The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass and Bluefish Advisory Panels will hold a joint public meeting via webinar on Monday, November 3, 2025 from 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is for the Advisory Panels to provide input on the development of options for the ongoing Recreational Sector Separation Amendment to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan and the Bluefish Fishery Management Plan..

Staff contact:

• Kiley Dancy, kdancy@mafmc.org, 302-526-5257

• Hannah Hart, hhart@mafmc.org, 302-526-5263

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar. If prompted, enter meeting number/access code 2333 540 6407 and password XmkYPeRQ347. After joining the webinar, follow the prompts to use your computer or phone microphone and speakers for audio.

• If you are unable to connect through webex, you may connect via phone only by dialing 1-415-655-0001 and entering meeting number/access code 2333 540 6407. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar

Meeting Materials

• Sector Separation Amendment November 2025 Advisory Panel Discussion Document

This meeting has been cancelled due to the government shutdown.

This is one in a series of working group meetings associated with the Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Assessment. Please visit the Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Working Group page on the NOAA Fisheries website for an agenda and webinar connection details (scroll down to the “Schedule” section). This meeting is open to the public.

Background Information

Research track assessments evaluate new datasets that can either inform or be used in new or existing stock assessment models. Unlike management track assessments, which are driven by the need to meet specific management timelines, research track assessments are carried out over longer time frames and with fewer requirements for using the most recent data. The research track is intended to be the opportunity for extensive and comprehensive research and analysis.

Working groups carry out the analytical work required for the stock assessment, including developing and implementing the research plan and terms of reference, conducting the necessary research, compiling the results to inform the research track effort, and incorporating other information and public input as appropriate.

What Happens Next?

After the working group has completed its work, a peer review panel will be convened to conduct a comprehensive review of the research track assessment.

Typically, research track outputs are incorporated into future management track assessments (as opposed to directly informing management decisions). For this reason, research track assessments are often scheduled to have management track assessments in the following year, which ensures immediate application of the research results with the inclusion of the most recent data in a management track assessment.

Quick Links

• Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Working Group

• MAFMC Stock Assessments Page

• NOAA Fisheries Northeast Stock Assessments Page

The MAFMC's Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Advisory Panel will meet via webinar on Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. to develop recommendations for future Atlantic mackerel specifications.

Agenda: Review fishery data and stock assessment; create fishery performance report with advisory panel

Staff Contact: Jason Didden, jdidden@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5254

Webinar Connection Information

• Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2340 020 2656; Password: cEm5Hp93SaU)

• Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2340 020 2656 Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar.

Meeting Materials

• 2025 Atlantic Mackerel Management Track Assessment

• 2025 Atlantic Mackerel Fishery Information Document

  • Atlantic mackerel catch location maps

The Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel Working Group will hold regularly scheduled meeting via webinar occurring every three weeks. During these meeting the Working Group will continue their discussion on the Regional Industry-Based Trawl Survey (RIBTS) Phase 1 and 2 pilot project.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2341 106 8940; Password: KYsbgdSS788)

• Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2341 106 8940. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar.

Meeting Materials

• Meeting materials will be shared when available

The Council’s and ASMFC’s joint Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT)/Plan Development Team (PDT) for the Recreational Sector Separation Amendment will meet via Webinar on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 10-11:30 a.m. The group will continue discussions of developing alternatives for this action.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar. (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2344 796 7945; Password: XQjXMKA3p47). After you connect, you will have the option to choose whether to use your phone or computer microphone and speakers for audio.

• For phone only access: 1-415-655-0001; Access code: 2344 796 7945. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar.

Meeting Materials

• Agenda - to be posted

The Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel Working Group will hold regularly scheduled meeting via webinar occurring every three weeks. During these meeting the Working Group will continue their discussion on the Regional Industry-Based Trawl Survey (RIBTS) Phase 1 and 2 pilot project.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2341 106 8940; Password: KYsbgdSS788)

• Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2341 106 8940. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar.

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

The New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Monkfish Committee will meet jointly with NEFMC’s Skate Committee on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Hampton Inn in South Kingston, RI.

Staff Contact: Jason Didden, 302-526-5254; jdidden@mafmc.org

Webinar Connection and Meeting Materials

• Meeting details are available on the New England Council’s meeting page

The Spiny Dogfish Committee will meet via webinar on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is for the Committee to provide recommendations to the Councils regarding the framework action to potentially revise catch overage paybacks and/or set 2026-2027 specifications.

