstall-Kennedy Grant Program. The meeting will be held via webinar on Friday, June 14, 2019 at 10:30 AM. 

The purpose of this meeting is to obtain public feedback and recommendations from fishing community constituents on ways to improve communications, dissemination, and utilization of results achieved through projects funded by the Saltonstall-Kennedy (S-K) Grant Program. Each year, S-K awards approximately $10 million to fisheries research and development projects (up to $300,000 per project). These projects are selected based on criteria used to determine how well they address the needs of fishing communities, demonstrate direct benefits to U.S. fishing industries (including both commercial and recreational fisheries), and involve fishing community participation.

• Feedback Session Announcement

Join the Webinar

The link to attend the feedback session is https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/891746301

If you prefer to have audio over the phone, you can dial in using your phone. The phone number is (669) 224-3412, Access Code: 891-746-301. If you are new to the GoToMeeting technology and would like to get the app/software beforehand, please select the following link: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/891746301

Contact

• Cliff Cosgrove, S-K Program Manager (clifford.cosgrove@noaa.gov, 301-427-8736)

• Jorge Fraga (jfraga@jrdandassociates.com, 305-609-6175)

The Mid-Atlantic Council will hold a series of public meetings to seek additional feedback on the development of their 2020-2024 Strategic Plan. The public is invited to attend this meeting in Fort Monroe, VA to provide feedback on performance relative to the 2014-2018 Strategic Plan, as well as to identify recommendations, challenges, and opportunities for the next five years. In addition, participants will review preliminary results of the strategic planning stakeholder survey conducted earlier this year.

For more information on the development of the 2020-2024 Strategic Plan, click here.

Background Documents

• MAFMC 2020-2024 Strategic Plan Development Overview

• Presentation

The Mid-Atlantic Council will hold a series of public meetings to seek additional feedback on the development of their 2020-2024 Strategic Plan. The public is invited to attend this webinar meeting to provide feedback on performance relative to the 2014-2018 Strategic Plan, as well as to identify recommendations, challenges, and opportunities for the next five years. In addition, participants will review preliminary results of the strategic planning stakeholder survey conducted earlier this year.

For more information on the development of the 2020-2024 Strategic Plan, click here.

Webinar Connection

• Webinar: http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/strat-plan-may-7/

• Audio: Audio connection information should display upon entering the webinar room, or participants can call into: 800-832-0736; room number 4472108.

Background Documents

• MAFMC 2020-2024 Strategic Plan Development Overview

• Presentation

The Mid-Atlantic Council will hold a series of public meetings to seek additional feedback on the development of their 2020-2024 Strategic Plan. The public is invited to attend this meeting in Toms River, NJ to provide feedback on performance relative to the 2014-2018 Strategic Plan, as well as to identify recommendations, challenges, and opportunities for the next five years. In addition, participants will review preliminary results of the strategic planning stakeholder survey conducted earlier this year.

For more information on the development of the 2020-2024 Strategic Plan, click here.

Background Documents

• MAFMC 2020-2024 Strategic Plan Development Overview

• Presentation

The Mid-Atlantic Council will hold a series of public meetings to seek additional feedback on the development of their 2020-2024 Strategic Plan. The public is invited to attend this meeting in Narragansett, RI to provide feedback on performance relative to the 2014-2018 Strategic Plan, as well as to identify recommendations, challenges, and opportunities for the next five years. In addition, participants will review preliminary results of the strategic planning stakeholder survey conducted earlier this year.

For more information on the development of the 2020-2024 Strategic Plan, click here.

Background Document

• MAFMC 2020-2024 Strategic Plan Development Overview

• Presentation

Webinar: http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/squid2017/ 

Phone: 800-832-0736, Rm: *7833942#

A listening station will be available at Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Newport News, VA 23607, (757) 247– 2200. 

NOTE: The public hearing document for this amendment is now available HERE (posted 4/19/2017).

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold nine public hearings in April and May 2017 to solicit public input on the Squid Amendment to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan. The Council is also soliciting written comments on the amendment through 11:59 pm on May 18, 2017.

The amendment considers measures to reduce latent longfin and Illex squid permits. Currently, a relatively small portion of vessels with limited access (“moratorium”) squid permits account for the majority of landings in most years. The Council is concerned that activation of latent permits in the squid fisheries could lead to excessive fishing effort, potentially resulting in shortened seasons and increased catch of non-target species.

