The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is conducting five listening sessions to solicit comments on ideas for fishery improvements in the monkfish and skate fisheries. These sessions are designed to identify the challenges the monkfish and skate fishing sectors are grappling with and to identify possible management measures for the Council to address those challenges in the future. Additional details, including instructions for submitting written comments and a complete schedule of listening sessions, are available in the meeting notice linked below.

This listening session will be conducted by webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

• Register for the Webinar > HERE

The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is conducting five listening sessions to solicit comments on ideas for fishery improvements in the monkfish and skate fisheries. These sessions are designed to identify the challenges the monkfish and skate fishing sectors are grappling with and to identify possible management measures for the Council to address those challenges in the future. Additional details, including instructions for submitting written comments and a complete schedule of listening sessions, are available in the meeting notice linked below.

The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is conducting five listening sessions to solicit comments on ideas for fishery improvements in the monkfish and skate fisheries. These sessions are designed to identify the challenges the monkfish and skate fishing sectors are grappling with and to identify possible management measures for the Council to address those challenges in the future. Additional details, including instructions for submitting written comments and a complete schedule of listening sessions, are available in the meeting notice linked below.

The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is conducting five listening sessions to solicit comments on ideas for fishery improvements in the monkfish and skate fisheries. These sessions are designed to identify the challenges the monkfish and skate fishing sectors are grappling with and to identify possible management measures for the Council to address those challenges in the future. Additional details, including instructions for submitting written comments and a complete schedule of listening sessions, are available in the meeting notice linked below.

The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is conducting five listening sessions to solicit comments on ideas for fishery improvements in the monkfish and skate fisheries. These sessions are designed to identify the challenges the monkfish and skate fishing sectors are grappling with and to identify possible management measures for the Council to address those challenges in the future. Additional details, including instructions for submitting written comments and a complete schedule of listening sessions, are available in the meeting notice linked below.

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

• Atlantic mackerel

• Black sea bass

• Bluefish

• Scup

• Summer flounder

• Atlantic cod

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

There are two ways to participate:

• Attend a virtual meeting on March 18, 2026.

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

Questions?

Contact: Brian Hooper, NEFSC assessment process lead

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

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

Staff Contacts:

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

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

Webinar Connection

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

• Register for the webinar here

Who Should Attend This Webinar?

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

• Individuals familiar with mandatory private or voluntary recreational reporting programs

• Any member of the public interested in these regulations

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

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

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

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

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

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

Provide Written Comments

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

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

• Hearing Announcement

• Public Hearing Document

• Hearing Presentation: Slides / Recording

Public Hearings

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written Comments

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

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

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

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

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

Explore the Proposed EFH Designations and Modeling Methods

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

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

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

• Hearing Announcement

• Public Hearing Document

• Hearing Presentation: Slides / Recording

Public Hearings

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written Comments

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

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

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

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

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

Explore the Proposed EFH Designations and Modeling Methods

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

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

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

• Hearing Announcement

• Public Hearing Document

• Hearing Presentation: Slides / Recording

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

Public Hearings

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written Comments

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

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

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

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

Explore the Proposed EFH Designations and Modeling Methods

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

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

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

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

• Hearing Announcement

• Public Hearing Document

• Public Hearing Presentation

Public Hearings

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Hearing Announcement

• Public Hearing Document

• Public Hearing Presentation

Public Hearings

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written Comments

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

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

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

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

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

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) have scheduled a series of scoping hearings to gather public input on the range of issues and information to be considered in the Recreational Sector Separation and Data Collection Amendment to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and the Bluefish FMP. Five scoping hearings will be held between February 25 and March 5, 2025. Written comments will be accepted through March 20, 2025.

• Hearing Announcement

• Public Information/Scoping Document

• Submit Written Comments

• Scoping Hearing Slides

• Scoping Presentation Recording

Hearing Details

For a complete schedule of hearings, please see the Scoping Hearing Announcement.

This hearing will be conducted via webinar only. To register, click the link below and select the hearing(s) you plan to attend from the dropdown menu.

• Webinar Registration

Hearing Contacts:

• Corrin Flora (ME) - 207.446.8126

• Renee Zobel (NH) - 603.868.1095

• Nichola Meserve (MA) - 978.619.0017

Webinar Instructions: When connecting to audio, we strongly encourage you to use your computer’s microphone and speakers (VoIP) so you can ask questions and provide comments. To attend the webinar in listen only mode, dial 415.655.0052 and enter access code 724-084-791. Those joining by phone only will be limited to listening to the presentation and will not be able to provide input. If you are new to GoToWebinar, you can download the software by clicking here or via the App store under GoTo. Before joining, we recommend testing your device’s compatibility with the webinar. If you need assistance, please contact the Commission at info@asmfc.org (subject line: GoToWebinar help).

