The Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils will hold a public meeting of their joint Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel on Thursday, February 12, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) Davis Hall Board Room in Gloucester Point, VA. ( 7539 Spencer Rd, Gloucester Point, VA 23062).

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar. Meeting number (access code): 2342 345 4763;

  Meeting password: rQ8RfXJym62

• Join by phone: +1-415-655-0001 US Toll - Access Code: 2342 345 4763

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

• Northeast Fishery Science Center NTAP update

• Regional Industry-Based Trawl Survey (RIBTS) Phase 1 update

• RIBTS Phase 2 Working Group Progress Report

This is one in a series of working group meetings associated with the Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Assessment. Please visit the Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Working Group page on the NOAA Fisheries website for an agenda and webinar connection details (scroll down to the “Schedule” section). This meeting is open to the public.

Background Information

Research track assessments evaluate new datasets that can either inform or be used in new or existing stock assessment models. Unlike management track assessments, which are driven by the need to meet specific management timelines, research track assessments are carried out over longer time frames and with fewer requirements for using the most recent data. The research track is intended to be the opportunity for extensive and comprehensive research and analysis.

Working groups carry out the analytical work required for the stock assessment, including developing and implementing the research plan and terms of reference, conducting the necessary research, compiling the results to inform the research track effort, and incorporating other information and public input as appropriate.

What Happens Next?

After the working group has completed its work, a peer review panel will be convened to conduct a comprehensive review of the research track assessment.

Typically, research track outputs are incorporated into future management track assessments (as opposed to directly informing management decisions). For this reason, research track assessments are often scheduled to have management track assessments in the following year, which ensures immediate application of the research results with the inclusion of the most recent data in a management track assessment.

Quick Links

• Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Working Group

• MAFMC Stock Assessments Page

• NOAA Fisheries Northeast Stock Assessments Page

This is one in a series of working group meetings associated with the Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Assessment. Please visit the Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Working Group page on the NOAA Fisheries website for an agenda and webinar connection details (scroll down to the “Schedule” section). This meeting is open to the public.

Background Information

Research track assessments evaluate new datasets that can either inform or be used in new or existing stock assessment models. Unlike management track assessments, which are driven by the need to meet specific management timelines, research track assessments are carried out over longer time frames and with fewer requirements for using the most recent data. The research track is intended to be the opportunity for extensive and comprehensive research and analysis.

Working groups carry out the analytical work required for the stock assessment, including developing and implementing the research plan and terms of reference, conducting the necessary research, compiling the results to inform the research track effort, and incorporating other information and public input as appropriate.

What Happens Next?

After the working group has completed its work, a peer review panel will be convened to conduct a comprehensive review of the research track assessment.

Typically, research track outputs are incorporated into future management track assessments (as opposed to directly informing management decisions). For this reason, research track assessments are often scheduled to have management track assessments in the following year, which ensures immediate application of the research results with the inclusion of the most recent data in a management track assessment.

Quick Links

• Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Working Group

• MAFMC Stock Assessments Page

• NOAA Fisheries Northeast Stock Assessments Page

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.

This is one in a series of working group meetings associated with the Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Assessment. Please visit the Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Working Group page on the NOAA Fisheries website for an agenda and webinar connection details (scroll down to the “Schedule” section). This meeting is open to the public.

Background Information

Research track assessments evaluate new datasets that can either inform or be used in new or existing stock assessment models. Unlike management track assessments, which are driven by the need to meet specific management timelines, research track assessments are carried out over longer time frames and with fewer requirements for using the most recent data. The research track is intended to be the opportunity for extensive and comprehensive research and analysis.

Working groups carry out the analytical work required for the stock assessment, including developing and implementing the research plan and terms of reference, conducting the necessary research, compiling the results to inform the research track effort, and incorporating other information and public input as appropriate.

What Happens Next?

After the working group has completed its work, a peer review panel will be convened to conduct a comprehensive review of the research track assessment.

Typically, research track outputs are incorporated into future management track assessments (as opposed to directly informing management decisions). For this reason, research track assessments are often scheduled to have management track assessments in the following year, which ensures immediate application of the research results with the inclusion of the most recent data in a management track assessment.

Quick Links

• Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Working Group

• MAFMC Stock Assessments Page

• NOAA Fisheries Northeast Stock Assessments Page

This is one in a series of working group meetings associated with the Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Assessment. Please visit the Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Working Group page on the NOAA Fisheries website for an agenda and webinar connection details (scroll down to the “Schedule” section). This meeting is open to the public.

Background Information

Research track assessments evaluate new datasets that can either inform or be used in new or existing stock assessment models. Unlike management track assessments, which are driven by the need to meet specific management timelines, research track assessments are carried out over longer time frames and with fewer requirements for using the most recent data. The research track is intended to be the opportunity for extensive and comprehensive research and analysis.

Working groups carry out the analytical work required for the stock assessment, including developing and implementing the research plan and terms of reference, conducting the necessary research, compiling the results to inform the research track effort, and incorporating other information and public input as appropriate.

What Happens Next?

After the working group has completed its work, a peer review panel will be convened to conduct a comprehensive review of the research track assessment.

Typically, research track outputs are incorporated into future management track assessments (as opposed to directly informing management decisions). For this reason, research track assessments are often scheduled to have management track assessments in the following year, which ensures immediate application of the research results with the inclusion of the most recent data in a management track assessment.

Quick Links

• Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Working Group

• MAFMC Stock Assessments Page

• NOAA Fisheries Northeast Stock Assessments Page

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 2 pilot project.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2330 617 1218; Password: h7mMZ3NJ8Zq)

• Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2330 617 1218. 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

• Meeting materials will be shared when available

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 2 pilot project.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2342 186 8169; Password: xX2Fq8gNYi2)

• Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2342 186 8169. 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

• Meeting materials will be shared when available

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.

This is one in a series of working group meetings associated with the Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Assessment. Please visit the Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Working Group page on the NOAA Fisheries website for an agenda and webinar connection details (scroll down to the “Schedule” section). This meeting is open to the public.

Background Information

Research track assessments evaluate new datasets that can either inform or be used in new or existing stock assessment models. Unlike management track assessments, which are driven by the need to meet specific management timelines, research track assessments are carried out over longer time frames and with fewer requirements for using the most recent data. The research track is intended to be the opportunity for extensive and comprehensive research and analysis.

Working groups carry out the analytical work required for the stock assessment, including developing and implementing the research plan and terms of reference, conducting the necessary research, compiling the results to inform the research track effort, and incorporating other information and public input as appropriate.

What Happens Next?

After the working group has completed its work, a peer review panel will be convened to conduct a comprehensive review of the research track assessment.

Typically, research track outputs are incorporated into future management track assessments (as opposed to directly informing management decisions). For this reason, research track assessments are often scheduled to have management track assessments in the following year, which ensures immediate application of the research results with the inclusion of the most recent data in a management track assessment.

Quick Links

• Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Working Group

• MAFMC Stock Assessments Page

• NOAA Fisheries Northeast Stock Assessments Page

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.