MAFMC Contact: Jason Didden - jdidden@mafmc.org; 302-526-5254

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the meeting. If prompted, enter Meeting number: 2342 371 0612; Meeting password: ECaKp9mmB75

• For phone only access: 1-415-655-0001; Access Code: 2342 371 0612. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar.

Meeting Materials

• Staff Memo to Committee for Framework

• Framework Working Document

• September Monitoring Committee Summary

  • Seatrade Spiny Dogfish

• Staff Memo: 2026-2027 Spiny Dogfish ABC Recommendations for SSC

• 2025 NEFSC Data Update for Spiny Dogfish

• 2025 Spiny Dogfish Advisory Panel Fishery Performance Report

• August Monitoring Committee Summary (to be posted but was mostly for clarifying Framework text and already incorporated into above “Framework Working Document”)

• 2025 Spiny Dogfish Fishery Information Document

  • Spiny Dogfish Commercial Landings Maps

The Spiny Dogfish Monitoring Committee with meet via webinar on Friday, September 12, 2025 from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is for the Monitoring Committee to provide recommendations regarding the framework action to potentially revise catch overage paybacks and/or set 2026-2027 specifications.  

Staff contacts:

• Jason Didden, jdidden@mafmc.org; 302-526-5254

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar

• Meeting number (access code): 2347 558 9832

• Meeting password: mWHVZ7mnm43

• If joining by phone only: 415-655-0001 - enter meeting number: 2347 558 9832

Meeting Materials

• See recent Advisory Panel Meeting and SSC Meeting for relevant materials.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Ecosystem and Ocean Planning (EOP) Committee and Advisory Panel will meet jointly via webinar on Friday, September 12, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Staff Contact:

Jessica Coakley; (302-526-5252; jcoakley@mafmc.org

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar. If prompted, enter meeting number/access code 2349 870 6481 and password 2025$eptEFH. After joining the webinar, follow the prompts to use your computer or phone microphone and speakers for audio.

• If you are unable to connect through webex, you may connect via phone only by dialing 1-415-655-0001 and entering meeting number/access code 2349 870 6481. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

• Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Amendment: Public Hearing Draft

• Appendix A

• Presentation

The Alternative Gear Marking Framework Adjustment PDT/FMAT will meet via webinar on Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

This PDT/FMAT was formed by the NOAA Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (GARFO) to discuss the Alternative Gear Marking Framework. The development of this action, led by GARFO, will take place between the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) and the New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC). Both Councils are anticipated to take final action in 2025, with the MAFMC scheduled to hold framework meeting 2 (final action) at the October 2025 Council Meeting.

Note: This is expected to be the last PDT/FMAT meeting before the Councils are anticipated to take final action in September (NEFMC) and October (MAFMC).

Staff Contact: Hayden Dubniczki, 302-526-5259; hdubniczki@mafmc.org

Webinar Information

• Webinar information and meeting materials can be found on the New England Council's meeting page (here)

About FMAT Meetings

Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) meetings are working meetings of the Council, NOAA Fisheries, and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission staff. Information on FMAT meeting locations for in-person meetings may be obtained by contacting Council staff prior to the meeting. This information is not posted to the Council’s website. The date and time of FMAT meetings are generally posted to the calendar on the Council’s website, sometimes with very little notice. FMAT members may discuss topics listed on the agenda in any order and may also discuss topics not listed. Members of the public may attend FMAT meetings, or listen to the meetings if they are broadcast, but should not expect to participate in the discussion unless the FMAT chair invites public input during a specified public comment period to be noted at the beginning of the meeting. Work carried out by the FMAT is considered during committee and/or Council meetings, during which public comments are encouraged.

Following the August 26th On-Demand Fishing Gear Conflict Working Group (ODWG) meeting, the New England Fishery Management Council, in partnership with the Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (GARFO), will hold a public engagement session on the Joint Alternative Gear-Marking Framework. The session will begin with an overview presentation of the gear-marking framework, followed by an opportunity for public questions and comments.

For additional information, visit the NEFMC event page.

This is one in a series of working group meetings associated with the Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Assessment. Please visit the Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Working Group page on the NOAA Fisheries website for an agenda and webinar connection details (scroll down to the “Schedule” section). This meeting is open to the public.

Background Information

Research track assessments evaluate new datasets that can either inform or be used in new or existing stock assessment models. Unlike management track assessments, which are driven by the need to meet specific management timelines, research track assessments are carried out over longer time frames and with fewer requirements for using the most recent data. The research track is intended to be the opportunity for extensive and comprehensive research and analysis.