The amendment also considers measures to modify the management of longfin squid during Trimester 2 (May-August). The Council is considering this action because there is concern that the productivity of the longfin squid stock may be negatively impacted if excessive fishing in Trimester 2 does not allow sufficient spawning and/or successful egg hatching from egg mops.

Hearing Schedule

1. April 24, 2017, 5:00 – 7:00 PM:  The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, 12320 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, MD 21842, 410-213-0144.
2. April 25, 2017, 5:00-7:00 PM:  Holiday Inn by the Bay, 88 Spring St., Portland, ME 04101, 207-775-2311.
3. April 26, 2017, 5:00-7:00 PM:  Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, Annisquam River Marine Fisheries Station, 30 Emerson Ave, Gloucester, MA 01930, 978-282-0308.
4. May 2, 2017, 5:00-7:00 PM:  Congress Hall, 200 Congress Place, Cape May, NJ 08204, 609-884-8421.
5. May 3, 2017, 5:00-7:00 PM:  DoubleTree by Hilton Tinton Falls, 700 Hope Road, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724, 732-544-9300.
6. May 4, 2017, 6:00-8:00 PM: Webinar, http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/squid2017/  800-832-0736, Rm: *7833942#.  A listening station will be available at Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Newport News, VA 23607, (757) 247– 2200. 
7. May 8, 2017, 5:00-8:00 PM:  University of Rhode Island, Corless Auditorium, Watkins Building, 218 Ferry Rd., Narragansett, RI 401-874-6222.
8. May 9, 2017, 4:30 – 7:00 PM:  Doubletree by Hilton Cape Cod – Hyannis, 287 Iyannough Rd., Hyannis, MA 02601, 508-771-1700.
9. May 11, 2017, 5:00-7:00 PM:  Hyatt Place Long Island/East End, 431 East Main St., Riverhead, NY 11901, 631-208-0002.

Written Comments

Written comments may be sent through mail, email, fax, or online through 11:59 pm on Thursday, May 18, 2017.

• Mail to Dr. Chris Moore, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 North State Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE, 19901 (please write “Squid Amendment Comments” on the outside of the envelope.)
• Fax to Dr. Chris Moore, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council at 302-674-5399 (please include “Squid Amendment Comments” in the subject line.)
• Email to squid@mafmc.org
• Online at http://www.mafmc.org/comments/squid-amendment-public-comments

Additional information and relevant background documents are available on the Council’s website at http://www.mafmc.org/actions/squid-capacity-amendment and in the public hearing document, available HERE. 

Questions? Please direct any questions about the amendment to Jason Didden (jdidden@mafmc.org, 302-526-5254).

The Council will hold a public information meeting on Thursday, April 7, 2016 from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. to gather input on the likely impacts of alternative spiny dogfish trip limits. The meeting will be held via webinar with a telephone-only connection option (you will need to call on the phone to participate).

Webinar Link: http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/dogtriplimits2016/

**The only way to participate/talk is to call into the webinar on the phone**  Phone connection information pops up when you join the webinar.  If folks happen to be away from their computer at the meeting time, you can also call in directly:  800-832-0736RM: *7833942#

Background: For 2016-2018 specifications, the Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils took no action on the spiny dogfish trip limit, which would maintain the current 5,000 pound trip limit.  The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) has requested that the trip limit be increased to 6,000 pounds (http://www.mafmc.org/s/2016_Spiny-Dogfish-to-GARFO_trip-limits-REB-edits_AH-2.pdf), and this webinar-based meeting will gather public input on the potential impacts of changing the spiny dogfish trip limit.

These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities.  Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aid should be directed to M. Jan Saunders, (302) 526-5251, at least 5 days prior to the meeting date.

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold a public hearing webinar on February 8, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. to gather public input on a proposed Atlantic Generic Charter/For-Hire Reporting Amendment. Meeting materials and a complete schedule of public hearings is available on the SAMFC website at http://safmc.net/meetings/public-hearing-and-scoping-meeting-schedule.

Click HERE to Register for the Webinar

The Atlantic Generic Charter/For-Hire Reporting Amendment will effect the fishery management plans for Snapper Grouper, Atlantic Dolphin Wahoo and Coastal Migratory Pelagic fisheries. The amendment includes actions to require mandatory electronic reporting for charter (six-pack) vessels and modifies existing reporting requirements for . The reporting requirements would affect vessels involved in the South Atlantic Snapper Grouper fishery, Dolphin Wahoo fishery, and Coastal Migratory Pelagic fishery along the Atlantic coast.

