Overview
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC), in conjunction with the New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) and the NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (GARFO), is developing an action which would consider allowing alternative surface marking provisions for fixed gear fisheries in the Greater Atlantic Region. If approved, this action would allow for the use of fixed gear without a persistent buoy line and reconcile fishery management plan regulations with recent and potential future changes to Marine Mammal Protection Act regulations. For an overview of the rationale, anticipated timeline, and background of this framework, see the staff memo linked below. PDT/FMAT meeting summaries and other information can be found on the NEFMC action webpage.
Contact
Hayden Dubniczki – hdubniczki@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5259
Action Development Timeline and Status
December 2024: NOAA Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (GARFO) convened a Plan Development Team/Fishery Management Action Team (PDT/FMAT) to develop this action.
April 2025 Council Meeting (FW Meeting #1): The Council reviewed the purpose of this framework and provided guidance on draft alternatives.
June 2025 Council Meeting: The Council received an update from the PDT/FMAT.
Next Steps: NEFMC and MAFMC are anticipated to take final action in September 2025 and October 2025, respectively.