The Spiny Dogfish Advisory Panel will hold a meeting via webinar on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Staff Contact: Jason Didden, jdidden@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5254
The Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils will hold a public meeting of their joint Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel on Thursday, July 9, 2026 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. in New Bedford, MA. (New Bedford Port Authority Office - 123 Macarthur Drive, New Bedford, MA, 02740)
Click here to join the webinar. Meeting number (access code): 2333 055 1003; Meeting password: BvqdaQ5MX47
Join by phone: +1-415-655-0001 US Toll - Access Code: 2333 055 1003
The Council’s Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Advisory Panel will hold a public meeting, via webinar, on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
The purpose of this meeting is for the Advisory Panel to develop a fishery performance report (FPR) for Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog.
Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2346 126 7212; Password: $COQAPJuly2026)
Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2346 126 7212. 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.
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass and Bluefish Advisory Panels will hold a joint public meeting, via webinar, on Monday, June 22, 2026 from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
The purpose of this meeting is to discuss recent performance of the summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass commercial and recreational fisheries and develop Fishery Performance
Staff contact:
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
Click here to join the webinar. Meeting number (access code): 2343 130 6445; Meeting password: fHfHJ3YwK49
Join by phone: +1-415-655-0001 US Toll - Access Code: 2343 130 6445
The MAFMC's Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Advisory Panel will meet via webinar on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Staff Contact: Jason Didden, jdidden@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5254
Click here to join the meeting. (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2343 148 1520; Password: UNjShVAY367). 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: 2343 148 1520. 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.
Longfin squid
Butterfish
2026 Butterfish Fishery Information Document
(updated 6/30/2026 to note data update included updated projections)
lllex squid
Chub mackerel
Atlantic mackerel
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's (MAFMC) Bluefish Advisory Panel will hold a public meeting jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Bluefish Advisory Panel. The meeting will be held via webinar on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 from 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Staff Contact: Jose Montanez: jmontanez@mafmc.org; 302-526-5258
Click here to join the meeting. (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2345 549 9657; Password: BFAP9June2026). 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: 2345 549 9657. 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.
The New England and Mid-Atlantic Councils are holding three joint webinar meetings for the Advisory Panels to provide input to help inform the Councils’ ongoing evaluation of vessel baseline restrictions. These restrictions apply to most commercial limited access fisheries managed by the Councils and require that vessel replacements or upgrades must be within 10% of the length and 20% of the horsepower of the permit's baseline vessel. Some industry participants have reported challenges in acquiring suitable replacement vessels or engines that meet these specifications, particularly for smaller vessels.
The Councils are evaluating these restrictions and may consider initiating a joint management action to consider possible modifications. Input provided by advisors during these meetings will help inform Council discussions of this issue. If the Councils agree to initiate a management action, work on an action would occur in 2027 and there would be additional opportunities for Advisory Panel and public input in the future.
Visit the NEFMC meeting page linked below for additional details and webinar registration information.
The New England and Mid-Atlantic Councils are holding three joint webinar meetings for the Advisory Panels to provide input to help inform the Councils’ ongoing evaluation of vessel baseline restrictions. These restrictions apply to most commercial limited access fisheries managed by the Councils and require that vessel replacements or upgrades must be within 10% of the length and 20% of the horsepower of the permit's baseline vessel. Some industry participants have reported challenges in acquiring suitable replacement vessels or engines that meet these specifications, particularly for smaller vessels.
The Councils are evaluating these restrictions and may consider initiating a joint management action to consider possible modifications. Input provided by advisors during these meetings will help inform Council discussions of this issue. If the Councils agree to initiate a management action, work on an action would occur in 2027 and there would be additional opportunities for Advisory Panel and public input in the future.
Visit the NEFMC meeting page linked below for additional details and webinar registration information.
The New England and Mid-Atlantic Councils are holding three joint webinar meetings for the Advisory Panels to provide input to help inform the Councils’ ongoing evaluation of vessel baseline restrictions. These restrictions apply to most commercial limited access fisheries managed by the Councils and require that vessel replacements or upgrades must be within 10% of the length and 20% of the horsepower of the permit's baseline vessel. Some industry participants have reported challenges in acquiring suitable replacement vessels or engines that meet these specifications, particularly for smaller vessels.
The Councils are evaluating these restrictions and may consider initiating a joint management action to consider possible modifications. Input provided by advisors during these meetings will help inform Council discussions of this issue. If the Councils agree to initiate a management action, work on an action would occur in 2027 and there would be additional opportunities for Advisory Panel and public input in the future.
