The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Committee will meet on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 from 1:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. The meeting will take place at the Embassy Suites Philadelphia-Airport, 9000 Bartram Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19153; telephone: 215-365-4500.

The purpose of this meeting is to review and provide comments on the Fishery Management Action Team’s recommendations to address potential actions from the Catch Share Program review conducted by Northern Economic, Inc. The input from the Committee on this topic will be presented to the Council’s Executive Committee at the October 2019 Council meeting, when the Council discusses its 2020 Implementation Plan.

In addition, the Committee will also review and provide input on the public hearing comments from the Excessive Shares Amendment. The input from the Committee on this topic will be presented to the Council at its December 2019 Council meeting, when the Council discusses the final action/approval of the Excessive Shares Amendment. An agenda and background documents will be posted on this page prior to the meeting.

Meeting Materials

• Meeting Agenda

Excessive Shares Amendment Public Comments

• Summary/Synthesis of All Comments Received

• Draft Public Hearing Meeting Summaries (4 hearings)

• Written Comments Received as of September 13, 2019

• Additional Written Comments Received

• Public Hearing Presentation

SCOQ FMAT Technical recommendations for Follow on Actions from the Catch Share Program Review

• Actions – Summary Matrix

• Summary of FMAT Meeting

Webinar Details (Listen-Only)

Webinar Link: http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/sept17scoqctte/

To join the webinar, go to the link above, select “Enter as Guest,” and type your name in the box. Please note that this is listen-only webinar, meaning that participants must use their computer or the Adobe Connect mobile app to access the meeting. There is no call-in option. In listen-only mode, webinar attendees are not able to provide comments or participate in any way.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Advisory Panel (AP) will meet on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. The meeting will take place at the Embassy Suites Philadelphia-Airport, 9000 Bartram Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19153; telephone: 215-365-4500.

The purpose of this meeting is to review and provide comments on the Fishery Management Action Team’s recommendations to address potential actions from the Catch Share Program review conducted by Northern Economic, Inc. The input from the AP on this topic will be presented to the Council’s Executive Committee at the October 2019 Council meeting, when the Council discusses its 2020 Implementation Plan.

In addition, the AP will also review and provide input on the public hearing comments from the Excessive Shares Amendment. The input from the AP on this topic will be presented to the Council at its December 2019 Council meeting, when the Council discusses the final action/approval of the Excessive Shares Amendment. An agenda and background documents will be posted on this page prior to the meeting.

Meeting Materials

• Meeting Agenda

Excessive Shares Amendment Public Comments

• Summary/Synthesis of All Comments Received

• Draft Public Hearing Meeting Summaries (4 hearings)

• Written Comments Received as of September 13, 2019

• Additional Written Comments Received

• Public Hearing Presentation

SCOQ FMAT Technical recommendations for Follow on Actions from the Catch Share Program Review

• Actions – Summary Matrix

• Summary of FMAT Meeting

Webinar Details (Listen-Only)

Webinar Link: http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/sept17scoqap/

To join the webinar, go to the link above, select “Enter as Guest,” and type your name in the box. Please note that this is listen-only webinar, meaning that participants must use their computer or the Adobe Connect mobile app to access the meeting. There is no call-in option. In listen-only mode, webinar attendees are not able to provide comments or participate in any way.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold four public hearings in August and September 2019 to solicit public input on the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Excessive Shares Amendment. The Council is also soliciting written comments on the amendment through September 14, 2019.

The Excessive Shares Amendment considers a variety of approaches to ensure that no individual, corporation, or other entity acquires an excessive share of the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog individual transferrable quota (ITQ) privileges. In addition, this action includes measures to revise the process for specifying multi-year management measures, require periodic review of the excessive share cap level, and allow adjustments to be made under the frameworkable provisions of the FMP. Lastly, this action may also revise the management objectives for the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery Management Plan.

Additional information is available at http://www.mafmc.org/actions/scoq-excessive-shares-amendment. A public hearing document is available HERE.

