The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is requesting public comments on a draft amendment to modify the species separation requirements in the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. Comments may be submitted at any of three public hearings to be held on May 9, 14, and 16. Written comments will also be accepted through May 30, 2024.
This action is intended to address the increased frequency of mixed catches in these fisheries, an issue raised by the clam fishing industry. Current regulations do not allow for surfclam and ocean quahog to be landed on the same trip or placed in the same cages. The mixing of catches has created challenges related to catch monitoring, allocation tracking, and enforcement. Industry has also reported that the increasing frequency of mixed catches will impact onboard fisheries operations, creating logistical and economic challenges in the long-term that need to be addressed.
The Public Hearing Document describes a range of management approaches (“alternatives”) that could address this issue and provides a summary of associated impacts. At the June 2024 Council Meeting, the Council will review public input and recommend an alternative to NOAA Fisheries for review and rulemaking.
Public Hearings
Comments may be submitted at any of the following public hearings:
Thursday, May 9, 2024. 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Webinar.
Tuesday, May 14, 2024. 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport, 9000 Bartram Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19153. 215-365-4500.
Thursday, May 16, 2024. 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Hyatt Place Boston/Braintree, 50 Forbes Rd, Braintree, MA 02184 781-848-0600.
Written Comments
Written comments may be submitted by any of the methods listed below. Comments must be received by 11:59 p.m. EST on May 30, 2024.
Email to: jcoakley@mafmc.org (use subject “SCOQ Species Separation”)
Online at: https://www.mafmc.org/comments/scoq-species-separation
Mail to: Chris Moore, Ph.D., Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 North State Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901. Mark the outside of the envelope “SCOQ Species Separation.”
For more information, contact Jessica Coakley (jcoakley@mafmc.org, 302-526-5252) or visit https://www.mafmc.org/actions/scoq-species-separation.