The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) are considering potential changes to the Summer Flounder Small Mesh Exemption Program and the flynet exemption from the summer flounder commercial minimum mesh size requirements. The Council is considering these changes through a framework action, and the Commission is considering an identical set of options through a draft addendum.
The Council and Commission initiated this action in response to industry feedback and issues raised during a review of summer flounder commercial mesh regulations in 2023. Specifically, the framework/draft addendum considers changes to (1) the western boundary of the Small Mesh Exemption Program area, (2) the Small Mesh Exemption Program review criteria and methodology, and (3) the regulatory definition of flynet. The Commission’s Draft Document for Public Comment provides detailed information about the specific management options under consideration.
Public Hearings
The Commission has scheduled two virtual public hearings to gather input on the draft addendum. The hearings will be held September 16 and 17, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Although the Council’s framework development process does not include public hearings, all public comments provided during the Commission’s comment period will be considered by both groups before taking final action. Written comments will be accepted through September 28, 2024. Please see the Commission’s press release for additional details, including webinar registration information and instructions for submitting comments.
Learn More
The Council’s Summer Flounder Commercial Mesh Size Exemptions Framework/Addendum page contains further details, including an action development timeline and links to relevant background documents.
Additionally, a new layer has been added to the Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal which allows users to examine and evaluate the proposed Small Mesh Exemption Area boundary changes. The map shows the existing/status quo SMEP area in a solid yellow color and the proposed expansion area in stripes. Two map layers showing adjacent fishery management areas will automatically load as companion layers to aid in review of the proposed change. Explore the map layer here.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Kiley Dancy (kdancy@mafmc.org, 302-526-5257) or Chelsea Tuohy (ctuohy@asmfc.org, 703-842-0740).