At last week's meeting the Council voted on final management measures to include in the Omnibus Recreational Accountability Measure Amendment and approved the amendment to be submitted for Secretarial review. Read more...
June Council Meeting Briefing Book is Now Available
Meeting materials for the Council's meeting next week, June 10-13, in Eatontown, NJ are now available. June 2013 Briefing Book →
John Bullard to Discuss Themes of Stakeholder Feedback at June 11 Listening Session in Eatontown, NJ
During the Council's next listening session on June 12, NOAA Fisheries Northeast Regional Administrator John Bullard will discuss the main themes from a series of public listening sessions throughout the Northeast region. All members of the public are encouraged to attend. More Information...
Next Council Meeting: June 10-13, 2013
The Council has published an agenda for its upcoming meeting in Eatontown, NJ. Key agenda items include:
- Mackerel, squid, butterfish specifications
- Surfclam and ocean quahog specifications
- Review and approve omnibus recreational accountability amendment
- Review and approve draft strategic plan
View full agenda (PDF)
Webinar: http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/council2013/
An Open Letter to Federal Fishery Permit Holders in the Northeast Regarding Observers and At-Sea Monitors
Today, leadership from NOAA Fisheries Northeast and the chairmen of the New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils issued an open letter to the fishing industry urging cooperation and respect for fishery observers and at-sea monitors during what is a difficult fishing year for many. Read more...
Successful Managing Our Nation’s Fisheries Conference Brings Together Diverse Voices
The Managing Our Nation’s Fisheries 3 conference wrapped up today on a successful note, with conference participants developing 128 recommendations for improving fishery sustainability. The draft recommendations are online at http://tinyurl.com/cgugoef and will be further elaborated in the conference proceedings. The conference was coordinated by the eight Regional Fishery Management Councils and NOAA Fisheries, and was sponsored by both fishing industry and environmental groups.
Council to Discuss Squid Management with Fishing Industry at Upcoming Meetings
The Council has scheduled two public meetings to talk with members of the fishing industry about options for improving management of the longfin and Illex squid fisheries. The meetings will build on input provided by fishermen, processors, scientists, and managers during a Squid Management Workshop held in January 2013.
Council Requests Public Input on Omnibus Recreational Amendment
Marine Recreational Information Program Update- Watch Online
Earlier this month Rob Andrews from NOAA Fisheries presented an overview of recent and upcoming changes to the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) at the Council's meeting in Raleigh, North Carolina. His presentation focused on new catch and effort survey methods, is available to watch online. Click Here to watch it.
April 2013 Council Meeting Report
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council considered a broad range of issues at its meeting earlier this month in Raleigh, North Carolina. The following report summarizes the major decisions and topics of discussion, including 2014 Tilefish Management Measures, the Omnibus Recreational Accountability Amendment, a Forage Fish Workshop, and more. Read more...
Council Invites Public to Discuss Changes in Recreational Fishing Survey Methods
Recreational fishermen and other members of the public are invited to participate in an informal discussion with the Council about recent and upcoming changes in the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP). The listening session will be held on April 9 in Raleigh, NC in conjunction with the Council’s April Meeting.
NMFS Solicits Proposals for MAFMC 2014 Research Set-Aside Program
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced that it is accepting proposals under the Mid-Atlantic Council's Research Set-Aside (RSA) Program for research activities to be conducted in 2014. Applications must be received by NMFS on or before 5 p.m. EDT on May 6, 2013. Read more...
Jack Travelstead Receives Ricks E. Savage Award
Jack Travelstead was named this year’s recipient of the Ricks E. Savage award. The award is given each year to a person who has added value to the MAFMC process and management goals through significant scientific, legislative, enforcement, or management activities.
Council recommends SMZ designation for five Delaware reef sites
At last month's meeting the Council voted to recommend to the Regional Administrator that all five permitted Delaware reef sites be designated as SMZs year-round. The SMZ designation would restrict fishing to hook and line and spear fishing gear only (take by hand would also be permitted) within the area of each reef site.