Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Species Separation Requirements Amendment

Overview

This action considers changes to the species separation requirements in the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. Specifically, the amendment proposes modifications to the regulations to allow for mixed catches onboard vessels. The Council initiated this action in response to the increased occurrence of mixed catches in these fisheries, an issue raised to the Council by the clam fishing industry.

Industry has reported that as Atlantic surfclam have shifted toward deeper waters in recent years, catches including both surfclam and ocean quahog have become more common. Current regulations do not allow for surfclam and ocean quahog to be landed on the same trip or placed in the same cages. Industry has expressed concern about the co-occurrence of these species on trips because of potential enforcement concerns. Industry has noted that they try to avoid areas where species co-occur because mixed catches are undesirable, as processors can only process one species at a time.

Contacts

• Jessica Coakley, jcoakley@mafmc.org, 302-526-5252

• José Montañez, jmontanez@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5258

Public Hearings

The Council is requesting public comments on this amendment. Comments may be submitted at any of three public hearings. Written comments are due May 30, 2024.

1. Thursday, May 9, 2024. 6:00 p.m. Webinar.

2. Tuesday, May 14, 2024. 6:30 p.m. Philadelphia, PA

3. Thursday, May 16, 2024. 6:30 p.m. Boston/Braintree, MA

Learn More

Amendment Development Timeline and Next Steps

December 2021 Council Meeting: Amendment initiated

• Briefing Materials (Tab 11)

• Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Committee Recommendations Summary

April 2022: FMAT formed and began work

October 2022 Council Meeting: The Council reviewed the draft amendment and approved it for public hearings.

• Briefing Materials (Tab 2)

• Presentation

November 2022: An initial round of public hearings was held.

• Public Hearing Document

• Public Hearing Presentation

• Public Hearing Announccement

December 2022 Council Meeting: The Council voted to postpone final action to allow time for development of additional alternatives.

• Briefing Materials (Tab 4)

• Presentation

February 2023 Council Meeting: The Council received an update.

• Briefing Materials (Tab 12)

• Presentation

February 2024 Council Meeting: The Council approved a public hearing document with the addition of an industry-drafted alternative.

• Briefing Materials (Tab 1)

• Supplemental: Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Committee and Advisory Panel Meeting Summary (2/5/24)

• Presentation

Next Steps:

• May 2024: The Council will hold three public hearings and collect written public comments on the draft amendment.

• June 2024 Council Meeting: The Council will review public input and recommend an alternative to NOAA Fisheries for review and rulemaking.

Background

• Industry request for the MAFMC to address SCOQ species separation regulations (December 2016 Council Meeting)