Mid-Atlantic Council Invites Public Input in Response to Executive Order 14276, “Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness”

The Mid‑Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) invites fishermen, processors, scientists, seafood businesses, non‑governmental organizations, and other interested parties to provide input on ways to reduce regulatory burdens and increase production in domestic fisheries. Submitted comments will inform the Council’s response to Executive Order (EO) 14276, “Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness.”

Background

Signed on April 17, 2025, EO 14276 directs federal agencies to “promote the productive harvest of our seafood resources; unburden our commercial fishermen from costly and inefficient regulation; combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing; and protect our seafood markets from unfair trade practices of foreign nations.”

Section 4 of the order instructs the Secretary of Commerce to ask each Regional Fishery Management Council to provide updated recommendations that reduce burdens on domestic fisheries and increase production, building on lists first developed in 2020 under EO 13921 (see the Mid-Atlantic Council’s previous recommendations here). Recommended actions should stabilize markets, improve access, enhance economic profitability, and prevent closures. NOAA’s Office of Sustainable Fisheries has requested that Councils submit their updated recommendations by September 30, 2025.

How to Submit Comments

All comments must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, July 18, 2025. Submitted materials will be posted publicly on the Council’s website.

Next Steps

The Council will review all submissions at its August 2025 meeting and develop a prioritized list of recommendations for submission to NOAA Fisheries.

 

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

Council Seeks Contractor to Evaluate Governance Structures and Processes – Proposals due July 18

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is seeking a contractor to assess and recommend improvements to the Council’s governance structures and joint management arrangements with other organizations. This project will address several priorities and recommendations identified during the Council’s recent program review and the East Coast Scenario Planning Initiative, with the goal of strengthening representation, coordination, and responsiveness in fisheries management. The proposal submission deadline is July 18, 2025.  

Background: Changing species distributions increasingly pose challenges for East Coast marine fisheries governance and management structures, which were established under the assumption that stock distributions would remain relatively stable over time. The inherent complexity of East Coast governance structure poses challenges for nimbleness and adaptation to such changes. This issue was a central focus of the East Coast Scenario Planning Initiative, where stakeholders and managers identified several opportunities to improve adaptability and coordination. Similarly, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s recent program review highlighted the need to improve governance processes in the areas of efficiency, fairness, and collaboration. Both initiatives generated recommendations for strengthening the Council’s governance structures and enhancing joint or cooperative management arrangements with partners such as the New England and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. This project will explore ways to appropriately balance representation and stakeholder engagement with the need for more efficient and flexible decision-making. This project is being conducted in parallel to similar efforts by the NEFMC and SAFMC, and in cooperation with the ASMFC.

Scope of Work: The selected contractor will (1) document the existing structure, representation, and use of Mid-Atlantic Council committees and advisory bodies, (2) document existing joint and cooperative management arrangements and procedures with other management organizations, (3) develop recommendations for potential improvements to these governance structures and procedures to address representation concerns and increase the efficiency and efficacy of the management process.

Additional Information: Complete details about the scope of work, contractor qualifications, and proposal submission instructions can be found in the full request for proposals (RFP).

Northeast Region Coordinating Council Announces Revisions to Stock Assessment Schedule

As a result of substantial reductions in Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) assessment science staff capacity, the Northeast Region Coordinating Council (NRCC) has worked together to revise and streamline the 2025 stock assessment schedule.

Fewer management track assessments will be conducted than originally planned for 2025. The June Management Track peer review meeting is planned to continue as scheduled with all the originally planned stocks, however, the Atlantic mackerel assessment will be moved to the September Management Track due to a delay in availability of a critical data component (mackerel egg index) for the assessment.

Stock assessments for Acadian redfish, white hake, winter flounder, and yellowtail flounder are planned for the September Management Track, and assessment plans for those assessments will be reviewed at the May 22 Assessment Oversight Panel (AOP) meeting. For other stocks that were previously scheduled for assessment in 2025, the NEFSC will provide updated data indices to inform management advice in lieu of full management track assessments this year. Those stocks are:

  • Atlantic wolffish

  • Monkfish

  • Ocean pout

  • The skate complex (barndoor, clearnose, little, rosette, smooth, thorny, winter)

  • Windowpane flounder 

With respect to research track assessments, the NRCC has agreed to continue work on the longfin inshore squid research track assessment (Spring 2026) to take advantage of the substantial progress already made by the working group. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) will also continue to work on the striped bass (Spring 2027) research track, with consultation from NEFSC.