The New England Fishery Management Council is conducting public hearings to solicit comments on developing Amendment 22 to the Northeast Small-Mesh Multispecies Fishery.  A hearing will be held on December 21, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at the Montauk Playhouse Community Center Foundation (240 Edgemere St. Montauk, New York 11954; Phone: 631-668-1124).

Documents

• Meeting Notice
• Scoping Document

Background

The purpose of this action is to implement measures that would prevent unrestrained increases in fishing effort by new entrants to the fishery. The need for the amendment is to reduce the potential for a rapid escalation of the small-mesh multispecies fishery, possibly causing overfishing and having a negative effect on red hake and whiting markets, both outcomes having negative effects on fishery participants.

Through limited access criteria and measures that would apply to qualifying and non-qualifying vessels, the amendment is intended to help ensure that catches of the small-mesh multispecies and other non-target species will be at or below specifications, reducing the potential for causing accountability measures to be triggered and resulting closure of the directed fishery. Three types of measures listed below could be considered. The scoping document includes a list of questions to consider when commenting for each of the following:

1. Limited access qualification criteria that would determine whether vessels may target small-mesh multispecies;
2. Limited access permit characteristics and conditions; and
3. Permit categories and associated measures.

Addressing this purpose and need requires the development of an amendment to the FMP to fully consider and analyze an appropriate range of management alternatives. The Council is seeking comments and input from the public on this specific issue. The hearings are being held by the Council in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act.

A scoping document is available on the New England Council’s website (http://www.nefmc.org/management-plans/smallmesh-multispecies) or may be obtained by contacting the New England Council office at (978) 465-0492.

Written Comments

Members of the public may submit oral and/or written comments at any public hearings or submit written comments directly to the New England Fishery Management Council. Written comments must be received on or before 5 p.m. EST, Tuesday, December 22, 2015. Written comments should be sent to:

Thomas A. Nies, Executive Director
New England Fishery Management Council
50 Water Street, Mill 2
Newburyport, MA 01950;
Fax (978) 465–3116.
Email: comments@nefmc.org

Please note on your correspondence; “Small-Mesh Multispecies Amendment 22 Scoping Comments.”

The New England Fishery Management Council is conducting public hearings to solicit comments on developing Amendment 22 to the Northeast Small-Mesh Multispecies Fishery.  A webinar hearing will be held on December 17, 2015 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Webinar Details

• Register to participate for the hearing at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5272201506328155394 
• Call in info: Toll: +1 (914) 614-3221 Access Code: 539-710-362

Documents

• Meeting Notice
• Scoping Document

Background

The purpose of this action is to implement measures that would prevent unrestrained increases in fishing effort by new entrants to the fishery. The need for the amendment is to reduce the potential for a rapid escalation of the small-mesh multispecies fishery, possibly causing overfishing and having a negative effect on red hake and whiting markets, both outcomes having negative effects on fishery participants.

Through limited access criteria and measures that would apply to qualifying and non-qualifying vessels, the amendment is intended to help ensure that catches of the small-mesh multispecies and other non-target species will be at or below specifications, reducing the potential for causing accountability measures to be triggered and resulting closure of the directed fishery. Three types of measures listed below could be considered. The scoping document includes a list of questions to consider when commenting for each of the following:

1. Limited access qualification criteria that would determine whether vessels may target small-mesh multispecies;
2. Limited access permit characteristics and conditions; and
3. Permit categories and associated measures.

Addressing this purpose and need requires the development of an amendment to the FMP to fully consider and analyze an appropriate range of management alternatives. The Council is seeking comments and input from the public on this specific issue. The hearings are being held by the Council in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act.

A scoping document is available on the New England Council’s website (http://www.nefmc.org/management-plans/smallmesh-multispecies) or may be obtained by contacting the New England Council office at (978) 465-0492.

Written Comments

Members of the public may submit oral and/or written comments at any public hearings or submit written comments directly to the New England Fishery Management Council. Written comments must be received on or before 5 p.m. EST, Tuesday, December 22, 2015. Written comments should be sent to:

Thomas A. Nies, Executive Director
New England Fishery Management Council
50 Water Street, Mill 2
Newburyport, MA 01950;
Fax (978) 465–3116.
Email: comments@nefmc.org

Please note on your correspondence; “Small-Mesh Multispecies Amendment 22 Scoping Comments.”