Based on Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council recommendations, NOAA Fisheries today announced a proposed 24% increase in 2014 to the butterfish landings quota compared to 2013 (from 5.7 million lb to 7 million lb). Among other measures, we are also proposing to establish a 236-metric ton cap on river herring (blueback and alewife) and shad (American and hickory) catch in the mackerel fishery. Once this cap is projected to be reached, the directed mackerel fishery would be closed. Click here for more information and details on how to provide public comments on these proposed measures.