This meeting has been cancelled. For more information, contact Jason Didden at jdidden@mafmc.org.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel will meet jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel on Thursday, November 19, 2020, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be held via webinar.

The purpose of this meeting is to review public comments on the Council’s Black Sea Bass Commercial State Allocation Amendment the Commission’s Draft Addendum XXXIII and, as well as to provide recommendations for final action on the addendum and amendment. The amendment and draft addendum consider alternative approaches for allocating the coastwide black sea bass commercial quota among the states as well as Council management of state allocations and changes to certain federal regulations regarding quota management.

Additional information on this action is available at: http://www.mafmc.org/actions/bsb-commercial-allocation

Webinar Connection Information

• Webinar: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/461966309

• Telephone:  (224) 501-3412, Access Code: 461-966-309

Briefing Materials

• Agenda

• Draft Addendum XXXIII

• Public Comment Summary

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold two online workshops for a project using video recordings to examine recreational fishing effort originating from Ocean City, Maryland. The meetings will be held on Tuesday November 17, 2020 and Tuesday December 1, 2020 both from 5:30pm-8pm.

The purpose of the meetings is to develop methods for using video to examine the recreational fishing effort in ocean waters that departs from Ocean City, Maryland.

Webinar connection:

http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/oc-video/

You will need to get the Adobe Connect App to participate. You can download it here:

For Windows (64 bit): Click here to install 

For Mac: Click here to install 

When you try to join you will be prompted to install if you don’t have it already.

For more information, contact Jason Didden at jdidden@mafmc.org.

The Bluefish Monitoring Committee will meet via webinar on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. to develop recommendations for 2021 federal waters recreational management measures (i.e., possession limits, fish size limits, and/or open and closed seasons).

Webinar Information

The meeting will be held via webinar, which can be accessed at: http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/bf_mc_rm_nov_2020/. Meeting audio can also be accessed via telephone by dialing 1-800-832-0736 and entering room number 5068609.

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

• Staff Memo: 2021 Bluefish Recreational Management Measures

The Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Commingling/Discard Issue Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) will hold its first meeting on November 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

For additional information, or to obtain webinar connection details, contact Jessica Coakley at jcoakley@mafmc.org or 302-526-5252.

About FMAT Meetings

Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) meetings are working meetings of Council and NOAA Fisheries staff. Information on FMAT meeting locations and how to connect via phone or webinar (if available) 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 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Monitoring Committee will meet via webinar on Monday, November 16, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to develop recommendations for 2021 federal waters recreational management measures (i.e., possession limits, fish size limits, and/or open and closed seasons) for all three species.

Webinar Information

The meeting will be held via webinar, which can be accessed at: http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/fsb_mc_nov2020/. Meeting audio can also be accessed via telephone by dialing 1-800-832-0736 and entering room number 5765379.

Meeting Materials

• Draft agenda

• Staff memo: scup 2021 recreational measures

• Staff memo: black sea bass 2021 recreational measures

• Staff memo: summer flounder 2021 recreational measures

• DRAFT Advisory Panel Summary from 11-10-20

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Bluefish Advisory Panel will meet jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Bluefish Advisory Panel on Thursday, November 12, 2020, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.

The purpose of this meeting is to review staff recommendations for 2021 recreational management measures for bluefish, and to provide Advisory Panel input on the 2021 recreational management measures.

• Agenda

• Staff Memo: 2021 Bluefish Recreational Management Measures

Webinar

To join the webinar, go to http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/bf_ap_rm_nov_2020/. Audio connection instructions will pop up automatically, or you can dial 1-800-832-0736; Room: 5068609.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel will meet jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is to review staff recommendations for 2021 recreational management measures for summer flounder, scup and black sea bass, and to provide Advisory Panel input on the 2021 recreational management measures for all three species.

Webinar

The meeting will be held via webinar, which can be accessed at: http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/fsb-ap-nov-2020/. Meeting audio can also be accessed via telephone by dialing 1-800-832-0736 and entering room number 4472108.

Documents

• Draft agenda

• Staff memo: scup 2021 recreational measures

• Staff memo: black sea bass 2021 recreational measures

• Staff memo: summer flounder 2021 recreational measures

The Atlantic Coast River Herring Collaborative Forum (formerly the river herring TEWG) will meet via webinar on November 5, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss river herring related initiatives and actions and to receive updates on River Herring Forum-related initiatives.

• Agenda

Webinar registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1450409079751592976

The Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) will meet via webinar on November 5, from 9 am to noon.

For additional information, or to obtain webinar connection details, contact Kiley Dancy at kdancy@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5257.

