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, March 25, 2026, from 1 pm-3 pm. The group will discuss workshop plans and continue discussions of developing alternatives for this action.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar. (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2332 731 0490; Password: UCcS9MpUA75). 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: 2332 731 0490. 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.

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 New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Monkfish Committee will meet jointly with NEFMC’s Skate Committee via webinar on Thursday, March 19, 2026 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

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 Northeast Fisheries Science Center is seeking input from its regional assessment partners, including the commercial and recreational fishing industry, state agency scientists, academic researchers, and interested members of the public, to help inform the 2027 Management Track Assessments for the following stocks:

• Atlantic mackerel

• Black sea bass

• Bluefish

• Scup

• Summer flounder

• Atlantic cod

You can help by identifying new data sources, providing on-the-water observations, and flagging emerging issues important to consider during the assessment process. Please refer to the stock-specific community questions to understand the information that will be most helpful to the 2027 Management Track assessments.

There are two ways to participate:

• Attend a virtual meeting on March 18, 2026.

• Submit your comments using the community input form. This form is open through April 30, 2026.

Questions?

Contact: Brian Hooper, NEFSC assessment process lead

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 Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Ecosystem and Ocean Planning (EOP) Committee and Advisory Panel will meet jointly via webinar on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is for the Committee and Advisors to review public comments received on the Council’s Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat Amendment, to review the Fishery Management Action Team recommendations on this action, and to make recommendations to the Council.

Staff Contact:

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

Webinar Connection

• Webinar link

• Meeting number: 2339 473 2857

• Password: EFH2026MarEOP

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

• Staff Recommendation Memo

• FMAT Meeting Summary

• Summary of EFH Amendment Public Comment

• Omnibus EFH Amendment Draft

The Council’s Tilefish Committee will meet via webinar on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to develop recommendations for the Council regarding the Recreational Tilefish Permitting and Reporting Framework.

Staff Contacts:

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

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

Webinar Connection

• Webinar Link

• If prompted, enter Meeting number (access code): 2342 375 4090, Password: TilefishCom

• Join by Phone: +1-415-655-0001 US Toll, Access Code: 2342 375 4090

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

• Framework document

• Public input meeting summary

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

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 Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold a public input webinar on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 6 p.m., to gather feedback on potential changes to the private recreational tilefish permitting and reporting requirements. These requirements apply to anglers fishing for golden or blueline tilefish from Virginia north.

The Council is considering options to reduce unnecessary burden, improve clarity and enforceability, and increase the usefulness of recreational catch data for science and management, where feasible. The draft framework document describes the range of alternatives under consideration.  The Council is expected to consider final action at its April 7-9, 2026 meeting.

Staff Contacts:

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

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

Webinar Connection

Registration in advance of the webinar is requested but not required.

• Register for the webinar here

Who Should Attend This Webinar?

• Private recreational anglers that target or fish for tilefish from Virginia north,

• Individuals familiar with mandatory private or voluntary recreational reporting programs

• Any member of the public interested in these regulations

What are the Current Regulations and Why are Changes being Considered?

Since 2020, private recreational anglers fishing for golden or blueline tilefish north of the NC/VA border have been required to:

• Obtain a free, vessel-based private recreational tilefish permit, and

• Submit an electronic vessel trip report (eVTR) within 24 hours of returning to port after any trip where tilefish were caught or targeted

These requirements were intended to improve recreational catch information used in stock assessments and management. However, angler reporting rates have remained very low. Given the low reporting rates as well as the feedback we’ve heard from anglers, the Council is considering whether changes are needed to make the program simpler, more enforceable, and more effective.

Additional details can be found in the draft framework document and on the Recreational Tilefish Permit and Reporting Framework page.  

Provide Written Comments

If you cannot attend the webinar, written comments can be emailed to Hannah Hart at hhart@mafmc.org. All comments received by March 25, 2026 will be included in the briefing materials for the April Council Meeting. Comments received by March 3, 2026 will also be included in the briefing materials for the Tilefish Committee meeting on March 5.

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 Council’s Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Amendment Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) will meet via Webinar on Friday, February 27, 2026 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. 

The EFH FMAT will meet via webinar to review comments received on the Omnibus EFH Amendment, to address any draft revisions to the Amendment, and to develop recommendations for the Ecosystem and Ocean Planning Committee and the Council. 

