U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regulation of Squid Exports

This page contains information related to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s comments regarding the inclusion of U.S. squid fishery products in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) inspection and user fee system for monitoring wildlife imports and exports.

Summer Flounder Commercial Mesh Size Exemptions Framework/Addendum

This action will consider potential changes to two exemptions to the summer flounder commercial minimum mesh size requirements.

Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework/Addenda

This joint MAFMC-ASMFC action will consider an improved process for setting recreational management measures for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish. This is a follow-on action to the Harvest Control Rule Framework/Addenda.

Black Sea Bass Commercial State Allocation Amendment (Amendment 23)

This joint Council amendment and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Addendum proposes several changes to the management program for black sea bass commercial fisheries. The Council and Commission took final action in August 2021. The Commission’s Addendum XXXIII measures are final for state waters (0-3 miles from shore) and became effective January 1, 2022. The Council’s amendment is pending implementation.

NOAA Fisheries Procedural Directive on MSA 304(f) ("Climate Governance Policy")

NOAA Fisheries has released a draft procedural directive intended to provide guidance on when and how the Secretary of Commerce will review and assign management authority over fisheries found across more than one Council jurisdiction.

Joint Framework Action to Reduce Sturgeon Bycatch in Dogfish and Monkfish Fisheries

The Mid-Atlantic and New England Councils are jointly developing a framework action to reduce Atlantic sturgeon bycatch in the monkfish and spiny dogfish large mesh gillnet fisheries.

Illex Vessel Hold Capacity Framework (FW 16)

Final Rule (10/29/24)

Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat Amendment

This action will concurrently conduct the 5-year EFH review required under the Magnuson Stevens Act while amending fishery management plans for the Council, as needed.

Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment

Final Rule (11/17/22)

Proposed Designation of Hudson Canyon National Marine Sanctuary

This page contains information related to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s engagement in, and comments on, the proposed designation of Hudson Canyon National Marine Sanctuary.

Recreational Harvest Control Rule Framework/Addenda

Final Rule (3/9/23)

Atlantic Mackerel Rebuilding 2.0 Amendment with Specifications (Amendment 23)

Final Rule (2/1/23)

Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment

Final Rule (11/24/21)

Golden Tilefish Multi-Year Specifications Framework (Framework 7)

Final Rule (11/14/22)

Recreational Summer Flounder Management Strategy Evaluation

The Council is conducting a management strategy evaluation (MSE) which will evaluate different management strategies designed to minimize discards in the recreational summer flounder fishery. Development of this MSE is part of the continued implementation of the Council’s Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) structured framework process.

Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Species Separation Requirements Amendment

This action considers changes to the species separation requirements in the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. Specifically, the amendment proposes modifications to the regulations to allow for mixed catches onboard vessels.

Summer Flounder Commercial Issues Amendment (Amendment 21)

Final Rule published 12/14/20

Recreational Reform Initiative

This joint MAFMC/ASMFC initiative considers approaches for improving the recreational management system for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish.

Omnibus Risk Policy Framework

Final Rule published 12/15/20

Illex Quota Working Group

The Illex Working Group will address two closely related problems. The first is to develop an approach for in-year quota adjustments. The second is to lay the basis for a benchmark stock assessment (Research Track) in 2021. Each task will require involvement of scientists, industry, and managers. Both tasks are focused on the challenge of identifying appropriate catch limits for a dynamic, short-lived species whose survival, growth and abundance on the US shelf are driven by a complex interplay of environmental conditions.

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