The Council’s Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Amendment Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) will meet via Webinar on Monday, November 25 from 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting will be to continue work on the 10 components required of the EFH review and preparation of the draft EFH Review Report for the Council. The FMAT will be convened with the NEFMC Habitat PDT, as several of the EFH Review work products to support the EFH review apply to the entire Northeastern US.

Connection details may be obtained by contacting Council staff prior to the meeting.

Contacts:

Jessica Coakley - jcoakley@mafmc.org; 302-526-5252

Tori Kentner - tkentner@mafmc.org; 302-526-5262

Meeting Materials:

• Meeting materials will be posted when available

About FMAT Meetings

Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) meetings are working meetings of the Council, NOAA Fisheries, and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission staff. Information on FMAT meeting locations for in-person meetings may be obtained by contacting Council staff prior to the meeting. This information is not posted to the Council’s website. The date and time of FMAT meetings are generally posted to the calendar on the Council’s website, sometimes with very little notice. FMAT members may discuss topics listed on the agenda in any order and may also discuss topics not listed. Members of the public may attend FMAT meetings, or listen to the meetings if they are broadcast, but should not expect to participate in the discussion unless the FMAT chair invites public input during a specified public comment period to be noted at the beginning of the meeting. Work carried out by the FMAT is considered during committee and/or Council meetings, during which public comments are encouraged.

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is hosting a series of port meetings along the Atlantic coast to take a focused look at the commercial and recreational king and Spanish mackerel fisheries. Input gathered during these port meetings will directly affect future management efforts for king and Spanish mackerel.

Port meetings are more than a public comment opportunity. Attendees will have the chance to actively discuss their perspectives with other fishery participants and local Council members.

Mid-Atlantic Port Meetings

Note: All meetings will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

1. November 18th, 2024 - Virginia Beach, VA. Brock Environmental Center – Oyster Conference Room, 3663 Marlin Bay Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.

2. November 19th, 2024 - White Stone, VA. Town of White Stone Town Hall Building, 433 Rappahannock Drive, White Stone, VA 22578.

3. November 20th. 2024 - Berlin, MD. Worcester County Library Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Avenue, Berlin, MD 21811.

4. November 21st, 2024 - Manahawkin, NJ. Stafford Township Administration Building, 260 East Bay Avenue, Manahawkin, NJ 08050.

Help Spread the Word

• Mid-Atlantic Port Meeting Flyer

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Committee will meet via webinar on Tuesday, November 21, 2024 from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

During this meeting, the HMS Committee will review and provide comments on the NOAA HMS Proposed Rule for Electronic Reporting Requirements for Atlantic HMS.

Staff Contact:

Hannah Hart; (302)-526-5263; hhart@mafmc.org

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2345 139 7988; Password: HMS_Committee)

• Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2345 139 7988. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar.

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

• NOAA Atlantic HMS Proposed Rule: Electronic Reporting Requirements

• NOAA Atlantic HMS public hearing presentation with added Council slides

This is one in a series of working group meetings associated with the Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Assessment. Please visit the Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Working Group page on the NOAA Fisheries website for an agenda and webinar connection details (scroll down to the “Schedule” section). This meeting is open to the public.

Background Information

Research track assessments evaluate new datasets that can either inform or be used in new or existing stock assessment models. Unlike management track assessments, which are driven by the need to meet specific management timelines, research track assessments are carried out over longer time frames and with fewer requirements for using the most recent data. The research track is intended to be the opportunity for extensive and comprehensive research and analysis.

Working groups carry out the analytical work required for the stock assessment, including developing and implementing the research plan and terms of reference, conducting the necessary research, compiling the results to inform the research track effort, and incorporating other information and public input as appropriate.

What Happens Next?

After the working group has completed its work, a peer review panel will be convened to conduct a comprehensive review of the research track assessment.

Typically, research track outputs are incorporated into future management track assessments (as opposed to directly informing management decisions). For this reason, research track assessments are often scheduled to have management track assessments in the following year, which ensures immediate application of the research results with the inclusion of the most recent data in a management track assessment.

