The Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Allocation Amendment Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) will meet by webinar on Wednesday, March 24, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is for the FMAT to review a preliminary summary of comments received on the allocation amendment. The FMAT will discuss public comments and provide any recommendations or additional comments on the amendment alternatives and issues, prior to the Council and Board taking final action on this amendment in April.

For additional information, or to obtain webinar connection details, contact Kiley Dancy at kdancy@mafmc.org or (302) 526-5257.

About FMAT Meetings

Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) meetings are working meetings of Council and NOAA Fisheries staff. Information on FMAT meeting locations and how to connect via phone or webinar (if available) 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 Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel will meet jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is for the Advisory Panels to review public comments received on the Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment and to provide recommendations on the Council and Commission’s selection of preferred alternatives for final action. More information on the amendment is available at: http://www.mafmc.org/actions/sfsbsb-allocation-amendment.

Webinar Connection

The meeting can be accessed at: http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/fsb-ap-mar-2021/. Meeting audio can be accessed by following the audio connection prompts upon entering the meeting room (recommended) or via telephone by dialing 1-800-832-0736 and entering room number 4472108.

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

• Public Hearing Document

• DRAFT public comment summary as of 3/18/21

• Staff Presentation

Supplemental

• Alternatives Quick Reference Guide

• Public Hearing Presentation Recording

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) are seeking public comment on the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment. Comments may be submitted at any of five virtual public hearings to be held between February 17 and March 2, 2021 or via written comment until March 16, 2021. Please read the full public hearing announcement for background on this amendment and instructions for submitting written comments.

Quick Links:

• MAFMC Public Hearing Document

• ASMFC Draft Amendment

• Submit Written Comments

• Virtual Hearing Registration

• Public Hearing Presentation Recording

• Alternatives Quick Reference Guide

Virtual Hearing Schedule

You are encouraged to attend any of the following five virtual public hearings and to provide oral or written comments at these hearings. While we encourage you to attend the hearing that is targeted toward your regional groupings of states or an individual state, anyone is welcome to participate in any hearing.

1. Wednesday, February 17, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.: Massachusetts and Rhode Island

2. Thursday, February 18, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.:  New Jersey

3. Wednesday, February 24, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.: Delaware and Maryland

4. Monday, March 1, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.: Virginia and North Carolina

5. Tuesday, March 2, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.: Connecticut and New York

To register for a public hearing please click here: Public Hearing Registration and select the hearing(s) you plan to attend from the dropdown menu. Hearings will be held via GoToWebinar, which can be accessed using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. When connecting to audio, we strongly encourage participants to use computer voice over internet (VoIP) so you can ask questions and provide input. To attend the webinar in listen only mode, dial 1-877-309-2074 and enter access code 128-060-916. Those joining by phone only will be limited to listening to the presentation and will not be able to provide input. For technical assistance setting up and logging into GoToWebinar, contact Savannah Lewis at 703-842-0715.

If you are connected only by phone in listen only mode, you will not show up as a webinar attendee. In the event that there are no webinar attendees, the public hearing will be cancelled unless state staff request that the hearing content is presented. 

The Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) will meet via webinar on November 5, from 9 am to noon.

For additional information, or to obtain webinar connection details, contact Kiley Dancy at kdancy@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5257.

About FMAT Meetings

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 and how to connect via phone or webinar (if available) 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 Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel will meet jointly via webinar with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The objectives of this meeting are:

1. Review and comment on the recommendations of the Scientific and Statistical Committee and Monitoring Committee for 2021 specifications for all three species,

2. Provide recommendations to the Council and Commission on the February 2021 recreational black sea bass fishery, and

3. Provide recommendations to the Council and Commission on draft alternatives for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment.

Webinar Information

The meeting will be held via webinar, which can be accessed at: http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/fsb-ap-jul-2020/. Meeting audio can also be accessed via telephone by dialing 1-800-832-0736 and entering room number 4472108.

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

• Summary of SSC and Monitoring Committee Recommendations for Revised 2021 Specifications

• 2021 Black Sea Bass February Recreational Fishery

  • Staff memo on February recreational black sea bass fishery dated May 22, 2020

  • Summary of May 28, 2020 Monitoring Committee meeting

• Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment DRAFT Fishery Management Action Team Recommended Alternatives

The Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) will meet via webinar on Tuesday, May 26, from 1PM-4PM. This is a follow up meeting to complete the discussion from the FMAT’s previous call on Thursday, May 21.

Contact Kiley Dancy at kdancy@mafmc.org for additional information.

About FMAT Meetings

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 and how to connect via phone or webinar (if available) 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 Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) will meet via webinar on Thursday, May 21 from 9AM-12PM.

Contact Kiley Dancy at kdancy@mafmc.org for additional information.

About FMAT Meetings

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 and how to connect via phone or webinar (if available) 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.

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The Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) will meet via webinar on April 14, 2020 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

About FMAT Meetings

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 and how to connect via phone or webinar (if available) 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 Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel will meet via webinar jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel on Thursday, April 2, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

The meeting will be held via webinar, which can be accessed at: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/257260653. Meeting audio can be accessed via telephone by dialing 1-888-585-9008 and entering room number 705-426-714.

Both groups will discuss an ongoing fishery management plan amendment to consider modifications to the allocations of catch or landings between the commercial and recreational sectors for the summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass fisheries The purpose of this meeting is to review public comments received through the scoping period for this amendment and to provide feedback on the range of issues and management approaches that may be considered through the amendment. More information on the amendment is available at: http://www.mafmc.org/actions/sfsbsb-allocation-amendment.

Meeting Materials

• Scoping Comment Summary Draft 3-27-20

• Scoping and Public Information Document

To join the webinar, go to http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/sfsbsb_com_rec_allocation_scoping/. Audio connection instructions will pop up automatically. For audio-only access, dial 1-800-832-0736 and enter room number 5068871. If you have questions or issues, please contact Julia Beaty, jbeaty@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5250.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) have scheduled a series of scoping hearings to gather public input on the range of issues and information to be considered in the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment. Hearings will be held February 13 – March 3. Written comments will be accepted through March 17, 2020. All comments provided at public hearings or in writing will be presented to the Council and Commission. 

This amendment will consider potential modifications to the allocations of catch or landings between the commercial and recreational sectors for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. The commercial and recreational allocations for all three species were set in the mid-1990s based on historical proportions of landings (for summer flounder and black sea bass) or catch (for scup) from each sector. In July 2018, the Marine Recreational Information Program released revisions to its time series of catch (harvest and discards) estimates. These revisions resulted in much higher recreational catch estimates compared to previous estimates, affecting the entire time series of data going back to 1981. Some changes have also been made to commercial catch data since the allocations were established. The current commercial and recreational allocation percentages for all three species do not reflect the current understanding of the recent and historic proportions of catch and landings from the two sectors. This amendment will consider whether changes to these allocations are warranted.

Scoping is the first and best opportunity to raise concerns related to the scope of issues that will be considered. You are encouraged to submit comments on which options may or may not be useful or practical for meeting the goal of this action and any other relevant issues the Council and Commission should consider.

Learn More

The Scoping and Public Information Document linked below contains background information on summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass management and on issues that may be addressed in the amendment, as well as a description of the amendment process and timeline. Additional information and updates on development of this amendment are available on the amendment action page.

