SAFMC to Hold Q&A Public Meeting on Cobia Management - May 9, 2016

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold a Q&A Public Meeting on May 9 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina to address cobia management issues.

NOAA Fisheries Seeks Feedback with Communications Survey

NOAA Fisheries is conducting a survey of commercial and recreational fishing industry stakeholders in the Greater Atlantic Region to gain a better understanding of your communications needs.

NOAA Fisheries Seeks Comments on Amendment 17 to the Surfclam and Ocean Quahog FMP

NOAA Fisheries has published a notice of availability for Amendment 17 to the Mid-Atlantic Council's Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery Management Plan (FMP). Comments will be accepted through April 25, 2016.

NOAA seeks applications for $9 million in community-based habitat restoration

As part of its efforts to promote healthy ecosystems and resilient coastal communities, NOAA is seeking proposals for habitat restoration projects that will improve the recovery and conservation of protected resources, and help promote productive fisheries.

NOAA Fisheries: $2.5 Million Available for Innovative Bycatch Solutions

NOAA Fisheries is accepting applications for the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program (BREP). Pre-proposals are due by March 1 with full applications due by April 15, 2016.

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.

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