Photo Credit: Ken Neill
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.
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, since the permitting and reporting program was implemented, 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.
Webinar Connection
Registration in advance of the webinar is requested but not required. Register for the webinar here.
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 will be included in the briefing materials for the April Council Meeting. Comments received by March 3 will also be included in the briefing materials for the March 5 Tilefish Committee meeting.
For more information, contact Hannah Hart or José Montañez.