Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is one of eight fishery management councils responsible for the management of marine fisheries in the United States Exclusive Economic Zone. The council develops management plans for twelve species of fish and species off the coast of the Mid-Atlantic region.
A sub-panel of the Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils’ Scientific and Statistical Committees (SSCs) will meet via webinar on Monday, April 21 and Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. each day.
The joint sub-panel will meet to review the Data Limited Methods (DLM) model for the Atlantic Blueline Tilefish stock north of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina developed as part of the SouthEast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) 92 process.
Staff Contact: Brandon Muffley: 302-526-5260, bmuffley@mafmc.org
Click here to join the meeting (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2332 630 4914; Password: YuWpJA2im33). After you connect, you will have the option to choose whether to use your phone or computer microphone and speakers for audio.
For phone only access: 1-415-655-0001; Access code: 2332 630 4914. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar.
SEDAR 92 Assessment Report: Model for Stock North of Hatteras Information Only
The complete SEDAR 92 report can be found at - https://sedarweb.org/documents/sedar-92-atlantic-blueline-tilefish-final-stock-assessment-report/
South Atlantic Deepwater Longline (SADL) Survey Information
2025 Mid-Atlantic Blueline Tilefish Fishery Information Document
2025 Mid-Atlantic Advisory Panel Fishery Performance Report – to be posted
2023 South Atlantic Advisory Panel Fishery Performance Report
Supplemental Information
The Council’s Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish (MSB) Advisory Panel (AP) will meet via webinar on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
The MSB AP will develop Fishery Performance Reports for MSB species. The Fishery Performance Reports are considered by the Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) when setting Acceptable Biological Catches (ABC’s).
The MSB Fishery Performance Reports will be addressed in the following order: Chub mackerel, longfin squid, Illex squid, Atlantic mackerel, and then butterfish.
Click here to join the meeting (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2337 947 9232; Password: 3p7E3h6sQ4u). After you connect, you will have the option to choose whether to use your phone or computer microphone and speakers for audio.
For phone only access: 1-415-655-0001; Access code: 2337 947 9232. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar.
Illex Squid Fishery Information Document (pending)
Atlantic mackerel Fishery Information Document (pending)
Supplemental
NEFSC Data Update including Butterfish, Chub mackerel, and Longfin squid (Not Illex or Atlantic mackerel since they will have assessments later in 2025)
The Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel Bigelow Contingency Plan Working Group will hold a meeting via webinar on Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. During this meeting the working group will continue their discussions on the Industry-Based Survey pilot project.
Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2331 235 4547; Password: mvPHkf24J5N)
Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2331 235 4547. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar.
Meeting materials will be shared when available
The Alternative Gear Marking Framework Adjustment PDT/FMAT will meet via webinar on Monday, April 28, 2025 from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
This PDT/FMAT was formed by the NOAA Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (GARFO) to discuss the Alternative Gear Marking Framework. The development of this action, led by GARFO, will take place between the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) and the New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC). Both Councils are anticipated to take final action in 2025, with the MAFMC tentatively scheduled to hold framework meeting 1 at the April 2025 Council Meeting and take final action at the October 2025 Council Meeting.
Staff Contact: Hayden Dubniczki, 302-526-5259; hdubniczki@mafmc.org
Webinar information and meeting materials can be found on the New England Council’s meeting page (here)
Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) meetings are working meetings of the Council, NOAA Fisheries, and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission staff. Information on FMAT meeting locations for in-person meetings may be obtained by contacting Council staff prior to the meeting. This information is not posted to the Council’s website. The date and time of FMAT meetings are generally posted to the calendar on the Council’s website, sometimes with very little notice. FMAT members may discuss topics listed on the agenda in any order and may also discuss topics not listed. Members of the public may attend FMAT meetings, or listen to the meetings if they are broadcast, but should not expect to participate in the discussion unless the FMAT chair invites public input during a specified public comment period to be noted at the beginning of the meeting. Work carried out by the FMAT is considered during committee and/or Council meetings, during which public comments are encouraged.
The Council’s Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Advisory Panel will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 from 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. via webinar.
The purpose of this meeting is for the Advisory Panel to develop a fishery performance report (FPR) for Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog. The intent of the FPR is to facilitate a venue for structured input from the Advisory Panel for specifications processes. The FPR will be used by the MAFMC’s Scientific and Statistical Committee and the Council when reviewing specifications for the 2026 fishing year.
Click here to join the meeting. If prompted, enter Meeting number (access code): 2344 508 0720; Meeting password: SCOQApril2025
Join by phone: 415-655-0001 (US Toll)
Meeting materials will be posted when available
The Spiny Dogfish Monitoring Committee will meet via webinar on Friday, May 2, 2025 from 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. to develop recommendations for the Council regarding alternatives and analyses for a framework action that is considering modifications to payback accountability measures when specifications are exceeded.
More information on this framework action is available at https://www.mafmc.org/actions/spiny-dogfish-accountability-measures-fw.
Staff contact: Jason Didden, jdidden@mafmc.org; 302-526-5254
Click here to join the webinar
Webex Meeting number: 2330 179 5299
Password if needed: chSbDY2SB52
If joining by phone only: 415-655-0001 and use meeting number
Meeting materials will be shared when available
This is one in a series of working group meetings associated with the Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Assessment. Please visit the Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Working Group page on the NOAA Fisheries website for an agenda and webinar connection details (scroll down to the “Schedule” section). This meeting is open to the public.