Quick Links

• Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Working Group

• MAFMC Stock Assessments Page

• NOAA Fisheries Northeast Stock Assessments Page

• Description of New England and Mid-Atlantic Region Stock Assessment Process

The Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel Bigelow Contingency Plan Working Group will hold a meeting via webinar on Thursday, November 21, 2024 from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. During this meeting the working group will continue their discussions on the Industry-Based Survey pilot project.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2331 235 4547; Password: mvPHkf24J5N)

• Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2331 235 4547. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar.

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is hosting a series of port meetings along the Atlantic coast to take a focused look at the commercial and recreational king and Spanish mackerel fisheries. Input gathered during these port meetings will directly affect future management efforts for king and Spanish mackerel.

Port meetings are more than a public comment opportunity. Attendees will have the chance to actively discuss their perspectives with other fishery participants and local Council members.

Mid-Atlantic Port Meetings

Note: All meetings will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

1. November 18th, 2024 - Virginia Beach, VA. Brock Environmental Center – Oyster Conference Room, 3663 Marlin Bay Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.

2. November 19th, 2024 - White Stone, VA. Town of White Stone Town Hall Building, 433 Rappahannock Drive, White Stone, VA 22578.

3. November 20th. 2024 - Berlin, MD. Worcester County Library Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Avenue, Berlin, MD 21811.

4. November 21st, 2024 - Manahawkin, NJ. Stafford Township Administration Building, 260 East Bay Avenue, Manahawkin, NJ 08050.

Help Spread the Word

• Mid-Atlantic Port Meeting Flyer

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE), in cooperation with the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, will hold a workshop to collect industry input on the current scup Gear Restricted Areas (GRAs). The Council and CCE are particularly seeking input from small mesh trawl fishermen. However, anyone with an interest in the scup GRAs is invited to attend.

When: Wednesday November 20, 2024, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Where: The workshop will be held at three in-person locations with a webinar option available:

• Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County Office – 423 Griffing Ave., Riverhead, NY 11901

• Superior Trawl – 55 State St., Narragansett, RI 02882

• Lund’s Fisheries – 997 Ocean Drive, Cape May, NJ 08204

• Webinar (Zoom) – Connection information is available here

Registration: Please register here if you are planning to attend.

Workshop Purpose: The workshop will be facilitated by CCE as part of a Council-funded project titled “Utilizing Collaborative Strategies to Assess and Adapt Scup GRAs in Response to Climate Change.” First implemented in 2000 and 2001, the Council’s two scup GRAs are intended to reduce juvenile scup discards in small mesh fisheries during certain times of the year. Recent data suggest there has been a shift in where and when scup discards occur, and it is anticipated that changes may continue with changing ocean conditions and species distributions. Industry input provided during this workshop will be used along with fisheries and environmental data to evaluate potential changes to the GRAs.

Additional Information: Visit the Cornell Cooperative Extension page to learn more.

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is hosting a series of port meetings along the Atlantic coast to take a focused look at the commercial and recreational king and Spanish mackerel fisheries. Input gathered during these port meetings will directly affect future management efforts for king and Spanish mackerel.

Port meetings are more than a public comment opportunity. Attendees will have the chance to actively discuss their perspectives with other fishery participants and local Council members.

Mid-Atlantic Port Meetings

Note: All meetings will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

1. November 18th, 2024 - Virginia Beach, VA. Brock Environmental Center – Oyster Conference Room, 3663 Marlin Bay Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.

2. November 19th, 2024 - White Stone, VA. Town of White Stone Town Hall Building, 433 Rappahannock Drive, White Stone, VA 22578.

3. November 20th. 2024 - Berlin, MD. Worcester County Library Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Avenue, Berlin, MD 21811.

4. November 21st, 2024 - Manahawkin, NJ. Stafford Township Administration Building, 260 East Bay Avenue, Manahawkin, NJ 08050.

Help Spread the Word

• Mid-Atlantic Port Meeting Flyer

The Council’s and ASMFC’s joint Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT)/Plan Development Team (PDT) for the Recreational Sector Separation and Catch Accounting Amendment will meet via Webinar on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, from 2-4pm.

