The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) is requesting public comments on a draft amendment to modify the species separation requirements in the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. Comments may be submitted at any of three public hearings to be held on November 10, 14, and 17. Written comments will also be accepted through November 23.

• Public Hearing Document

• Public Hearing Presentation

Public Hearings

Comments may be submitted at any of the following public hearings:

1. Thursday, November 10, 2022. 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport. 9000 Bartram Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19153. 215-365-4500.

2. Canceled Monday, November 14, 2022. 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Hampton Inn. 53 Old Bedford Road, Westport, MA 02790. 508-675-8500.

3. Thursday, November 17, 2022. 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Webinar. Register here.

Written Comments

Written comments may be submitted by any of the methods listed below. Comments must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23, 2022.

• Email to: jcoakley@mafmc.org (use subject “SCOQ Species Separation”)

• Online at: https://www.mafmc.org/comments/scoq-species-separation 

• 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 " SCOQ Species Separation.”

NOAA Fisheries is collecting stakeholder input on the development of an omnibus amendment to incorporate the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument into relevant fishery management plans (FMPs). This amendment would incorporate the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument’s area and commercial fishing prohibition into FMPs and, ultimately, fishery regulations. NOAA Fisheries is asking for feedback on this action through November 30, 2022.

How to Comment

A virtual hearing will be held on November 16, 2022, at 3:00 pm. Visit the links below for more information.

• Event page

• Register for the virtual hearing

• Hearing Document

Written comments can be submitted by emailing Laura Deighan at laura.deighan@noaa.gov.  Include in the subject line "Comments on Monument Amendment." Comments can be submitted through November 30, 2022.

Following this hearing, additional opportunities for review and comment on the draft omnibus amendment will be provided.  

Visit the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument page for more details.

Questions?

Contact Laura Deighan, Sustainable Fisheries, 978-281-9184

Media: Contact Allison Ferreira, Regional Office, 978-281-9103

PLEASE NOTE: This hearing has been cancelled due to staff and hearing officer travel delays. Anyone planning to attend this hearing is strongly encouraged to attend the public hearing webinar to be held on Thursday, November 17 at 6:00 p.m.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) is requesting public comments on a draft amendment to modify the species separation requirements in the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. Comments may be submitted at any of three public hearings to be held on November 10, 14, and 17. Written comments will also be accepted through November 23.

• Public Hearing Document

• Public Hearing Presentation

Public Hearings

Comments may be submitted at any of the following public hearings:

1. Thursday, November 10, 2022. 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport. 9000 Bartram Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19153. 215-365-4500.

2. Monday, November 14, 2022. 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Hampton Inn. 53 Old Bedford Road, Westport, MA 02790. 508-675-8500.

3. Thursday, November 17, 2022. 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Webinar. Register here.

Written Comments

Written comments may be submitted by any of the methods listed below. Comments must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23, 2022.

• Email to: jcoakley@mafmc.org (use subject “SCOQ Species Separation”)

• Online at: https://www.mafmc.org/comments/scoq-species-separation 

• 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 " SCOQ Species Separation.”

The MAFMC will hold a public meeting regarding a video-based boat count project being conducted at the Ocean City, Maryland inlet. The purpose of the meeting is to finalize a boat - counting procedure.

Meeting Location:

This will be a hybrid meeting, with both in-person and webinar options for participation.

In-person location:

Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce 12320 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, MD 21842

Webex Meeting Link: https://midatlanticfisheriesmc.webex.com/midatlanticfisheriesmc/j.php?MTID=ma6af94f3cdbc40a3baa223dbf33e9329

Meeting number (access code): 2349 586 6034

Meeting password: nxKr3NPmH26

Join by phone

+1-415-655-0001 US Toll

+1-646-992-2010 United States Toll (New York City)

Webinar Connection Details

This hearing will be conducted on the Webex webinar platform. No pre-registration is needed.

• Click Here to Join the Webinar (if prompted, enter Meeting number: 2349 677 3292; Meeting password: 8g86rASGcvr). After you connect, you will have an opportunity to choose whether you want to use your phone or computer mic/speakers for audio.

• For telephone-only access, dial +1-415-655-0001 (US Toll) and enter access code 2349 677 3292.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is seeking public input on a proposed amendment to rebuild the Atlantic mackerel stock. Comments may be submitted at any of five public hearings to be held between April 25 and May 2, 2022 or via written comment through May 9, 2022.

A 2021 stock assessment found that Atlantic mackerel was overfished and that overfishing was occurring. Although a rebuilding plan was implemented in November 2019, the 2021 assessment found that the stock was unlikely to rebuild as anticipated. The stock size increased 180% between 2014 and 2019 but was still less than a quarter rebuilt. In response to this updated information, the Council is developing a new rebuilding plan.

The Atlantic Mackerel Rebuilding 2.0 Amendment contains five rebuilding alternatives projected to rebuild the stock within 10 years. Potential management measures include commercial quotas, recreational bag/possession limits, a 3-inch commercial minimum mesh requirement, and permitting clarifications. The action would also set specifications and a river herring and shad cap for 2023. Please see the Overview of Rebuilding Alternatives and Public Hearing Document or watch the public hearing presentation for additional information about the management options considered in this amendment.

