Request for Proposals: Atlantic Chub Mackerel Stock Assessment

The Council is seeking a highly-qualified contractor to facilitate development of a quantitative stock assessment for Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber colias) to support development of management measures for chub mackerel fisheries. Proposals are due by April 30, 2017.

Request for Proposals: Catch Share Program Review for Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fisheries

The Council is seeking a contractor to conduct a Catch Share Program Review of the present and past social and economic conditions in the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries which are managed using individual transferrable quotas (ITQs). Proposal Submission Deadline: March 31, 2017.

Mid-Atlantic Council Seeking Applications for Interim Advisory Panel Members

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is soliciting applications from qualified individuals to fill vacancies on the Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Advisory Panel, Spiny Dogfish Advisory Panel, and Surfclam/Ocean Quahog Advisory Panel. Applications are due by February 10, 2017.

Mid-Atlantic Council Initiates Action in Response to Overage of Black Sea Bass Catch Limit

The Council has initiated a framework action to review and modify accountability measures (AMs) for the commercial black sea bass fishery in response to new information indicating that commercial catch in 2015 exceeded the annual catch limit due to higher than anticipated discards. 

December 2016 Council Meeting Summary

The following summary highlights actions taken and issues considered at the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s December 2016 meeting in Baltimore, MD. Presentations, briefing materials, and audio recordings are available on the Council’s website at http://www.mafmc.org/briefing/december-2016. 

Download December 2016 Council Meeting Report

NOAA Fisheries Announces Final Rule on Boundary Change for Southern Scup Gear Restricted Area

On November 8, 2016, NOAA Fisheries announced a change to the southern and eastern boundaries of the Southern Scup Gear Restricted Area (in effect January 1-March 15), as recommended by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. This rule is intended to increase access to traditional squid fishing areas, while maintaining protection for juvenile scup. 

Mid-Atlantic Council to Hold Hearings on New Jersey Special Management Zones

The Council will hold public hearings November 15-17, 2016 to gather public comments on a request by the State of New Jersey to designate 13 artificial reef sites as Special Management Zones. Written comments will be accepted until Friday, November 25, 2016, 11:59 p.m. EST.

October 2016 Council Meeting Summary

The following summary highlights actions taken and issues considered at the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s October 2016 meeting in Galloway, New Jersey. Presentations, briefing materials, and audio recordings are available on the Council’s website at www.mafmc.org/briefing/october-2016.

Download October 2016 Council Meeting Report