• Scoping and Public Information Document

Contacts

• Julia Beaty, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, jbeaty@mafmc.org, 302-526-5250

• Dustin Colson Leaning, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, dleaning@asmfc.org, 703-842-0740

Hearing Schedule

1. Thursday, February 13, 6:00-7:30 PM - Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Admiral’s Hall, 101 Academy Drive, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532; Contact: Nichola Meserve, 617-626-1531.

2. Wednesday, February 19, 6:00-7:00 PM - Delaware Dept. of Natural Resources & Environmental Control, DNREC Auditorium, Richards & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901; Contact: John Clark, 302-739-9914.

3. Monday, February 24, 6:00-8:00 PM - Belmar Municipal Court Room, 601 Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719; Contact: Joe Cimino, 609-748-2020.

4. Tuesday, February 25, 3:30-4:45 PM - Berlin Library, 13 Harrison Avenue, Berlin, MD 21811; Contact: Steve Doctor, 410-213-1531.

5. Tuesday, February 25, 6:00-8:00 PM - Galloway Township Branch Library, 306 East Jimmie Leeds Road, Galloway, NJ 08205; Contact: Joe Cimino, 609-748-2020.

6. Tuesday, February 25, 6:00-8:00 PM - North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, Pamlico District Office, 943 Washington Square Mall, US Highway 17, Washington, NC 27889; Contact: Chris Batsavage, 252-808-8009.

7. Wednesday, February 26, 6:00-7:30 PM - University of Rhode Island Bay Campus, Corless Auditorium, South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI 02882; Contact: Jason McNamee, 401-423-1943.

8. Wednesday, February 26, 7:00-8:00 PM - Connecticut Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection Marine Headquarters Boating Education Center (Rear Building), 333 Ferry Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371; Contact: Justin Davis, 860-447-4322.

9. Thursday, February 27, 6:00-7:30 PM - Stony Brook University, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Room 120 Endeavor Hall, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000; Contact: Maureen Davidson, 631-444-0483.

10. Monday, March 2, 5:00-6:00 PM - Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 380 Fenwick Road, Building 96, Fort Monroe, VA 23651; Contact: Patrick Geer, 757-247-2078.

11. Tuesday, March 3, 6:00-7:30 PM - Internet Webinar, http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/sfsbsb_com_rec_allocation_scoping/, Audio: 1-800-832-0736 and entering room number 5068871; Contact: Julia Beaty, 302-526-5250.

Please note that some hearings will be held in conjunction with (immediately before or after) supplemental scoping hearings for an ongoing Bluefish Allocation Amendment. A schedule for the bluefish hearings will be posted at: http://www.mafmc.org/actions/bluefish-allocation-amendment.

Written Comments

In addition to providing comments at any of the scheduled public hearings, you may submit written comments by 11:59 pm EDT on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Written comments may be sent by any of the following methods:

1. ONLINE: http://www.mafmc.org/comments/sfsbsb-allocation-amendment

2. EMAIL: jbeaty@mafmc.org

3. MAIL or FAX: Dr. Christopher Moore, Executive Director
   Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council
   800 North State Street, Suite 201

   Dover, DE 19901

   FAX: 302.674.5399

Please include “Fluke/Scup/Sea Bass Allocation Amendment” in the subject line if using email or fax, or on the outside of the envelope if submitting written comments. All comments, regardless of submission method, will be compiled into a single document for review and consideration by both the Council and Commission. Please do not send separate comments to the Council and Commission.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) have scheduled a series of scoping hearings to gather public input on the range of issues and information to be considered in the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment. Hearings will be held February 13 – March 3. Written comments will be accepted through March 17, 2020. All comments provided at public hearings or in writing will be presented to the Council and Commission. 

This amendment will consider potential modifications to the allocations of catch or landings between the commercial and recreational sectors for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. The commercial and recreational allocations for all three species were set in the mid-1990s based on historical proportions of landings (for summer flounder and black sea bass) or catch (for scup) from each sector. In July 2018, the Marine Recreational Information Program released revisions to its time series of catch (harvest and discards) estimates. These revisions resulted in much higher recreational catch estimates compared to previous estimates, affecting the entire time series of data going back to 1981. Some changes have also been made to commercial catch data since the allocations were established. The current commercial and recreational allocation percentages for all three species do not reflect the current understanding of the recent and historic proportions of catch and landings from the two sectors. This amendment will consider whether changes to these allocations are warranted.

Scoping is the first and best opportunity to raise concerns related to the scope of issues that will be considered. You are encouraged to submit comments on which options may or may not be useful or practical for meeting the goal of this action and any other relevant issues the Council and Commission should consider.

Learn More

The Scoping and Public Information Document linked below contains background information on summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass management and on issues that may be addressed in the amendment, as well as a description of the amendment process and timeline. Additional information and updates on development of this amendment are available on the amendment action page.

• Scoping and Public Information Document

Contacts

• Julia Beaty, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, jbeaty@mafmc.org, 302-526-5250

• Dustin Colson Leaning, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, dleaning@asmfc.org, 703-842-0740

Hearing Schedule

1. Thursday, February 13, 6:00-7:30 PM - Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Admiral’s Hall, 101 Academy Drive, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532; Contact: Nichola Meserve, 617-626-1531.

2. Wednesday, February 19, 6:00-7:00 PM - Delaware Dept. of Natural Resources & Environmental Control, DNREC Auditorium, Richards & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901; Contact: John Clark, 302-739-9914.

3. Monday, February 24, 6:00-8:00 PM - Belmar Municipal Court Room, 601 Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719; Contact: Joe Cimino, 609-748-2020.

4. Tuesday, February 25, 3:30-4:45 PM - Berlin Library, 13 Harrison Avenue, Berlin, MD 21811; Contact: Steve Doctor, 410-213-1531.

5. Tuesday, February 25, 6:00-8:00 PM - Galloway Township Branch Library, 306 East Jimmie Leeds Road, Galloway, NJ 08205; Contact: Joe Cimino, 609-748-2020.

6. Tuesday, February 25, 6:00-8:00 PM - North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, Pamlico District Office, 943 Washington Square Mall, US Highway 17, Washington, NC 27889; Contact: Chris Batsavage, 252-808-8009.

7. Wednesday, February 26, 6:00-7:30 PM - University of Rhode Island Bay Campus, Corless Auditorium, South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI 02882; Contact: Jason McNamee, 401-423-1943.

8. Wednesday, February 26, 7:00-8:00 PM - Connecticut Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection Marine Headquarters Boating Education Center (Rear Building), 333 Ferry Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371; Contact: Justin Davis, 860-447-4322.

9. Thursday, February 27, 6:00-7:30 PM - Stony Brook University, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Room 120 Endeavor Hall, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000; Contact: Maureen Davidson, 631-444-0483.

10. Monday, March 2, 5:00-6:00 PM - Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 380 Fenwick Road, Building 96, Fort Monroe, VA 23651; Contact: Patrick Geer, 757-247-2078.

11. Tuesday, March 3, 6:00-7:30 PM - Internet Webinar, http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/sfsbsb_com_rec_allocation_scoping/, Audio: 1-800-832-0736 and entering room number 5068871; Contact: Julia Beaty, 302-526-5250.

Please note that some hearings will be held in conjunction with (immediately before or after) supplemental scoping hearings for an ongoing Bluefish Allocation Amendment. A schedule for the bluefish hearings will be posted at: http://www.mafmc.org/actions/bluefish-allocation-amendment.