The NRCC has decided to pause work on the winter flounder (Fall 2026), monkfish (Spring 2027), and projections (Fall 2027) research track working groups. Pausing this work will allow the NRCC to reconsider research track decisions as it works together to plan and adapt the assessment schedule and process for 2026 and beyond.

In addition to these schedule changes, the NRCC will not be holding either the Research Track Steering Committee meeting this spring, nor the Management Track Input session originally scheduled for May 21. We presently lack the needed certainty with the assessment schedule beyond 2025 to proceed with these efforts.

These changes are needed while we conduct longer-term planning. The NRCC will continue to communicate with constituents, partners, and the public as our planning and adaptation efforts continue.

Questions?

Contact: Brian Hooper, NEFSC assessment process lead

Mid-Atlantic Council Honors Jack Casey with James A. Ruhle Cooperative Research Award

Jack Casey (left) with Council Chair Wes Townsend

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council has named Jack Casey as the recipient of the James A. Ruhle Cooperative Research Award. The award was presented during the Council’s April meeting in Galloway, New Jersey, in recognition of Casey’s pioneering work in cooperative fisheries research and his decades-long contributions to the scientific understanding of shark species along the East Coast.

The Council established the award in memory of Captain Jimmy Ruhle – a commercial fisherman, former Council member, and trailblazer in cooperative fisheries research. The award celebrates individuals or groups who have made exceptional contributions to cooperative research in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Jack Casey’s legacy is one of innovation, leadership, and collaboration. A U.S. Navy veteran who began his fisheries career in 1960 with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Casey quickly recognized the untapped potential of working directly with fishermen to advance scientific understanding. In 1962, he launched the Cooperative Shark Tagging Program with fewer than 100 volunteer fishermen. Under his leadership, the program expanded into one of the most successful and enduring partnerships between the scientific and fishing communities, resulting in hundreds of thousands of sharks tagged and an unparalleled body of data on shark movements, behavior, and biology. His efforts helped transform the public’s perception of sharks and laid the groundwork for significant advancements in shark science.

In addition to founding the tagging program, Casey played a leading role in establishing NOAA’s marine fisheries laboratory in Narragansett, Rhode Island, where the Apex Predators Program continues his legacy of collaboration and innovation.

“This award is a fitting tribute to a man whose work helped define what cooperative research can achieve,” said Council Chair Wes Townsend. “Jack inspired generations of scientists, many of whom continue to carry forward his commitment to collaboration and innovation.”

Council member Robert Ruhle, who is the son of the award’s namesake, noted that Casey played an important role in his family’s involvement in cooperative research. “You are a big part of why I’m sitting at this table now and why my father sat at the table for nine years,” Ruhle said to Casey. “You broke the mold and showed the world what can happen when science and industry work together toward the same goal.”

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Captain Adam Nowalsky Receives Ricks E Savage Award

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council has named Captain Adam Nowalsky as the recipient of the 2024 Ricks E Savage award. The award, which was presented during the Council’s April meeting in Galloway, New Jersey, is given annually to an individual who has made exceptional contributions to the management and conservation of fishery resources in the mid-Atlantic region.

Nowalsky was appointed to the Council in 2015 and served with distinction for nine years before terming out in 2024. During his tenure, he was one of the Council’s most engaged and influential voices, known for his willingness to dive into complex management issues.

“Adam’s ability to see all sides, to think creatively, and to contribute constructively made him a trusted colleague and a valuable contributor,” said Wes Townsend, Council Chair. “He consistently raised the bar for everyone involved in the Council process.”

During his time on the Council, Nowalsky was particularly engaged in recreational fisheries management issues. With more than two decades of experience fishing South Jersey waters as a licensed charter operator, he brought practical knowledge and an understanding of anglers' concerns to the Council's decision-making process. Notably, he was a driving force behind the Recreational Reform Initiative, a joint effort launched in 2019 by the Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) which aims to improve management of recreational fisheries for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish.

