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The MAFMC's Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish (MSB) Monitoring Committee will meet via webinar on Friday, December 12, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. to develop recommendations for future (2026-2027) Atlantic mackerel specifications.
Agenda: the charge of the Monitoring Committee is generally to make operational recommendations to ensure that catch limits are not exceeded, so the Monitoring Committee will review recent fishery performance and then make appropriate recommendations in the context of the likely Atlantic mackerel quotas in the pending MSB framework adjustment action that the Council is considering for final action at its December 2025 meeting. (The framework would set 2026–2027 specifications/management measures and may adjust the stock’s rebuilding approach.)
Staff Contact: Jason Didden, jdidden@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5254
Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2334 985 2800; Password: GJvWG3J7hp8)
Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2334 985 2800. 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.
Refer to December 2025 MAFMC Council Meeting Atlantic Mackerel materials available at www.mafmc.org/briefing/december-2025
The Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel Working Group will hold a series of meeting via webinar occurring every three to four weeks. During these meetings, the Working Group will continue their discussion on the Regional Industry-Based Trawl Survey (RIBTS) Phase 1 and 2 pilot projects
Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2343 310 0745; Password: T225Jw8JWRy)
Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2343 310 0745. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar.
Meeting materials will be shared when available
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold a public workshop on “operationalizing ecosystem and habitat indicators to support climate-ready fisheries management in the Mid-Atlantic”. The workshop will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Sheraton BWI Airport (1100 Old Elkridge Landing Rd, Linthicum Heights, MD) or virtually via Webex webinar.
Staff contact: Brandon Muffley - bmuffley@mafmc.org; 302-526-5260
Click here to join the December 10 Indicator workshop (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2343 547 0193; Password: mpEp5s2bqB9). 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 547 0193. 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 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.
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.
December 2, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Webinar Registration. All Species: Open Discussion.
December 9, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Webinar Registration. Focus: Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass, Bluefish, and Spiny Dogfish.
January 6, 2026, 6:00 p.m. Webinar Registration. Focus: Mackerels, Squids, Butterfish, Tilefishes, Surfclam, and Ocean Quahog.
January 13, 2026, 6:00 p.m. Webinar Registration. All Species: Open Discussion.
February 3, 2026, 6:30 p.m. In-Person: Westin Crystal City (1800 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202). All Species: Open Discussion.
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”)
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.
Please note that the start/end times listed above are approximate, and other details are subject to change. Visit the SAFMC website linked above for the most up-to-date information.
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.
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.
December 2, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Webinar Registration. All Species: Open Discussion.
December 9, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Webinar Registration. Focus: Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass, Bluefish, and Spiny Dogfish.
January 6, 2026, 6:00 p.m. Webinar Registration. Focus: Mackerels, Squids, Butterfish, Tilefishes, Surfclam, and Ocean Quahog.
January 13, 2026, 6:00 p.m. Webinar Registration. All Species: Open Discussion.
February 3, 2026, 6:30 p.m. In-Person: Westin Crystal City (1800 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202). All Species: Open Discussion.
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”)
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.
Please note that the start/end times listed above are approximate, and other details are subject to change. Visit the NEFMC website linked above for the most up-to-date information.
The MAFMC's Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Committee and River Herring and Shad (RHS) Committee will meet jointly via webinar on Monday, November 24, 2025 from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
The purpose of this joint Committee meeting is to develop recommendations regarding the framework adjustment action on Atlantic mackerel that would set 2026-2027 specifications/management measures (including the river herring and shad cap) and may adjust the Atlantic mackerel stock’s rebuilding approach.
Staff Contact: Jason Didden, jdidden@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5254
Click here to join the Webex webinar. If prompted, enter meeting number 2348 141 1263 and password PjkAACZW788.
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 2348 141 1263. 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
Develop Recommendations for the Council
SSC Report on Atlantic Mackerel Catch Limits (pending, but summarized in the November 2025 Framework Document above)
Comments and Materials from the Public
The Council’s and ASMFC’s joint Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT)/Plan Development Team (PDT) for the Recreational Sector Separation Amendment will meet via Webinar on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 10-11:30 a.m. The group will continue discussions of developing alternatives for this action.
Click here to join the webinar. (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2344 602 4750; Password: tkAsxY62NA6). 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: 2344 602 4750. 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 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 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass (SFSBSB) Monitoring Committee will meet with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Technical Committee via webinar Tuesday, November 18, 2025 from 10am – 4pm (tentatively).
Meeting objectives include developing recommendations for 2026-2027 recreational management 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 webinar. If prompted, enter meeting number/access code 2339 024 2688 and password SFSBSB_MC. 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 2339 024 2688. 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 Council’s and ASMFC’s joint Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT)/Plan Development Team (PDT) for the Recreational Sector Separation Amendment will meet via Webinar on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 10-11:30 a.m. The group will continue discussions of developing alternatives for this action.
Click here to join the webinar. (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2337 056 1839; Password: BRt3mzDtq26). 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 056 1839. 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 Monitoring Committee will meet via webinar on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. to develop recommendations for future Atlantic mackerel specifications
Staff Contact: Jason Didden, jdidden@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5254
Meeting materials will be shared when available
The East Coast Coordination Group will meet via webinar.
Join the webinar here:https://v.ringcentral.com/join/497648889
Staff Contacts:
Toni Kerns (ASMFC), tkerns@asmfc.org, 703-842-0718
Kiley Dancy (MAFMC), kdancy@mafmc.org, 302-526-5257
The Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel Working Group will hold a regularly scheduled meeting via webinar occurring every three weeks. During these meeting the Working Group will continue their discussion on the Regional Industry-Based Trawl Survey (RIBTS) Phase 1 and 2 pilot project.
Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2341 106 8940; Password: KYsbgdSS788)
Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2341 106 8940. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar.
Meeting materials will be shared when available
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 Coordination Committee (CCC) consists of the chairs, vice chairs, and executive directors from each of the eight regional fishery management councils. The general purpose of the CCC is to address issues of relevance to all Councils, including issues related to the implementation of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
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The Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel Working Group will hold regularly scheduled meeting via webinar occurring every three weeks. During these meeting the Working Group will continue their discussion on the Regional Industry-Based Trawl Survey (RIBTS) Phase 1 and 2 pilot project.
Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2341 106 8940; Password: KYsbgdSS788)
Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2341 106 8940. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar.
Meeting materials will be shared when available
The Council’s and ASMFC’s joint Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT)/Plan Development Team (PDT) for the Recreational Sector Separation Amendment will meet via Webinar on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 10-11:30 a.m. The group will continue discussions of developing alternatives for this action.
Click here to join the webinar. (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2344 796 7945; Password: XQjXMKA3p47). 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: 2344 796 7945. 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.
Agenda - to be posted
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.
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.
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.
Please note that the start/end times listed above are approximate, and other details are subject to change. Visit the NEFMC website linked above for the most up-to-date information.
The Northeast Region Coordinating Council (NRCC) is organizing a virtual State-Federal Commercial Landings Sampling Workshop on September 22-23, 2025. Reduced sampling of commercial landings in the Northwest Atlantic has been identified as a significant threat to the integrity of regional stock assessments. This workshop will include presentations on how sampling requests for NRCC and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission stock assessments are determined, descriptions of state and federal sampling programs, and data handling and storage of collected data. The workshop will focus on identifying and sharing best practices and efficiencies to maximize sampling program effectiveness in an environment of limited resources. Additional details, including an agenda and registration instructions, are located on the workshop webpage. Questions should be directed to Dr. Russell Brown (508-274-4481; Russell.Brown@noaa.gov).
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.