Overview
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Board (Board) are developing a framework/addendum to consider potential changes to two exemptions to the summer flounder commercial minimum mesh size requirements. This action was initiated in response to issues raised during a Fall 2023 review of summer flounder commercial mesh regulations. The following issues have been identified for exploration through this action:
Small Mesh Exemption Program (SMEP) Area Revisions: The Council and Board will consider modifications to the area associated with the SMEP for summer flounder, including evaluating suggested revisions made by fishing industry representatives during the Fall 2023 review process for this exemption.
Flynet Exemption Gear Definition Updates: The Council and Board will consider modifying the regulatory definition of a flynet as it relates to the flynet exemption to the summer flounder commercial minimum mesh size. Changes would be considered in light of changes in the use and configuration of commercial trawl gear since this exemption was put in place in the 1990s.
Other alternatives: This action may consider other alternatives, including potential revisions to the timing associated with the SMEP, or administrative requirements associated with either exemption.
Consideration of these changes is intended to modernize these requirements with consideration of current fishing industry gear use and practices and to provide additional flexibility to fishery participants while continuing to meet the conservation objectives of the FMP.
Contacts
Kiley Dancy, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, kdancy@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5257
Hannah Hart, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, hhart@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5263
Chelsea Tuohy, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, ctuohy@asmfc.org, (703) 842-0740
Action Development Timeline and Documents
Action Plan (as of March 2024)
December 2023 Council and Board Meeting: The Council and Board reviewed analysis of several summer flounder commercial mesh regulations and agreed to prioritize development of a framework/addendum to consider changes to these requirements.
January 2024: An FMAT/PDT for this action was formed.
April 2, 2024: The Council held a public webinar to gather stakeholder input on the alternatives being considered in this action.
Next Steps (Framework Meeting #1): During the the April 2024 Council Meeting, the Council and Board will review draft alternatives, preliminary analysis, and initial public input. The Council and Board will consider adopting a range of alternatives for inclusion in a public hearing document to be developed and approved by the Board later this spring.