Visit the NEFMC meeting page linked below for additional details and webinar registration information.
The Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils will hold a public meeting of their joint Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel. The meeting will be held via webinar on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
The intent of this meeting is to discuss NTAP in detail, including background, organization, purpose, and member expectation.
Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: ): 2345 940 9714; Password: SHd8mVtSy25)
Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2345 940 9714. 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.
The Tilefish Advisory Panel will meet Thursday, April 16, 2026 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss recent performance of the blueline and golden tilefish commercial and recreational fisheries and develop Fishery Performance Reports.
Staff Contacts: José Montañez (302-526-5258, jmontanez@mafmc.org) or Hannah Hart (302-526-5263, hhart@mafmc.org)
Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2333 260 7751; Password: 2tRexcf6Qv4)
Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2333 260 7751. 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.
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
Meeting number: 2339 473 2857
Password: EFH2026MarEOP
The MAFMC's River Herring and Shad (RHS) Advisory Panel will meet via webinar on Friday, November 21, 2025 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. to develop recommendations regarding the framework adjustment action (“FW”) on Atlantic mackerel that would set 2026-2027 specifications/management measures, particularly the river herring and shad cap for the Atlantic mackerel fishery
Staff Contact: Jason Didden, jdidden@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5254
Click here to join the Webex webinar. If prompted, enter meeting number 2339 629 1694 and password XdQs4NGxm33.
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 2339 629 1694. Please only use this option if you are not able to connect to the webinar.
Review Atl. Mackerel Assessment
Review FW Alternatives
Review RH/S Update
Solicit input from the Advisory Panel
The Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass (SFSBSB) Advisory Panel will meet via webinar on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 from 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
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
Click here to join the Webex webinar. If prompted, enter meeting number 2332 897 6823 and password SFSBSB_AP.
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 2332 897 6823. Please only use this option if you are not able to connect to the webinar.
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass and Bluefish Advisory Panels will hold a joint public meeting via webinar on Monday, November 3, 2025 from 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
The purpose of this meeting is for the Advisory Panels to provide input on the development of options for the ongoing Recreational Sector Separation Amendment to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan and the Bluefish Fishery Management Plan..
Staff contact:
Kiley Dancy, kdancy@mafmc.org, 302-526-5257
Hannah Hart, hhart@mafmc.org, 302-526-5263
Click here to join the webinar. If prompted, enter meeting number/access code 2333 540 6407 and password XmkYPeRQ347. After joining the webinar, follow the prompts to use your computer or phone microphone and speakers for audio.
If you are unable to connect through webex, you may connect via phone only by dialing 1-415-655-0001 and entering meeting number/access code 2333 540 6407. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar
The MAFMC's Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Advisory Panel will meet via webinar on Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. to develop recommendations for future Atlantic mackerel specifications.
Agenda: Review fishery data and stock assessment; create fishery performance report with advisory panel
Staff Contact: Jason Didden, jdidden@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5254
Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2340 020 2656; Password: cEm5Hp93SaU)
Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2340 020 2656 Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar.
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Ecosystem and Ocean Planning (EOP) Committee and Advisory Panel will meet jointly via webinar on Friday, September 12, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Staff Contact:
Jessica Coakley; (302-526-5252; jcoakley@mafmc.org
Click here to join the webinar. If prompted, enter meeting number/access code 2349 870 6481 and password 2025$eptEFH. After joining the webinar, follow the prompts to use your computer or phone microphone and speakers for audio.
If you are unable to connect through webex, you may connect via phone only by dialing 1-415-655-0001 and entering meeting number/access code 2349 870 6481. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar
The Spiny Dogfish Advisory Panel will hold two meetings via webinar on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. and at 5 p.m., to allow more opportunity for AP participation.
The purpose of this meeting is for the Advisory Panel to provide recommendations to the Councils regarding the framework action to potentially revise catch overage paybacks and/or set 2026-2027 specifications.
Staff Contact: Jason Didden, jdidden@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5254
Meeting number (access code): 2347 755 4947
Meeting password: xaMCHwY4q73
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
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.
Summer Flounder
Scup
Black Sea Bass
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
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
Supplemental
NEFSC Data Update including Butterfish, Chub mackerel, and Longfin squid (Not Illex or Atlantic mackerel since they will have assessments later in 2025)
The Tilefish Advisory Panel will meet Wednesday, April 16, 2025 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss recent performance of the blueline and golden tilefish commercial and recreational fisheries and develop Fishery Performance Reports.
