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 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

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 Monday, August 5, 2024 from 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is to review the recommendations of the Scientific and Statistical Committee and Monitoring Committee for 2025 black sea bass catch and landings limits and to provide additional Advisory Panel input to the Council on 2025 specifications.

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 meeting. If prompted, enter meeting number 2345 885 4124 and password 3QWxdtmE7f2

• 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 2345 885 4124.  Please only use this option if you are not able to connect to the webinar.

Meeting Materials

• Staff presentation

• Executive Summary of July 23-25, 2024 SSC Meeting Report

• Staff Memo: Recommendations for 2025 Black Sea Bass Specifications

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Ecosystem and Ocean Planning (EOP) Committee and Advisory Panel will meet jointly via webinar on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

During this meeting the EOP Committee and AP will review the draft components of the Council’s Ecosystem Approach to the Fisheries Management (EAFM) risk assessment report.

Staff Contact:

Brandon Muffley; (302-526-5250; bmuffley@mafmc.org

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the July 31 EOP Committee and AP meeting (if prompted, enter Meeting number: 2345 550 4158; Meeting password: Z73SmnYTRp8). After you connect, you will have an opportunity to choose whether you want to use your phone or computer mic/speakers for audio.

• For telephone-only access, dial +1-415-655-0001 (US Toll) and enter access code 2345 550 4158

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

• Staff Memo: Background Information and Meeting Objectives

• Draft 2024 Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management Risk Assessment Report

• Presentation

The Council’s Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Advisory Panel will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 from 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. via webinar.

The purpose of this meeting is for the Advisory Panel to develop a fishery performance report (FPR) for Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog. The intent of the FPR is to facilitate a venue for structured input from the Advisory Panel for specifications processes. The FPR will be used by the MAFMC’s Scientific and Statistical Committee and the Council when reviewing specifications for the 2025 fishing year.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the meeting. If prompted, enter Meeting number (access code): 2333 402 3930; Meeting password: SCOQAP2024FPR

• Join by phone: 415-655-0001 (US Toll)

Meeting Materials

• 2024 Surfclam Fishery Information Document

• 2024 Ocean Quahog Fishery Information Document

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 Monday, July 8, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is for the Advisory Panels to develop a Fishery Performance Report (FPR) that describes recent performance of the commercial and recreational fisheries for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass.

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 2349 559 1000 and password uhXmYrJ9S25.

• 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 2349 559 1000.  Please only use this option if you are not able to connect to the webinar.

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

• Summer Flounder 2024 Fishery Information Document

• Scup 2024 Fishery Information Document

• Black Sea Bass 2024 Fishery Information Document

Supplemental Materials

• 2024 Data Update for Summer Flounder

• 2024 Data Update for Scup

• Draft 2024 management track assessment report for black sea bass

• Additional materials for 2024 black sea bass management track peer review

The Tilefish Advisory Panel will meet Thursday, June 27, 2024 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss recent performance of the blueline and golden tilefish commercial and recreational fisheries and develop Fishery Performance Reports.

Staff Contacts: José Montañez (302-526-5258, jmontanez@mafmc.org) or Hannah Hart (302-526-5263, hhart@mafmc.org)

Webinar Information

• Click here to join the meeting (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2344 422 5651; Password: Tilefish2024). After you connect, you will have the option to choose whether to use your phone or computer microphone and speakers for audio.

• For phone only access: 1-415-655-0001; Access code: 2344 422 5651. 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

• 2024 Blueline Tilefish Fishery Information Document

• 2024 Golden Tilefish Fishery Information Document

• Last Year’s Fishery Performance Reports:

• 2023 Blueline Tilefish Fishery Performance Report

• 2023 Golden Tilefish Fishery Performance Report

The Spiny Dogfish Advisory Panel will meet via webinar on Thursday, May 9, 2024 from 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is for the Advisory Panel to create a Fishery Performance Report that includes advisor input on recent spiny dogfish catch, specifications, and related management measures.

