Atlantic Mackerel Closure Provisions Framework (MSB Framework 12)

Framework Adjustment 12 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan addresses concerns about the possible effects of an Atlantic mackerel closure on the herring fishery. This framework proposes to allow the possession of 5,000 lb of Atlantic mackerel after 100 percent of the domestic annual harvest is caught instead of prohibiting the possession of Atlantic mackerel for the rest of the year. This action is necessary to prevent unintended consequences and negative economic impacts to other fisheries. A proposed rule for this action was published on October 4, 2018.

Contact: Jason Didden, (302) 526-5254, jdidden@mafmc.org.

Status

The Council took final action at the June 2018 Council meeting and voted to recommend that NOAA Fisheries implement a 5,000 pound trip limit when 100% of the commercial quota is reached. This limit appears likely to minimize negative impacts from a zero-possession limit on the Atlantic herring fishery while likely avoiding an ACL overage for the Atlantic mackerel fishery. A proposed rule for this action was published on October 4, 2018, and a final rule was published on December 20, 2018.

Meetings

• April 10-12, 2018 Council Meeting (First Framework Meeting)

• May 17, 2018 - Joint MSB Committee and AP Meeting

• June 5-7, 2018 - Council Meeting (Second Framework Meeting)

Documents

• Framework Meeting 1: April 2018 Council Meeting

  • Briefing Materials

  • Presentation

  • Webinar Recording

• Framework Meeting 2: June 2018 Council Meeting

  • Briefing Materials (Tab 4)

  • Presentation

  • Webinar Recording

• Proposed Rule, published 10/4/18, table 6 of SEA updated 10/18/2018

  • Draft Supplemental Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

• Final Rule, published 12/20/18

  • Final Environmental Assessment