Staff Contacts: José Montañez (302-526-5258, jmontanez@mafmc.org) or Hannah Hart (302-526-5263, hhart@mafmc.org)
Click here to join the meeting (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2334 082 2545; Password: hEZPMTk7U28). 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: 2334 082 2545. 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.
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass and Bluefish Advisory Panels will hold a joint public meeting via webinar on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
The objective of this meeting is for the Advisory Panels to discuss the Recreational Sector Separation and Data Collection Amendment to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass and Bluefish FMPs.
Staff contact:
Kiley Dancy, kdancy@mafmc.org, 302-526-5257
Click here to join the webinar. If prompted, enter meeting number 2331 850 0046
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 2331 850 0046. Please only use this option if you are not able to connect to the webinar.
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Ecosystem and Ocean Planning (EOP) Committee and Advisory Panel will meet jointly via webinar March 20, 2025 from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
During this meeting the EOP Committee and AP will review a draft of the 2025 Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) risk assessment report.
Staff Contact: Brandon Muffley, 302-526-5250; bmuffley@mafmc.org
Click here to join the March 20th EOP meeting (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2338 542 8845; Password: mpP4RtWA6p7)
Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2338 542 8845. 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.
The New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Monkfish Advisory Panel will meet jointly with NEFMC’s Skate Advisory Panel on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 from 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Hampton Inn in South Kingston, RI.
Staff Contact: Jason Didden, 302-526-5254; jdidden@mafmc.org
Meeting details are available on the New England Council’s meeting page
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass and Bluefish Advisory Panels will hold a joint public meeting via webinar on Thursday, March 13, 2025 from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
The objective of this meeting is for the Advisory Panels to discuss the Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework/Addenda.
Staff contact:
Julia Beaty: jbeaty@mafmc.org; 302-526-5250
Click here to join the webinar. If prompted, enter meeting number 2349 839 4150
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 2349 839 4150. Please only use this option if you are not able to connect to the webinar.
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Ecosystem and Ocean Planning (EOP) Committee and Advisory Panel will meet jointly March 4, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Hilton BWI Airport (1739 W Nursery Road, Linthicum Heights, MD 21092. Webinar connection information below for those who wish to participate virtually.
During this meeting, the EOP Committee and AP will provide recommendations regarding the Council’s Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Review and the draft EFH Review Reports that have been prepared.
Staff Contact: Jessica Coakley, 302-526-5252; jcoakley@mafmc.org
Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2348 544 7171; Password: MarchEOP_2025EFH)
Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2348 544 7171. 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.
MAFMC EFH Review Summary Report
1. EFH designations methods (for maps and text)*
2. Impacts of Council-managed fishing activities (also includes Component 6)*
3. Non-MSA fishing activities that may impact EFH*
4. Non-fishing activities that may impact EFH*
5. Cumulative impacts (fishing & non-fishing) - see Summary Report Above
6. Conservation recommendations to minimize the adverse impacts of fishing on EFH (see Component 2 Above)
8. Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (HAPC) designations - see Summary Report Above
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 Thursday, November 14, 2024 from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
The objective of this meeting is to discuss 2025 recreational measures (i.e., bag, size, and season limits) for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. The Council and Commission previously adopted 2024-2025 recreational measures for summer flounder and scup (the same measures across the two years). Therefore, Advisors will review the previously adopted 2025 recreational measures for summer flounder and scup and provide input on whether these measures should remain unchanged. Black sea bass recreational measures for 2025 were not previously adopted; therefore, Advisors will discuss considerations for 2025 black sea bass measures and provide input on the appropriate approach for 2025 black sea bass recreational measures.
Staff contact:
Julia Beaty: jbeaty@mafmc.org; 302-526-5250
Kiley Dancy: kdancy@mafmc.org; 302-526-5257
Hannah Hart: hhart@mafmc.org; 302-526-5263
Click here to join the webinar. If prompted, enter meeting number 2333 873 4833 and password 9gmN3YKK5H6.
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 2333 873 4833. Please only use this option if you are not able to connect to the webinar.
Summer Flounder 2025 Recreational Measures:
Scup 2025 Recreational Measures:
Black Sea Bass Recreational Measures:
Supplemental
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is one of eight fishery management councils responsible for the management of marine fisheries in the United States Exclusive Economic Zone. The council develops management plans for twelve species of fish and species off the coast of the Mid-Atlantic region.