Attend a Hearing

Public hearings will be held on the following dates:

1. Thursday, August 1, 2019 at 6:30PM:  The Grand Hotel. 1045 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204; telephone: (609) 884-5611.

2. Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at 6:30PM:  Internet webinar. Connection information to be posted at www.mafmc.org/council-events prior to the meeting.

3. Monday, September 9, 2019 at 6:30PM:  LaQuinta Inns & Suites, 300 S. Salisbury Blvd., Salisbury, MD 21801; telephone: (410) 546-4400.

4. Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at 6:30PM:  Radisson Hotel Providence Airport. 2081 Post Rd, Warwick, RI 02886; telephone: (401) 739-3000.

Submit Written Comments:

In addition to providing comments at any of the public hearings, you may submit written comments by 11:59 PM, Eastern Standard Time, on September 14, 2019. Written comments may be sent by any of the following methods:

1. ONLINE at http://www.mafmc.org/comments/scoq-excessive-shares-amendment;

2. EMAIL to jmontanez@mafmc.org;

3. MAIL to Dr. Christopher Moore, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 North State Street, Suite 201, Dover, Delaware 19901; or

4. FAX to (302) 674-5399.

Please include “SCOQ Excessive Shares Amendment Comments” in the subject line if using email or fax or on the outside of the envelope if submitting written comments.

Please direct any questions about the amendment to José Montañez, jmontanez@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5258.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold four public hearings in August and September 2019 to solicit public input on the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Excessive Shares Amendment. The Council is also soliciting written comments on the amendment through September 14, 2019.

The Excessive Shares Amendment considers a variety of approaches to ensure that no individual, corporation, or other entity acquires an excessive share of the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog individual transferrable quota (ITQ) privileges. In addition, this action includes measures to revise the process for specifying multi-year management measures, require periodic review of the excessive share cap level, and allow adjustments to be made under the frameworkable provisions of the FMP. Lastly, this action may also revise the management objectives for the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery Management Plan.

Additional information is available at http://www.mafmc.org/actions/scoq-excessive-shares-amendment. A public hearing document is available HERE.

Attend a Hearing

Public hearings will be held on the following dates:

1. Thursday, August 1, 2019 at 6:30PM:  The Grand Hotel. 1045 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204; telephone: (609) 884-5611.

2. Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at 6:30PM:  Internet webinar. Connection information to be posted at www.mafmc.org/council-events prior to the meeting.

3. Monday, September 9, 2019 at 6:30PM:  LaQuinta Inns & Suites, 300 S. Salisbury Blvd., Salisbury, MD 21801; telephone: (410) 546-4400.

4. Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at 6:30PM:  Radisson Hotel Providence Airport. 2081 Post Rd, Warwick, RI 02886; telephone: (401) 739-3000.

Submit Written Comments:

In addition to providing comments at any of the public hearings, you may submit written comments by 11:59 PM, Eastern Standard Time, on September 14, 2019. Written comments may be sent by any of the following methods:

1. ONLINE at http://www.mafmc.org/comments/scoq-excessive-shares-amendment;

2. EMAIL to jmontanez@mafmc.org;

3. MAIL to Dr. Christopher Moore, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 North State Street, Suite 201, Dover, Delaware 19901; or

4. FAX to (302) 674-5399.

Please include “SCOQ Excessive Shares Amendment Comments” in the subject line if using email or fax or on the outside of the envelope if submitting written comments.

Please direct any questions about the amendment to José Montañez, jmontanez@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5258.

The meeting will be held via webinar at http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/excessshareaug7/

Audio connection instructions will pop up when you enter the webinar. For audio-only access via phone, dial 1-800-832-0736 and enter Room Number 9294759.

If you have never attended an Adobe Connect meeting before: Test your connection: http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm Get a quick overview: http://www.adobe.com/products/adobeconnect.html

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold four public hearings in August and September 2019 to solicit public input on the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Excessive Shares Amendment. The Council is also soliciting written comments on the amendment through September 14, 2019.

