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

Spiny Dogfish Framework Adjustment 6/Monkfish Framework Adjustment 15

The Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils jointly developed this framework action to reduce bycatch of Atlantic sturgeon (an endangered species) in the monkfish and spiny dogfish gillnet fisheries. This action implements area-based gear requirements for vessels fishing in the monkfish and spiny dogfish fisheries with gillnets in order to reduce bycatch of Atlantic sturgeon in these fisheries.

Status

On December 18, 2024, NOAA Fisheries published a final rule to implement Framework 15 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan/Framework 6 to the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan.

• Final Rule

• Fishery Bulletin

• Spiny Dogfish Framework Adjustment 6/Monkfish Framework Adjustment 15 - Final Submission

Action Development Timeline

December 2022/April 2023: Framework initiated (MAFMC Meeting; NEFMC Meeting)

June 2023: Preliminary range of alternatives reviewed (MAFMC Meeting; NEFMC Meeting)

September/October 2023: Final range of alternatives approved (NEFMC Meeting; MAFMC Meeting)

April 2024: Final action by both Councils (NEFMC Meeting; MAFMC Meeting)

• MAFMC Meeting Report

• NEFMC Press Release

August 12, 2024: Proposed Rule and request for comments

• Draft Environmental Assessment

December 18, 2024: Final Rule

Background Documents

• Final Action Plan to Reduce Atlantic Sturgeon Bycatch in Federal Large-Mesh Gillnet Fisheries (9/26/22)

• Biological Opinion on 10 Fishery Management Plans (5/27/21)

• Atlantic Sturgeon Bycatch Reduction Studies

• Updated January 2024 bycatch analyses by GARFO/Hocking 2024

Contacts

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

• NEFMC: Jenny Couture (jcouture@nefmc.org, 978-465-0492 ext. 111)