This is one in a series of working group meetings hosted by the Northeast Fisheries Science Center to develop a decision support tool for the Recreational Demand Model. This tool will be used when setting the recreational bag, size, and season limits for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. Please visit the meeting page linked below for an agenda and webinar connection details (scroll down to the “Schedule” section). This meeting is open to the public.

*** Please note that RDM DST working group meetings are hosted by the Northeast Fisheries Science Center. Webinar connection information for these meetings is only available on the working group page (linked above) and will not be posted on the Council calendar. ***

The joint FMAT/PDT formed by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) and New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) will meet in the afternoon of Wednesday, December 20, 2023 via webinar. The meeting was not open to the public because the FMAT/PDT was using confidential observer sturgeon data.

MEETING SUMMARY

The MAFMC and NEFMC have initiated a joint framework action to address Atlantic sturgeon bycatch in the monkfish and spiny dogfish gillnet fisheries. NMFS has suggested striving for more bycatch reduction than originally planned, due to recent high bycatch estimates.

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

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

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 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 Council’s Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Amendment Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) will meet on Friday, December 8, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. via webinar.

The purpose of this meeting will be to continue work on the components of an EFH review and development of an EFH amendment. Connection details for the webinar 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:

• Agenda

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 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass (SFSBSB) Monitoring Committee with meet via webinar on Thursday, December 7, 2023 from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 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: 2343 884 4792; Password: FSB_MC_Dec23)

• Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2343 884 4792. 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

• Summer flounder 2024-2025 recreational measures

  • Supplemental memo to the MC dated Dec. 4, 2023

  • MC November 13-14 Meeting Summary Part 2: Recreational Measures

  • Presentation

  • Supplemental:

    • Staff memo on summer flounder recreational measures dated November 8, 2023

    • Staff presentation from November 13 on summer flounder measures

• Scup 2024-2025 recreational measures

  • Scup wave 1-2 VTR analysis

  • MC November 13-14 Meeting Summary Part 2: Recreational Measures

  • Presentation

  • Supplemental:

    • Staff memo on scup recreational measures dated November 8, 2023

    • Staff presentation from November 13 on scup recreational measures

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

This is one in a series of working group meetings associated with the Golden Tilefish Research Track Assessment. Please visit the Golden Tilefish 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

• Golden Tilefish 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 with meet via webinar on Friday, November 17, 2023 from 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. to develop recommendations for 2024-2026 Spiny Dogfish specifications.

Staff contacts:

• Jason Didden, jdidden@mafmc.org; 302-526-5254

Webinar Connection

• Click here for webinar. (password if needed: dJUM2jYKF22)

• Mobile tap to enter: +1-646-992-2010,,23489768201##

• Phone number to manually dial in: 1-415-655-0001

  • Meeting code: 2348 976 8201

Meeting Materials

• Cover Memo

• Fishery Information Document

• Fishery Performance Report

• Monitoring Committee Report

• SSC background materials (including assessment documents)

• Supplemental

  • Preliminary 2023 Partial Year Discards

• Public comments submitted before meeting

  • East Coast Seafood

Agenda:

-Assessment overview

-Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) overview

-Fishery Performance, Advisory Panel Input overview

-Monitoring Committee Summary

-Committee Work

This is one in a series of working group meetings hosted by the Northeast Fisheries Science Center to develop a decision support tool for the Recreational Demand Model. This tool will be used when setting the recreational bag, size, and season limits for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. Please visit the meeting page linked below for an agenda and webinar connection details (scroll down to the “Schedule” section). This meeting is open to the public.

*** Please note that RDM DST working group meetings are hosted by the Northeast Fisheries Science Center. Webinar connection information for these meetings is only available on the working group page (linked above) and will not be posted on the Council calendar. ***

Agenda

1. East Coast Climate Coordination Group Draft Charter Outline

2. Role and Operations of the Proposed Climate Core Team

3. Core Team Recommendations for 2024 Coordinated Priorities

The Spiny Dogfish Monitoring Committee with meet via webinar on Monday, November 6, 2023 from 12:30 p.m. - 3 p.m. to develop recommendations for future Spiny Dogfish specifications

Staff contacts:

• Jason Didden, jdidden@mafmc.org; 302-526-5254

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar.

• Phone-Only Access: 1 (415) 655-0001; Access code: 2331 906 6395

Meeting Materials

• Agenda:

  • Review assessment/SSC findings

  • Develop management measure recommendations to ensure specifications are not exceeded.

The Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Monitoring Committee with meet via webinar on Monday, November 6, 2023 from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. The Monitoring Committee will develop recommendations for future Atlantic mackerel specifications given the results of the October 30, 2023 SSC meeting. Public comments will also be taken.

Staff contacts:

• Jason Didden, jdidden@mafmc.org; 302-526-5254

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar.

