The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Bluefish Advisory Panel will hold a public webinar meeting, jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Bluefish Advisory Panel. The meeting will be held via webinar on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 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 bluefish commercial and recreational fisheries.

Staff Contact: Karson Cisneros: kcisneros@mafmc.org; 302-526-5259

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar. If prompted, enter Meeting number: 2331 168 5909 Meeting password: 7m474mJB2MP

Meeting Materials

• 2024 Bluefish Fishery Information Document

The SSC Recreational Measures Setting Sub-Group will meet by webinar on Tuesday, April 23rd from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The purpose of this sub-group is to review and provide input on analyses and alternatives being considered by the Council and ASMFC Policy Board as part of the Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework/Addenda.

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

Webinar Connection Information

• Click here to join the April 23, 2024 webinar  (if prompted, enter access code: 2336 560 8269 and password: MJjtSPiu664)

• To join by phone only, dial 415-655-0001 and enter access code 2336 560 8269

Meeting Materials

• Meeting Agenda

• Terms of Reference for the SSC Recreational Measures Setting Sub-Group

• Staff Memo to SSC Sub-Group: Background Information on the Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework/Addenda

About this Meeting

The Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) Recreational Measure Setting Sub-Group meetings are working meetings of a sub-group of the SSC. The date and time of sub-group meetings are generally posted to the calendar on the Council’s website, sometimes with very little notice. Sub-group members may discuss topics listed on the agenda in any order and may also discuss topics not listed. Members of the public may attend sub-group meetings, or listen to the meetings if they are broadcast, but should not expect to participate in the discussion unless the sub-group chair invites public input during a specified public comment period to be noted at the beginning of the meeting. Work carried out by the sub-group will ve considered during SSC and/or Council meetings, during which public comments are encouraged.

The New England Fishery Management Council will hold a public scoping meeting on Monday, April 22 for Amendment 10 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan. The Amendment will address spatial and temporal allocation and management of Atlantic herring at the management unit level to minimize user conflicts, contribute to optimum yield, and support rebuilding of the resource. The Amendment also proposes to take action to enhance river herring (alewife and blueback herring) and shad (American shad and hickory shad) avoidance and other catch reduction measures to better support ongoing coastwide restoration efforts for those species.  Visit the Amendment 10 webpage for more information.

• Apr. 22, 2024 Herring Amendment 10 Scoping Webinar

The Council’s Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish (MSB) Advisory Panel (AP) will meet via webinar on Friday, April 19, 2024 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The MSB AP will develop Fishery Performance Reports for MSB species. 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

• https://midatlanticfisheriesmc.webex.com/midatlanticfisheriesmc/j.php?MTID=m851e91fec19616c920a77606e466a58e

  Join by meeting number

  Meeting number: 2338 203 8351 - Meeting password: Be3bbMXMH79

  Tap to join from a mobile device: +1-415-655-0001,,23382038351##

  Join by phone: +1-415-655-0001 - Meeting number: 2338 203 8351

Meeting Materials

• Chub Mackerel Fishery Information Document

  • Last Year’s AP Fishery Performance Report for Chub Mackerel

• Illex Squid Fishery Information Document

  • Last Year’s AP Fishery Performance Report for Illex

• Longfin Squid Fishery Information Document

  • Last Year’s AP Fishery Performance Report for Longfin Squid

• Butterfish Fishery Information Document

  • Last Year’s AP Fishery Performance Report for Butterfish

• Atlantic Mackerel Fishery Information Document

  • Last Year’s AP Fishery Performance Report for Atlantic Mackerel

The New England Fishery Management Council will hold a public scoping meeting on Wednesday, April 17 for Amendment 10 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan. The Amendment will address spatial and temporal allocation and management of Atlantic herring at the management unit level to minimize user conflicts, contribute to optimum yield, and support rebuilding of the resource. The Amendment also proposes to take action to enhance river herring (alewife and blueback herring) and shad (American shad and hickory shad) avoidance and other catch reduction measures to better support ongoing coastwide restoration efforts for those species.  Visit the Amendment 10 webpage for more information.