Staff Contacts:

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

• Tori Kentner - tkentner@mafmc.org; 302-526-5262

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar. Meeting number (access code): 2349 686 1572;

  Meeting password: 026FebEFHFMAT

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

• Comments Received on EFH Amendment

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.

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

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 Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold five public hearings to gather public input on a draft amendment to modify Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) designations and descriptions for 14 of the Council’s managed species. Hearings will be held between December 2, 2025 and February 3, 2026, and written comments will be accepted through February 11, 2026.

• Hearing Announcement

• Public Hearing Document

• Hearing Presentation: Slides / Recording

Public Hearings

Comments may be submitted at any of the following public hearings. Two of the hearings will focus on specific species, while others will be “all species” sessions. If you are only interested in a particular species, we encourage you to join one of the species focus webinars.

1. December 2, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Webinar Registration. All Species: Open Discussion.

2. December 9, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Webinar Registration. Focus: Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass, Bluefish, and Spiny Dogfish.

3. January 6, 2026, 6:00 p.m. Webinar Registration. Focus: Mackerels, Squids, Butterfish, Tilefishes, Surfclam, and Ocean Quahog.

4. January 13, 2026, 6:00 p.m. Webinar Registration. All Species: Open Discussion.

5. February 3, 2026, 6:30 p.m. In-Person: Westin Crystal City (1800 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202). All Species: Open Discussion.

Written Comments

Written comments may be submitted by any of the following methods. Comments must be received by Tuesday, February 11, 2026.

• Email to jcoakley@mafmc.org  (use subject “EFH Amendment”)

• Online at https://www.mafmc.org/comments/efh-amendment

• Mail to Chris Moore, Ph.D., Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 North State Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901. Mark the outside of the envelope “EFH Amendment.”

Questions? Contact Jessica Coakley at: jcoakley@mafmc.org or 302-526-5252.

Explore the Proposed EFH Designations and Modeling Methods

An R-Shiny application has been developed to give users a more in-depth view of the newly proposed EFH designations. The interactive EFH Designations Demo App allows users to view proposed EFH by species and life stage, compare current and proposed EFH designations, and explore the underlying data and methodology. Users can zoom in, filter species, and switch between councils to focus on the areas and species most relevant to their interests. This video tutorial highlights the app’s main features and demonstrates how to navigate the tool: VIDEO: EFH Demo App Intro & Walkthrough.

This video provides an overview of the modeling methods used to develop the Council’s revised EFH maps: VIDEO: EFH Modeling Methods.

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

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 Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel Working Group will hold a series of meeting via webinar occurring every three to four weeks. During these meetings, the Working Group will continue their discussion on the Regional Industry-Based Trawl Survey (RIBTS) Phase 2 pilot project.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2330 617 1218; Password: h7mMZ3NJ8Zq)

• Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2330 617 1218. 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 Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel Working Group will hold a series of meeting via webinar occurring every three to four weeks. During these meetings, the Working Group will continue their discussion on the Regional Industry-Based Trawl Survey (RIBTS) Phase 2 pilot project.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2342 186 8169; Password: xX2Fq8gNYi2)

• Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2342 186 8169. 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 Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold five public hearings to gather public input on a draft amendment to modify Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) designations and descriptions for 14 of the Council’s managed species. Hearings will be held between December 2, 2025 and February 3, 2026, and written comments will be accepted through February 11, 2026.

• Hearing Announcement

• Public Hearing Document

• Hearing Presentation: Slides / Recording

Public Hearings

Comments may be submitted at any of the following public hearings. Two of the hearings will focus on specific species, while others will be “all species” sessions. If you are only interested in a particular species, we encourage you to join one of the species focus webinars.

1. December 2, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Webinar Registration. All Species: Open Discussion.

2. December 9, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Webinar Registration. Focus: Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass, Bluefish, and Spiny Dogfish.

3. January 6, 2026, 6:00 p.m. Webinar Registration. Focus: Mackerels, Squids, Butterfish, Tilefishes, Surfclam, and Ocean Quahog.

4. January 13, 2026, 6:00 p.m. Webinar Registration. All Species: Open Discussion.

5. February 3, 2026, 6:30 p.m. In-Person: Westin Crystal City (1800 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202). All Species: Open Discussion.

Written Comments

Written comments may be submitted by any of the following methods. Comments must be received by Tuesday, February 11, 2026.

