Atlantic Mackerel Rebuilding and 2026-2027 Specifications Framework

This framework considers revisions to the Atlantic mackerel stock rebuilding plan, including 2026-2027 specifications (catch limits) and associated management measures.

Recreational Tilefish Reporting Framework

This framework will consider regulatory changes to simplify/streamline the recreational tilefish reporting process.

Alternative Gear Marking Framework

This joint omnibus framework action will consider revisions to gear marking regulations to allow the use of fixed gear without a persistent buoy line, also called on-demand fishing gear, in all New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council fishery management plans.

Spiny Dogfish Accountability Measures Framework

The spiny dogfish FMP currently requires pound for pound paybacks of any Annual Catch Limit overages as an accountability measure (AM). This action considers if there are some circumstances where the current strict paybacks may be excessive, and if modified/relaxed payback AMs may be sufficient.

Recreational Reform Initiative

This joint MAFMC/ASMFC initiative considers approaches for improving the recreational management program for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish.

Recreational Sector Separation Amendment

This amendment will consider options for managing for-hire recreational fisheries separately from other recreational fishing modes (referred to as sector separation), as well as options related to for-hire permit and reporting requirements.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regulation of Squid Exports

This page contains information related to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s comments regarding the inclusion of U.S. squid fishery products in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) inspection and user fee system for monitoring wildlife imports and exports.

Summer Flounder Commercial Mesh Size Exemptions Framework/Addendum

This action will consider potential changes to two exemptions to the summer flounder commercial minimum mesh size requirements.

Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework/Addenda

This joint MAFMC-ASMFC action proposes an improved process for setting recreational management measures for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish. This is a follow-on action to the Harvest Control Rule Framework/Addenda.

Black Sea Bass Commercial State Allocation Amendment (Amendment 23)

Final Rule (10/1/24)

NOAA Fisheries Procedural Directive on MSA 304(f) ("Climate Governance Policy")

NOAA Fisheries has released a draft procedural directive intended to provide guidance on when and how the Secretary of Commerce will review and assign management authority over fisheries found across more than one Council jurisdiction.

Joint Framework Action to Reduce Sturgeon Bycatch in Dogfish and Monkfish Fisheries

Final Rule (12/18/24)

Illex Vessel Hold Capacity Framework (FW 16)

Final Rule (10/29/24)

Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat Amendment

This action will concurrently conduct the 5-year EFH review required under the Magnuson Stevens Act while amending fishery management plans for the Council, as needed.

Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment

Final Rule (11/17/22)

Proposed Designation of Hudson Canyon National Marine Sanctuary

This page contains information related to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s engagement in, and comments on, the proposed designation of Hudson Canyon National Marine Sanctuary.