Research track assessments evaluate new datasets that can either inform or be used in new or existing stock assessment models. Unlike management track assessments, which are driven by the need to meet specific management timelines, research track assessments are carried out over longer time frames and with fewer requirements for using the most recent data. The research track is intended to be the opportunity for extensive and comprehensive research and analysis.
Working groups carry out the analytical work required for the stock assessment, including developing and implementing the research plan and terms of reference, conducting the necessary research, compiling the results to inform the research track effort, and incorporating other information and public input as appropriate.
After the working group has completed its work, a peer review panel will be convened to conduct a comprehensive review of the research track assessment.
Typically, research track outputs are incorporated into future management track assessments (as opposed to directly informing management decisions). For this reason, research track assessments are often scheduled to have management track assessments in the following year, which ensures immediate application of the research results with the inclusion of the most recent data in a management track assessment.
The Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel Bigelow Contingency Plan Working Group will hold a meeting via webinar on Thursday, May 8, 2025 from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. During this meeting the working group will continue their discussions on the Industry-Based Survey pilot project.
Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2331 235 4547; Password: mvPHkf24J5N)
Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2331 235 4547. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar.
Meeting materials will be shared when available
The Council’s Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish (MSB) Monitoring Committee will meet via webinar on Thursday, May 15, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
The MSB Monitoring Committee will meet to develop recommendations for the Council regarding upcoming specifications: Setting 2026-2028 chub mackerel specifications and reviewing 2026 specifications for butterfish and longfin squid.
Webex Meeting number: 2339 401 9549
Password if needed: S2dh6kXrb9Y
If joining by phone only: 415-655-0001 and use meeting number
Meeting materials will be shared when available
The Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel Bigelow Contingency Plan Working Group will hold a meeting via webinar on Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. During this meeting the working group will continue their discussions on the Industry-Based Survey pilot project.
Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2331 235 4547; Password: mvPHkf24J5N)
Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001 (U.S. Toll Free); Access code: 2331 235 4547. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar.
Meeting materials will be shared when available
Additional details will be posted on this page at a later date. Please note that the start/end times above are subject to change.
This is one in a series of working group meetings associated with the Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Assessment. Please visit the Longfin Inshore Squid Research Track Working Group page on the NOAA Fisheries website for an agenda and webinar connection details (scroll down to the “Schedule” section). This meeting is open to the public.
Research track assessments evaluate new datasets that can either inform or be used in new or existing stock assessment models. Unlike management track assessments, which are driven by the need to meet specific management timelines, research track assessments are carried out over longer time frames and with fewer requirements for using the most recent data. The research track is intended to be the opportunity for extensive and comprehensive research and analysis.
Working groups carry out the analytical work required for the stock assessment, including developing and implementing the research plan and terms of reference, conducting the necessary research, compiling the results to inform the research track effort, and incorporating other information and public input as appropriate.
After the working group has completed its work, a peer review panel will be convened to conduct a comprehensive review of the research track assessment.
Typically, research track outputs are incorporated into future management track assessments (as opposed to directly informing management decisions). For this reason, research track assessments are often scheduled to have management track assessments in the following year, which ensures immediate application of the research results with the inclusion of the most recent data in a management track assessment.
Please note that the start/end times listed above are approximate, and other details are subject to change. Visit the NEFMC website linked above for the most up-to-date information.
The Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee will meet July 22-24, 2025. This will be an in person meeting with a virtual option. Please note that the timing and topics may change as agendas are finalized. Check this page for updates.
Anticipated Topics:
Management track assessment results and OFL/ABC recommendations for:
Summer Flounder
Scup
Black Sea Bass
Bluefish
Atlantic Mackerel
Illex Squid
Additional details will be posted on this page at a later date. Please note that the start/end times above are subject to change.
The Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee will meet September 9-10, 2025. This will be an in person meeting (location TBD) with a virtual option. Please note that the timing and topics may change as agendas are finalized. Check this page for updates.
Anticipated Topics:
Offshore wind discussion
MRIP FES Update and Overview
2026 ABC reviews: Spiny Dogfish
Please note that the start/end times listed above are approximate, and other details are subject to change. Visit the NEFMC website linked above for the most up-to-date information.
Additional details will be posted on this page at a later date. Please note that the start/end times above are subject to change.
Please note that the start/end times listed above are approximate, and other details are subject to change. Visit the NEFMC website linked above for the most up-to-date information.
Additional details will be posted on this page at a later date. Please note that the start/end times above are subject to change.
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will meet February 10-11, 2026. This meeting will be conducted by webinar. Please check back for updates.
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will meet April 7-9, 2026, in New York, NY. Please check back for updates.
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will meet June 16-18, 2026, in Alexandria, VA. Please check back for updates.
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will meet August 10-13, 2026, in Philadelphia, PA. Please check back for updates.
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will meet October 6-8, 2026, in Duck, NC. Please check back for updates.
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will meet December 14-17, 2026, in Annapolis, MD. Please check back for updates.