Photo Credit: Jimmy Fee
Recreational fishermen fishing for golden and blueline tilefish north of the North Carolina/Virginia border are subject to special permitting and reporting requirements. These requirements were implemented in 2020 and are intended to improve the accuracy and reliability of recreational catch and effort estimates. However, since the mandatory permitting and reporting requirements were implemented, angler reporting rates have been very low. A program evaluation conducted in 2024 highlighted a number of issues that have contributed to persistently low compliance and reporting rates. The evaluation highlighted the need for increased outreach as well as potential regulatory changes.
This framework will consider regulatory changes to simplify/streamline the reporting process. This could include removal of required data fields, elimination of the requirement to report effort-only trips (trips where no fish were caught or landed), modification of the trip report submission timeframe, and/or other regulatory changes to improve compliance and enhance the program’s effectiveness.
Contacts
Hannah Hart, hhart@mafmc.org, 302-526-5263
José Montañez, jmontanez@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5258
Action Development Timeline and Status
Current Action Plan – to be posted
October 2024 Council Meeting: The Council reviewed an evaluation of the tilefish permitting and reporting program.
December 2024 Council Meeting: The framework was initiated through its inclusion in the Council’s 2025 Implementation Plan.
October 2025 Council Meeting: Framework Meeting #1