The Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils will hold a public meeting of their joint Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel on Thursday, July 17, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. in New Bedford, MA. (New Bedford Port Authority Office - 123 Macarthur Drive, New Bedford, MA, 02740)

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar. Meeting number (access code): 2349 812 3108;

  Meeting password: JTcRWmMC237

• Join by phone: +1-415-655-0001 US Toll - Access Code: 2349 812 3108

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

The Alternative Gear Marking Framework Adjustment PDT/FMAT will meet via webinar on Tuesday, July 8, 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.

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

Webinar information and Meeting Materials

• 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.

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 Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel will hold a public webinar meeting, jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel. The meeting will be held via webinar on Monday, June 30, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is for the Advisory Panels to develop a Fishery Performance Report (FPR) that describes recent performance of the commercial and recreational fisheries for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass.

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 Webex webinar. If prompted, enter meeting number 2344 818 8808 and password SFSBSB2025.

• After you connect to the webinar, follow the prompts to use your computer, phone, or other device for audio.

• If necessary to connect via phone only, you may dial 1-415-655-0001 and enter access code 2344 818 8808. Please only use this option if you are not able to connect to the webinar.

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

• Summer Flounder

  • 2025 Summer Flounder Fishery Information Document

  • Draft 2025 Summer Flounder Management Track Assessment report

• Scup

  • 2025 Scup Fishery Information Document

  • Draft 2025 Scup Management Track Assessment report

• Black Sea Bass

  • 2025 Black Sea Bass Fishery Information Document

  • 2025 Black Sea Bass Ecosystem and Socioeconomic Profile Snapshot

  • Draft 2025 Black Sea Bass Management Track Assessment report

This meeting has been cancelled (6/24/25).

The Council’s and ASMFC’s joint Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT)/Plan Development Team (PDT) for the Recreational Sector Separation Amendment had planned to meet via Webinar on Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. This meeting has been cancelled, and another meeting will be scheduled for mid- to late-July for the group to continue discussion of sector separation options and amendment next steps.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Monitoring Committee will meet jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Technical Committee on Friday, June 20, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. via webinar.

The Monitoring Committee and Technical Committee will meet jointly to discuss several issues in preparation for additional meetings later in 2025 regarding 2026-2027 recreational measures for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. During this meeting, the groups will discuss the configuration of the Recreation Demand Model and any potential modifications that may be needed.

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 meeting (If prompted, enter meeting ID: 831081246).

• Phone only access: 1-650-419-1505; Access Code: 831081246#. 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 Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel Bigelow Contingency Plan Working Group will hold a meeting via webinar on Monday, June 16, 2025 from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2340 920 1594; Password: mHFXJfxy483)

• Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2340 920 1594. 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's (MAFMC) Bluefish Advisory Panel will hold a public meeting, jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Bluefish Advisory Panel, via webinar on Thursday, June 12, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is for the Advisory Panel to develop a fishery performance report (FPR) that describes recent performance of the bluefish commercial and recreational fisheries.

Staff Contact: Jose Montanez: jmontanez@mafmc.org; 302-526-5258

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar (if prompted enter the meeting number: 2335 671 8268; password: dDyqq4R4rm2)

• Phone only access: 1-415-655-0001; Access code: 2335 671 8268. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts when you join the webinar.

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

• 2025 Bluefish Fishery Information Document

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 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 Monday, June 2, 2025, from 9-11 a.m.

The group will discuss the outcomes of the April Council/Policy Board meeting and consider next steps for developing sector separation options.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2349 020 6014; Password: 3WumQn3p7yk)

• Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2349 020 6014. 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.

About FMAT Meetings

Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) meetings are working meetings of the Council, NOAA Fisheries, and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission staff. 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 Bigelow Contingency Plan Working Group will hold a meeting via webinar on Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. During this meeting the working group will continue their discussions on the Industry-Based Survey pilot project.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2331 235 4547; Password: mvPHkf24J5N)

• Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2331 235 4547. 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 Alternative Gear Marking Framework Adjustment PDT/FMAT will meet via webinar on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 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.

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

Webinar information and Meeting Materials

• 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 Tilefish Monitoring Committee will meet via webinar on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss to discuss management measures for both golden and blueline tilefish.

Staff Contacts: José Montañez (302-526-5258, jmontanez@mafmc.org) or Hannah Hart (302-526-5263, hhart@mafmc.org)

Webinar Information

• Click here to join the meeting. If prompted, enter Meeting number (access code): 

  2347 592 9207; Meeting password: Nb6uWtMwA68

• Join by phone: 415-655-0001 (US Toll) - Access Code: 2347 592 9207

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

Golden Tilefish 

• 2025 Blueline and Golden Tilefish Fishery Performance Report

• 2025 Golden Tilefish Fishery Information Document

• Staff Memo: Golden Tilefish 2026 Specifications Review

• MAFMC 2025 Data Update (NEFSC)

Blueline Tilefish

• 2025 Blueline Tilefish Fishery Information Document

• Staff Memo: Blueline Tilefish Specifications for 2026-2028

• SEDAR 92 Assessment Report: Model for Stock North of Hatteras Information Only

  • The complete SEDAR 92 report can be found at - https://sedarweb.org/documents/sedar-92-atlantic-blueline-tilefish-final-stock-assessment-report/

This meeting has been cancelled. (5/14/2025)

The Council’s Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish (MSB) Monitoring Committee was going to meet (webinar) on May 15, 2025 to develop recommendations for the Council regarding upcoming specifications: Setting 2026-2028 chub mackerel specifications and reviewing 2026 specifications for butterfish and longfin squid. However the Scientific and Statistical Committee did not make any changes to current and/or planned 2026 Acceptable Biological Catches (ABCs), so the Monitoring Committee meeting was not needed and was canceled.

