Joint Framework Action to Reduce Sturgeon Bycatch in Dogfish and Monkfish Fisheries

Spiny Dogfish Framework Adjustment 6/Monkfish Framework Adjustment 15

Photo Credit: NOAA Fisheries

Overview

The Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils jointly developed this framework action to reduce bycatch of Atlantic sturgeon (an endangered species) in the monkfish and spiny dogfish gillnet fisheries. This action proposes to establish area-based gear requirements for vessels fishing in the monkfish and spiny dogfish fisheries with gillnets in order to reduce bycatch of Atlantic sturgeon in these fisheries. Development of this framework was initiated in response to recommendations in NOAA’s Action Plan to reduce Atlantic Sturgeon bycatch in Federal large-mesh gillnet fisheries

In April 2024, the Mid-Atlantic and New England Councils approved the framework for submission to NOAA Fisheries for review and rulemaking. NOAA Fisheries published a proposed rule and request for comments on August 12, 2024.

Contacts:

Action Development Timeline

December 2022/April 2023: Framework initiated (MAFMC Meeting; NEFMC Meeting)

June 2023: Preliminary range of alternatives reviewed (MAFMC Meeting; NEFMC Meeting)

September/October 2023: Final range of alternatives approved (NEFMC Meeting; MAFMC Meeting)

April 2024: Final action by both Councils (NEFMC Meeting; MAFMC Meeting)

August 12, 2024: Proposed Rule and request for comments

Background Documents

Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT)/Plan Development Team (PDT)

  • Jason Didden, MAFMC

  • Robin Frede, NEFMC

  • Jenny Couture, NEFMC

  • Spencer Talmage, GARFO SFD

  • Lynn Lankshear, GARFO PRD

  • Bridget St. Amand, NEFSC

  • Jason Boucher, NEFSC

  • James Boyle, ASMFC