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

Webinar Connection Information

• https://midatlanticfisheriesmc.webex.com/midatlanticfisheriesmc/j.php?MTID=m9bfacf823541407940000391362a23f4

Meeting Materials

• Last year’s Fishery Performance Report

• Fishery Information Document

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Ecosystem and Ocean Planning (EOP) Committee and Advisory Panel will meet jointly via webinar on Friday, April 26th from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

During this meeting, the Ecosystem and Ocean Planning Advisory Panel and Committee will discuss the unmanaged commercial landings reports which are provided to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) by NOAA Fisheries each year.

Staff Contact: Julia Beaty, (302) 526-5250, jbeaty@mafmc.org

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webex meeting. If prompted, enter meeting number 2344 201 7141 and password 2RyNnECqD63.

• Please connect your audio through your computer, telephone, or other device by following the prompts that appear after opening the webinar. If you must join by phone only, you may dial (415) 655-0001 and enter access code 2344 201 7141. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or other device.

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

• 2023 unmanaged landings report

• Data used in 2023 unmanaged landings report (confidential data removed)

• Presentation

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Bluefish Advisory Panel will hold a public webinar meeting, jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Bluefish Advisory Panel. The meeting will be held via webinar on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is for the Advisory Panels to develop a fishery performance report (FPR) that describes recent performance of the bluefish commercial and recreational fisheries.

Staff Contact: Karson Cisneros: kcisneros@mafmc.org; 302-526-5259

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar. If prompted, enter Meeting number: 2331 168 5909 Meeting password: 7m474mJB2MP

Meeting Materials

• 2024 Bluefish Fishery Information Document

The Council’s Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish (MSB) Advisory Panel (AP) will meet via webinar on Friday, April 19, 2024 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The MSB AP will develop Fishery Performance Reports for MSB species. The Fishery Performance Reports are considered by the Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) when setting Acceptable Biological Catches (ABC’s).

The MSB Fishery Performance Reports will be addressed in the following order: Chub mackerel, longfin squid, Illex squid, Atlantic mackerel, and then butterfish.

Webinar Connection

• https://midatlanticfisheriesmc.webex.com/midatlanticfisheriesmc/j.php?MTID=m851e91fec19616c920a77606e466a58e

  Join by meeting number

  Meeting number: 2338 203 8351 - Meeting password: Be3bbMXMH79

  Tap to join from a mobile device: +1-415-655-0001,,23382038351##

  Join by phone: +1-415-655-0001 - Meeting number: 2338 203 8351

Meeting Materials

• Chub Mackerel Fishery Information Document

  • Last Year’s AP Fishery Performance Report for Chub Mackerel

• Illex Squid Fishery Information Document

  • Last Year’s AP Fishery Performance Report for Illex

• Longfin Squid Fishery Information Document

  • Last Year’s AP Fishery Performance Report for Longfin Squid

• Butterfish Fishery Information Document

  • Last Year’s AP Fishery Performance Report for Butterfish

• Atlantic Mackerel Fishery Information Document

  • Last Year’s AP Fishery Performance Report for Atlantic Mackerel

The Spiny Dogfish and Monkfish Advisory Panels will meet jointly via webinar on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m..

The Advisory Panels will meet jointly to provide input on potential measures to reduce Atlantic sturgeon bycatch.

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

NEFMC Contacts: Jenny Couture jcouture@nefmc.org (978) 465-0492 (ext. 111) or Robin Frede – rfrede@nefmc.org; (978) 465-0492 (ext. 124)

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar

  Meeting number (access code): 2349 782 0807  Password if needed: NZaAH9kKc37

• Join by phone +1-415-655-0001 US Toll - Tap to join from a mobile device:

  +1-415-655-0001,,23497820807## US Toll

   

Meeting Materials

1. Meeting overview memo from NEFMC and MAFMC staff

2. Agenda

3. Presentation, Council Staff

4. Draft Framework Adjustment, February 27, 2024

5. Sturgeon Bycatch FMAT/PDT DRAFT meeting summary, February 22, 2024 (with recommendations)

6. Sturgeon Risk Assessment (Closures) Final Report, February 20, 2024

7. BREP Proposal Narrative low-profile gear

The Council’s Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Committee and Advisory Panel will hold a public meeting on Monday, February 5, 2024 from 9 :30 a.m. - 12 p.m. via webinar.

