SAFMC Solicits Public Input on Proposed Electronic Reporting Requirements for Charterboats and Other Fisheries Issues

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is soliciting public input on proposed measures that could affect federally permitted charter vessels along the Atlantic coast.

Proposed Specifications for 2016-2018 Mackerel, Squid, Butterfish Fisheries

NOAA Fisheries is requesting comments on proposed 2016-18 specifications and management measures for the Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish fisheries. Comments are due by February 22, 2016.

Request for Proposals: Black Sea Bass Habitat Research Needs in the Mid-Atlantic (Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership)

The Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership is seeking research and/or restoration proposals to address black sea bass habitat issues in the Mid-Atlantic region, with an emphasis on the use of natural and/or artificial reefs and their ability to maintain and enhance fishery productivity. Proposal are due by February 1, 2016.

NOAA Fisheries Announces Proposed Regs for Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass

NOAA Fisheries is requesting comments on our proposed 2016-2018 regulations for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass.

NOAA Fisheries: Striped Bass Fishing in the EEZ Restrictions Support Sustainability Of Species

NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement (OLE) is raising awareness of the federal regulations governing striped bass in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and increasing targeted enforcement efforts to protect the species from illegal poaching activities.

South Atlantic Council to Hold Public Hearings for Proposed Federal Fisheries Management Measures

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is soliciting public input on measures affecting fishermen as far north as New England. Public hearings have been scheduled in November for interested stakeholders to provide comments on Snapper Grouper Regulatory Amendment 25 and Dolphin Wahoo Regulatory Amendment 1.

NOAA Fisheries Launches New Mobile-Friendly FishWatch.gov

October is National Seafood Month, and NOAA Fisheries has launched our first-ever mobile-friendly website to enable our users to access the nation’s database on sustainable seafood anywhere, anytime, on any device.

NEFMC Seeking SSC Candidates

The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is seeking qualified candidates to serve on its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC). Nominations and relevant materials are due by November 18, 2015.

NOAA Fisheries Announces 2015 Annual Catch Limits for Atlantic Bluefish

NOAA Fisheries has announced the following annual catch limits for the 2015 bluefish fishery:

Commercial quota: 5.241 million lb.
Recreational harvest limit: 12.951 million lb.
Combined total allowable landings: 18.19 million lb.

NEFSC to Hold Industry Outreach Meetings to Review Upcoming Groundfish Assessments

NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) will host outreach meetings on July 22 in Portland, Gloucester, Woods Hole, and New Bedford for fishermen interested in the upcoming operational assessments for 20 stocks of Northeast groundfish.

SAFMC Draft Vision Blueprint for the Snapper Grouper Fishery Now Available for Public Input

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is asking stakeholders to provide input on a draft vision blueprint for the snapper grouper fishery during a series of webinars and comment station meetings from July through September 2015. Learn more here.

U.S. Commerce Department Announces 2015 Regional Fishery Council Appointments

The U.S. Commerce Department today announced the appointment of 30 new and returning members to the eight regional fishery management councils that partner with NOAA Fisheries to manage ocean fish stocks.

Recreational Management Measures for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fisheries; Fishing Year 2015

NOAA Fisheries has approved the final 2015 minimum fish size, angler possession limits, and fishing season rules for the summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass recreational fisheries.

Special Management Zones for Delaware Artificial Reefs

NMFS has issued final regulations to implement Special Management Zones for four Delaware artificial reefs

Emergency Action for Blueline Tilefish in Greater Atlantic Region Effective June 4

NOAA Fisheries has announced that emergency management measures for the blueline tilefish fishery in the Greater Atlantic Region will go in to effect Thursday, June 4, 2015.

Notice of Availability: Omnibus Amendment To Simplify Vessel Baselines

NMFS has announced the availability of an Omnibus Amendment to the Fishery Management Plans of the Northeastern United States to simplify vessel baselines. Public comments on the amendment can be submitted through July 17, 2015.

Proposed Rule: Consequences for Slippage Events in the Atlantic Mackerel Fishery

NOAA Fisheries is proposing to implement measures to enhance catch monitoring and address slippage in the Atlantic mackerel fishery. Comments on the proposed rule are due June 18.

Proposed Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass Recreational Management Measures

NOAA Fisheries is accepting comments through May 20, 2015 on proposed 2015 recreational management measures for the summer flounder, scup and black sea bass fisheries.

NOAA Fisheries Releases Transition Plan for New Recreational Fishing Effort Survey

This week, NOAA Fisheries released a comprehensive, three-year plan that will guide the transition to a new mail survey for estimating recreational fishing effort on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.

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.

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