The purpose of this meeting is to review a draft action plan and draft scoping document for the Recreational Sector Separation and Catch Accounting Amendment to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass and Bluefish FMPs. This action was initiated in 2020 as part of the Recreational Reform Initiative, but has since been on hold in order to prioritize other actions. The Council and ASMFC’s Policy Board will consider approval of a scoping document at their December joint meeting.

Webinar Connection

• Please join using this link: https://v.ringcentral.com/join/080684230

  Meeting ID: 080684230

  Or dial: +1 (650) 4191505 United States (San Mateo, CA)

  Access Code / Meeting ID: 080684230

About FMAT Meetings

Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) meetings are working meetings of the Council, NOAA Fisheries, and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission staff. The date and time of FMAT meetings are generally posted to the calendar on the Council’s website, sometimes with very little notice. FMAT members may discuss topics listed on the agenda in any order and may also discuss topics not listed. Members of the public may attend FMAT meetings, or listen to the meetings if they are broadcast, but should not expect to participate in the discussion unless the FMAT chair invites public input during a specified public comment period to be noted at the beginning of the meeting. Work carried out by the FMAT is considered during committee and/or Council meetings, during which public comments are encouraged.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass (SFSBSB) Monitoring Committee will meet via webinar on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss 2025 recreational management measures for all three species.

Staff contacts:

• Julia Beaty (lead for black sea bass): jbeaty@mafmc.org; 302-526-5250

• Kiley Dancy (lead for summer flounder): kdancy@mafmc.org; 302-526-5257

• Hannah Hart (lead for scup): hhart@mafmc.org; 302-526-5263

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number:

  2335 492 1278; Password: recreational). After you connect you will have the option to choose whether to use your phone or computer microphone and speakers for audio.

• Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001; Access code: 2335 492 1278. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar.

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

• Summer Flounder 2025 Recreational Measures:

  • Summer flounder staff memo

  • Presentation

• Scup 2025 Recreational Measures:

  • Scup staff memo

  • Presentation

• Black Sea Bass Recreational Measures:

  • Black sea bass staff memo (updated 11/8/24)

  • Presentation

• Supplemental

  • GARFO to MAFMC 2023 Catch Accounting Letter and Report

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is hosting a series of port meetings along the Atlantic coast to take a focused look at the commercial and recreational king and Spanish mackerel fisheries. Input gathered during these port meetings will directly affect future management efforts for king and Spanish mackerel.

Port meetings are more than a public comment opportunity. Attendees will have the chance to actively discuss their perspectives with other fishery participants and local Council members.

Mid-Atlantic Port Meetings

Note: All meetings will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

1. November 18th, 2024 - Virginia Beach, VA. Brock Environmental Center – Oyster Conference Room, 3663 Marlin Bay Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.

2. November 19th, 2024 - White Stone, VA. Town of White Stone Town Hall Building, 433 Rappahannock Drive, White Stone, VA 22578.

3. November 20th. 2024 - Berlin, MD. Worcester County Library Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Avenue, Berlin, MD 21811.

4. November 21st, 2024 - Manahawkin, NJ. Stafford Township Administration Building, 260 East Bay Avenue, Manahawkin, NJ 08050.

Help Spread the Word

• Mid-Atlantic Port Meeting Flyer

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel will hold a public webinar meeting, jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel. The meeting will be held via webinar on Thursday, November 14, 2024 from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.

The objective of this meeting is to discuss 2025 recreational measures (i.e., bag, size, and season limits) for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. The Council and Commission previously adopted 2024-2025 recreational measures for summer flounder and scup (the same measures across the two years). Therefore, Advisors will review the previously adopted 2025 recreational measures for summer flounder and scup and provide input on whether these measures should remain unchanged. Black sea bass recreational measures for 2025 were not previously adopted; therefore, Advisors will discuss considerations for 2025 black sea bass measures and provide input on the appropriate approach for 2025 black sea bass recreational measures.