From 2016 to 2021, Nowalsky chaired the Council’s Research Steering Committee, leading efforts to navigate complex decisions about the future of the Research Set-Aside program. His leadership extended beyond the Council as well, serving as New Jersey’s Legislative Proxy to the ASMFC since 2010, where he has chaired numerous boards. He also played a central role in bringing the Marine Resource Education Program (MREP) to the Mid-Atlantic region and continues to serve on the MREP Steering Committee.

“Adam’s legacy is one of dedication, integrity, and collaboration,” said Townsend. “His contributions have left a lasting mark on the Council and the broader Mid-Atlantic fisheries community.”

The Council extends its gratitude to Captain Nowalsky for his years of service and congratulates him on this well-deserved honor.

PDF Version

April 2025 Council Meeting Summary

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council met April 8-10, 2025 in Galloway, NJ. The following is a summary of actions taken and issues considered during the meeting. Presentations, briefing materials, motions, and webinar recordings are available on the Council’s April 2025 meeting page.  A PDF version of this meeting summary is available here.

Highlights

During this meeting, the Council:

  • Approved several changes to the to the recreational fisheries management programs for summer

  • flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish through the Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework/Addenda (joint action with the ASMFC’s ISFMP Policy Board)

  • Reviewed scoping comments received on the Recreational Sector Separation and Data Collection Amendment and agreed to address the issues of sector separation and data collection separately (joint action with the ASMFC’s ISFMP Policy Board)

  • Reviewed the 2025 Mid-Atlantic State of the Ecosystem Report and the 2025 EAFM risk assessment summary report

  • Completed a required 5-year review of Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) provisions for all fishery management plans

  • Received an update on development of the Joint Mid-Atlantic and New England Omnibus Alternative Gear-Marking Framework Adjustment

  • Presented the Ricks E Savage Award to Captain Adam Nowalsky

  • Presented the James A. Ruhle Cooperative Research Award to Mr. Jack Casey

Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework/Addenda

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Interstate Fisheries Management Program Policy Board (Policy Board) approved modifications to the process for setting recreational measures (bag, size, and season limits), as well as the recreational accountability measures, for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish. The Council recommended these changes through a framework action, and the Policy Board adopted these changes through Addendum XXXVI to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and Addendum III to the Bluefish FMP. These changes are part of a broader long-term effort by both the Council and Commission to improve recreational management of these jointly managed species.

The current process for setting recreational measures, referred to as the Percent Change Approach, was implemented in 2023 and will sunset at the end of 2025. During a joint meeting last week in Galloway, New Jersey, the Council and Policy Board discussed several options to improve or replace the Percent Change Approach for 2026 and beyond. After reviewing public comments and recommendations from technical committees and advisory panels, the Council and Policy Board agreed to maintain the current process with several modifications based on lessons learned over the past few years. These changes will be implemented in two phases.

The first phase of changes aims to better account for stock status when setting measures and will create more opportunities for stability in management measures. The current system uses three biomass categories to guide whether measures should change; the revised approach adds a fourth category for stocks near their biomass target and establishes a separate process for overfished stocks. These changes will take effect starting with the 2026 recreational measures for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. The Council and Policy Board delayed the implementation of these changes for bluefish until 2028 to allow time for development of an appropriate methodology for evaluating the impacts of measures on bluefish harvest and discards. The bluefish stock has been under a rebuilding plan since 2022, and recreational measures will continue to be set based on the rebuilding plan until the stock is declared rebuilt.

The second phase of modifications, which will be implemented for setting 2030 recreational measures and beyond, will update the process to use a catch-based target. Unlike the current process – which focuses on achieving a specific level of predicted harvest – a catch-based approach aims to achieve a target level of total dead catch, including both harvest and dead discards. This approach will allow for more explicit consideration of how measures affect discards. Some advisors and members of the public raised concerns about the potential for this change to create greater instability in management measures. After extensive discussion of each approach, the Council and Policy Board delayed the transition to a catch-based target until 2030 to allow time for additional analysis on the potential impacts to measures.