Written Comments

In addition to providing comments at any of the scheduled public hearings, you may submit written comments by 11:59 pm EDT on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Written comments may be sent by any of the following methods:

1. ONLINE: http://www.mafmc.org/comments/sfsbsb-allocation-amendment

2. EMAIL: jbeaty@mafmc.org

3. MAIL or FAX: Dr. Christopher Moore, Executive Director
   Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council
   800 North State Street, Suite 201

   Dover, DE 19901

   FAX: 302.674.5399

Please include “Fluke/Scup/Sea Bass Allocation Amendment” in the subject line if using email or fax, or on the outside of the envelope if submitting written comments. All comments, regardless of submission method, will be compiled into a single document for review and consideration by both the Council and Commission. Please do not send separate comments to the Council and Commission.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) have scheduled a series of scoping hearings to gather public input on the range of issues and information to be considered in the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment. Hearings will be held February 13 – March 3. Written comments will be accepted through March 17, 2020. All comments provided at public hearings or in writing will be presented to the Council and Commission. 

This amendment will consider potential modifications to the allocations of catch or landings between the commercial and recreational sectors for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. The commercial and recreational allocations for all three species were set in the mid-1990s based on historical proportions of landings (for summer flounder and black sea bass) or catch (for scup) from each sector. In July 2018, the Marine Recreational Information Program released revisions to its time series of catch (harvest and discards) estimates. These revisions resulted in much higher recreational catch estimates compared to previous estimates, affecting the entire time series of data going back to 1981. Some changes have also been made to commercial catch data since the allocations were established. The current commercial and recreational allocation percentages for all three species do not reflect the current understanding of the recent and historic proportions of catch and landings from the two sectors. This amendment will consider whether changes to these allocations are warranted.

Scoping is the first and best opportunity to raise concerns related to the scope of issues that will be considered. You are encouraged to submit comments on which options may or may not be useful or practical for meeting the goal of this action and any other relevant issues the Council and Commission should consider.

Learn More

The Scoping and Public Information Document linked below contains background information on summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass management and on issues that may be addressed in the amendment, as well as a description of the amendment process and timeline. Additional information and updates on development of this amendment are available on the amendment action page.

• Scoping and Public Information Document

Contacts

• Julia Beaty, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, jbeaty@mafmc.org, 302-526-5250

• Dustin Colson Leaning, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, dleaning@asmfc.org, 703-842-0740

Hearing Schedule

1. Thursday, February 13, 6:00-7:30 PM - Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Admiral’s Hall, 101 Academy Drive, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532; Contact: Nichola Meserve, 617-626-1531.

2. Wednesday, February 19, 6:00-7:00 PM - Delaware Dept. of Natural Resources & Environmental Control, DNREC Auditorium, Richards & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901; Contact: John Clark, 302-739-9914.

3. Monday, February 24, 6:00-8:00 PM - Belmar Municipal Court Room, 601 Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719; Contact: Joe Cimino, 609-748-2020.

4. Tuesday, February 25, 3:30-4:45 PM - Berlin Library, 13 Harrison Avenue, Berlin, MD 21811; Contact: Steve Doctor, 410-213-1531.

5. Tuesday, February 25, 6:00-8:00 PM - Galloway Township Branch Library, 306 East Jimmie Leeds Road, Galloway, NJ 08205; Contact: Joe Cimino, 609-748-2020.

6. Tuesday, February 25, 6:00-8:00 PM - North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, Pamlico District Office, 943 Washington Square Mall, US Highway 17, Washington, NC 27889; Contact: Chris Batsavage, 252-808-8009.

7. Wednesday, February 26, 6:00-7:30 PM - University of Rhode Island Bay Campus, Corless Auditorium, South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI 02882; Contact: Jason McNamee, 401-423-1943.

8. Wednesday, February 26, 7:00-8:00 PM - Connecticut Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection Marine Headquarters Boating Education Center (Rear Building), 333 Ferry Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371; Contact: Justin Davis, 860-447-4322.

9. Thursday, February 27, 6:00-7:30 PM - Stony Brook University, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Room 120 Endeavor Hall, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000; Contact: Maureen Davidson, 631-444-0483.

10. Monday, March 2, 5:00-6:00 PM - Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 380 Fenwick Road, Building 96, Fort Monroe, VA 23651; Contact: Patrick Geer, 757-247-2078.

11. Tuesday, March 3, 6:00-7:30 PM - Internet Webinar, http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/sfsbsb_com_rec_allocation_scoping/, Audio: 1-800-832-0736 and entering room number 5068871; Contact: Julia Beaty, 302-526-5250.

Please note that some hearings will be held in conjunction with (immediately before or after) supplemental scoping hearings for an ongoing Bluefish Allocation Amendment. A schedule for the bluefish hearings will be posted at: http://www.mafmc.org/actions/bluefish-allocation-amendment.

Written Comments

In addition to providing comments at any of the scheduled public hearings, you may submit written comments by 11:59 pm EDT on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Written comments may be sent by any of the following methods:

1. ONLINE: http://www.mafmc.org/comments/sfsbsb-allocation-amendment

2. EMAIL: jbeaty@mafmc.org

3. MAIL or FAX: Dr. Christopher Moore, Executive Director
   Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council
   800 North State Street, Suite 201

   Dover, DE 19901

   FAX: 302.674.5399

Please include “Fluke/Scup/Sea Bass Allocation Amendment” in the subject line if using email or fax, or on the outside of the envelope if submitting written comments. All comments, regardless of submission method, will be compiled into a single document for review and consideration by both the Council and Commission. Please do not send separate comments to the Council and Commission.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) have scheduled a series of scoping hearings to gather public input on the range of issues and information to be considered in the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment. Hearings will be held February 13 – March 3. Written comments will be accepted through March 17, 2020. All comments provided at public hearings or in writing will be presented to the Council and Commission. 

This amendment will consider potential modifications to the allocations of catch or landings between the commercial and recreational sectors for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. The commercial and recreational allocations for all three species were set in the mid-1990s based on historical proportions of landings (for summer flounder and black sea bass) or catch (for scup) from each sector. In July 2018, the Marine Recreational Information Program released revisions to its time series of catch (harvest and discards) estimates. These revisions resulted in much higher recreational catch estimates compared to previous estimates, affecting the entire time series of data going back to 1981. Some changes have also been made to commercial catch data since the allocations were established. The current commercial and recreational allocation percentages for all three species do not reflect the current understanding of the recent and historic proportions of catch and landings from the two sectors. This amendment will consider whether changes to these allocations are warranted.

Scoping is the first and best opportunity to raise concerns related to the scope of issues that will be considered. You are encouraged to submit comments on which options may or may not be useful or practical for meeting the goal of this action and any other relevant issues the Council and Commission should consider.

Learn More

The Scoping and Public Information Document linked below contains background information on summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass management and on issues that may be addressed in the amendment, as well as a description of the amendment process and timeline. Additional information and updates on development of this amendment are available on the amendment action page.

• Scoping and Public Information Document

Contacts

• Julia Beaty, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, jbeaty@mafmc.org, 302-526-5250

• Dustin Colson Leaning, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, dleaning@asmfc.org, 703-842-0740

Hearing Schedule

1. Thursday, February 13, 6:00-7:30 PM - Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Admiral’s Hall, 101 Academy Drive, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532; Contact: Nichola Meserve, 617-626-1531.