Staff contact:

• Julia Beaty: jbeaty@mafmc.org; 302-526-5250

• Kiley Dancy: kdancy@mafmc.org; 302-526-5257

• Hannah Hart: hhart@mafmc.org; 302-526-5263

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar. If prompted, enter meeting number 2333 873 4833 and password 9gmN3YKK5H6.

• After you connect to the webinar, follow the prompts to use your computer, phone, or other device for audio.

• If necessary to connect via phone only, you may dial 1-415-655-0001 and enter access code 2333 873 4833.  Please only use this option if you are not able to connect to the webinar.

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

• Summer Flounder 2025 Recreational Measures:

  • Summer flounder staff memo

  • Presentation

• Scup 2025 Recreational Measures:

  • Scup staff memo

  • Presentation

• Black Sea Bass Recreational Measures:

  • Black sea bass staff memo (updated 11/8/24)

  • Presentation

• Supplemental

  • GARFO to MAFMC 2023 Catch Accounting Letter and Report

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Law Enforcement Committee will meet via webinar on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

During this meeting, the Council’s Law Enforcement Committee will review a potential change to the butterfish mesh regulations, especially enforcement concerns raised by NOAA.

Staff Contact:

Jason Didden; (302)-526-5254; jdidden@mafmc.org

José Montañez; (302) 526-5258; jmontanez@mafmc.org

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar. (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2347 524 1622; Password: DsgMh65eMJ3)

• Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2347 524 1622. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar.

Meeting Materials

• November 2024 Staff Recommendation Memo

• Mesh Measuring Background

• October 2024 Original Memo

This is one in a series of working group meetings associated with the Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Assessment. Please visit the Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Working Group page on the NOAA Fisheries website for an agenda and webinar connection details (scroll down to the “Schedule” section). This meeting is open to the public.

Background Information

Research track assessments evaluate new datasets that can either inform or be used in new or existing stock assessment models. Unlike management track assessments, which are driven by the need to meet specific management timelines, research track assessments are carried out over longer time frames and with fewer requirements for using the most recent data. The research track is intended to be the opportunity for extensive and comprehensive research and analysis.

Working groups carry out the analytical work required for the stock assessment, including developing and implementing the research plan and terms of reference, conducting the necessary research, compiling the results to inform the research track effort, and incorporating other information and public input as appropriate.

What Happens Next?

After the working group has completed its work, a peer review panel will be convened to conduct a comprehensive review of the research track assessment.

Typically, research track outputs are incorporated into future management track assessments (as opposed to directly informing management decisions). For this reason, research track assessments are often scheduled to have management track assessments in the following year, which ensures immediate application of the research results with the inclusion of the most recent data in a management track assessment.

Quick Links

• Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Working Group

• MAFMC Stock Assessments Page

• NOAA Fisheries Northeast Stock Assessments Page

• Description of New England and Mid-Atlantic Region Stock Assessment Process

The East Coast Climate Coordination Group will meet by webinar on October 31, 2024, from 10AM-3PM.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar. If prompted, enter meeting number 2338 639 4917 and password p9JUArXME82.

• After you connect to the webinar, follow the prompts to use your computer, phone, or other device for audio.

• If necessary to connect via phone only, you may dial 1-415-655-0001 and enter access code 2338 639 4917.  Please only use this option if you are not able to connect to the webinar.

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

• Action tracker for May 2024 Action Items and 2025 Priorities

• Potential Action Menu - 2024 Update

• August 2024 CEFI Integration Workshop – DRAFT Summary Report

• Core Team Memo - 2025 IRA Coordination

• Council IRA Project Information

  • NEFMC IRA Projects

  • MAFMC IRA Projects

  • SAFMC IRA Projects

• NOAA Fisheries final 304(f) procedural directive: Guidance on Council Authority for Preparing Fishery Management Plans for Stocks that may Extend Across the Geographic Areas of more than One Council, Pursuant to MSA §304(f)

• Slide Deck

The Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance Monkfish RSA project participants will hold a virtual industry workshop on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Connection Details:

Zoom Meeting ID: 85712894433

Passcode: 686675

Click here for an event flyer with more information.

The Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance Monkfish RSA project participants will hold an in-person industry workshop on Monday, October 21, 2024 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. at 55 State Street, Narragansett, RI.

Click here for an event flyer with more information.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel will hold a public webinar meeting, jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel. The meeting will be held via webinar on Thursday, October 3, 2024 from 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is for the Advisory Panels to review and provide comments on the draft Summer Flounder Commercial Mesh Size Exemptions Framework/Addendum.

Staff contact:

• Kiley Dancy: kdancy@mafmc.org; 302-526-5257

• Hannah Hart: hhart@mafmc.org; 302-526-5263

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar. If prompted, enter meeting number 2348 746 4641and password yXpCJays823.

• After you connect to the webinar, follow the prompts to use your computer, phone, or other device for audio.

• If necessary to connect via phone only, you may dial 1-415-655-0001 and enter access code 2348 746 4641.  Please only use this option if you are not able to connect to the webinar.

Meeting Materials

• Draft Addendum XXXV for Public Comment

• Staff presentation

• Additional information and past action documents available at: https://www.mafmc.org/actions/summer-flounder-commercial-mesh-exemptions

This is one in a series of working group meetings associated with the Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Assessment. Please visit the Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Working Group page on the NOAA Fisheries website for an agenda and webinar connection details (scroll down to the “Schedule” section). This meeting is open to the public.

Background Information

Research track assessments evaluate new datasets that can either inform or be used in new or existing stock assessment models. Unlike management track assessments, which are driven by the need to meet specific management timelines, research track assessments are carried out over longer time frames and with fewer requirements for using the most recent data. The research track is intended to be the opportunity for extensive and comprehensive research and analysis.

Working groups carry out the analytical work required for the stock assessment, including developing and implementing the research plan and terms of reference, conducting the necessary research, compiling the results to inform the research track effort, and incorporating other information and public input as appropriate.

What Happens Next?

After the working group has completed its work, a peer review panel will be convened to conduct a comprehensive review of the research track assessment.

Typically, research track outputs are incorporated into future management track assessments (as opposed to directly informing management decisions). For this reason, research track assessments are often scheduled to have management track assessments in the following year, which ensures immediate application of the research results with the inclusion of the most recent data in a management track assessment.

Quick Links

• Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Working Group

• MAFMC Stock Assessments Page

• NOAA Fisheries Northeast Stock Assessments Page

• Description of New England and Mid-Atlantic Region Stock Assessment Process

The Spiny Dogfish Committee will meet via webinar on Thursday, September 19, 2024 from 9 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is for the Committee to review 2025 fishing year specifications and consider if any changes are appropriate.

MAFMC Contact: Jason Didden - jdidden@mafmc.org; 302-526-5254

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the meeting. If prompted, enter Meeting number: 2342 908 9567; Meeting password: AMceZwpJ654

• For phone only access: 1-415-655-0001; Access Code: 2342 908 9567. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar.

Meeting Materials and Background Information

• Background Materials are available at the September SSC Meeting page.

• Due primarily to catch changes/increases in 2022 and 2023, projections were updated using the current stock assessment model, and the ABCs were lower.

  • The SSC provided Acceptable Biological Catches (ABCs) for 2025/2026 of either: 7,230 metric tons (MT) for both years or 7,031 MT for 2025 and 7,446 MT for 2026.

  • The current ABC for 2024 of 7,818 MT implemented by NOAA was higher than SSC/Councils’ ABC (NOAA set ABC = over-fishing limit)

• The Committee’s regulatory task is to recommend a quota that will ensure that the Annual Catch Limit (ACL) is not exceeded, which means that discards must be accounted for.

• Monitoring Committee Summary

  • Recent higher discards and the need to avoid ACL overages appear to make it very difficult to avoid quota reductions, but industry members of the Monitoring Committee and public comment highlighted that their observations do not indicate any lack of spiny dogfish and that quota reductions could end the industry and have wide ranging negative impacts on fishery participants and related businesses.