The Council and Policy Board also approved changes to the recreational accountability measures. These changes will be effective starting in 2026 for all four species. Under these revisions, when an accountability measure is triggered due to recent overages of the recreational annual catch limits, managers will also consider if those overages contributed to overfishing when determining the appropriate response.

The Council will submit the framework to the National Marine Fisheries Service for review and implementation, while the Commission’s measures are final for state waters. Additional information about this action is available on the Council and Commission action pages.

Recreational Sector Separation and Data Collection Amendment

The Council and Policy Board reviewed scoping comments on the Recreational Sector Separation and Data Collection Amendment from public hearings and written comments, as well as input provided by the joint Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass and Bluefish Advisory Panels and the Fishery Management Action Team/Plan Development Team. Based on these comments, the Council and Policy Board agreed that recreational sector separation and recreational data collection should be addressed separately. Further development of the amendment will focus on management options for recreational sector separation, including mode management, as well as consideration of for-hire permitting and reporting requirements.

The Council and Policy Board separated out the recreational data collection and use issue from the amendment due to concerns that the complexity of this issue would cause significant delays in the amendment timeline. Council and Policy Board members also noted there is a need to more clearly define the objectives for recreational data collection improvement. This issue will be explored through a white paper which will consider the feasibility of various approaches and help the Council and Policy Board clarify goals for a potential future action. Additional information and updates are available on the Council and Commission action pages.

Ecosystem Updates

Mid-Atlantic State of the Ecosystem Report

Dr. Sarah Gaichas presented key findings from the 2025 Mid-Atlantic State of the Ecosystem Report (SOE). This report has been provided annually to the Council since 2017 and gives information on the status and trends of relevant ecological, environmental, economic, and social components of the Mid-Atlantic Bight ecosystem. The report evaluates the performance of different ecosystem indicators relative to management objectives and the potential climate and ecosystem risks to meeting those management objectives. Highlights from the 2025 report include:

  • The Council continues to meet many of its species/stock specific management objectives and most stocks are not overfished and overfishing is not occurring.

  • Many ecosystem level management objectives are concerning as seafood production continues to decline, commercial revenue is at historic lows, and the majority of commercial and recreational fishing communities rely on highly climate vulnerable stocks.

  • The distribution, timing of migration and spawning, and stock productivity for many Mid-Atlantic stocks have changed as ocean conditions continue to change and increase in variability.

  • Globally, 2024 was the warmest year on record but ocean temperatures in the Mid-Atlantic and New England were near normal and new ocean climate models suggest a pause in ocean warming for the next 6-7 years.

The public now has the opportunity to contribute to future SOE reports by sharing their observations from out on the water. Information such as record high or low observations, observations that may be different from recent conditions, events that might be affecting fishery operations, or really unique or newsworthy events. Observations can be submitted to northeast.ecosystem.highlights@noaa.gov.

Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) Risk Assessment

The Council reviewed the 2025 EAFM risk assessment summary report. The risk assessment report is updated each spring to provide the Council with a snapshot of the current risks to meeting its management objectives and helps the Council decide where to focus limited resources to address priority ecosystem considerations in its science and management programs. The risk assessment includes 28 risk elements that span biological, ecological, social, economic, and management issues. The updated report includes indicators from the 2025 State of the Ecosystem report and new analyses by NEFSC and Council staff for certain Ecological and Management elements to address feedback from the Council’s Ecosystem and Ocean Planning (EOP) Committee and Advisory Panel. Nearly 73% of all risk rankings evaluated in the assessment were considered low or low-moderate risk; while risks associated with distribution shifts, regulatory complexity, discards, and many ecosystem level elements were considered moderate-high or high risk. After reviewing the risk assessment findings, the Council supported further evaluation and analyses to understand the factors driving the higher risks associated with commercial value and commercial fleet diversity.