The purpose of this meeting is for the Committee and Advisory Panel to review the Species Separation Requirements Amendment Public Hearing Document and provide input. The Committee will make recommendations about the Public Hearing Document to the Council at the February Council meeting.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar. Meeting number (access code): 2331 680 5932

  Password: R8fmyi3W43n

• Join by phone: +1-415-655-0001 US Toll - Access Code: 2331 680 5932

Materials

• Agenda

• SCOQ Species Separation Requirements Amendment Draft Public Hearing Document

The Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils will hold a public meeting of their joint Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel on Thursday, December 14, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. - 2 p.m. The goal of this meeting is to review the NTAP Operations and Orientation Manual, discuss the background and purpose of NTAP, as well as the responsibility of NTAP members.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar. Meeting number (access code): 2348 044 8043;

  Meeting password: NTAP_2023

• Join by phone: +1-415-655-0001 US Toll - Access Code: 2348 044 8043

Meeting Materials

• NTAP Operations and Orientation Manual

• Agenda and Presentation

The Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass (SFSBSB) Advisory Panel with meet via webinar on Monday, December 4, 2023 from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m..

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: 2349 955 1755; Password: SFSBSB_AP)

• Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2349 955 1755. 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

• Draft Agenda

• Summer Flounder 2024-2025 recreational measures

  • Summer flounder staff memo

  • Monitoring Committee recommendations summary

  • Presentation

  Scup 2024-2025 recreational measures

  • Scup staff memo

  • Monitoring Committee recommendations summary (same document as above)

  • Presentation

• Black sea bass 2024 recreational measures

  • Black sea bass staff memo

  • Monitoring Committee recommendations summary (same document as above)

  • Presentation

• Recreational Measures Setting Framework/Addenda Update

  • Draft Action Plan (8/29/23)

• Summer Flounder Minimum Mesh Regulations and Exemptions

  • Staff cover memo 11/30/23: Summer flounder minimum mesh size regulations and exemptions (added 12/1)

  • Summer flounder minimum mesh size briefing document (updated 12/1 with Council/Board briefing book document)

  • Report: Summer flounder mesh exemptions evaluation (updated 12/1 with Council/Board briefing book document)

  • Public input summary with comments received through November 17

  • Monitoring Committee recommendations summary (same document as above)

  • Presentation

The Spiny Dogfish Advisory Panel will meet via webinar on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 from 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.. The purpose of this meeting is for the Advisory Panel to create a Fishery Performance Report that includes advisor input on recent spiny dogfish catch, specifications, and related management measures.

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

Webinar Connection Information

• https://midatlanticfisheriesmc.webex.com/midatlanticfisheriesmc/j.php?MTID=m28fac330a7fa95092a5b7c3beabda40c

Meeting Materials

• Last year’s Fishery Performance Report

• Fishery Information Document

The Council’s Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish (MSB) Committee and Advisory Panel (AP) will meet via webinar on Monday, September 18, 2023, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Agenda: Develop recommendations on preferred alternatives in a framework adjustment to the MSB Fishery Management Plan that could implement volumetric vessel hold baseline requirement and vessel hold upgrade restriction for Illex limited access permits.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar. If prompted, enter Access Code: 519-353-069

• Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 ; Access code: 2338 721 9438

Meeting Materials

• Revised Alternatives (coming soon)

The Council’s Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Committee and Advisory Panel will hold a public meeting on Friday, September 13, 2023 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. via webinar.

The purpose of this meeting is for the Committee and Advisory Panel to receive updates on the Shellfish Biotoxin/Food and Drug Administration protocols that might impact the clam fisheries on Georges Bank, discuss the status of the Species Separation Requirements Amendment, and to develop recommendations for implementation plan items for the Executive Committee to consider in October 2023.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar. If prompted, enter Access Code: 2337 412 8419;

  Meeting password: SCOQCTAP2023SEPT

• Phone only access: +1-415-655-0001 US Toll; Access Code: 2337 412 8419

Materials

• Agenda

• Staff Memo

• Comment letter from Cape May Foods and Surfside Foods

• Comment from Sea Watch International

• Comment from Monte Rome on GSCHMA EFP

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Ecosystem and Ocean Planning (EOP) Committee and Advisory Panel will meet jointly on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

During this meeting the EOP Committee and AP will resume their comprehensive review of the Council’s Ecosystem Approach to the Fisheries Management (EAFM) risk assessment.