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 and how to connect via phone or webinar (if available) 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 Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) have scheduled a series of public hearings to gather public input on the Commission’s Draft Addendum XXXIII and the Council’s Black Sea Bass Commercial State Allocation Amendment. This addendum and amendment consider alternative approaches for allocating the coastwide black sea bass commercial quota among the states. Please see the hearing announcement, the Council’s public hearing document, or the Commission’s Draft Addendum XXXIII for additional information.

Comments may be provided during the seven webinar-based public hearing webinars to be held October 8-29 or submitted in writing via email, mail, fax, or online form through November 13.

Tips for Providing Public Comments

We value your input, and to be most effective we request that your comment include specific details as to why you support or oppose a particular proposed management option. Specifically, address the following:

• Which proposed options/sub-options do you support, and which options/sub-options do you oppose?

• Why do you support or oppose the option(s)?

• Is there any additional information you think should be considered?

Hearing Schedule

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all hearings will be conducted via webinar, with designated hearings for individual states and regions. You are encouraged to participate in the hearing for your state or region; however, all hearings are open to all individuals. Hearings will be hosted by the Commission on the GoToWebinar platform. Participants must connect through the GoToWebinar. Please make sure to carefully read the webinar connection instructions provided in the section below.

1. Virginia - Thursday, 10/8/2020, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

2. North Carolina - Tuesday, 10/13/2020, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

3. Delaware and Maryland - Wednesday, 10/14/2020, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

4. Connecticut and New York - Thursday, 10/15/2020, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

5. New Jersey - Tuesday, 10/27/2020, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

6. Rhode Island - Wednesday, 10/28/2020, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

7. Massachusetts - Thursday, 10/29/2020, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Webinar Connection Instructions

To register for a public hearing please click here: Public Hearing Registration. As part of the registration process, you must select the date and time of the hearing you wish to attend (see Table above).

In order to comment during the hearings you will need to use your computer or download the GoToWebinar app for your phone. You can join the webinar through your computer, tablet, or smartphone. If you are new to GoToWebinar, you can download the software here or in the App store by searching “GoToWebinar.” We recommend you register for the hearing well in advance. GoToWebinar will provide you with a link to test your device’s compatibility with the webinar. If you find your device is not compatible, please contact the Commission at info@asmfc.org (subject line: GoToWebinar help) and they will try to get you connected. We also strongly encourage participants to use the computer voice over internet (VoIP) so you can ask questions and provide input at the hearing.

To attend the webinar in listen only mode, you may dial this number: 562.247.8422; Access Code: 412-241-258. Please note that those joining by phone only will be limited to listening to the presentation and will not be able to speak. In those cases, you can send your comments to staff via email, mail, or fax at any time during the public comment period.

Can’t Attend a Hearing? Submit Written Comments:

In addition to providing comments at any of the scheduled hearings, written comments will be accepted until 11:59 PM (EST) on November 13, 2020 and may be sent by any of the following methods:

1. MAIL to Caitlin Starks, FMP Coordinator, at 1050 N. Highland St., Suite 200 A-N, Arlington, Virginia 22201

2. FAX to 703.842.0741

3. EMAIL to comments@asmfc.org (Subject line: Black Sea Bass Addendum XXXIII)

4. ONLINE at https://www.mafmc.org/comments/bsb-allocation

All comments will be made available to both the Commission and Council for consideration; duplicate comments do not need to be submitted to both bodies.

Learn More

The Council’s public hearing document and Commission’s Draft Addendum are available at the links below.

• MAFMC Public Hearing Document - Black Sea Bass Commercial State Allocation Amendment

• ASMFC Draft Addendum XXXIII

A recording of the hearing presentation will be posted on the Commission’s YouTube channel in late September. A link to the recording will be posted at https://www.mafmc.org/actions/bsb-commercial-allocation when it is available.

Contact

For more information, please contact Caitlin Starks, ASMFC FMP Coordinator, at cstarks@asmfc.org or 703.842.0740.

The Illex Working Group and Mackerel, Squid, Butterfish Advisory Panel will meet via webinar Monday Oct 5 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM to receive an update on recent activities and talk about some potential next steps for the Working Group.

Adobe Connect Link: http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/illex-phase2/

You need the app to access – if you don’t have it, your browser will prompt you to download it.

 If you don’t have a headset mic, please use the phone connection option.

 800-832-0736  Room: 7833942

This meeting has ben cancelled. For more information, please contact Jason Didden, jdidden@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5254.

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 and how to connect via phone or webinar (if available) 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 Council’s Ecosystem and Ocean Planning (EOP) Advisory Panel and Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel will meet jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASMFC) Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel on Tuesday, September 22, 2020, from 9:00 A.M. through 12:00 P.M. The meeting will take place over webinar with a telephone-only connection option.