Essential Fish Habitat 5-Year Review

At this meeting, the Council completed its Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) 5-year Review. This review has been ongoing since 2023 and summarized new and updated information on the 9 required EFH components in the Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) for all the Council’s managed species. This review work was collaboratively conducted by the Council’s EFH Fishery Management Action Team and the New England Fishery Management Council’s Habitat Plan Development Team. The Council approved the EFH Review Summary Report, including its findings and recommendations, and supporting technical component reports. These reports and products will be posted on the Council’s website, and a letter will be sent to NMFS transmitting the reports. The Council has already initiated an Omnibus (“all species and FMPs”) EFH Amendment. Work on this Amendment to modify the FMPs based on this updated EFH information will begin, with final action expected in early 2026. With the review completed in 2025, the next EFH 5-year review would be scheduled for completion in 2030.

Omnibus Alternative Gear-Marking Framework

The Council received information on the development of the Joint Mid-Atlantic and New England Omnibus Alternative Gear-Marking Framework Adjustment. This action considers providing alternative surface-marking provisions for fixed-gear fisheries in the Greater Atlantic Region to allow the use of fixed gear without a persistent buoy line and reconcile fishery management plan regulations with recent and potential future changes to Marine Mammal Protection Act regulations. The Council initiated this action and discussed various considerations for allowing the use of on-demand gear. The Regional Administrator clarified that while the Joint Framework Adjustment would create the option to use alternative gear-marking, on-demand gear could not be used unless approved by the National Marine Fisheries Service. Emphasis was placed on the need for alternative gear-marking technology that would be the functional equivalent of a buoy (i.e., providing vessels with information on where fixed gear is located). Additional information and updates on this action can be found at https://www.mafmc.org/actions/gear-marking-framework.

Council Awards

2024 Ricks E Savage Award Recipient Adam Nowalsky

2024 Ricks E Savage Award Recipient, Adam Nowalsky

Ricks E Savage Award

The Council recognized Captain Adam Nowalsky as the recipient of the 2024 Ricks E Savage award. The award is given annually to an individual who has made exceptional contributions to the management and conservation of fishery resources in the mid-Atlantic region.

Nowalsky was appointed to the Council in 2015 and served with distinction for nine years before terming out in 2024. During his tenure, he was one of the Council’s most engaged and influential voices, known for his willingness to dive into complex management issues. “Adam’s ability to see all sides, to think creatively, and to contribute constructively made him a trusted colleague and a valuable contributor,” said Wes Townsend, Council Chair. “He consistently raised the bar for everyone involved in the Council process.”

During his time on the Council, Nowalsky was particularly engaged in recreational fisheries management issues. With more than two decades of experience fishing South Jersey waters as a licensed charter operator, he brought practical knowledge and an understanding of anglers' concerns to the Council's decision-making process. Notably, he was a driving force behind the Recreational Reform Initiative, a joint effort launched in 2019 by the Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) which aims to improve management of recreational fisheries for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish.

From 2016 to 2021, Nowalsky chaired the Council’s Research Steering Committee, leading efforts to navigate complex decisions about the future of the Research Set-Aside program. His leadership extended beyond the Council as well, serving as New Jersey’s Legislative Proxy to the ASMFC since 2010, where he has chaired numerous boards. He also played a central role in bringing the Marine Resource Education Program (MREP) to the Mid-Atlantic region and continues to serve on the MREP Steering Committee.

“Adam’s legacy is one of dedication, integrity, and collaboration,” said Townsend. “His contributions have left a lasting mark on the Council and the broader Mid-Atlantic fisheries community.”

James A. Ruhle Cooperative Research Award Recipient, Jack Casey

James A. Ruhle Cooperative Research Award Recipient, Jack Casey

James A. Ruhle Cooperative Research Award

The Council presented the James A. Ruhle Cooperative Research Award to Mr. Jack Casey, in recognition of his pioneering work in cooperative fisheries research and his decades-long contributions to the scientific understanding of shark species along the East Coast. The award is named in memory of Captain Jimmy Ruhle – a commercial fisherman, former Council member, and trailblazer in cooperative fisheries research. The award celebrates individuals or groups who have made exceptional contributions to cooperative research in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Jack Casey’s legacy is one of innovation, leadership, and collaboration. A U.S. Navy veteran who began his fisheries career in 1960 with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Casey quickly recognized the untapped potential of working directly with fishermen to advance scientific understanding. In 1962, he launched the Cooperative Shark Tagging Program with fewer than 100 volunteer fishermen. Under his leadership, the program expanded into one of the most successful and enduring partnerships between the scientific and fishing communities, resulting in hundreds of thousands of sharks tagged and an unparalleled body of data on shark movements, behavior, and biology. His efforts helped transform the public’s perception of sharks and laid the groundwork for significant advancements in shark science. In addition to founding the tagging program, Casey played a leading role in establishing NOAA’s marine fisheries laboratory in Narragansett, Rhode Island, where the Apex Predators Program continues his legacy of collaboration and innovation.