• Apr. 17, 2024 Herring Amendment 10 Hybrid Scoping Meeting

The Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass, and Bluefish Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework/Addenda Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) / Plan Development Team (PDT) will hold a meeting via webinar on Monday April 16, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

The FMAT/PDT will meet with the Council Member/Commissioner Work Group to discuss several aspects of the Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework/Addenda.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the meeting

• If prompted, enter meeting number (access code) 2334 478 9289 and password Z2kJmTTAx53.

• Please connect your audio through your computer, telephone, or other device by following the prompts that appear after opening the webinar. If you must join by phone only, you may dial: (415) 655-0001 and enter access code 2334 478 9289. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or other device.

Meeting Materials

• Action Plan

About FMAT/PDT Meetings

This will be a working meeting of the FMAT/PDT. Members of the public may listen to this meeting, but should not expect to participate in the discussion unless the meeting chair invites input during a specified public comment period. FMAT/PDT working documents will not be shared. The work of the FMAT/PDT, including meeting summaries, will be shared and considered during Council/Policy Board 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 Assessment Oversight Panel (AOP) will meet on April 4, 2024 to review the stock assessment plan for the golden tilefish management track assessment and recommend the appropriate level of peer review. Please note that the AOP meeting for other June 2024 management track assessment stocks will be held on February 28.

An agenda and other details will be posted at the link below prior to the meeting. This meeting is open to the public.

*** Please note that stock assessment meetings are hosted by the Northeast Fisheries Science Center. Webinar connection information for these meetings is only available on the meeting page (linked above) and will not be posted on the Council calendar. ***

Background Information

Management track assessments provide updated catch advice on a regular schedule. The schedule varies by species.  These assessments begin with a previously approved assessment model and a plan to carry forward an updated assessment with possible changes to the data or parameters in the model.

The AOP is responsible for reviewing and approving management track assessment plans and recommending the appropriate level of peer review for each management track assessment. The AOP is composed of four members: a member of the Mid-Atlantic Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC), a member of the New England Council’s SSC, a member of the ASMFC Assessment Science Committee, and the NEFSC Chief of the Populations Dynamics Branch.

During this meeting, the lead assessment scientist for each species will present the assessment plans to the AOP. The AOP will then recommend the level of peer review appropriate for each assessment. There are three levels of management track peer review:

• Level 1: direct delivery (i.e., no peer review) of simple data and model updates;

• Level 2: expedited peer review of updates with some changes to the model or data streams; or

• Level 3: enhanced peer review of updates with extensive changes. 

After the AOP meets and makes its recommendations, the assessment leads will then carry out the management track assessment within the scope of the approved plan for each stock.

A peer review meeting will be held at the end of the process to review the Level 2 and 3 assessments.

Additional information about stock assessments is available on the Council’s Stock Assessments page and on the NOAA Fisheries website.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is seeking public input on potential modifications to the Summer Flounder Small Mesh Exemption Program and the flynet exemption from the summer flounder minimum mesh size requirements. Interested stakeholders are invited to provide comments during a webinar to be held on April 2, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. The Council is particularly interested in input from participants in commercial trawl fisheries who utilize the Small Mesh Exemption Program and/or flynet exemption.

The Council is considering these changes through a joint framework action/addendum being developed jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Board (Board). The Council and Board are seeking comments to inform their consideration of a draft range of alternatives at their April 2024 joint meeting.

Meeting Materials

• Draft Alternatives Quick Reference Guide and Public Webinar Discussion Questions

• Framework/Addendum Action Plan as of March 2024

• Meeting Materials and Discussion Document for April 2024 Council and Board meeting

• Staff Presentation

Which Regulations are Being Considered Through this Action?

• Small Mesh Exemption Program Area Revisions: The Small Mesh Exemption Program  currently allows trawl vessels to obtain a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to land more than 200 pounds of summer flounder east of longitude 72° 30.0'W, from November 1 through April 30, using mesh smaller than 5.5-inch diamond or 6.0-inch square. The Council and Board will consider modifications to the boundaries of the exempted area, including evaluating suggested revisions made by fishing industry representatives during the Fall 2023 review process for this exemption.

• Flynet Exemption Gear Definition Updates: Current regulations provide an exemption to the minimum mesh size requirements for vessels fishing with a two-seam otter trawl flynet. Through this action, the Council and Board will consider modifying the regulatory definition of a flynet in light of changes in the use and configuration of commercial trawl gear since this exemption was put in place in the 1990s.

