Framework 18 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan
In October 2024, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) approved modifications to two exemptions to the minimum mesh size requirements in the commercial summer flounder fishery. These modifications were intended to increase operational flexibility for the commercial fishing industry. The Council recommended these changes through Framework 18 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP), and the Commission adopted identical measures through Addendum XXXV to the Commission’s FMP.
NOAA Fisheries published a Final Rule to implement Framework 18 on April 27, 2026.
Overview of Regulatory Changes
Figure 1: Revised boundary of the SMEP area.
Small Mesh Exemption Program: This action expanded the geographical area of the Small-Mesh Exemption Program (SMEP) by moving the western boundary of the SMEP area approximately 5 miles west for the portion of the area south of Long Island Sound (Figure 1). This expansion was intended to allow for greater retention of summer flounder in areas where summer flounder permit holders are currently participating in other fisheries using mesh below the summer flounder minimum mesh size. The framework also revised the annual evaluation process for the SMEP and reduced the minimum enrollment period for the SMEP Letter of Authorization (LOA) from 7 days to 1 day.
Flynet Exemption: This action revised the definition of the term “flynet” to reflect modern net configurations used throughout the region. To support improved monitoring of fishing activity under the flynet exemption, the framework implemented a flynet vessel trip report (VTR) gear code. Lastly, this action revised the criterion used to evaluate termination of the flynet exemption to align with the original fishery management plan amendment and its intent. See the flyer below for details about the revised flynet definition and new gear codes.
Key Documents
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
December 2023 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.
April 2024 Meeting: The Council and Board approved a range of alternatives for inclusion in a draft framework/addendum document.
June 2024 Meeting: The Council and Board adopted additional alternatives to consider modifying the annual evaluation methodology for the Small Mesh Exemption Program (SMEP).
August 2024 Meeting: The Council and Board reviewed and approved a document for public comment.
September 2024: The Commission held two public hearings to gather public input on the draft addendum.
October 24, 2024 Meeting: The Council and Board reviewed public comments and took final action on the framework/addendum.
July 23, 2025: The framework was transmitted to NOAA Fisheries for review and rulemaking.
September 16, 2025: NOAA Fisheries published a proposed rule.
April 27, 2026: NOAA Fisheries published a final rule.