New Electronic Reporting Requirements for Mid-Atlantic Charter/Party Vessels

Beginning March 12, 2018, all charter and party vessels that hold a federal permit for species managed by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will be required to electronically submit vessel trip reports for all trips carrying passengers for hire.

NEFSC: 2017 Sweep Efficiency Study Targets Summer Flounder

Testing the efficiency of different sweep types on fishing nets was the focus of twin trawling operations August 18-28 aboard the F/V Karen Elizabeth from Point Judith, RI.  The target species: summer flounder, with red hake and winter flounder a secondary priority. Summer flounder, also known as fluke, is a flatfish that tends to stay on the ocean bottom. A valuable commercial and recreational fishery, it is found in offshore waters in the winter and in inshore waters throughout the summer.

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August 2017 Council Meeting Summary

The following summary highlights actions taken and issues considered at the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s August 2017 meeting in Philadelphia, PA. Presentations, briefing materials, and webinar recordings are available on the Council website at www.mafmc.org/briefing/august-2017.   

Open August 2017 Council Meeting Summary (pdf)

NOAA Fisheries Seeks Comments on Proposed Rule for Mid-Atlantic Council Fishery Management Plans

NOAA Fisheries is requesting comments on a proposed rule to implement the Omnibus Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) Framework Adjustment for the Mid-Atlantic Council's fishery management plans. Comments are due August 18, 2017.

NEFSC Seeks Candidates for Summer Flounder Stock Assessment Workshop Working Groups

The Northeast Fisheries Science Center is currently seeking stock assessment workshop (SAW) working group applicants for the benchmark summer flounder stock assessment. Applications are due August 3.

Mid-Atlantic Council to Hold Scoping Hearings for Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Excessive Shares Amendment

The Council will hold four scoping hearings in July to solicit public input on the Excessive Shares Amendment to the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog FMP. Written comments may be submitted through July 21, 2017.

Notice of availability: Blueline Tilefish Amendment to the Tilefish Fishery Management Plan

NOAA Fisheries has published a notice of availability for Amendment 6 to the Tilefish Fishery Management Plan (previously referred to as the "Blueline Tilefish Amendment"). Comments on the amendment will be accepted through August 14, 2017.