Working groups carry out the analytical work required for the stock assessment, including developing and implementing the research plan and terms of reference, conducting the necessary research, compiling the results to inform the research track effort, and incorporating other information and public input as appropriate.

What Happens Next?

After the working group has completed its work, a peer review panel will be convened to conduct a comprehensive review of the research track assessment.

Typically, research track outputs are incorporated into future management track assessments (as opposed to directly informing management decisions). For this reason, research track assessments are often scheduled to have management track assessments in the following year, which ensures immediate application of the research results with the inclusion of the most recent data in a management track assessment.

Quick Links

• Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Working Group

• MAFMC Stock Assessments Page

• NOAA Fisheries Northeast Stock Assessments Page

• Description of New England and Mid-Atlantic Region Stock Assessment Process

The Alternative Gear Marking Framework Adjustment PDT/FMAT will meet via webinar on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

This PDT/FMAT was formed by the NOAA Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (GARFO) to discuss the Alternative Gear Marking Framework. The development of this action, led by GARFO, will take place between the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) and the New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC). Both Councils are anticipated to take final action in 2025, with the MAFMC scheduled to hold framework meeting 2 (final action) at the October 2025 Council Meeting.

Staff Contact: Hayden Dubniczki, 302-526-5259; hdubniczki@mafmc.org

Webinar Information

• Webinar information and meeting materials can be found on the New England Council's meeting page (here)

About FMAT Meetings

Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) meetings are working meetings of the Council, NOAA Fisheries, and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission staff. Information on FMAT meeting locations for in-person meetings may be obtained by contacting Council staff prior to the meeting. This information is not posted to the Council’s website. The date and time of FMAT meetings are generally posted to the calendar on the Council’s website, sometimes with very little notice. FMAT members may discuss topics listed on the agenda in any order and may also discuss topics not listed. Members of the public may attend FMAT meetings, or listen to the meetings if they are broadcast, but should not expect to participate in the discussion unless the FMAT chair invites public input during a specified public comment period to be noted at the beginning of the meeting. Work carried out by the FMAT is considered during committee and/or Council meetings, during which public comments are encouraged.

The Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel Working Group will hold regularly scheduled meeting via webinar occurring every three weeks. During these meeting the Working Group will continue their discussion on the Regional Industry-Based Trawl Survey (RIBTS) Phase 1 and 2 pilot project.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2341 106 8940; Password: KYsbgdSS788)

• Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2341 106 8940. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar.

Meeting Materials

• Meeting materials will be shared when available

The Spiny Dogfish Advisory Panel will hold two meetings via webinar on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. and at 5 p.m., to allow more opportunity for AP participation.

The purpose of this meeting is for the Advisory Panel to provide recommendations to the Councils regarding the framework action to potentially revise catch overage paybacks and/or set 2026-2027 specifications.

Staff Contact: Jason Didden, jdidden@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5254

Webinar Connection Information

• Click here to join the meeting

• Meeting number (access code): 2347 755 4947

• Meeting password: xaMCHwY4q73

Meeting Materials

• Agenda/Overview

• Last Year’s Fishery Performance Report

• 2025 Spiny Dogfish Fishery Information Document

  • Spiny Dogfish Landings Maps

• NMFS Science Center 2025 Data Update for Spiny Dogfish

• August 2025 Framework Working Document

• 2019-2024 ACL Accounting (catch sources)

This is one in a series of working group meetings associated with the Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Assessment. Please visit the Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Working Group page on the NOAA Fisheries website for an agenda and webinar connection details (scroll down to the “Schedule” section). This meeting is open to the public.

Background Information

Research track assessments evaluate new datasets that can either inform or be used in new or existing stock assessment models. Unlike management track assessments, which are driven by the need to meet specific management timelines, research track assessments are carried out over longer time frames and with fewer requirements for using the most recent data. The research track is intended to be the opportunity for extensive and comprehensive research and analysis.

Working groups carry out the analytical work required for the stock assessment, including developing and implementing the research plan and terms of reference, conducting the necessary research, compiling the results to inform the research track effort, and incorporating other information and public input as appropriate.

What Happens Next?

After the working group has completed its work, a peer review panel will be convened to conduct a comprehensive review of the research track assessment.

