Overview
In June 2022, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) Policy Board approved the Recreational Harvest Control Rule Framework/Addenda, which implemented a new process for setting recreational measures (bag, size, and season limits) for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish. When the Council and Policy Board approved the new process they agreed to continue development of several other options for possible implementation by 2026. The Council and Policy Board are now developing a follow-on action which will consider an improved measures setting process for 2026 and beyond. The Council is considering these changes through a framework adjustment, and the Commission is considering an identical set of options through draft addenda. Collectively, these management actions are referred to as the Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework/Addenda. See the action plan for additional information about the specific alternatives being considered.
Contacts
Julia Beaty, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, jbeaty@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5250
Tracey Bauer, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, tbauer@asmfc.org (703) 842-0740
Chelsea Tuohy, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, ctuohy@asmfc.org (703) 842-0740
Action Development Timeline and Documents
Action Plan (as of March 2024)
August 2023 Council/Policy Board Meeting: The Council and Policy Board reviewed progress and discussed next steps.
December 2023 Council/Policy Board Meeting: The Council and Policy Board refined the range of preliminary alternatives.
Next Steps: The FMAT/PDT and Council/Commissioner work group are continuing to develop and analyze alternatives and develop the draft framework/addenda document. The Council and Policy Board are tentatively scheduled to meet in August 2024 to approve the final range of alternatives and approve a draft document for public hearings through the Commission process.