2. Wednesday, February 19, 6:00-7:00 PM - Delaware Dept. of Natural Resources & Environmental Control, DNREC Auditorium, Richards & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901; Contact: John Clark, 302-739-9914.

3. Monday, February 24, 6:00-8:00 PM - Belmar Municipal Court Room, 601 Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719; Contact: Joe Cimino, 609-748-2020.

4. Tuesday, February 25, 3:30-4:45 PM - Berlin Library, 13 Harrison Avenue, Berlin, MD 21811; Contact: Steve Doctor, 410-213-1531.

5. Tuesday, February 25, 6:00-8:00 PM - Galloway Township Branch Library, 306 East Jimmie Leeds Road, Galloway, NJ 08205; Contact: Joe Cimino, 609-748-2020.

6. Tuesday, February 25, 6:00-8:00 PM - North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, Pamlico District Office, 943 Washington Square Mall, US Highway 17, Washington, NC 27889; Contact: Chris Batsavage, 252-808-8009.

7. Wednesday, February 26, 6:00-7:30 PM - University of Rhode Island Bay Campus, Corless Auditorium, South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI 02882; Contact: Jason McNamee, 401-423-1943.

8. Wednesday, February 26, 7:00-8:00 PM - Connecticut Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection Marine Headquarters Boating Education Center (Rear Building), 333 Ferry Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371; Contact: Justin Davis, 860-447-4322.

9. Thursday, February 27, 6:00-7:30 PM - Stony Brook University, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Room 120 Endeavor Hall, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000; Contact: Maureen Davidson, 631-444-0483.

10. Monday, March 2, 5:00-6:00 PM - Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 380 Fenwick Road, Building 96, Fort Monroe, VA 23651; Contact: Patrick Geer, 757-247-2078.

11. Tuesday, March 3, 6:00-7:30 PM - Internet Webinar, http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/sfsbsb_com_rec_allocation_scoping/, Audio: 1-800-832-0736 and entering room number 5068871; Contact: Julia Beaty, 302-526-5250.

Please note that some hearings will be held in conjunction with (immediately before or after) supplemental scoping hearings for an ongoing Bluefish Allocation Amendment. A schedule for the bluefish hearings will be posted at: http://www.mafmc.org/actions/bluefish-allocation-amendment.

Written Comments

In addition to providing comments at any of the scheduled public hearings, you may submit written comments by 11:59 pm EDT on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Written comments may be sent by any of the following methods:

1. ONLINE: http://www.mafmc.org/comments/sfsbsb-allocation-amendment

2. EMAIL: jbeaty@mafmc.org

3. MAIL or FAX: Dr. Christopher Moore, Executive Director
   Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council
   800 North State Street, Suite 201

   Dover, DE 19901

   FAX: 302.674.5399

Please include “Fluke/Scup/Sea Bass Allocation Amendment” in the subject line if using email or fax, or on the outside of the envelope if submitting written comments. All comments, regardless of submission method, will be compiled into a single document for review and consideration by both the Council and Commission. Please do not send separate comments to the Council and Commission.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) have scheduled a series of scoping hearings to gather public input on the range of issues and information to be considered in the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment. Hearings will be held February 13 – March 3. Written comments will be accepted through March 17, 2020. All comments provided at public hearings or in writing will be presented to the Council and Commission. 

This amendment will consider potential modifications to the allocations of catch or landings between the commercial and recreational sectors for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. The commercial and recreational allocations for all three species were set in the mid-1990s based on historical proportions of landings (for summer flounder and black sea bass) or catch (for scup) from each sector. In July 2018, the Marine Recreational Information Program released revisions to its time series of catch (harvest and discards) estimates. These revisions resulted in much higher recreational catch estimates compared to previous estimates, affecting the entire time series of data going back to 1981. Some changes have also been made to commercial catch data since the allocations were established. The current commercial and recreational allocation percentages for all three species do not reflect the current understanding of the recent and historic proportions of catch and landings from the two sectors. This amendment will consider whether changes to these allocations are warranted.

Scoping is the first and best opportunity to raise concerns related to the scope of issues that will be considered. You are encouraged to submit comments on which options may or may not be useful or practical for meeting the goal of this action and any other relevant issues the Council and Commission should consider.

Learn More

The Scoping and Public Information Document linked below contains background information on summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass management and on issues that may be addressed in the amendment, as well as a description of the amendment process and timeline. Additional information and updates on development of this amendment are available on the amendment action page.

• Scoping and Public Information Document

Contacts

• Julia Beaty, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, jbeaty@mafmc.org, 302-526-5250

• Dustin Colson Leaning, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, dleaning@asmfc.org, 703-842-0740

Hearing Schedule

1. Thursday, February 13, 6:00-7:30 PM - Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Admiral’s Hall, 101 Academy Drive, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532; Contact: Nichola Meserve, 617-626-1531.

2. Wednesday, February 19, 6:00-7:00 PM - Delaware Dept. of Natural Resources & Environmental Control, DNREC Auditorium, Richards & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901; Contact: John Clark, 302-739-9914.

3. Monday, February 24, 6:00-8:00 PM - Belmar Municipal Court Room, 601 Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719; Contact: Joe Cimino, 609-748-2020.

4. Tuesday, February 25, 3:30-4:45 PM - Berlin Library, 13 Harrison Avenue, Berlin, MD 21811; Contact: Steve Doctor, 410-213-1531.

5. Tuesday, February 25, 6:00-8:00 PM - Galloway Township Branch Library, 306 East Jimmie Leeds Road, Galloway, NJ 08205; Contact: Joe Cimino, 609-748-2020.

6. Tuesday, February 25, 6:00-8:00 PM - North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, Pamlico District Office, 943 Washington Square Mall, US Highway 17, Washington, NC 27889; Contact: Chris Batsavage, 252-808-8009.

7. Wednesday, February 26, 6:00-7:30 PM - University of Rhode Island Bay Campus, Corless Auditorium, South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI 02882; Contact: Jason McNamee, 401-423-1943.

8. Wednesday, February 26, 7:00-8:00 PM - Connecticut Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection Marine Headquarters Boating Education Center (Rear Building), 333 Ferry Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371; Contact: Justin Davis, 860-447-4322.

9. Thursday, February 27, 6:00-7:30 PM - Stony Brook University, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Room 120 Endeavor Hall, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000; Contact: Maureen Davidson, 631-444-0483.

10. Monday, March 2, 5:00-6:00 PM - Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 380 Fenwick Road, Building 96, Fort Monroe, VA 23651; Contact: Patrick Geer, 757-247-2078.

11. Tuesday, March 3, 6:00-7:30 PM - Internet Webinar, http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/sfsbsb_com_rec_allocation_scoping/, Audio: 1-800-832-0736 and entering room number 5068871; Contact: Julia Beaty, 302-526-5250.

Please note that some hearings will be held in conjunction with (immediately before or after) supplemental scoping hearings for an ongoing Bluefish Allocation Amendment. A schedule for the bluefish hearings will be posted at: http://www.mafmc.org/actions/bluefish-allocation-amendment.