The Excessive Shares Amendment considers a variety of approaches to ensure that no individual, corporation, or other entity acquires an excessive share of the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog individual transferrable quota (ITQ) privileges. In addition, this action includes measures to revise the process for specifying multi-year management measures, require periodic review of the excessive share cap level, and allow adjustments to be made under the frameworkable provisions of the FMP. Lastly, this action may also revise the management objectives for the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery Management Plan.

Additional information is available at http://www.mafmc.org/actions/scoq-excessive-shares-amendment. A public hearing document is available HERE..

Attend a Hearing

Public hearings will be held on the following dates:

1. Thursday, August 1, 2019 at 6:30PM:  The Grand Hotel. 1045 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204; telephone: (609) 884-5611.

2. Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at 6:30PM:  Internet webinar. Connection information will be posted on this page prior to the meeting.

3. Monday, September 9, 2019 at 6:30PM:  LaQuinta Inns & Suites, 300 S. Salisbury Blvd., Salisbury, MD 21801; telephone: (410) 546-4400.

4. Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at 6:30PM:  Radisson Hotel Providence Airport. 2081 Post Rd, Warwick, RI 02886; telephone: (401) 739-3000.

Submit Written Comments:

In addition to providing comments at any of the public hearings, you may submit written comments by 11:59 PM, Eastern Standard Time, on September 14, 2019. Written comments may be sent by any of the following methods:

1. ONLINE at http://www.mafmc.org/comments/scoq-excessive-shares-amendment;

2. EMAIL to jmontanez@mafmc.org;

3. MAIL to Dr. Christopher Moore, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 North State Street, Suite 201, Dover, Delaware 19901; or

4. FAX to (302) 674-5399.

Please include “SCOQ Excessive Shares Amendment Comments” in the subject line if using email or fax or on the outside of the envelope if submitting written comments.

Please direct any questions about the amendment to José Montañez, jmontanez@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5258.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold four public hearings in August and September 2019 to solicit public input on the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Excessive Shares Amendment. The Council is also soliciting written comments on the amendment through September 14, 2019.

The Excessive Shares Amendment considers a variety of approaches to ensure that no individual, corporation, or other entity acquires an excessive share of the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog individual transferrable quota (ITQ) privileges. In addition, this action includes measures to revise the process for specifying multi-year management measures, require periodic review of the excessive share cap level, and allow adjustments to be made under the frameworkable provisions of the FMP. Lastly, this action may also revise the management objectives for the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery Management Plan.

Additional information is available at http://www.mafmc.org/actions/scoq-excessive-shares-amendment. A public hearing document is available HERE..

Attend a Hearing

Public hearings will be held on the following dates:

1. Thursday, August 1, 2019 at 6:30PM:  The Grand Hotel. 1045 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204; telephone: (609) 884-5611.

2. Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at 6:30PM:  Internet webinar. Connection information to be posted at www.mafmc.org/council-events prior to the meeting.

3. Monday, September 9, 2019 at 6:30PM:  LaQuinta Inns & Suites, 300 S. Salisbury Blvd., Salisbury, MD 21801; telephone: (410) 546-4400.

4. Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at 6:30PM:  Radisson Hotel Providence Airport. 2081 Post Rd, Warwick, RI 02886; telephone: (401) 739-3000.

Submit Written Comments:

In addition to providing comments at any of the public hearings, you may submit written comments by 11:59 PM, Eastern Standard Time, on September 14, 2019. Written comments may be sent by any of the following methods:

1. ONLINE at http://www.mafmc.org/comments/scoq-excessive-shares-amendment;

2. EMAIL to jmontanez@mafmc.org;

3. MAIL to Dr. Christopher Moore, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 North State Street, Suite 201, Dover, Delaware 19901; or

4. FAX to (302) 674-5399.

Please include “SCOQ Excessive Shares Amendment Comments” in the subject line if using email or fax or on the outside of the envelope if submitting written comments.

Please direct any questions about the amendment to José Montañez, jmontanez@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5258.

The Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Excessive Shares Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) will meet in Boston, Massachusetts on Monday, May 14, 2018. The purpose of this meeting is to develop alternatives for the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Excessive Shares Amendment.

This amendment will consider two issues: 1) excessive shares and 2) FMP goals and objectives. As such, options to ensure that no individual, corporation, or other entity acquires an excessive share of the SCOQ Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) privileges will be considered. In addition, in this action, the goals and objectives for the SCOQ FMP will be reviewed and the Council may consider revisions to those goals and objectives.

Additional information about this action is available on the Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Amendment page.

For more information, contact José Montañez: jmontanez@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5258.

About FMAT Meetings

FMAT meetings are working meetings of Council, NOAA Fisheries, and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission staff. The Council typically posts announcements of FMAT meetings to the calendar on the Council’s website, sometimes with very little notice. Detailed agendas and information on the meeting location and how to connect via phone or webinar (if available) are not posted but may be obtained by contacting Council staff prior to the meeting. 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 Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Excessive Shares Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) will meet in Providence, Rhode Island on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The FMAT will review comments on goals and objectives and develop a draft of goals and objectives for the Council to review at the October Council Meeting.

Additional information about this action is available on the Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Amendment page.

Contact José Montañez, jmontanez@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5258.

About FMAT Meetings

FMAT meetings are working meetings of Council, NOAA Fisheries, and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission staff. The Council typically posts announcements of FMAT meetings to the calendar on the Council’s website, sometimes with very little notice. Detailed agendas and information on the meeting location and how to connect via phone or webinar (if available) are not posted but may be obtained by contacting Council staff prior to the meeting. 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 Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold four scoping hearings in July 2017 to solicit public input on the Excessive Shares Amendment to the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog (SCOQ) Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The Council is also soliciting written comments on the amendment through July 21, 2017.

The objectives of this amendment are to (1) implement measures that specifically define what constitutes an excessive share in the SCOQ Individual Fishing Quota (ITQ) program, and (2) review and if necessary revise goals and objectives in the FMP. During the scoping comment period, which will include scoping meetings, the public may provide comments on the range of issues and information that should be considered, including comments related to the excessive shares issue in the SCOQ ITQ fisheries and goals and objectives of the FMP, as well as any other issues that might be of concern regarding to the management of the SCOQ ITQ fishery. 

Additional information is available in the scoping guide for this action, which will be available by June 19, 2017 on the Council’s website at http://www.mafmc.org/actions/scoq-excessive-shares-amendment.

Scoping Schedule

Public scoping hearings will be held on the following dates:

1. Monday July 10, 2017, 6:30 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn Providence Airport, 1 Thurber Street, Warwick, RI 02886. Telephone: (401) 734-9600.
2. Tuesday July 11, 2017, 6:30 p.m., Webinar. Audio and visual access will be available at http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/scoqexcessshare/. The webinar can also be accessed via phone by calling 1-800-832-0736, room #9294759. Members of the public may also attend in-person at the Council office (800 North State St., Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901) if they contact the Council by July 7, 2017.
3. Wednesday July 12, 2017, 6:30 p.m., The Grand Hotel, 1045 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204. Telephone: (609) 884-5611.
4. Monday July 17, 2017, 6:00 p.m., Ocean Pines Branch Library, 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin, MD 21811. Telephone: (410) 208-4014.

Submit Written Comments:

In addition to providing comments at any of the scoping hearings, you may submit written comments by 11:59 PM, Eastern Standard Time, on July 21, 2017. Written comments may be sent by any of the following methods:

1. ONLINE at http://www.mafmc.org/comments/scoq-excessive-shares-amendment-scoping  
2. EMAIL to jmontanez@mafmc.org
3. MAIL to Dr. Christopher Moore, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 North State Street, Suite 201, Dover, Delaware 19901
4. FAX to (302) 674-5399

Please include “SQOQ Excessive Shares Amendment Scoping Comments” in the subject line if using email or fax or on the outside of the envelope if submitting written comments.

Please direct any questions about the amendment to José Montañez, jmontanez@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5258.