The Council will still address these specifications at its June 2024 meeting.

Please contact Jason Didden (butterfish and longfin squid) or Julia Beaty (chub mackerel) for more information if needed.

The Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel Bigelow Contingency Plan Working Group will hold a meeting via webinar on Thursday, May 8, 2025 from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. During this meeting the working group will continue their discussions on the Industry-Based Survey pilot project.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2331 235 4547; Password: mvPHkf24J5N)

• Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2331 235 4547. 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

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 Friday, May 2, 2025 from 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. to develop recommendations for the Council regarding alternatives and analyses for a framework action that is considering modifications to payback accountability measures when specifications are exceeded.

 More information on this framework action is available at https://www.mafmc.org/actions/spiny-dogfish-accountability-measures-fw.

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

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar

  Webex Meeting number: 2330 179 5299

  Password if needed: chSbDY2SB52

  If joining by phone only: 415-655-0001 and use meeting number

Meeting Materials

• Draft document with revised alternatives

The Council’s Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Advisory Panel will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 from 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. via webinar.

The purpose of this meeting is for the Advisory Panel to develop a fishery performance report (FPR) for Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog. The intent of the FPR is to facilitate a venue for structured input from the Advisory Panel for specifications processes. The FPR will be used by the MAFMC’s Scientific and Statistical Committee and the Council when reviewing specifications for the 2026 fishing year.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the meeting. If prompted, enter Meeting number (access code): 2344 508 0720; Meeting password: SCOQApril2025

• Join by phone: 415-655-0001 (US Toll)

Meeting Materials

• 2025 Atlantic Surfclam Fishery Information Document

• 2025 Ocean Quahog Fishery Information Document

The Alternative Gear Marking Framework Adjustment PDT/FMAT will meet via webinar on Monday, April 28, 2025 from 2 p.m. - 4 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 tentatively scheduled to hold framework meeting 1 at the April 2025 Council Meeting and take final action at the October 2025 Council Meeting.

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

Webinar information and Meeting Materials

• 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 Bigelow Contingency Plan Working Group will hold a meeting via webinar on Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. During this meeting the working group will continue their discussions on the Industry-Based Survey pilot project.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2331 235 4547; Password: mvPHkf24J5N)

• Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2331 235 4547. 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 Council’s Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish (MSB) Advisory Panel (AP) will meet via webinar on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

The MSB AP will develop Fishery Performance Reports for MSB species except Atlantic mackerel, which will be addressed later in 2025. The Fishery Performance Reports are considered by the Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) when setting Acceptable Biological Catches (ABC’s).

The MSB Fishery Performance Reports will be addressed in the following order: Chub mackerel, longfin squid, Illex squid, Atlantic mackerel, and then butterfish.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the meeting (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2337 947 9232; Password: 3p7E3h6sQ4u). 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: 2337 947 9232. 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

• Chub Mackerel Fishery Information Document

• Longfin Squid Fishery Information Document

• Illex Squid Fishery Information Document

• Butterfish Fishery Information Document

• Supplemental

  • NEFSC Data Update including Butterfish, Chub mackerel, and Longfin squid (Not Illex or Atlantic mackerel since they will have assessments later in 2025)

A sub-panel of the Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils’ Scientific and Statistical Committees (SSCs) will meet via webinar on Monday, April 21 and Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. each day.

The joint sub-panel will meet to review the Data Limited Methods (DLM) model for the Atlantic Blueline Tilefish stock north of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina developed as part of the SouthEast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) 92 process.

Staff Contact: Brandon Muffley: 302-526-5260, bmuffley@mafmc.org

Webinar Information

• Click here to join the meeting (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2332 630 4914; Password: YuWpJA2im33). 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 630 4914. 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

• Review Workshop Terms of Reference

• SEDAR 92 Assessment Report: Model for Stock North of Hatteras Information Only

• The complete SEDAR 92 report can be found at - https://sedarweb.org/documents/sedar-92-atlantic-blueline-tilefish-final-stock-assessment-report/

• South Atlantic Deepwater Longline (SADL) Survey Information

• Map of 2023 Blueline Tilefish SADL Catch Per Unit Effort

• Map of 2024 Blueline Tilefish SADL Catch Per Unit Effort

• 2025 Mid-Atlantic Blueline Tilefish Fishery Information Document

• 2025 Mid-Atlantic Advisory Panel Fishery Performance Report

• 2023 South Atlantic Advisory Panel Fishery Performance Report

• Staff Memo: Management Overview and ABC Information

• Supplemental Information

• Presentation: SADL Survey Overview

• Fisheries-independent pilot survey for golden & blueline tilefish throughout the range from Georges Bank to Cape Hatteras (Frisk et al 2017)