Written Comments

In addition to providing comments at any of the scheduled public hearings, you may submit written comments by 11:59 pm EDT on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Written comments may be sent by any of the following methods:

1. ONLINE: http://www.mafmc.org/comments/sfsbsb-allocation-amendment

2. EMAIL: jbeaty@mafmc.org

3. MAIL or FAX: Dr. Christopher Moore, Executive Director
   Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council
   800 North State Street, Suite 201

   Dover, DE 19901

   FAX: 302.674.5399

Please include “Fluke/Scup/Sea Bass Allocation Amendment” in the subject line if using email or fax, or on the outside of the envelope if submitting written comments. All comments, regardless of submission method, will be compiled into a single document for review and consideration by both the Council and Commission. Please do not send separate comments to the Council and Commission.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) have scheduled a series of scoping hearings to gather public input on the range of issues and information to be considered in the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment. Hearings will be held February 13 – March 3. Written comments will be accepted through March 17, 2020. All comments provided at public hearings or in writing will be presented to the Council and Commission. 

This amendment will consider potential modifications to the allocations of catch or landings between the commercial and recreational sectors for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. The commercial and recreational allocations for all three species were set in the mid-1990s based on historical proportions of landings (for summer flounder and black sea bass) or catch (for scup) from each sector. In July 2018, the Marine Recreational Information Program released revisions to its time series of catch (harvest and discards) estimates. These revisions resulted in much higher recreational catch estimates compared to previous estimates, affecting the entire time series of data going back to 1981. Some changes have also been made to commercial catch data since the allocations were established. The current commercial and recreational allocation percentages for all three species do not reflect the current understanding of the recent and historic proportions of catch and landings from the two sectors. This amendment will consider whether changes to these allocations are warranted.

Scoping is the first and best opportunity to raise concerns related to the scope of issues that will be considered. You are encouraged to submit comments on which options may or may not be useful or practical for meeting the goal of this action and any other relevant issues the Council and Commission should consider.

Learn More

The Scoping and Public Information Document linked below contains background information on summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass management and on issues that may be addressed in the amendment, as well as a description of the amendment process and timeline. Additional information and updates on development of this amendment are available on the amendment action page.

• Scoping and Public Information Document

Contacts

• Julia Beaty, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, jbeaty@mafmc.org, 302-526-5250

• Dustin Colson Leaning, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, dleaning@asmfc.org, 703-842-0740

Hearing Schedule

1. Thursday, February 13, 6:00-7:30 PM - Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Admiral’s Hall, 101 Academy Drive, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532; Contact: Nichola Meserve, 617-626-1531.

2. Wednesday, February 19, 6:00-7:00 PM - Delaware Dept. of Natural Resources & Environmental Control, DNREC Auditorium, Richards & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901; Contact: John Clark, 302-739-9914.

3. Monday, February 24, 6:00-8:00 PM - Belmar Municipal Court Room, 601 Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719; Contact: Joe Cimino, 609-748-2020.

4. Tuesday, February 25, 3:30-4:45 PM - Berlin Library, 13 Harrison Avenue, Berlin, MD 21811; Contact: Steve Doctor, 410-213-1531.

5. Tuesday, February 25, 6:00-8:00 PM - Galloway Township Branch Library, 306 East Jimmie Leeds Road, Galloway, NJ 08205; Contact: Joe Cimino, 609-748-2020.

6. Tuesday, February 25, 6:00-8:00 PM - North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, Pamlico District Office, 943 Washington Square Mall, US Highway 17, Washington, NC 27889; Contact: Chris Batsavage, 252-808-8009.

7. Wednesday, February 26, 6:00-7:30 PM - University of Rhode Island Bay Campus, Corless Auditorium, South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI 02882; Contact: Jason McNamee, 401-423-1943.

8. Wednesday, February 26, 7:00-8:00 PM - Connecticut Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection Marine Headquarters Boating Education Center (Rear Building), 333 Ferry Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371; Contact: Justin Davis, 860-447-4322.

9. Thursday, February 27, 6:00-7:30 PM - Stony Brook University, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Room 120 Endeavor Hall, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000; Contact: Maureen Davidson, 631-444-0483.

10. Monday, March 2, 5:00-6:00 PM - Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 380 Fenwick Road, Building 96, Fort Monroe, VA 23651; Contact: Patrick Geer, 757-247-2078.

11. Tuesday, March 3, 6:00-7:30 PM - Internet Webinar, http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/sfsbsb_com_rec_allocation_scoping/, Audio: 1-800-832-0736 and entering room number 5068871; Contact: Julia Beaty, 302-526-5250.

Please note that some hearings will be held in conjunction with (immediately before or after) supplemental scoping hearings for an ongoing Bluefish Allocation Amendment. A schedule for the bluefish hearings will be posted at: http://www.mafmc.org/actions/bluefish-allocation-amendment.

Written Comments

In addition to providing comments at any of the scheduled public hearings, you may submit written comments by 11:59 pm EDT on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Written comments may be sent by any of the following methods:

1. ONLINE: http://www.mafmc.org/comments/sfsbsb-allocation-amendment

2. EMAIL: jbeaty@mafmc.org

3. MAIL or FAX: Dr. Christopher Moore, Executive Director
   Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council
   800 North State Street, Suite 201

   Dover, DE 19901

   FAX: 302.674.5399

Please include “Fluke/Scup/Sea Bass Allocation Amendment” in the subject line if using email or fax, or on the outside of the envelope if submitting written comments. All comments, regardless of submission method, will be compiled into a single document for review and consideration by both the Council and Commission. Please do not send separate comments to the Council and Commission.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) have scheduled a series of scoping hearings to gather public input on the range of issues and information to be considered in the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment. Hearings will be held February 13 – March 3. Written comments will be accepted through March 17, 2020. All comments provided at public hearings or in writing will be presented to the Council and Commission. 

This amendment will consider potential modifications to the allocations of catch or landings between the commercial and recreational sectors for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. The commercial and recreational allocations for all three species were set in the mid-1990s based on historical proportions of landings (for summer flounder and black sea bass) or catch (for scup) from each sector. In July 2018, the Marine Recreational Information Program released revisions to its time series of catch (harvest and discards) estimates. These revisions resulted in much higher recreational catch estimates compared to previous estimates, affecting the entire time series of data going back to 1981. Some changes have also been made to commercial catch data since the allocations were established. The current commercial and recreational allocation percentages for all three species do not reflect the current understanding of the recent and historic proportions of catch and landings from the two sectors. This amendment will consider whether changes to these allocations are warranted.

Scoping is the first and best opportunity to raise concerns related to the scope of issues that will be considered. You are encouraged to submit comments on which options may or may not be useful or practical for meeting the goal of this action and any other relevant issues the Council and Commission should consider.

Learn More

The Scoping and Public Information Document linked below contains background information on summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass management and on issues that may be addressed in the amendment, as well as a description of the amendment process and timeline. Additional information and updates on development of this amendment are available on the amendment action page.

• Scoping and Public Information Document

Contacts

• Julia Beaty, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, jbeaty@mafmc.org, 302-526-5250

• Dustin Colson Leaning, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, dleaning@asmfc.org, 703-842-0740

Hearing Schedule

1. Thursday, February 13, 6:00-7:30 PM - Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Admiral’s Hall, 101 Academy Drive, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532; Contact: Nichola Meserve, 617-626-1531.

2. Wednesday, February 19, 6:00-7:00 PM - Delaware Dept. of Natural Resources & Environmental Control, DNREC Auditorium, Richards & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901; Contact: John Clark, 302-739-9914.

