Request for Proposals: Development of a Quantitative Stock Assessment for Black Sea Bass

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is seeking a highly qualified contractor to facilitate the development of a quantitative stock assessment for the northern black sea bass stock to support management of the black sea bass fishery. 

Proposals are due by May 29, 2015.

NOAA Fisheries: Successful Conservation Efforts Recognized in Proposed ESA Humpback Whale Listing Revision

NOAA Fisheries has announced a proposal to reclassify the humpback whale into 14 distinct population segments and to remove ten of those populations from the endangered species list. The proposed changes are expected to provide a more tailored conservation approach for U.S. fisheries managers.

NOAA Fisheries Announces $2.5 Million Available for Innovative Bycatch Solutions

NOAA Fisheries is now accepting project proposals its Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program (BREP). Approximately $2.5 million is available to fishermen, academics, and other interested groups for projects that offer practical solutions to reduce bycatch. Pre-proposals are due by April 16 with full applications due by May 28, 2015.

Council to Hold Scoping Hearings for Squid Capacity Amendment: April 6 - 21, 2015

The Council has scheduled six scoping hearings between April 6 and April 21, 2015 to gather input for a potential amendment that would address capacity of the longfin squid and Illex squid fleets. Written scoping comments can also be submitted HERE.

Council Takes Final Action on Cost Recovery Amendment

The Mid-Atlantic Council has approved the Cost Recovery Amendment to the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery Management (FMP). The amendment addresses cost recovery requirements, streamlines the process for updating stock status determination criteria, and removes the optimum yield (OY) ranges specified in the FMP.

Council to Hold Blueline Tilefish Webinar Meeting - Feb. 25, 1:30 p.m.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council  will hold an emergency meeting via webinar on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 from 1:30 until 4:30 p.m. to consider requesting emergency action for deepwater snapper/grouper species, including blueline tilefish, within the Mid-Atlantic Council’s jurisdiction.