Public Hearing Schedule

1. New Bedford, MA – Monday April 25, 2022, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
   Fairfield Inn and Suites - 185 MacArthur Drive, New Bedford, MA 02740, (774) 634-2000

2. Plymouth, MA – Tuesday April 26, 2022, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
   Hilton Garden Inn - 4 Home Depot Drive, Plymouth, MA 02360, (508) 830-0200

3. Portsmouth, NH – Wednesday April 27, 2022, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
   Urban Forestry Center - 45 Elwyn Rd, Portsmouth, NH 03801, (603) 431-6774

4. Brunswick, ME – Thursday April 28, 2022, 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
   Curtis Memorial Library (Morrell Meeting Room) - 23 Pleasant Street, Brunswick, ME 04011, (207) 725-5242

5. Webinar – Monday, May 2, 2022, 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities.  Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aid should be directed to Shelley Spedden, (302) 526-5251, at least 5 days prior to the meeting date.

Written Comments

Written comments may be submitted through May 9, 2022 by any of the following methods:

• Online: https://www.mafmc.org/comments/mackerel-rebuilding

• Email: jdidden@mafmc.org (use subject “Mackerel Rebuilding”)

• 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 " Mackerel Rebuilding.”

Resources

• Public Hearing Document

• Overview of Rebuilding Alternatives

• Public Hearing Presentation Video

For more information, contact Jason Didden at jdidden@mafmc.org (also 302-526-5254) or visit the Atlantic Mackerel Rebuilding Amendment page.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has scheduled a series of public hearings to gather input on the Recreational Harvest Control Rule Framework/ Draft Addenda. Although the Council’s framework development process does not include public hearings, all public comments provided during the Commission’s comment period will be considered by both groups before taking final action.

• Webinar Registration

• Hearing Details

Documents

• Draft Addenda to the FMPs for Bluefish, and Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass: Harvest Control Rule for Recreational Management

• Quick Reference Guide

Background Information

• MAFMC Press Release: Public Hearings Scheduled for Recreational Harvest Control Rule Framework/Addenda

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has scheduled a series of public hearings to gather input on the Recreational Harvest Control Rule Framework/ Draft Addenda. Although the Council’s framework development process does not include public hearings, all public comments provided during the Commission’s comment period will be considered by both groups before taking final action.

• Webinar Registration

• Hearing Details

Documents

• Draft Addenda to the FMPs for Bluefish, and Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass: Harvest Control Rule for Recreational Management

• Quick Reference Guide

Background Information

• MAFMC Press Release: Public Hearings Scheduled for Recreational Harvest Control Rule Framework/Addenda

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has scheduled a series of public hearings to gather input on the Recreational Harvest Control Rule Framework/ Draft Addenda. Although the Council’s framework development process does not include public hearings, all public comments provided during the Commission’s comment period will be considered by both groups before taking final action.

• Webinar Registration

• Hearing Details

Documents

• Draft Addenda to the FMPs for Bluefish, and Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass: Harvest Control Rule for Recreational Management

• Quick Reference Guide

Background Information

• MAFMC Press Release: Public Hearings Scheduled for Recreational Harvest Control Rule Framework/Addenda

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has scheduled a series of public hearings to gather input on the Recreational Harvest Control Rule Framework/ Draft Addenda. Although the Council’s framework development process does not include public hearings, all public comments provided during the Commission’s comment period will be considered by both groups before taking final action.

• Webinar Registration

• Hearing Details

Documents

• Draft Addenda to the FMPs for Bluefish, and Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass: Harvest Control Rule for Recreational Management

• Quick Reference Guide

Background Information

• MAFMC Press Release: Public Hearings Scheduled for Recreational Harvest Control Rule Framework/Addenda

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has scheduled a series of public hearings to gather input on the Recreational Harvest Control Rule Framework/ Draft Addenda. Although the Council’s framework development process does not include public hearings, all public comments provided during the Commission’s comment period will be considered by both groups before taking final action.

• Webinar Registration

• Hearing Details

Documents

• Draft Addenda to the FMPs for Bluefish, and Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass: Harvest Control Rule for Recreational Management

• Quick Reference Guide

Background Information

• MAFMC Press Release: Public Hearings Scheduled for Recreational Harvest Control Rule Framework/Addenda

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has scheduled a series of public hearings to gather input on the Recreational Harvest Control Rule Framework/ Draft Addenda. Although the Council’s framework development process does not include public hearings, all public comments provided during the Commission’s comment period will be considered by both groups before taking final action.

• Webinar Registration

• Hearing Details

Documents

• Draft Addenda to the FMPs for Bluefish, and Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass: Harvest Control Rule for Recreational Management

• Quick Reference Guide

Background Information

• MAFMC Press Release: Public Hearings Scheduled for Recreational Harvest Control Rule Framework/Addenda

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has scheduled a series of public hearings to gather input on the Recreational Harvest Control Rule Framework/ Draft Addenda. Although the Council’s framework development process does not include public hearings, all public comments provided during the Commission’s comment period will be considered by both groups before taking final action.