3. Monday, February 24, 6:00-8:00 PM - Belmar Municipal Court Room, 601 Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719; Contact: Joe Cimino, 609-748-2020.

4. Tuesday, February 25, 3:30-4:45 PM - Berlin Library, 13 Harrison Avenue, Berlin, MD 21811; Contact: Steve Doctor, 410-213-1531.

5. Tuesday, February 25, 6:00-8:00 PM - Galloway Township Branch Library, 306 East Jimmie Leeds Road, Galloway, NJ 08205; Contact: Joe Cimino, 609-748-2020.

6. Tuesday, February 25, 6:00-8:00 PM - North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, Pamlico District Office, 943 Washington Square Mall, US Highway 17, Washington, NC 27889; Contact: Chris Batsavage, 252-808-8009.

7. Wednesday, February 26, 6:00-7:30 PM - University of Rhode Island Bay Campus, Corless Auditorium, South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI 02882; Contact: Jason McNamee, 401-423-1943.

8. Wednesday, February 26, 7:00-8:00 PM - Connecticut Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection Marine Headquarters Boating Education Center (Rear Building), 333 Ferry Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371; Contact: Justin Davis, 860-447-4322.

9. Thursday, February 27, 6:00-7:30 PM - Stony Brook University, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Room 120 Endeavor Hall, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000; Contact: Maureen Davidson, 631-444-0483.

10. Monday, March 2, 5:00-6:00 PM - Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 380 Fenwick Road, Building 96, Fort Monroe, VA 23651; Contact: Patrick Geer, 757-247-2078.

11. Tuesday, March 3, 6:00-7:30 PM - Internet Webinar, http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/sfsbsb_com_rec_allocation_scoping/, Audio: 1-800-832-0736 and entering room number 5068871; Contact: Julia Beaty, 302-526-5250.

Please note that some hearings will be held in conjunction with (immediately before or after) supplemental scoping hearings for an ongoing Bluefish Allocation Amendment. A schedule for the bluefish hearings will be posted at: http://www.mafmc.org/actions/bluefish-allocation-amendment.

Written Comments

In addition to providing comments at any of the scheduled public hearings, you may submit written comments by 11:59 pm EDT on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Written comments may be sent by any of the following methods:

1. ONLINE: http://www.mafmc.org/comments/sfsbsb-allocation-amendment

2. EMAIL: jbeaty@mafmc.org

3. MAIL or FAX: Dr. Christopher Moore, Executive Director
   Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council
   800 North State Street, Suite 201

   Dover, DE 19901

   FAX: 302.674.5399

Please include “Fluke/Scup/Sea Bass Allocation Amendment” in the subject line if using email or fax, or on the outside of the envelope if submitting written comments. All comments, regardless of submission method, will be compiled into a single document for review and consideration by both the Council and Commission. Please do not send separate comments to the Council and Commission.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) have scheduled a series of scoping hearings to gather public input on the range of issues and information to be considered in the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment. Hearings will be held February 13 – March 3. Written comments will be accepted through March 17, 2020. All comments provided at public hearings or in writing will be presented to the Council and Commission. 

This amendment will consider potential modifications to the allocations of catch or landings between the commercial and recreational sectors for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. The commercial and recreational allocations for all three species were set in the mid-1990s based on historical proportions of landings (for summer flounder and black sea bass) or catch (for scup) from each sector. In July 2018, the Marine Recreational Information Program released revisions to its time series of catch (harvest and discards) estimates. These revisions resulted in much higher recreational catch estimates compared to previous estimates, affecting the entire time series of data going back to 1981. Some changes have also been made to commercial catch data since the allocations were established. The current commercial and recreational allocation percentages for all three species do not reflect the current understanding of the recent and historic proportions of catch and landings from the two sectors. This amendment will consider whether changes to these allocations are warranted.

Scoping is the first and best opportunity to raise concerns related to the scope of issues that will be considered. You are encouraged to submit comments on which options may or may not be useful or practical for meeting the goal of this action and any other relevant issues the Council and Commission should consider.

Learn More

The Scoping and Public Information Document linked below contains background information on summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass management and on issues that may be addressed in the amendment, as well as a description of the amendment process and timeline. Additional information and updates on development of this amendment are available on the amendment action page.

• Scoping and Public Information Document

Contacts

• Julia Beaty, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, jbeaty@mafmc.org, 302-526-5250

• Dustin Colson Leaning, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, dleaning@asmfc.org, 703-842-0740

Hearing Schedule

1. Thursday, February 13, 6:00-7:30 PM - Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Admiral’s Hall, 101 Academy Drive, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532; Contact: Nichola Meserve, 617-626-1531.

2. Wednesday, February 19, 6:00-7:00 PM - Delaware Dept. of Natural Resources & Environmental Control, DNREC Auditorium, Richards & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901; Contact: John Clark, 302-739-9914.

3. Monday, February 24, 6:00-8:00 PM - Belmar Municipal Court Room, 601 Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719; Contact: Joe Cimino, 609-748-2020.

4. Tuesday, February 25, 3:30-4:45 PM - Berlin Library, 13 Harrison Avenue, Berlin, MD 21811; Contact: Steve Doctor, 410-213-1531.

5. Tuesday, February 25, 6:00-8:00 PM - Galloway Township Branch Library, 306 East Jimmie Leeds Road, Galloway, NJ 08205; Contact: Joe Cimino, 609-748-2020.

6. Tuesday, February 25, 6:00-8:00 PM - North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, Pamlico District Office, 943 Washington Square Mall, US Highway 17, Washington, NC 27889; Contact: Chris Batsavage, 252-808-8009.

7. Wednesday, February 26, 6:00-7:30 PM - University of Rhode Island Bay Campus, Corless Auditorium, South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI 02882; Contact: Jason McNamee, 401-423-1943.

8. Wednesday, February 26, 7:00-8:00 PM - Connecticut Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection Marine Headquarters Boating Education Center (Rear Building), 333 Ferry Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371; Contact: Justin Davis, 860-447-4322.

9. Thursday, February 27, 6:00-7:30 PM - Stony Brook University, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Room 120 Endeavor Hall, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000; Contact: Maureen Davidson, 631-444-0483.

10. Monday, March 2, 5:00-6:00 PM - Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 380 Fenwick Road, Building 96, Fort Monroe, VA 23651; Contact: Patrick Geer, 757-247-2078.

11. Tuesday, March 3, 6:00-7:30 PM - Internet Webinar, http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/sfsbsb_com_rec_allocation_scoping/, Audio: 1-800-832-0736 and entering room number 5068871; Contact: Julia Beaty, 302-526-5250.

Please note that some hearings will be held in conjunction with (immediately before or after) supplemental scoping hearings for an ongoing Bluefish Allocation Amendment. A schedule for the bluefish hearings will be posted at: http://www.mafmc.org/actions/bluefish-allocation-amendment.

Written Comments

In addition to providing comments at any of the scheduled public hearings, you may submit written comments by 11:59 pm EDT on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Written comments may be sent by any of the following methods:

1. ONLINE: http://www.mafmc.org/comments/sfsbsb-allocation-amendment

2. EMAIL: jbeaty@mafmc.org

3. MAIL or FAX: Dr. Christopher Moore, Executive Director
   Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council
   800 North State Street, Suite 201

   Dover, DE 19901

   FAX: 302.674.5399

Please include “Fluke/Scup/Sea Bass Allocation Amendment” in the subject line if using email or fax, or on the outside of the envelope if submitting written comments. All comments, regardless of submission method, will be compiled into a single document for review and consideration by both the Council and Commission. Please do not send separate comments to the Council and Commission.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) have scheduled a series of scoping hearings to gather public input on the range of issues and information to be considered in the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment. Hearings will be held February 13 – March 3. Written comments will be accepted through March 17, 2020. All comments provided at public hearings or in writing will be presented to the Council and Commission. 