• Email to jcoakley@mafmc.org  (use subject “EFH Amendment”)

• Online at https://www.mafmc.org/comments/efh-amendment

• Mail to Chris Moore, Ph.D., Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 North State Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901. Mark the outside of the envelope “EFH Amendment.”

Questions? Contact Jessica Coakley at: jcoakley@mafmc.org or 302-526-5252.

Explore the Proposed EFH Designations and Modeling Methods

An R-Shiny application has been developed to give users a more in-depth view of the newly proposed EFH designations. The interactive EFH Designations Demo App allows users to view proposed EFH by species and life stage, compare current and proposed EFH designations, and explore the underlying data and methodology. Users can zoom in, filter species, and switch between councils to focus on the areas and species most relevant to their interests. This video tutorial highlights the app’s main features and demonstrates how to navigate the tool: VIDEO: EFH Demo App Intro & Walkthrough.

This video provides an overview of the modeling methods used to develop the Council’s revised EFH maps: VIDEO: EFH Modeling Methods.

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 Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold five public hearings to gather public input on a draft amendment to modify Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) designations and descriptions for 14 of the Council’s managed species. Hearings will be held between December 2, 2025 and February 3, 2026, and written comments will be accepted through February 11, 2026.

• Hearing Announcement

• Public Hearing Document

• Hearing Presentation: Slides / Recording

Several additional resources and videos are available on the Essential Fish Habitat Amendment webpage.

Public Hearings

Comments may be submitted at any of the following public hearings. Two of the hearings will focus on specific species, while others will be “all species” sessions. If you are only interested in a particular species, we encourage you to join one of the species focus webinars.

1. December 2, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Webinar Registration. All Species: Open Discussion.

2. December 9, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Webinar Registration. Focus: Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass, Bluefish, and Spiny Dogfish.

3. January 6, 2026, 6:00 p.m. Webinar Registration. Focus: Mackerels, Squids, Butterfish, Tilefishes, Surfclam, and Ocean Quahog.

4. January 13, 2026, 6:00 p.m. Webinar Registration. All Species: Open Discussion.

5. February 3, 2026, 6:30 p.m. In-Person: Westin Crystal City (1800 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202). All Species: Open Discussion.

Written Comments

Written comments may be submitted by any of the following methods. Comments must be received by Tuesday, February 11, 2026.

• Email to jcoakley@mafmc.org  (use subject “EFH Amendment”)

• Online at https://www.mafmc.org/comments/efh-amendment

• Mail to Chris Moore, Ph.D., Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 North State Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901. Mark the outside of the envelope “EFH Amendment.”

Explore the Proposed EFH Designations and Modeling Methods

An R-Shiny application has been developed to give users a more in-depth view of the newly proposed EFH designations. The interactive EFH Designations Demo App allows users to view proposed EFH by species and life stage, compare current and proposed EFH designations, and explore the underlying data and methodology. Users can zoom in, filter species, and switch between councils to focus on the areas and species most relevant to their interests. This video tutorial highlights the app’s main features and demonstrates how to navigate the tool: VIDEO: EFH Demo App Intro & Walkthrough.

This video provides an overview of the modeling methods used to develop the Council’s revised EFH maps: VIDEO: EFH Modeling Methods.

Questions? Contact Jessica Coakley at: jcoakley@mafmc.org or 302-526-5252.

The MAFMC's Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish (MSB) Monitoring Committee will meet via webinar on Friday, December 12, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. to develop recommendations for future (2026-2027) Atlantic mackerel specifications.

Agenda: the charge of the Monitoring Committee is generally to make operational recommendations to ensure that catch limits are not exceeded, so the Monitoring Committee will review recent fishery performance and then make appropriate recommendations in the context of the likely Atlantic mackerel quotas in the pending MSB framework adjustment action that the Council is considering for final action at its December 2025 meeting. (The framework would set 2026–2027 specifications/management measures and may adjust the stock’s rebuilding approach.)

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

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2334 985 2800; Password: GJvWG3J7hp8)

• Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2334 985 2800. 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

• Refer to December 2025 MAFMC Council Meeting Atlantic Mackerel materials available at www.mafmc.org/briefing/december-2025

The Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel Working Group will hold a series of meeting via webinar occurring every three to four weeks. During these meetings, the Working Group will continue their discussion on the Regional Industry-Based Trawl Survey (RIBTS) Phase 1 and 2 pilot projects

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2343 310 0745; Password: T225Jw8JWRy)

• Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2343 310 0745. 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