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) have scheduled a series of scoping hearings to gather public input on the range of issues and information to be considered in the Recreational Sector Separation and Data Collection Amendment to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and the Bluefish FMP. Five scoping hearings will be held between February 25 and March 5, 2025. Written comments will be accepted through March 20, 2025.

• Hearing Announcement

• Public Information/Scoping Document

• Submit Written Comments

• Scoping Hearing Slides

• Scoping Presentation Recording

Hearing Details

For a complete schedule of hearings, please see the Scoping Hearing Announcement.

This hearing will be conducted via webinar only. To register, click the link below and select the hearing(s) you plan to attend from the dropdown menu.

• Webinar Registration

Hearing Contacts:

• John Clark (DE) 302.739.9914

• Mike Luisi (MD) 410.260.8341

• Ron Owens (PRFC) 804.224.7148

• Pat Geer (VA) 757.247.2200

• Chris Batsavage (NC) 252.241.2995

Webinar Instructions: When connecting to audio, we strongly encourage you to use your computer’s microphone and speakers (VoIP) so you can ask questions and provide comments. To attend the webinar in listen only mode, dial 415.655.0052 and enter access code 724-084-791. Those joining by phone only will be limited to listening to the presentation and will not be able to provide input. If you are new to GoToWebinar, you can download the software by clicking here or via the App store under GoTo. Before joining, we recommend testing your device’s compatibility with the webinar. If you need assistance, please contact the Commission at info@asmfc.org (subject line: GoToWebinar help).

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) have scheduled a series of scoping hearings to gather public input on the range of issues and information to be considered in the Recreational Sector Separation and Data Collection Amendment to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and the Bluefish FMP. Five scoping hearings will be held between February 25 and March 5, 2025. Written comments will be accepted through March 20, 2025.

• Hearing Announcement

• Public Information/Scoping Document

• Submit Written Comments

• Scoping Hearing Slides

• Scoping Presentation Recording

Hearing Details

For a complete schedule of hearings, please see the Scoping Hearing Announcement.

This will be a hybrid hearing, with in-person and virtual participation options. To register for the webinar, click the link below and select the hearing(s) you plan to attend from the dropdown menu.

• Webinar Registration (Zoom) (Meeting ID: 861 5076 1946; Passcode: 483668; if calling in dial 646-931-3860)

Hearing Contacts: Jason McNamee 401.537.4141

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) have scheduled a series of scoping hearings to gather public input on the range of issues and information to be considered in the Recreational Sector Separation and Data Collection Amendment to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and the Bluefish FMP. Five scoping hearings will be held between February 25 and March 5, 2025. Written comments will be accepted through March 20, 2025.

• Hearing Announcement

• Public Information/Scoping Document

• Submit Written Comments

• Scoping Hearing Slides

• Scoping Presentation Recording

Hearing Details

For a complete schedule of hearings, please see the Scoping Hearing Announcement.

This will be a hybrid hearing, with in-person and virtual participation options. To register for the webinar, click the link below and select the hearing(s) you plan to attend from the dropdown menu.

• Webinar Registration

Hearing Contacts: Martin Gary (NY), 631.444.0430; Matthew Gates (CT), 860.876.4393

Webinar Instructions: When connecting to audio, we strongly encourage you to use your computer’s microphone and speakers (VoIP) so you can ask questions and provide comments. To attend the webinar in listen only mode, dial 415.655.0052 and enter access code 724-084-791. Those joining by phone only will be limited to listening to the presentation and will not be able to provide input. If you are new to GoToWebinar, you can download the software by clicking here or via the App store under GoTo. Before joining, we recommend testing your device’s compatibility with the webinar. If you need assistance, please contact the Commission at info@asmfc.org (subject line: GoToWebinar help).

The Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) is seeking input from the fishing community and other interested parties to help inform the June 2026 Management Track Assessments for the following stocks:

• Atlantic herring 

• Butterfish

• Georges Bank Atlantic cod 

• Georges Bank haddock 

• Longfin inshore squid 

• Ocean quahog

Specifically, assessment scientists are looking for on-the-water observations or data sets on topics such as distribution, stock health, fishing dynamics and management, and the role these stocks play in the ecosystem. Comments are welcome from all regional assessment partners, including the fishing industry (commercial and recreational), state agency scientists, academic researchers, and interested members of the public.

There are two ways to participate:

• Attend the virtual Community Input Meeting on February 26, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. 

• Submit your comments using the community input form. This form is open through April 30, 2025.

Questions?