The purpose of the meeting is to introduce advisory panel members to goals, process, and expectations associated with conducting a management strategy evaluation (MSE). Later this year, the Council will begin conducting an MSE as part of its Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) structured decision framework that will evaluate the biological and economic benefits of management alternatives to minimize discards in the recreational summer flounder fishery. Advisory panel members will listen to a series of background presentations on the EAFM process and an introduction to MSE and will then participate in a mock MSE stakeholder workshop using an example recreational issue to solicit feedback and input on management objectives.

• Recording: EAFM and MSE Introduction Presentation

Meeting Materials

• Meeting Agenda

• Overview of the Mid-Atlantic Council’s Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) Approach

• Background on Mock Workshop and Fishery Example

• Applying Structured Decision Making to Recreational Fisheries Management by B. Irwin et al. 2011

• Strategic management decision-making in a complex world: quantifying, understanding, and using trade-offs by A. Punt. 2015

Presentations

1. Introduction – Goals for Meeting

2. Overview of Mid-Atlantic Council EAFM Process

3. Introduction to Management Strategy Evaluation and Mock Workshop Example

4. Wrap-Up and Next Steps

The Executive Committee will meet by webinar on Monday, September 21, 2020 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to develop recommendations regarding the Executive Order on Promoting American Seafood Competitiveness and Economic Growth.

Staff Contact: Mary Sabo, (302) 518-1143, msabo@mafmc.org

Webinar Connection Instructions

To join the webinar, go to http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/exec-com-sept21/. Audio connection instructions will pop up automatically when the webinar opens. Select the “Dial Out” option and enter your phone number to receive a call from the meeting. When you answer the phone, you will press 1 to enter the meeting room. For telephone only access, dial 800-832-0736 and enter room number 2122298# when prompted.

Briefing Materials

• Agenda and Draft List of Topics for Committee Review

Supplemental:

• EO 13921 on Promoting American Seafood Competitiveness and Economic Growth

• Chris Oliver Letter to the Councils

• NMFS Guidance for Councils Response to E.O. 13921 Section 4

• NMFS Recommended Action Template

• Public Comments Considered at the August 2020 Meeting

• Additional Comments Received

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Monitoring Committee will meet via webinar on Wednesday September 16, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to discuss catch and landings limits and other management measures for Atlantic chub mackerel in 2021. The objectives of this meeting are for the Monitoring Committee to: 1) Review recent fishery performance and management measure recommendations from the Advisory Panel, the Scientific and Statistical Committee, and Council staff; 2) Review, and if appropriate, recommend changes to the previously implemented 2021 annual catch limit, annual catch target, total allowable landings limit, and other management measures.

Webinar

The webinar can be accessed at: http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/msb-mc-sept2020/. Meeting audio can be accessed by following the prompts which appear after logging into the webinar, or via telephone by dialing 1-800-832-0736 and entering room number 5068871.

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

• Staff Memo: Review of 2021 Chub Mackerel Measures

• 2020 NEFSC Chub Mackerel Data Update - to be posted

• 2020 Advisory Panel Chub Mackerel Fishery Performance Report

• 2020 Chub Mackerel Fishery Information Document

• Characterization of the Atlantic Chub Mackerel Fishery and Stock, Robert Leaf, University of Southern Mississippi

The Spiny Dogfish Monitoring Committee will meet via webinar on September 14, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to review annual specifications and management measures and make any appropriate recommendations.

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

Webinar Information (Adobe Connect)

http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/spinydogmc-2020/

We recommend that you download and install the Adobe Connect App and use the App for the meeting – it is more stable than the browser plug-in versions. Even if you have had the App in the past, it’s not a bad idea to re-install so you know you have the most recent version:
• For Windows (64 bit) : www.adobe.com/go/ConnectShell11
• For Mac: www.adobe.com/go/ConnectSetupMac

You need to call in to participate – audio instructions pop up when you connect, or you can call in: 800-832-0736, Rm: 7833942#.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Advisory Panel will meet via webinar on Thursday, September 3, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.The purpose of this meeting is to discuss recent performance of the Atlantic chub mackerel fisheries and develop a Fishery Performance Report. This report will be considered by the Scientific and Statistical Committee, the Monitoring Committee, and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council when reviewing 2021 catch and landings limits and management measures for chub mackerel.

Webinar Details

To join the webinar, go to: http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/msb-ap-sept2020/. Meeting audio can also be accessed via telephone by dialing 1-800-832-0736 and entering room number 5068871.

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

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

• Chub Mackerel Fishery Information Document