The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold six scoping hearings in April 2015 for an Amendment to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish (MSB).  The current focus of the amendment is to consider alternatives to reduce the capacities of the longfin squid and Illex squid fleets as defined by vessels with limited access permits.  The Amendment is likely to consider a variety of approaches for reducing capacity in the squid fisheries.  During these hearings, the Council will also accept general comments on the MSB fisheries.  These general comments could inform Council decision making for upcoming annual specifications or other actions.

About Scoping

During scoping, the Council gathers information about an issue.  This is the first and best opportunity for members of the public to raise concerns related to the scope of issues that will be considered in the Amendment.  The Council needs your input both to identify management issues and develop effective alternatives.  Your comments early in the amendment development process will help us address issues of public concern in a thorough and appropriate manner. 

Comment topics could include the scope of issues in the amendment, concerns and potential alternatives related to capacity in the squid fisheries, and the appropriate level of environmental analysis.  If the Council decides to move forward with the Amendment, the Council will develop a range of management alternatives to be considered and will provide an additional opportunity for public comment.

Additional details and ways to comment (due May 11, 2015) may be found here:
http://www.mafmc.org/actions/squid-capacity-amendment

Contact

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

Special Accommodations

These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities.  Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aid should be directed to M. Jan Saunders, (302) 526-5251, at least 5 days prior to the meeting date.