Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Framework Framework on Conservation Equivalency, Block Island Sound Transit, and Slot Limits

Framework Adjustment 14 to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan

Framework 14 is a joint action developed by the the Council and the ASMFC developed this joint framework action and addendum to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan. NOAA Fisheries published a final rule for this action on 11/29/19. This action:

  1. Added conservation equivalency as an annual management consideration for the black sea bass recreational fishery. 

  2. Created a transit area for state-only permitted vessels fishing for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass around Block Island to address issues when federal and state management measures differ. 

  3. Allowed for a maximum size limit to be set through specifications for the summer flounder and black sea bass recreational fisheries.

Contacts:

  • Julia Beaty, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, (302)526-5250, jbeaty@mafmc.org

  • Caitlin Starks, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, (703)842-0740, cstarks@asmfc.org

Action Timeline and Status

December 2018: The Council and Board selected preferred alternatives at the December 2018 Council Meeting. A summary of the selected alternatives is available in the December 2018 Council Meeting Report (page 2).

August 8, 2019: NOAA Fisheries published a proposed rule for this framework action. Read the bulletin here.

November 29, 2019: NOAA Fisheries published a final rule for Framework 14. Read the permit holder bulletin here.

Documents