Contact: Brian Hooper, NEFSC assessment process lead

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) have scheduled a series of scoping hearings to gather public input on the range of issues and information to be considered in the Recreational Sector Separation and Data Collection Amendment to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and the Bluefish FMP. Five scoping hearings will be held between February 25 and March 5, 2025. Written comments will be accepted through March 20, 2025.

• Hearing Announcement

• Public Information/Scoping Document

• Submit Written Comments

• Scoping Hearing Slides

• Scoping Presentation Recording

Hearing Details

For a complete schedule of hearings, please see the Scoping Hearing Announcement.

This hearing will be conducted via webinar only. To register, click the link below and select the hearing(s) you plan to attend from the dropdown menu.

• Webinar Registration

Hearing Contact: Joseph Cimino - 609.748.2020

Webinar Instructions: When connecting to audio, we strongly encourage you to use your computer’s microphone and speakers (VoIP) so you can ask questions and provide comments. To attend the webinar in listen only mode, dial 415.655.0052 and enter access code 724-084-791. Those joining by phone only will be limited to listening to the presentation and will not be able to provide input. If you are new to GoToWebinar, you can download the software by clicking here or via the App store under GoTo. Before joining, we recommend testing your device’s compatibility with the webinar. If you need assistance, please contact the Commission at info@asmfc.org (subject line: GoToWebinar help).

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has scheduled a series of public hearings to gather input on the Recreational Measures Setting Process 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.

This hearing will be conducted by webinar.

• Hearing Details

Documents

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

Background Information

• ASMFC Releases Recreational Measures Setting Process Draft Addenda for Public Comment States to Conduct Public Hearings in January

• MAFMC Action Page

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has scheduled a series of public hearings to gather input on the Recreational Measures Setting Process 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.

This hearing will be conducted by webinar.

• Hearing Details

Documents

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

Background Information

• ASMFC Releases Recreational Measures Setting Process Draft Addenda for Public Comment States to Conduct Public Hearings in January

• MAFMC Action Page

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has scheduled a series of public hearings to gather input on the Recreational Measures Setting Process 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.

This is a hybrid meeting (both in-person and virtual).

• Hearing Details

Documents

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

Background Information

• ASMFC Releases Recreational Measures Setting Process Draft Addenda for Public Comment States to Conduct Public Hearings in January

• MAFMC Action Page

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has scheduled a series of public hearings to gather input on the Recreational Measures Setting Process 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.

• Hearing Details

Documents

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

Background Information

• ASMFC Releases Recreational Measures Setting Process Draft Addenda for Public Comment States to Conduct Public Hearings in January

• MAFMC Action Page

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has scheduled a series of public hearings to gather input on the Recreational Measures Setting Process 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.

This hearing will be conducted by webinar.

• Hearing Details

Documents

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

Background Information

• ASMFC Releases Recreational Measures Setting Process Draft Addenda for Public Comment States to Conduct Public Hearings in January

• MAFMC Action Page

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is hosting a series of port meetings along the Atlantic coast to take a focused look at the commercial and recreational king and Spanish mackerel fisheries. Input gathered during these port meetings will directly affect future management efforts for king and Spanish mackerel.

Port meetings are more than a public comment opportunity. Attendees will have the chance to actively discuss their perspectives with other fishery participants and local Council members.

Mid-Atlantic Port Meetings

Note: All meetings will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

1. November 18th, 2024 - Virginia Beach, VA. Brock Environmental Center – Oyster Conference Room, 3663 Marlin Bay Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.

2. November 19th, 2024 - White Stone, VA. Town of White Stone Town Hall Building, 433 Rappahannock Drive, White Stone, VA 22578.

3. November 20th. 2024 - Berlin, MD. Worcester County Library Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Avenue, Berlin, MD 21811.

4. November 21st, 2024 - Manahawkin, NJ. Stafford Township Administration Building, 260 East Bay Avenue, Manahawkin, NJ 08050.

Help Spread the Word

• Mid-Atlantic Port Meeting Flyer

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is hosting a series of port meetings along the Atlantic coast to take a focused look at the commercial and recreational king and Spanish mackerel fisheries. Input gathered during these port meetings will directly affect future management efforts for king and Spanish mackerel.

Port meetings are more than a public comment opportunity. Attendees will have the chance to actively discuss their perspectives with other fishery participants and local Council members.

Mid-Atlantic Port Meetings

Note: All meetings will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

1. November 18th, 2024 - Virginia Beach, VA. Brock Environmental Center – Oyster Conference Room, 3663 Marlin Bay Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.

2. November 19th, 2024 - White Stone, VA. Town of White Stone Town Hall Building, 433 Rappahannock Drive, White Stone, VA 22578.

3. November 20th. 2024 - Berlin, MD. Worcester County Library Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Avenue, Berlin, MD 21811.