“This award is a fitting tribute to a man whose work helped define what cooperative research can achieve,” said Council Chair Wes Townsend. “Jack inspired generations of scientists, many of whom continue to carry forward his commitment to collaboration and innovation.”

Upcoming Meetings

The next Council meeting will be held June 3-5, 2025, in Virginia Beach, VA. A complete list of upcoming meetings can be found at https://www.mafmc.org/council-events.

MAFMC and ASMFC Approve Changes to Process for Setting Recreational Management Measures for Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass, and Bluefish

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Interstate Fisheries Management Program Policy Board (Policy Board) have approved modifications to the process for setting recreational measures (bag, size, and season limits), as well as the recreational accountability measures, for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish. The Council recommended these changes through a framework action, and the Policy Board adopted these changes through Addendum XXXVI to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and Addendum III to the Bluefish FMP. These changes are part of a broader long-term effort by both the Council and Commission to improve recreational management of these jointly managed species.

The current process for setting recreational measures, referred to as the Percent Change Approach, was implemented in 2023 and will sunset at the end of 2025. During a joint meeting last week in Galloway, New Jersey, the Council and Policy Board discussed several options to improve or replace the Percent Change Approach for 2026 and beyond. After reviewing public comments and recommendations from technical committees and advisory panels, the Council and Policy Board agreed to maintain the current process with several modifications based on lessons learned over the past few years. These changes will be implemented in two phases.

The first phase of changes aims to better account for stock status when setting measures and will create more opportunities for stability in management measures. The current system uses three biomass categories to guide whether measures should change; the revised approach adds a fourth category for stocks near their biomass target and establishes a separate process for overfished stocks. These changes will take effect starting with the 2026 recreational measures for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. The Council and Policy Board delayed the implementation of these changes for bluefish until 2028 to allow time for development of an appropriate methodology for evaluating the impacts of measures on bluefish harvest and discards. The bluefish stock has been under a rebuilding plan since 2022, and recreational measures will continue to be set based on the rebuilding plan until the stock is declared rebuilt.

The second phase of modifications, which will be implemented for setting 2030 recreational measures and beyond, will update the process to use a catch-based target. Unlike the current process – which focuses on achieving a specific level of predicted harvest – a catch-based approach aims to achieve a target level of total dead catch, including both harvest and dead discards. This approach will allow for more explicit consideration of how measures affect discards. Some advisors and members of the public raised concerns about the potential for this change to create greater instability in management measures. After extensive discussion of each approach, the Council and Policy Board delayed the transition to a catch-based target until 2030 to allow time for additional analysis on the potential impacts to measures.

The Council and Policy Board also approved changes to the recreational accountability measures. These changes will be effective starting in 2026 for all four species. Under these revisions, when an accountability measure is triggered due to recent overages of the recreational annual catch limits, managers will also consider if those overages contributed to overfishing when determining the appropriate response.

The Council will submit the framework to the National Marine Fisheries Service for review and implementation, while the Commission’s measures are final for state waters. Additional information about this action is available on the Council and Commission websites.

Recreational Sector Separation and Data Collection Amendment

In other related business, the Council and Policy Board also reviewed scoping comments on the Recreational Sector Separation and Data Collection Amendment from public hearings and written comments, as well as input provided by the joint Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass and Bluefish Advisory Panels and the Fishery Management Action Team/Plan Development Team. Based on these comments, the Council and Policy Board agreed that recreational sector separation and recreational data collection should be addressed separately. Further development of the amendment will focus on management options for recreational sector separation, including mode management, as well as consideration of for-hire permitting and reporting requirements.