Staff Contact: Brandon Muffley, (302) 526-5260, bmuffley@mafmc.org; Julia Beaty, (302) 526-5250, jbeaty@mafmc.org

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the August 22, 2023 EOP Committee and AP meeting

  • Meeting number (access code): 2338 180 5585

  • Meeting password: amMhCeYj463

  • Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001; Access code: 2338 180 5585

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

• Summary report from July 7, 2023 EOP Committee and AP meeting

• EAFM Risk Elements and Definitions – Summary of EOP Feedback (from 7/7/23 meeting)

• EAFM Risk Elements, Definitions, and Indicators – Discussion Document (from 7/7/23 meeting)

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Bluefish Advisory Panel will hold a public webinar meeting, jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Bluefish Advisory Panel. The meeting will be held via webinar on Monday, July 31, 2023 from 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is for the Advisory Panels to comment on bluefish specifications for 2024-2025 with a focus on recreational management measures.

Staff Contact: Karson Cisneros: kcisneros@mafmc.org; 302-526-5259

Webinar Connection

• Meeting Link - If prompted, enter meeting number (access code): 2333 932 2857

  Meeting password: DtQETGDU553

Meeting Materials

• Recreational Measures Staff Memo

The Council’s Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish (MSB) Advisory Panel (AP) will meet via webinar on Friday, July 14, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Agenda: Review longfin squid and/or Atlantic mackerel assessments, review fishery performance, review preliminary Scup Gear Restricted Area (GRA) analyses, create fishery performance reports for longfin and mackerel, take public comments.

Webinar Connection

• Join Meeting

  Meeting number (access code): 2346 596 7515; password: KkB8tMDAW36

  Tap to join from a mobile device:

  +1-415-655-0001,,23465967515## US Toll

  Join by phone +1-415-655-0001

Meeting Materials

• Longfin Squid Management Track Assessment

• Longfin Fishery Information Document

• Atlantic Mackerel Management Track Assessment (coming soon)

• Mackerel Fishery Information Document

• Scup GRA Analysis Approach Overview

The Council’s River Herring and Shad (RH/S) Committee and Advisory Panel will meet jointly by webinar on Thursday, July 13, 2023 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Agenda: Review RH/S Update, develop recommendations for the RH/S cap for the mackerel fishery, take public comment.

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

Webinar Connection

• Join Meeting

  Meeting number (access code): 2342 111 2288; password: gPHy7tpbK93

  Tap to join from a mobile device:

  +1-415-655-0001,,23421112288## US Toll

  Join by phone +1-415-655-0001 US Toll

Meeting Materials

• 2023 RH/S Update

• Indices Appendix

  • Compendium (NMFS, NEAMAP, MA, CT, NJ, and DE indices)

  • VIMS 2022 Field Season VA Alosines Report

  • NC Indices Report

• Kerry Reid, Jennifer A. Hoey, Benjamin I. Gahagan, Bradley P. Schondelmeier, Daniel J. Hasselman, Alison A. Bowden, Michael P. Armstrong, John Carlos Garza, and Eric P. Palkovacs. 2022. Spatial and temporal genetic stock composition of river herring bycatch in southern New England Atlantic herring and mackerel fisheries. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. 80(2): 360-374.

• K.E. Roberts, J.E.F. Stepanuk, H. Kim, L.H. Thorne, C. Chong-Montenegro, J.A. Nye. Developing a subseasonal ecological forecast to reduce fisheries bycatch in the Northeast U.S., Progress in Oceanography, Volume 213, 2023, 103021, ISSN 0079-6611

• Atlantic Coast River Herring Collaborative Forum (links to 2023 Conservation Plan)