• Phone-Only Access: 1 (415) 655-0001; Access code: 2348 180 8704

Meeting Materials

• Trip Limit Analysis

The Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass, and Bluefish Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework/Addenda Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) / Plan Development Team (PDT) will hold a meeting via webinar on Thursday, November 2, 2023 from 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

The FMAT/PDT will meet with the Commissioner and Council member working group to discuss several aspects of the Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework/Addenda.

Webinar Connection

• Please join using this link: https://v.ringcentral.com/join/676636490

  Meeting ID: 676636490

  Or dial: +1 (650) 4191505 - Access Code / Meeting ID: 676636490

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold a public webinar on Wednesday, November 1, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., to solicit stakeholder input on several summer flounder regulations related to commercial minimum mesh sizes and their exemptions. Council staff and a contractor are currently evaluating whether modifications to these measures are needed. Feedback from fishing industry participants and other stakeholders is critical to a successful review of these regulations. The Council and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Management Board will review public comments and consider next steps at their December 2023 joint meeting.

Which Regulations are Under Review?

• Summer flounder trawl gear minimum mesh sizes (5.5-inch diamond or 6.0-inch square). Based on a recent study there is some concern that the selectivity of the 6.0” square mesh is not equivalent to that of the 5.5” diamond mesh and the 6.0” square mesh may be retaining too many undersized fish.

• The Small Mesh Exemption Program (SMEP), which allows trawl vessels to obtain a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to land more than 200 pounds of summer flounder east of longitude 72° 30.0'W, from November 1 through April 30, using mesh smaller than 5.5-inch diamond or 6.0-inch square.

• The flynet exemption to the minimum mesh size requirement, which provides an exemption to the minimum mesh size requirements for vessels fishing with a two-seam otter trawl flynet.

Please see the Overview of Summer Flounder Minimum Mesh Size Requirements and Exemptions for additional information and discussion questions for each issue.

Who Should Attend This Webinar or Provide Written Comments?

Any stakeholder with an interest in these measures is invited to attend the webinar and/or submit written comments. The Council is particularly seeking input from:

• Participants in the commercial trawl fishery for summer flounder (all states and areas).

• Participants in commercial trawl fisheries for summer flounder and/or other species who utilize the Small Mesh Exemption Program and/or flynet exemption.

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

• Overview of Summer Flounder Minimum Mesh Size Requirements and Exemptions 

• Presentation

Webinar Details

Click here to join the webinar

To join the webinar by phone only, dial 1-415-655-0001 and enter Access code: 2357 476 2725. 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.

Written Comment Instructions

Written comments will be accepted until November 17, 2023. Comments may be submitted through an online comment form or emailed to Kiley Dancy or Hannah Hart.

Staff Contacts

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

• Kiley Dancy - kdancy@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5257

This is one in a series of working group meetings associated with the Golden Tilefish Research Track Assessment. Please visit the Golden Tilefish 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

• Golden Tilefish 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

This is one in a series of working group meetings associated with the Golden Tilefish Research Track Assessment. Please visit the Golden Tilefish 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

• Golden Tilefish 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

This is one in a series of working group meetings hosted by the Northeast Fisheries Science Center to develop a decision support tool for the Recreational Demand Model. This tool will be used when setting the recreational bag, size, and season limits for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. Please visit the meeting page linked below for an agenda and webinar connection details (scroll down to the “Schedule” section). This meeting is open to the public.

*** Please note that RDM DST working group meetings are hosted by the Northeast Fisheries Science Center. Webinar connection information for these meetings is only available on the working group page (linked above) and will not be posted on the Council calendar. ***

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will host a public webinar on Monday, October 16, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., to collect public comments on NOAA Fisheries’ draft procedural directive titled “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).” Any comments provided during the webinar or submitted to the Council in writing (see below for instructions) will be compiled and submitted to NOAA Fisheries.

• Staff Presentation

Webinar Information

The webinar will be hosted by the Council on the Webex meeting platform. No pre-registration is required.

• Date and Time: October 16, 2023, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

• Webinar Link: Click here to join the webinar (if prompted, enter access code: 2341 187 1059 and password: uDYWF5pvq53). To join by phone only, dial 415-655-0001 and enter access code 2341 187 1059.

Submit Written Comments

Written comments can be submitted to the Council using the Online Comment Form or by email to Mary Sabo at msabo@mafmc.org. Comments must be submitted to the Council by November 10 to be compiled and transmitted to NOAA Fisheries prior to the comment deadline. Comments may also be submitted directly to NOAA Fisheries by email to marian.macpherson@noaa.gov.

