Request for Proposals: Development of a Quantitative Stock Assessment for Black Sea Bass

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is seeking a highly qualified contractor to facilitate the development of a quantitative stock assessment for the northern black sea bass stock to support management of the black sea bass fishery. 

Proposals are due by May 29, 2015.

Council to Hold Scoping Hearings for Squid Capacity Amendment: April 6 - 21, 2015

The Council has scheduled six scoping hearings between April 6 and April 21, 2015 to gather input for a potential amendment that would address capacity of the longfin squid and Illex squid fleets. Written scoping comments can also be submitted HERE.

Council Takes Final Action on Cost Recovery Amendment

The Mid-Atlantic Council has approved the Cost Recovery Amendment to the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery Management (FMP). The amendment addresses cost recovery requirements, streamlines the process for updating stock status determination criteria, and removes the optimum yield (OY) ranges specified in the FMP.

Council to Hold Blueline Tilefish Webinar Meeting - Feb. 25, 1:30 p.m.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council  will hold an emergency meeting via webinar on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 from 1:30 until 4:30 p.m. to consider requesting emergency action for deepwater snapper/grouper species, including blueline tilefish, within the Mid-Atlantic Council’s jurisdiction. 

Mid-Atlantic Council to Hold Hearings on Deep Sea Corals Amendment

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold six public hearings in January to gather public comments on the Deep Sea Corals Amendment to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP). Hearings will be held January 12 – 20, 2015, and written comments will be accepted until January 28, 2015.