Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Species Separation Requirements Amendment

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Overview

This action considers changes to the species separation requirements in the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. Current regulations do not allow for surfclam and ocean quahog to be landed on the same trip or placed in the same cages. In recent years, industry has reported that it has become increasingly difficult to avoid mixed catches. This has created challenges related to catch monitoring, allocation tracking, and enforcement, as well as logistical and economic challenges for industry.

Contacts

Amendment Status

During the December 20224 Council Meeting, the Council approved the amendment for submission to the Secretary of Commerce for review and rulemaking. The Council selected modified Alternative 5 (Increased Observer Coverage and Self-reported Discards; Mixed Trips Sort at Dealer with NOAA Catch Monitors) as the preferred alternative. Additional details are provided in the press release linked below.

Secretarial review of the amendment will involve a thorough review of the proposed measures by NOAA Fisheries, including further opportunities for public comment.

Amendment Development Timeline

December 2021 Council Meeting: Amendment initiated

April 2022: FMAT formed and began work

October 2022 Council Meeting: The Council reviewed the draft amendment and approved it for public hearings.

November 2022: An initial round of public hearings was held.

December 2022 Council Meeting: The Council voted to postpone final action to allow time for development of additional alternatives.

February 2023 Council Meeting: The Council received an update.

February 2024 Council Meeting: The Council approved a public hearing document with the addition of an industry-drafted alternative.

May 2024: The Council held three public hearings and collected written public comments on the draft amendment.

June 2024 Council Meeting: The Council reviewed public input and voted to postpone final action until the December 2024 Council Meeting to allow time for a workshop to discuss implementation approaches for Alternative 5.

October 2024: The Council convened a workshop to discuss implementation approaches for Alternative 5.

December 2024 Council Meeting: After reviewing workshop outcomes, the Council reviewed workshop outcomes and approved the amendment for submission to the Secretary of Commerce for review and rulemaking.

Background Documents