Alternative Gear Marking Framework

This joint omnibus framework action will consider revisions to gear marking regulations to allow the use of fixed gear without a persistent buoy line, also called on-demand fishing gear, in all New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council fishery management plans.

Spiny Dogfish Accountability Measures Framework

The spiny dogfish FMP currently requires pound for pound paybacks of any Annual Catch Limit overages as an accountability measure (AM). This action considers if there are some circumstances where the current strict paybacks may be excessive, and if modified/relaxed payback AMs may be sufficient.

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.