The Council and Policy Board separated out the recreational data collection and use issue from the amendment due to concerns that the complexity of this issue would cause significant delays in the amendment timeline. Council and Policy Board members also noted there is a need to more clearly define the objectives for recreational data collection improvement. This issue will be explored through a white paper which will consider the feasibility of various approaches and help the Council and Policy Board clarify goals for a potential future action. Additional information and updates are available on the Council and Commission action pages.

Press Contacts:

February 2025 Council Meeting Summary

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council met by webinar February 11-12, 2025. The following is a summary of actions taken and issues considered during the meeting. Presentations, briefing materials, motions, and webinar recordings are available on the Council’s February 2025 meeting page. A PDF version of this meeting summary is available here.

Highlights

During this meeting, the Council:

  • Requested that NOAA Fisheries establish control dates for federally permitted recreational for-hire participants in the summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish fisheries

  • Reviewed and provided feedback on a preliminary range of alternatives for the Spiny Dogfish Accountability Measures Framework

  • Reviewed the Standardized Bycatch Reporting Methodology (SBRM) 3-year Review Report

  • Received a presentation on a new database that compiles literature on the impacts of fishing gear on marine habitats

  • Received updates on several Northeast Fisheries Science Center surveys and related topics

  • Received a presentation on the LOC-NESS project, which aims to advance research into marine carbon dioxide removal approaches

  • Appointed Dr. Holly Kindsvater (Virginia Tech University) and Dr. Yong Chen (Stony Brook University) to the Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee

Recreational For-Hire Control Dates 

The Council voted to request that NOAA Fisheries establish control dates for federally permitted recreational for-hire participants in the summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish fisheries. A control date is a notice to the public that the Council may consider developing management measures to limit participation in the fishery in the future, and in doing so may use the control date as a reference point when determining fishery access criteria.

The Recreational Sector Separation and Data Collection Amendment, which is currently in the scoping phase of development, will consider options for managing for-hire recreational fisheries separately from other recreational fishing modes (referred to as sector separation), as well as options related to recreational data collection and reporting. The Council and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Policy Board may consider whether modified requirements or access limitations for for-hire permits are needed to achieve the amendment’s objectives. Control dates are intended to discourage speculative entry or fishing activity while managers consider if, and how, participation in the fishery may be affected.

The control dates will be published as soon as possible in the Federal Register, along with a request for public comments on this issue. Publication of a control date does not have any immediate impact on fishery participants or fishing privileges. The Council may choose to incorporate the control dates into federal qualification criteria if measures to limit fishery access are developed in the future, but the Council is not bound to these dates and could use alternative dates or criteria. The Council may also choose to take no further action on federal for-hire access criteria. The motion made at this meeting to establish control dates applies only to federal for-hire permits; however, the Council and Policy Board may also discuss options for state level for-hire permits later in the amendment development process.

Spiny Dogfish Accountability Measures Framework

The Council reviewed and provided feedback on several preliminary alternatives to be further developed as part of Spiny Dogfish Accountability Measures Framework. The Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP) currently requires pound for pound paybacks of any Annual Catch Limit (ACL) overages as an accountability measure. This framework adjustment will consider if there are some circumstances where modified/relaxed payback accountability measures may be sufficient. Per Council discussion at the meeting, staff will work with the Spiny Dogfish Monitoring Committee to ensure the development of a reasonable range of alternative accountability measures and related impact analyses. Both the Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils will review a revised set of alternatives in June 2025. Final action is expected in late 2025, and the Spiny Dogfish Advisory Panel will also have an opportunity to provide advice on the action.

Fishing Gear Effects Database

Council staff and Dr. David Stevenson provided an overview of a new database that compiles literature on the impacts of fishing gear on marine habitats throughout the U.S. and territories. Developed with funding provided by the Mid-Atlantic Council and NOAA’s Office of Habitat Conservation, the Fishing Gear Effects on Marine Habitats Database provides an easily accessible and searchable tool to assist Council/NOAA staff, researchers, and stakeholders in evaluating/managing the adverse effects of fishing gears on marine/estuarine habitats. The online application offers search and filter tools, detailed reference pages, and a map of study locations. Users can also submit new references for review via an online form.

