2001: The Original Tilefish FMP initiated management for golden tilefish and included management and administrative measures to ensure effective management of the tilefish resource. The FMP also implemented a limited entry program and a tiered commercial quota allocation of the TAL. Other elements of the original FMP included: a stock rebuilding strategy; permits and reporting requirements for commercial vessels, operators, and dealers; a prohibition on the use of gear other than longline gear by limited-access tilefish vessels (later amended see discussion below); and a framework adjustment process. Final Rule - 9/26/2001.
2001: Framework 1 added provisions for a research set-aside quota. Final Rule - 8/10/2001.
2007: Amendment 2 was an Omnibus Amendment that implemented a Standardized Bycatch Reporting Methodology (SBRM). Final Rule - 1/28/2008.
2009: Amendment 1 (Appendices and Figures) implemented an Individual Fishing Quota in the directed golden tilefish fishery. It also implemented new reporting requirements and gear modifications, addressed recreational fishing issues, and reviewed the EFH components of the FMP, including implementing gear restricted areas to prevent bottom trawling in habitat areas of particular concern. Final Rule - 8/24/2009.
2011: Amendment 3 was an omnibus amendment that implemented Acceptable Biological Catches (ABCs) and Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) to avoid overfishing and ensure accountability. Final Rule - 9/29/2011.
2015: Amendment 4 was an omnibus amendment that implemented a new Standardized Bycatch Reporting Methodology to address a legal challenge. Final Rule - 6/30/2015.
2017: Amendment 5 - Unmanaged Forage Omnibus Amendment implemented management measures to prevent the development of new, and the expansion of existing, commercial fisheries on certain forage species in the Mid-Atlantic. See the Unmanaged Forage Amendment page for more information about this action. Final Rule - 8/28/17.
2017: Framework 3 - Omnibus For-Hire Electronic Trip Reporting Framework implemented a requirement for vessels that hold party/charter permits for Council-managed species to submit vessel trip reports electronically (eVTRs) while on a trip carrying passengers for hire. Final Rule - 9/11/2017.
2017: Amendment 6 - Blueline Tilefish Amendment incorporated blueline tilefish (Caulolatilus microps) as a managed species in the Tilefish Fishery Management Plan and stablished blueline tilefish management measures, including, annual catch limit process, sector allocations, possession limits, fishing season, permitting, and reporting requirements. Final Rule - 11/15/2017.
2018: Framework 2 implemented several changes intended to improve and simplify the administration of the golden tilefish fishery. Final Rule - 3/13/2018.
2018: Framework 4 (Omnibus Acceptable Biological Catch Framework) established a process for setting constant multi-year Acceptable Biological Catch (ABCs) and clarified the process for setting ABCs for each of the four types of ABC control rules. Final Rule - 4/11/2018.
2020: Framework 5 – Omnibus Commercial Electronic Reporting Framework established a requirement for commercial vessels with federal permits for all species managed by the Mid-Atlantic and New England Councils to submit vessel trip reports electronically within 48 hours after entering port at the conclusion of a trip. Final Rule - 11/10/20.
2020: Framework 6 – Omnibus Acceptable Biological Catch and Risk Policy Framework modified the Council’s ABC control rule and risk policy. The revised risk policy is intended to reduce the probability of overfishing as stock size falls below the target biomass while allowing for increased risk and greater economic benefit under higher stock biomass conditions. This action also removed the typical/atypical species distinction currently included in the risk policy. Final Rule - 12/15/20.
2022: Framework 7 – The Tilefish Multi-year Specifications Framework made minor process related modifications to the golden tilefish management system that will improve the administration of the golden tilefish management system. More specifically, the framework sets the golden tilefish fishing year as the 12- month period beginning with January 1, annually. The framework also modified the annual specifications process, so that specifications can be set for the maximum number of years needed to be consistent with the Northeast Region Coordinating Council-approved stock assessment schedule. Final Rule - 11/10/22.