Background Information

The draft procedural directive, which has also been referred to as the “Climate Governance Policy,” is intended to provide guidance on when and how the Secretary will review and assign, or re-assign, management authority over fisheries found across more than one Council jurisdiction. NOAA Fisheries has stated that additional guidance is needed to address governance issues associated with climate-related shifts in stock distributions. Given the Mid-Atlantic Council’s shared regional boundaries with two other East coast Councils, as well as the number of Mid-Atlantic stocks that extend beyond the Council region boundaries, this policy has the potential to directly impact a number of Mid-Atlantic Council fishery management plans. 

NOAA Fisheries is accepting public comments on the draft procedural directive until November 17, 2023. The eight regional fishery management councils have submitted a joint comment letter which identifies a number of  concerns regarding the draft procedural directive. The Mid-Atlantic Council is currently developing a separate letter which will include additional comments specific to the Mid-Atlantic region. The Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee has also reviewed and provided comments on the draft procedural directive.

Although NOAA Fisheries is solely responsible for the development and potential revision of this procedural directive, the Council is conducting this supplemental outreach effort to ensure that all interested individuals have an opportunity to provide comment on this important issue.

Learn More

Additional information and related documents are available at https://www.mafmc.org/actions/nmfs-climate-governance-policy. For questions about the Council webinar, please contact Mary Sabo at msabo@mafmc.org or 302-526-5261.

This meeting has been canceled and will be rescheduled.

The Standardized Bycatch Reporting Methodology (SBRM) FMAT/PDT will meet on Monday, October16, 2023, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. via webinar.

This SBRM 3-year review FMAT/PDT meeting will:

•  Discuss drafting of the SBRM 3-year report

• Review analyses completed to date

• Review needed next steps

Staff contact: Jason Didden: 302-526-5254; jdidden@mafmc.org

Webinar Connection

• meet.google.com/fng-bpui-fvq

Meeting Materials

• Meeting materials will be shared if applicable

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 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass (SFSBSB) Monitoring Committee with meet via webinar on Friday, October 6, 2023 from 9am - 11am.

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 Access Code: 2330 780 2378

• Phone-Only Access: 1 (415) 655-0001; Access code: 233 078 02378.

Meeting Materials

• Presentation

• 2022 North Atlantic Recreational Fishing Survey - Sample

This is one in a series of working group meetings associated with the Black Sea Bass Research Track Assessment. Please visit the Black Sea Bass 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

• Black Sea Bass 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 joint SSC sub-panel, comprised of SSC members from both the New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils, will meet via webinar on Friday, September 23, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is for the sub-panel to review and provide input on methods for designating Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) and Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (HAPC). This input will help support the development of the Council’s  Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat Amendment.  

 To register for the webinar, find the agenda, and review background materials – please visit the New England Fishery Management Council website at: https://www.nefmc.org/calendar/sep-29-2023-joint-nefmc-and-mafmc-ssc-sub-panel-webinar.  

• September 29, 2023 Joint SSC Subpanel Meeting Report

On Sept. 27, 2923, from 2:00 – 3:00pm eastern time, NOAA Fisheries will conduct a public webinar to provide information on the agency’s development of a procedural directive to guide the agency in future application of section 304(f) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA).  The deadline for submission of feedback on this project is COB November 17, 2023.

Webinar Registration

Please register in advance for this webinar.  Once you are registered, the URL and password will be sent to you by email.

Background

In anticipation of an increasing number of fish stocks shifting in geographic distribution, new fisheries emerging, and other demographic shifts in fisheries, NOAA Fisheries has identified a need to set forth a consistent and transparent plan for identifying the geographic scope of fisheries and determining which Regional Fishery Management Council(s) (Council) will be responsible for fisheries that extend or have moved beyond the geographical area of authority of any one Council, including those that move, across Council boundaries.  The draft procedural directive is available here:  Draft Procedural Directive on 304(f).

Submit Comments

NOAA Fisheries will accept public input during the webinar and will also accept written feedback submitted prior to COB November 17, 2023.  NOAA Fisheries does not plan to develop formal responses to comments.  Written comments may be submitted to Marian.Macpherson@noaa.gov.

Mid-Atlantic Council Comments on the Draft Policy

Given the Mid-Atlantic Council’s shared regional boundaries with two other East coast Councils, as well as the number of Mid-Atlantic stocks that extend beyond the Council region boundaries, this procedural directive has the potential to directly impact a number of Mid-Atlantic Council fishery management plans. The Mid-Atlantic Council is currently developing comments on the draft policy. Learn more here.

This is one in a series of working group meetings hosted by the Northeast Fisheries Science Center to develop a decision support tool for the Recreational Demand Model. This tool will be used when setting the recreational bag, size, and season limits for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. Please visit the meeting page linked below for an agenda and webinar connection details (scroll down to the “Schedule” section). This meeting is open to the public.

*** Please note that RDM DST working group meetings are hosted by the Northeast Fisheries Science Center. Webinar connection information for these meetings is only available on the working group page (linked above) and will not be posted on the Council calendar. ***