Standardized Bycatch Reporting Methodology 3-Year Review

Photo Credit: NOAA Fisheries

Council staff summarized recent performance of the Standardized Bycatch Reporting Methodology (SBRM) based on a 3-Year Review report. This review considered SBRM operation from July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2022, though only the last year could be fully analyzed due to COVID-19 impacts on observer deployment. Fewer SBRM precision targets were met in that last year compared to the average found in the previous 3-Year Review, likely due to a mix of COVID-19 data gaps disrupting analyses of where to place observers, as well as general funding limitations. While not part of the SBRM performance criteria, the review noted that several stocks’ discard estimates in recent assessments have been relatively imprecise. The majority of stocks, however, had discard estimates with less than a 30% coefficient of variation (CV) (above a 30% CV is a common threshold indicating precision concern). Section 9 of the report includes a variety of recommendations for future operations.

Northeast Fisheries Science Center Survey Update

Dr. Kathryn Ford provided an update on several Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) fishery-independent surveys and related topics. The presentation included updates on 2024 survey performance, planning efforts for 2025, as well as an update on contingency planning for the Henry B. Biglow bottom trawl survey vessel. Dr. Ford also summarized recent discussions by the Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel (NTAP) and NTAP Working Group on developing an Industry-Based Survey, noting that the group continues to meet every three weeks to refine a phased pilot project design. Finally, the presentation included updates on several other survey related topics, including the National Survey and Data Acquisition Program and plans for offshore wind survey mitigation.

LOC-NESS Project

The Council received a presentation from Dr. Adam Subhas on the LOC-NESS project (short for Locking Ocean Carbon in the Northeast Shelf and Slope). This project aims to advance research into marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) approaches, such as ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE), a potential type of mCDR that de-acidifies sea water while storing carbon away from the atmosphere. As a supplement to emissions reductions, OAE may help to mitigate the effects of climate change on the environment and society.

SSC Membership

The Council appointed two new members to its Scientific and Statistical Committee:

  • Dr. Holly Kindsvater is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech. Dr. Kindsvater’s research is focused on fisheries ecology and evolution, including marine and freshwater species. Her lab studies the connection between evolution and ecology to solve conservation challenges related to fisheries and climate change.

  • Dr. Yong Chen is a professor in the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences at Stony Brook University. His lab focuses on fisheries population dynamics, quantitative fisheries ecology, and stock assessments and management. His research investigates the interactions of commercial fishing, environmental drivers and dynamics of fisheries populations and communities.

The Council also approved reappointment of 13 existing SSC members. All new and reappointed members will begin serving a three-year term effective March 1, 2025.

Upcoming Meetings

The next Council meeting will be held April 8-10, 2025 in Galloway, New Jersey. A complete list of upcoming meetings can be found at https://www.mafmc.org/council-events.

NEFSC Invites Input on June 2026 Management Track Assessments

The Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) will hold a virtual community input meeting on Wednesday, February 26th, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. to help guide development of 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

Input on topics such as movement, stock health, and fishing behavior dynamics will help assessment scientists better understand what is happening on-the-water and improve the science. Anyone who is unable to join the meeting or wants to provide additional input can provide comments through the community input form through April 30, 2025.

Learn more on the NEFSC event page.

MAFMC and ASMFC to Hold Public Information/Scoping Hearings on Recreational Sector Separation and Data Collection Amendment

Five scoping hearings will be held between February 25 and March 5, 2025. Written comments will be accepted through March 20, 2025.

Rutgers Cooperative Extension to Host Introductory Fisheries Science for Stakeholders (IFISSH) Course - Register by Jan. 31

The Introductory Fisheries Science for Stakeholders (IFISSH) Course) is offered annually via webinar by Rutgers Cooperative Extension to educate stakeholders of New Jersey’s marine fisheries on the science, management, and responsible stewardship of fishery resources so that they are better prepared to make progress on and get involved with issues impacting their industries. 

Ten classes will meet via Zoom webinar on Tuesday evenings (6:30 - 9:00 PM) from February 4 through April 8. Each class will include a mixture of presentations with Q&A and open discussion. Visit the IFISSH course webpage for additional details including a list of topics and confirmed speakers. 

Please visit this link to register and submit program fee payment ($40/person) by January 31.