4. November 21st, 2024 - Manahawkin, NJ. Stafford Township Administration Building, 260 East Bay Avenue, Manahawkin, NJ 08050.

Help Spread the Word

• Mid-Atlantic Port Meeting Flyer

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is hosting a series of port meetings along the Atlantic coast to take a focused look at the commercial and recreational king and Spanish mackerel fisheries. Input gathered during these port meetings will directly affect future management efforts for king and Spanish mackerel.

Port meetings are more than a public comment opportunity. Attendees will have the chance to actively discuss their perspectives with other fishery participants and local Council members.

Mid-Atlantic Port Meetings

Note: All meetings will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

1. November 18th, 2024 - Virginia Beach, VA. Brock Environmental Center – Oyster Conference Room, 3663 Marlin Bay Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.

2. November 19th, 2024 - White Stone, VA. Town of White Stone Town Hall Building, 433 Rappahannock Drive, White Stone, VA 22578.

3. November 20th. 2024 - Berlin, MD. Worcester County Library Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Avenue, Berlin, MD 21811.

4. November 21st, 2024 - Manahawkin, NJ. Stafford Township Administration Building, 260 East Bay Avenue, Manahawkin, NJ 08050.

Help Spread the Word

• Mid-Atlantic Port Meeting Flyer

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is hosting a series of port meetings along the Atlantic coast to take a focused look at the commercial and recreational king and Spanish mackerel fisheries. Input gathered during these port meetings will directly affect future management efforts for king and Spanish mackerel.

Port meetings are more than a public comment opportunity. Attendees will have the chance to actively discuss their perspectives with other fishery participants and local Council members.

Mid-Atlantic Port Meetings

Note: All meetings will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

1. November 18th, 2024 - Virginia Beach, VA. Brock Environmental Center – Oyster Conference Room, 3663 Marlin Bay Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.

2. November 19th, 2024 - White Stone, VA. Town of White Stone Town Hall Building, 433 Rappahannock Drive, White Stone, VA 22578.

3. November 20th. 2024 - Berlin, MD. Worcester County Library Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Avenue, Berlin, MD 21811.

4. November 21st, 2024 - Manahawkin, NJ. Stafford Township Administration Building, 260 East Bay Avenue, Manahawkin, NJ 08050.

Help Spread the Word

• Mid-Atlantic Port Meeting Flyer

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has scheduled two virtual public hearings to gather input on the Summer Flounder Commercial Mesh Exemptions Framework/Addendum. 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.

• Register for the Webinar

  • Update 9/17/24: The webinar has concluded. A recording of the hearing presentation is available on the Commission’s YouTube channel.

• Public Hearing Document

Written comments will be accepted through September 28, 2024. Please see the Commission’s press release for comment instructions.

Visit the Council’s Summer Flounder Commercial Mesh Size Exemptions Framework/Addendum page to learn more about this action.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has scheduled two virtual public hearings to gather input on the Summer Flounder Commercial Mesh Exemptions Framework/Addendum. 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.

• Register for the Webinar

• Public Hearing Document

Written comments will be accepted through September 28, 2024. Please see the Commission’s press release for comment instructions.

Visit the Council’s Summer Flounder Commercial Mesh Size Exemptions Framework/Addendum page to learn more about this action.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is seeking public input to inform development of its next strategic plan. Interested parties are encouraged to provide input during a public webinar on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Written comments may also be submitted via a public comment form or by email to msabo@mafmc.org. All comments must be received by Wednesday, September 4, 2024.

The Council’s strategic plan provides a framework for prioritizing activities from year to year and ensuring steady progress toward long-term goals. The current plan will expire at the end of 2024. The Council is now soliciting public input to help shape the next plan for 2025 through 2029.

This is an important opportunity for the public to help shape the future management of Mid-Atlantic fisheries. The Council welcomes feedback on its performance relative to the 2020-2024 Strategic Plan as well as recommendations for priority issues to be addressed in the next plan for 2025-2029.

The Council is scheduled to review public comments and consider a draft strategic plan at its October 2024 Council Meeting.

• Presentation and Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions

• Where are we now?

  • In your view, how well has the Council achieved the goals, objectives, and strategies of the 2020-2024 Strategic Plan?

  • What do you believe are the most pressing issues/challenges facing the Mid-Atlantic Council and/or its managed fisheries?

• Where are we going?

  • What would you like to see the Council accomplish within the next five years?

  • What should our long-term goals be?

• How do we get there?

  • What are the actionable steps we can take to achieve our long-term goals?

Questions? Contact Mary Sabo at msabo@mafmc.org or 302-526-5261.

Quick Links

• Register for the Webinar

• Submit Written Comments

• Review the Current Strategic Plan (2020-2024)