This amendment will consider potential modifications to the allocations of catch or landings between the commercial and recreational sectors for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. The commercial and recreational allocations for all three species were set in the mid-1990s based on historical proportions of landings (for summer flounder and black sea bass) or catch (for scup) from each sector. In July 2018, the Marine Recreational Information Program released revisions to its time series of catch (harvest and discards) estimates. These revisions resulted in much higher recreational catch estimates compared to previous estimates, affecting the entire time series of data going back to 1981. Some changes have also been made to commercial catch data since the allocations were established. The current commercial and recreational allocation percentages for all three species do not reflect the current understanding of the recent and historic proportions of catch and landings from the two sectors. This amendment will consider whether changes to these allocations are warranted.

Scoping is the first and best opportunity to raise concerns related to the scope of issues that will be considered. You are encouraged to submit comments on which options may or may not be useful or practical for meeting the goal of this action and any other relevant issues the Council and Commission should consider.

Learn More

The Scoping and Public Information Document linked below contains background information on summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass management and on issues that may be addressed in the amendment, as well as a description of the amendment process and timeline. Additional information and updates on development of this amendment are available on the amendment action page.

• Scoping and Public Information Document

Contacts

• Julia Beaty, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, jbeaty@mafmc.org, 302-526-5250

• Dustin Colson Leaning, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, dleaning@asmfc.org, 703-842-0740

Hearing Schedule

1. Thursday, February 13, 6:00-7:30 PM - Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Admiral’s Hall, 101 Academy Drive, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532; Contact: Nichola Meserve, 617-626-1531.

2. Wednesday, February 19, 6:00-7:00 PM - Delaware Dept. of Natural Resources & Environmental Control, DNREC Auditorium, Richards & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901; Contact: John Clark, 302-739-9914.

3. Monday, February 24, 6:00-8:00 PM - Belmar Municipal Court Room, 601 Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719; Contact: Joe Cimino, 609-748-2020.

4. Tuesday, February 25, 3:30-4:45 PM - Berlin Library, 13 Harrison Avenue, Berlin, MD 21811; Contact: Steve Doctor, 410-213-1531.

5. Tuesday, February 25, 6:00-8:00 PM - Galloway Township Branch Library, 306 East Jimmie Leeds Road, Galloway, NJ 08205; Contact: Joe Cimino, 609-748-2020.

6. Tuesday, February 25, 6:00-8:00 PM - North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, Pamlico District Office, 943 Washington Square Mall, US Highway 17, Washington, NC 27889; Contact: Chris Batsavage, 252-808-8009.

7. Wednesday, February 26, 6:00-7:30 PM - University of Rhode Island Bay Campus, Corless Auditorium, South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI 02882; Contact: Jason McNamee, 401-423-1943.

8. Wednesday, February 26, 7:00-8:00 PM - Connecticut Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection Marine Headquarters Boating Education Center (Rear Building), 333 Ferry Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371; Contact: Justin Davis, 860-447-4322.

9. Thursday, February 27, 6:00-7:30 PM - Stony Brook University, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Room 120 Endeavor Hall, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000; Contact: Maureen Davidson, 631-444-0483.

10. Monday, March 2, 5:00-6:00 PM - Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 380 Fenwick Road, Building 96, Fort Monroe, VA 23651; Contact: Patrick Geer, 757-247-2078.

11. Tuesday, March 3, 6:00-7:30 PM - Internet Webinar, http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/sfsbsb_com_rec_allocation_scoping/, Audio: 1-800-832-0736 and entering room number 5068871; Contact: Julia Beaty, 302-526-5250.

Please note that some hearings will be held in conjunction with (immediately before or after) supplemental scoping hearings for an ongoing Bluefish Allocation Amendment. A schedule for the bluefish hearings will be posted at: http://www.mafmc.org/actions/bluefish-allocation-amendment.

Written Comments

In addition to providing comments at any of the scheduled public hearings, you may submit written comments by 11:59 pm EDT on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Written comments may be sent by any of the following methods:

1. ONLINE: http://www.mafmc.org/comments/sfsbsb-allocation-amendment

2. EMAIL: jbeaty@mafmc.org

3. MAIL or FAX: Dr. Christopher Moore, Executive Director
   Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council
   800 North State Street, Suite 201

   Dover, DE 19901

   FAX: 302.674.5399

Please include “Fluke/Scup/Sea Bass Allocation Amendment” in the subject line if using email or fax, or on the outside of the envelope if submitting written comments. All comments, regardless of submission method, will be compiled into a single document for review and consideration by both the Council and Commission. Please do not send separate comments to the Council and Commission.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) have scheduled a series of scoping hearings to gather public input on the range of issues and information to be considered in the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment. Hearings will be held February 13 – March 3. Written comments will be accepted through March 17, 2020. All comments provided at public hearings or in writing will be presented to the Council and Commission. 

This amendment will consider potential modifications to the allocations of catch or landings between the commercial and recreational sectors for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. The commercial and recreational allocations for all three species were set in the mid-1990s based on historical proportions of landings (for summer flounder and black sea bass) or catch (for scup) from each sector. In July 2018, the Marine Recreational Information Program released revisions to its time series of catch (harvest and discards) estimates. These revisions resulted in much higher recreational catch estimates compared to previous estimates, affecting the entire time series of data going back to 1981. Some changes have also been made to commercial catch data since the allocations were established. The current commercial and recreational allocation percentages for all three species do not reflect the current understanding of the recent and historic proportions of catch and landings from the two sectors. This amendment will consider whether changes to these allocations are warranted.

Scoping is the first and best opportunity to raise concerns related to the scope of issues that will be considered. You are encouraged to submit comments on which options may or may not be useful or practical for meeting the goal of this action and any other relevant issues the Council and Commission should consider.

Learn More

The Scoping and Public Information Document linked below contains background information on summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass management and on issues that may be addressed in the amendment, as well as a description of the amendment process and timeline. Additional information and updates on development of this amendment are available on the amendment action page.

• Scoping and Public Information Document

Contacts

• Julia Beaty, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, jbeaty@mafmc.org, 302-526-5250

• Dustin Colson Leaning, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, dleaning@asmfc.org, 703-842-0740

Hearing Schedule

1. Thursday, February 13, 6:00-7:30 PM - Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Admiral’s Hall, 101 Academy Drive, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532; Contact: Nichola Meserve, 617-626-1531.

2. Wednesday, February 19, 6:00-7:00 PM - Delaware Dept. of Natural Resources & Environmental Control, DNREC Auditorium, Richards & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901; Contact: John Clark, 302-739-9914.

3. Monday, February 24, 6:00-8:00 PM - Belmar Municipal Court Room, 601 Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719; Contact: Joe Cimino, 609-748-2020.

4. Tuesday, February 25, 3:30-4:45 PM - Berlin Library, 13 Harrison Avenue, Berlin, MD 21811; Contact: Steve Doctor, 410-213-1531.