Typically, research track outputs are incorporated into future management track assessments (as opposed to directly informing management decisions). For this reason, research track assessments are often scheduled to have management track assessments in the following year, which ensures immediate application of the research results with the inclusion of the most recent data in a management track assessment.

Quick Links

• Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Working Group

• MAFMC Stock Assessments Page

• NOAA Fisheries Northeast Stock Assessments Page

• Description of New England and Mid-Atlantic Region Stock Assessment Process

The Spiny Dogfish Monitoring Committee will meet via webinar on Monday, August 4, 2025 from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is for the Monitoring Committee to develop recommendations regarding the framework adjustment action to modify spiny dogfish fishery accountability measures, including catch overage paybacks.

Staff Contact: Jason Didden, jdidden@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5254

Webinar Connection Information

• Join from the meeting link

  https://midatlanticfisheriesmc.webex.com/midatlanticfisheriesmc/j.php?MTID=m4c112eb7c38a4cd24c4ea2faf3bb28ac

   

   Join by phone/meeting number Join by phone

  +1-415-655-0001 US Toll

   Meeting number (access code): 2345 002 0560

   Meeting password: stR8jaSJP48

Meeting Materials

• Contact staff to request any materials discussed on the call.

The Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel Working Group will hold regularly scheduled meeting via webinar occurring every three weeks. During these meeting the Working Group will continue their discussion on the Regional Industry-Based Trawl Survey (RIBTS) Phase 1 and 2 pilot project.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2341 106 8940; Password: KYsbgdSS788)

• Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2341 106 8940. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar.

Meeting Materials

• Meeting materials will be shared when available

Note change in start time to 10:30 a.m.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass (SFSBSB) Monitoring Committee will meet via webinar on Thursday, July 31, 2025 from 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The objective of this meeting is for the Monitoring Committee to provide recommendations for 2026-2027 specifications for all three species.

Staff contacts:

• Julia Beaty (lead for black sea bass): jbeaty@mafmc.org; 302-526-5250

• Hannah Hart (lead for summer flounder): hhart@mafmc.org; 302-526-5263

• Hayden Dubniczki (lead for scup): hdubniczki@mafmc.org; 302-526-5259

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar. If prompted, enter meeting number/access code 2338 357 0726 and password SFSBSB2025. After joining the webinar, follow the prompts to use your computer or phone microphone and speakers for audio.

• If you are unable to connect through webex, you may connect via phone only by dialing 1-415-655-0001 and entering meeting number/access code 2338 357 0726. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

• Summer Flounder

  • Staff Memo: 2026-2027 Summer Flounder ABC Recommendations

  • Staff Memo: Small Mesh Exemption Program Analysis

  • 2025 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel Fishery Performance Report

  • 2025 Summer Flounder Fishery Information Document

  • Draft 2025 Summer Flounder Management Track Stock Assessment Report 

    • See the Stock Assessment Support Information (SASINF) Search Tool for additional information including tables and figures

  • 2025 Management Track Peer Review Panel Summary Report

• Scup

  • Staff Memo: 2026-2027 Scup ABC Recommendations

  • 2025 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel Fishery Performance Report (same report as above for summer flounder)

  • 2025 Scup Fishery Information Document

  • Draft 2025 Scup Management Track Stock Assessment Report

    • See the Stock Assessment Support Information (SASINF) Search Tool for additional information including tables and figures

  • 2025 Management Track Peer Review Panel Summary Report (same report as above for summer flounder)

• Black Sea Bass

  • Staff Memo: Updated Recommendations for 2026-2027 Black Sea Bass Specifications

  • Staff Memo: 2026-2027 Black Sea Bass ABC Recommendations

  • 2025 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel Fishery Performance Report (same report as above for summer flounder and scup)

  • 2025 Black Sea Bass Fishery Information Document

  • Draft 2025 Black Sea Bass Management Track Stock Assessment Report

    • See the Stock Assessment Support Information (SASINF) Search Tool for additional information including tables and figures

  • 2025 Management Track Peer Review Panel Summary Report (same report as above for summer flounder and scup)

The Council’s Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish (MSB) Monitoring Committee was going to meet (webinar) on July 29, 2025 to develop recommendations for the Council regarding upcoming Illex specifications. However the Scientific and Statistical Committee did not make any changes from the status quo (2025) Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC). Staff checked in with the Monitoring Committee via email and no specifications changes appeared warranted, so the meeting was canceled. The Council will still address 2026-2028 Illex specifications at its August 2025 meeting.

Please contact Jason Didden for more information if needed.