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.
Deep Sea Corals- February 2013 update
Amendment 15- February 2013 Update
Black Sea Bass Catch Limits- 2013-2014
U.S. Spiny Dogfish Fishery Successfully Expands Scope of MSC Certification
NOAA Fisheries: Proposal To Increase Monkfish Catch
NOAA Fisheries today announced proposed measures to provide increased fishing opportunities for monkfish and groundfish fishermen to target monkfish in coastal waters from Maine to Massachusetts (i.e.,Monkfish Northern Management Area) in fishing year 2013. Monkfish are often landed while fishing for groundfish, particularly in this area. Click here for more information.
New Voluntary Speed Restriction Zone in Effect through Mar 31 to Protect Group of Right Whales
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council Revises 2013 Black Sea Bass Catch Limits
Bluefish- Proposed Rule for 2013 and 2014 Commercial Quota and Recreational Harvest Limit
SMAST Yellowtail Flounder Bycatch Avoidance Program
Fleet Communication System Aims to Reduce Butterfish Bycatch
CFRF Offers Mid-Atlantic Fishermen Bycatch Avoidance Gear Modification Vouchers
The Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation is currently administering a voucher program for fishing vessel owners to obtain financial assistance to install one or both promising gear modifications onboard their vessels for use in small mesh fisheries (including squid, whiting, and scup) to avoid unwanted bycatch of winter flounder.
ACCSP Seeks Fishing Industry's Input on Electronic Reporting
The Atlantic Coastal Cooperative Statistics Program (ACCSP) has brought together fishermen, dealers, and fisheries managers to evaluate electronic reporting on the Atlantic coast. The first part of this project is a survey to collect attitudes and opinions from Atlantic coast fishermen and dealers about the current state of electronic reporting.
Northeast Regional Administrator to Hold Public Listening Sessions
Council Seeks Public Input on Deep Sea Coral Protection
Council to Hold Public Hearings on Special Management Zone Designation for Delaware Reefs
Council Passes Hurricane Sandy Resolution
During the most recent Council meeting, more than 40 members of the public turned out in person or online to ask questions and discuss the storm's impacts with Council members and National Marine Fisheries Service representatives. The next day, the Council unanimously approved a resolution of support for the federal fisheries disaster declaration in the Mid-Atlantic region following Hurricane Sandy (full text below). The resolution was introduced by Chairman Rick Robins and was passed unanimously by the full Council.