Additional background and context for the action is available on the action webpage  Summer Flounder Commercial Mesh Size Exemptions Framework/Addendum.

Webinar Connection:

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

• Register for the Webinar Here

To Provide Written Comments or For More Information

Written comments can be emailed to Kiley Dancy at kdancy@mafmc.org, and will be included in the Council and Board’s April meeting materials if received by 5p.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2024. Please contact Kiley for more information, or visit the Summer Flounder Commercial Mesh Size Exemptions Framework/Addendum action page.

The Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass, and Bluefish Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework/Addenda Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) / Plan Development Team (PDT) will hold a meeting via webinar on Monday April 1, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

The FMAT/PDT will discuss several aspects of the Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework/Addenda.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar - If prompted, enter: Meeting number: 213299736

• Join by phone: +1-415-655-0001 US Toll; Access code: 213299736

Meeting Materials

• Meeting materials will be posted as available

About FMAT/PDT Meetings

This will be a working meeting of the FMAT/PDT. Members of the public may listen to this meeting, but should not expect to participate in the discussion unless the meeting chair invites input during a specified public comment period. FMAT/PDT working documents will not be shared. The work of the FMAT/PDT, including meeting summaries, will be shared and considered during Council/Policy Board meetings, during which public comments are encouraged.

The Spiny Dogfish and Monkfish Committees will meet jointly via webinar on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 - at 9am.

The Spiny Dogfish and Monkfish Committees will meet to develop recommendations on potential measures to reduce Atlantic sturgeon bycatch.

Meeting materials and connection information will be available at:

https://www.nefmc.org/calendar/mar-13-2023-joint-monkfish-and-dogfish-committee-webinar

Additional information can be found on the Atlantic sturgeon current issues page: https://www.mafmc.org/actions/sturgeon-bycatch-framework 

MAFMC Contact: Karson Cisneros, KCisneros@mafmc.org, 302-526- 5259

NEFMC Contacts: Jenny Couture, jcouture@nefmc.org, (978) 465-0492 (ext. 111) or Robin Frede, rfrede@nefmc.org, (978) 465-0492 (ext. 124)

The Summer Flounder Commercial Mesh Exemption Framework/Addendum Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) / Plan Development Team (PDT) will hold a meeting via webinar on Monday, March 11, 2024 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The FMAT/PDT will meet to review and discuss several aspects of the Summer Flounder Mesh Exemption Framework/Addenda including, updates to the framework/addenda timeline and analysis needs in preparation for the April 2024 Council meeting.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the meeting

  Meeting ID: 2331 192 7244 - Password: MyfAFSEG294

  Or dial: +1 (650) 4191505 - Access Code / Meeting ID: 2331 192 7244

The Council’s Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Amendment Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) will meet on Friday, March 8, 2024 from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. via webinar.

The purpose of this meeting will be to continue work on the components of an EFH review and development of an EFH amendment. Connection details for the webinar may be obtained by contacting Council staff prior to the meeting.

Contacts:

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

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

Meeting Materials:

• Meeting materials will be posted when available.

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 Spiny Dogfish and Monkfish Advisory Panels will meet jointly via webinar on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m..

The Advisory Panels will meet jointly to provide input on potential measures to reduce Atlantic sturgeon bycatch.

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

NEFMC Contacts: Jenny Couture jcouture@nefmc.org (978) 465-0492 (ext. 111) or Robin Frede – rfrede@nefmc.org; (978) 465-0492 (ext. 124)

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar

  Meeting number (access code): 2349 782 0807  Password if needed: NZaAH9kKc37

• Join by phone +1-415-655-0001 US Toll - Tap to join from a mobile device:

  +1-415-655-0001,,23497820807## US Toll

   

Meeting Materials

1. Meeting overview memo from NEFMC and MAFMC staff

2. Agenda

3. Presentation, Council Staff

4. Draft Framework Adjustment, February 27, 2024

5. Sturgeon Bycatch FMAT/PDT DRAFT meeting summary, February 22, 2024 (with recommendations)

6. Sturgeon Risk Assessment (Closures) Final Report, February 20, 2024

7. BREP Proposal Narrative low-profile gear

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 Assessment Oversight Panel (AOP) will meet on February 28, 2024 to review the stock assessment plans for June management track assessment stocks and recommend the level of peer review necessary for each assessment. MAFMC-managed stocks to be addressed at this meeting include Atlantic Surfclam, Black Sea Bass, and Butterfish. Please note that the AOP meeting for the golden tilefish management track assessment will be held on April 4.