• Webinar Registration

• Hearing Details

Documents

• Draft Addenda to the FMPs for Bluefish, and Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass: Harvest Control Rule for Recreational Management

• Quick Reference Guide

Background Information

• MAFMC Press Release: Public Hearings Scheduled for Recreational Harvest Control Rule Framework/Addenda

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has scheduled a series of public hearings to gather input on the Recreational Harvest Control Rule Framework/ Draft Addenda. Although the Council’s framework development process does not include public hearings, all public comments provided during the Commission’s comment period will be considered by both groups before taking final action.

• Webinar Registration

• Hearing Details

Documents

• Draft Addenda to the FMPs for Bluefish, and Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass: Harvest Control Rule for Recreational Management

• Quick Reference Guide

Background Information

• MAFMC Press Release: Public Hearings Scheduled for Recreational Harvest Control Rule Framework/Addenda

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) are seeking public comment on management options under consideration in the Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment. This amendment contains alternatives to:

• Revise the fishery management plan (FMP) goals and objectives;

• Modify the bluefish allocations between the commercial and recreational sectors;

• Modify the commercial allocations to the states;

• Initiate a rebuilding plan;

• Revise the quota transfer processes;

• Revise how the FMP accounts for management uncertainty; and

• Revise the de minimis provisions in the Commission’s FMP.

Comments may be provided at any of 5 virtual public hearings to be held between March 24 and April 8, 2021 or via written comment until April 23, 2021.

Documents

• Public Hearing Document

• ASMFC Draft Amendment

• Amendment Alternatives - Quick Reference Guide

• Public Hearing Presentation Recording

Quick Links

• Submit Written Comments

• Virtual Hearing Registration

Virtual Hearing Schedule

Interested members of the public are encouraged to provide oral comments at any of the following public hearings. While we encourage you to attend the hearing that is targeted toward your state or regional grouping, anyone is welcome to participate in any hearing. See the public hearing announcement for a list of contacts for each hearing.

• Wednesday, March 24, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida

• Thursday, March 25, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.: Delaware, Maryland, Potomac River Fisheries Commission, and Virginia

• Tuesday, March 30, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.: Connecticut and New York

• Thursday, April 1, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.: Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island

• Thursday, April 8, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.: New Jersey

Webinar Connection Instructions

To register for a public hearing please click here: Public Hearing Registration and select the hearing(s) you plan to attend from the dropdown menu. Hearings will be held via GoToWebinar, which can be accessed using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. When connecting to audio, we strongly encourage participants to use computer voice over internet (VoIP) so you can ask questions and provide input. To attend the webinar in listen only mode, dial 1-866-901-6455 and enter access code 140-544-592. Those joining by phone only will be limited to listening to the presentation and will not be able to provide input. For technical assistance setting up and logging into GoToWebinar, contact Dustin Colson Leaning at 703-842-0714.

If you are connected only by phone in listen only mode, you will not show up as a webinar attendee. In the event that there are no webinar attendees, the public hearing will be cancelled unless state staff request that the hearing content is presented. 

Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aid should be directed to K. Collins, (302) 526-5253, at least 5 days prior to the meeting date.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) are seeking public comment on the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment. Comments may be submitted at any of five virtual public hearings to be held between February 17 and March 2, 2021 or via written comment until March 16, 2021. Please read the full public hearing announcement for background on this amendment and instructions for submitting written comments.

Quick Links:

• MAFMC Public Hearing Document

• ASMFC Draft Amendment

• Submit Written Comments

• Virtual Hearing Registration

• Public Hearing Presentation Recording

• Alternatives Quick Reference Guide

Virtual Hearing Schedule

You are encouraged to attend any of the following five virtual public hearings and to provide oral or written comments at these hearings. While we encourage you to attend the hearing that is targeted toward your regional groupings of states or an individual state, anyone is welcome to participate in any hearing.

1. Wednesday, February 17, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.: Massachusetts and Rhode Island

2. Thursday, February 18, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.:  New Jersey

3. Wednesday, February 24, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.: Delaware and Maryland

4. Monday, March 1, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.: Virginia and North Carolina

5. Tuesday, March 2, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.: Connecticut and New York

To register for a public hearing please click here: Public Hearing Registration and select the hearing(s) you plan to attend from the dropdown menu. Hearings will be held via GoToWebinar, which can be accessed using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. When connecting to audio, we strongly encourage participants to use computer voice over internet (VoIP) so you can ask questions and provide input. To attend the webinar in listen only mode, dial 1-877-309-2074 and enter access code 128-060-916. Those joining by phone only will be limited to listening to the presentation and will not be able to provide input. For technical assistance setting up and logging into GoToWebinar, contact Savannah Lewis at 703-842-0715.

If you are connected only by phone in listen only mode, you will not show up as a webinar attendee. In the event that there are no webinar attendees, the public hearing will be cancelled unless state staff request that the hearing content is presented.