5. Tuesday, February 25, 6:00-8:00 PM - Galloway Township Branch Library, 306 East Jimmie Leeds Road, Galloway, NJ 08205; Contact: Joe Cimino, 609-748-2020.

6. Tuesday, February 25, 6:00-8:00 PM - North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, Pamlico District Office, 943 Washington Square Mall, US Highway 17, Washington, NC 27889; Contact: Chris Batsavage, 252-808-8009.

7. Wednesday, February 26, 6:00-7:30 PM - University of Rhode Island Bay Campus, Corless Auditorium, South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI 02882; Contact: Jason McNamee, 401-423-1943.

8. Wednesday, February 26, 7:00-8:00 PM - Connecticut Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection Marine Headquarters Boating Education Center (Rear Building), 333 Ferry Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371; Contact: Justin Davis, 860-447-4322.

9. Thursday, February 27, 6:00-7:30 PM - Stony Brook University, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Room 120 Endeavor Hall, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000; Contact: Maureen Davidson, 631-444-0483.

10. Monday, March 2, 5:00-6:00 PM - Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 380 Fenwick Road, Building 96, Fort Monroe, VA 23651; Contact: Patrick Geer, 757-247-2078.

11. Tuesday, March 3, 6:00-7:30 PM - Internet Webinar, http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/sfsbsb_com_rec_allocation_scoping/, Audio: 1-800-832-0736 and entering room number 5068871; Contact: Julia Beaty, 302-526-5250.

Please note that some hearings will be held in conjunction with (immediately before or after) supplemental scoping hearings for an ongoing Bluefish Allocation Amendment. A schedule for the bluefish hearings will be posted at: http://www.mafmc.org/actions/bluefish-allocation-amendment.

Written Comments

In addition to providing comments at any of the scheduled public hearings, you may submit written comments by 11:59 pm EDT on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Written comments may be sent by any of the following methods:

1. ONLINE: http://www.mafmc.org/comments/sfsbsb-allocation-amendment

2. EMAIL: jbeaty@mafmc.org

3. MAIL or FAX: Dr. Christopher Moore, Executive Director
   Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council
   800 North State Street, Suite 201

   Dover, DE 19901

   FAX: 302.674.5399

Please include “Fluke/Scup/Sea Bass Allocation Amendment” in the subject line if using email or fax, or on the outside of the envelope if submitting written comments. All comments, regardless of submission method, will be compiled into a single document for review and consideration by both the Council and Commission. Please do not send separate comments to the Council and Commission.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) have scheduled a series of scoping hearings to gather public input on the range of issues and information to be considered in the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment. Hearings will be held February 13 – March 3. Written comments will be accepted through March 17, 2020. All comments provided at public hearings or in writing will be presented to the Council and Commission. 

This amendment will consider potential modifications to the allocations of catch or landings between the commercial and recreational sectors for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. The commercial and recreational allocations for all three species were set in the mid-1990s based on historical proportions of landings (for summer flounder and black sea bass) or catch (for scup) from each sector. In July 2018, the Marine Recreational Information Program released revisions to its time series of catch (harvest and discards) estimates. These revisions resulted in much higher recreational catch estimates compared to previous estimates, affecting the entire time series of data going back to 1981. Some changes have also been made to commercial catch data since the allocations were established. The current commercial and recreational allocation percentages for all three species do not reflect the current understanding of the recent and historic proportions of catch and landings from the two sectors. This amendment will consider whether changes to these allocations are warranted.

Scoping is the first and best opportunity to raise concerns related to the scope of issues that will be considered. You are encouraged to submit comments on which options may or may not be useful or practical for meeting the goal of this action and any other relevant issues the Council and Commission should consider.

Learn More

The Scoping and Public Information Document linked below contains background information on summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass management and on issues that may be addressed in the amendment, as well as a description of the amendment process and timeline. Additional information and updates on development of this amendment are available on the amendment action page.

• Scoping and Public Information Document

Contacts

• Julia Beaty, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, jbeaty@mafmc.org, 302-526-5250

• Dustin Colson Leaning, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, dleaning@asmfc.org, 703-842-0740

Hearing Schedule

1. Thursday, February 13, 6:00-7:30 PM - Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Admiral’s Hall, 101 Academy Drive, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532; Contact: Nichola Meserve, 617-626-1531.

2. Wednesday, February 19, 6:00-7:00 PM - Delaware Dept. of Natural Resources & Environmental Control, DNREC Auditorium, Richards & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901; Contact: John Clark, 302-739-9914.

3. Monday, February 24, 6:00-8:00 PM - Belmar Municipal Court Room, 601 Main Street, Belmar, NJ 07719; Contact: Joe Cimino, 609-748-2020.

4. Tuesday, February 25, 3:30-4:45 PM - Berlin Library, 13 Harrison Avenue, Berlin, MD 21811; Contact: Steve Doctor, 410-213-1531.

5. Tuesday, February 25, 6:00-8:00 PM - Galloway Township Branch Library, 306 East Jimmie Leeds Road, Galloway, NJ 08205; Contact: Joe Cimino, 609-748-2020.

6. Tuesday, February 25, 6:00-8:00 PM - North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, Pamlico District Office, 943 Washington Square Mall, US Highway 17, Washington, NC 27889; Contact: Chris Batsavage, 252-808-8009.

7. Wednesday, February 26, 6:00-7:30 PM - University of Rhode Island Bay Campus, Corless Auditorium, South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI 02882; Contact: Jason McNamee, 401-423-1943.

8. Wednesday, February 26, 7:00-8:00 PM - Connecticut Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection Marine Headquarters Boating Education Center (Rear Building), 333 Ferry Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371; Contact: Justin Davis, 860-447-4322.

9. Thursday, February 27, 6:00-7:30 PM - Stony Brook University, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Room 120 Endeavor Hall, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000; Contact: Maureen Davidson, 631-444-0483.

10. Monday, March 2, 5:00-6:00 PM - Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 380 Fenwick Road, Building 96, Fort Monroe, VA 23651; Contact: Patrick Geer, 757-247-2078.

11. Tuesday, March 3, 6:00-7:30 PM - Internet Webinar, http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/sfsbsb_com_rec_allocation_scoping/, Audio: 1-800-832-0736 and entering room number 5068871; Contact: Julia Beaty, 302-526-5250.

Please note that some hearings will be held in conjunction with (immediately before or after) supplemental scoping hearings for an ongoing Bluefish Allocation Amendment. A schedule for the bluefish hearings will be posted at: http://www.mafmc.org/actions/bluefish-allocation-amendment.

Written Comments

In addition to providing comments at any of the scheduled public hearings, you may submit written comments by 11:59 pm EDT on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Written comments may be sent by any of the following methods:

1. ONLINE: http://www.mafmc.org/comments/sfsbsb-allocation-amendment

2. EMAIL: jbeaty@mafmc.org

3. MAIL or FAX: Dr. Christopher Moore, Executive Director
   Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council
   800 North State Street, Suite 201

   Dover, DE 19901

   FAX: 302.674.5399

Please include “Fluke/Scup/Sea Bass Allocation Amendment” in the subject line if using email or fax, or on the outside of the envelope if submitting written comments. All comments, regardless of submission method, will be compiled into a single document for review and consideration by both the Council and Commission. Please do not send separate comments to the Council and Commission.