An agenda and other details will be posted at the link below prior to the meeting. This meeting is open to the public.

*** Please note that stock assessment meetings are hosted by the Northeast Fisheries Science Center. Webinar connection information for these meetings is only available on the meeting page (linked above) and will not be posted on the Council calendar. ***

Background Information

Management track assessments provide updated catch advice on a regular schedule. The schedule varies by species.  These assessments begin with a previously approved assessment model and a plan to carry forward an updated assessment with possible changes to the data or parameters in the model.

The AOP is responsible for reviewing and approving management track assessment plans and recommending the appropriate level of peer review for each management track assessment. The AOP is composed of four members: a member of the Mid-Atlantic Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC), a member of the New England Council’s SSC, a member of the ASMFC Assessment Science Committee, and the NEFSC Chief of the Populations Dynamics Branch.

During this meeting, the lead assessment scientist for each species will present the assessment plans to the AOP. The AOP will then recommend the level of peer review appropriate for each assessment. There are three levels of management track peer review:

• Level 1: direct delivery (i.e., no peer review) of simple data and model updates;

• Level 2: expedited peer review of updates with some changes to the model or data streams; or

• Level 3: enhanced peer review of updates with extensive changes. 

After the AOP meets and makes its recommendations, the assessment leads will then carry out the management track assessment within the scope of the approved plan for each stock.

A peer review meeting will be held at the end of the process to review the Level 2 and 3 assessments.

Additional information about stock assessments is available on the Council’s Stock Assessments page and on the NOAA Fisheries website.

The Summer Flounder Commercial Mesh Exemption Framework/Addendum Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) / Plan Development Team (PDT) will hold a meeting via webinar on Monday, February 26, 2024 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The FMAT/PDT will meet to review and discuss several aspects of the Summer Flounder Mesh Exemption Framework/Addenda including, the current version of Draft Action Plan, draft purpose and need statement, analysis needed for the proposed action, and timing of upcoming meetings.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the meeting

  Meeting ID:2341 554 0521 - Password: bhRJ8cavA93

  Or dial: +1 (650) 4191505 - Access Code / Meeting ID: 2341 554 0521

The joint FMAT/PDT formed by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) and New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) will meet in the afternoon of Thursday, February 22, 2024 via webinar to discuss analyses for the joint sturgeon action. This work will help inform the Joint AP meeting discussion (March 5th) and the Joint Cte meeting discussion (March 13th) and final action is expected by both Councils in April.

Briefing materials will be posted here later if appropriate.

Webinar meeting link:

https://midatlanticfisheriesmc.webex.com/midatlanticfisheriesmc/j.php?MTID=m8a549093b3c988daf6e17ea299420edc

Meeting number: 2338 314 6476 Meeting password (if needed): avNfZ38mVp7

Join by phone +1-415-655-0001 US Toll Access code: 23383146476

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

NEFMC Contact: Jenny Couture - jcouture@nefmc.org or Robin Frede – rfrede@nefmc.org; (978) 465-0492

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 Council’s Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Committee and Advisory Panel will hold a public meeting on Monday, February 5, 2024 from 9 :30 a.m. - 12 p.m. via webinar.

The purpose of this meeting is for the Committee and Advisory Panel to review the Species Separation Requirements Amendment Public Hearing Document and provide input. The Committee will make recommendations about the Public Hearing Document to the Council at the February Council meeting.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar. Meeting number (access code): 2331 680 5932

  Password: R8fmyi3W43n

• Join by phone: +1-415-655-0001 US Toll - Access Code: 2331 680 5932

Materials

• Agenda

• SCOQ Species Separation Requirements Amendment Draft Public Hearing Document

This is one in a series of working group meetings associated with the Golden Tilefish Research Track Assessment. Please visit the Golden Tilefish 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

• Golden Tilefish 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

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