The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass and Bluefish Advisory Panels will hold a joint public meeting via webinar on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

The objective of this meeting is for the Advisory Panels to discuss the Recreational Sector Separation and Data Collection Amendment to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass and Bluefish FMPs.

Staff contact:

• Kiley Dancy, kdancy@mafmc.org, 302-526-5257

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar. If prompted, enter meeting number 2331 850 0046

• After you connect to the webinar, follow the prompts to use your computer, phone, or other device for audio.

• If necessary to connect via phone only, you may dial 1-415-655-0001 and enter access code 2331 850 0046.  Please only use this option if you are not able to connect to the webinar.

Meeting Materials

• Public Information/Scoping Document

• DRAFT public scoping comment summary

• Presentation

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass and Bluefish Advisory Panels will hold a joint public meeting via webinar on Thursday, March 13, 2025 from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

The objective of this meeting is for the Advisory Panels to discuss the Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework/Addenda.

Staff contact:

• Julia Beaty: jbeaty@mafmc.org; 302-526-5250

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar. If prompted, enter meeting number 2349 839 4150

• After you connect to the webinar, follow the prompts to use your computer, phone, or other device for audio.

• If necessary to connect via phone only, you may dial 1-415-655-0001 and enter access code 2349 839 4150.  Please only use this option if you are not able to connect to the webinar.

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

• Action Plan

• Draft Addenda for Public Comment

• Public comment summary

• NEFSC analysis of RDM predictions of total harvest versus total removals (3/7/2025).

The Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass, and Bluefish Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework/Addenda Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) / Plan Development Team (PDT) will hold a meeting via webinar on Monday, March 10, 2025 from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

The FMAT/PDT and Work Group will discuss several aspects of the Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework/Addenda.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the Ring Central webinar meeting. If prompted, enter meeting ID 947624805.

• Please connect your audio through your computer, telephone, or other device by following the prompts that appear after opening the webinar. If you must join by phone only, you may dial (650) 4191505 and enter access code/meeting ID 947624805. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or other device.

Meeting Materials

• Action Plan

• Draft Addenda for Public Comment

About FMAT/PDT Meetings

This will be a working meeting of the FMAT/PDT. Members of the public may listen to this meeting, but should not expect to participate in the discussion unless the meeting chair invites input during a specified public comment period. FMAT/PDT working documents will not be shared. The work of the FMAT/PDT, including meeting summaries, will be shared and considered during Council/Policy Board meetings, during which public comments are encouraged.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management 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 Recreational Sector Separation and Data Collection Amendment to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and the Bluefish FMP. Five scoping hearings will be held between February 25 and March 5, 2025. Written comments will be accepted through March 20, 2025.

• Hearing Announcement

• Public Information/Scoping Document

• Submit Written Comments

• Scoping Hearing Slides

• Scoping Presentation Recording

Hearing Details

For a complete schedule of hearings, please see the Scoping Hearing Announcement.

This hearing will be conducted via webinar only. To register, click the link below and select the hearing(s) you plan to attend from the dropdown menu.

• Webinar Registration

Hearing Contacts:

• Corrin Flora (ME) - 207.446.8126

• Renee Zobel (NH) - 603.868.1095

• Nichola Meserve (MA) - 978.619.0017

Webinar Instructions: When connecting to audio, we strongly encourage you to use your computer’s microphone and speakers (VoIP) so you can ask questions and provide comments. To attend the webinar in listen only mode, dial 415.655.0052 and enter access code 724-084-791. Those joining by phone only will be limited to listening to the presentation and will not be able to provide input. If you are new to GoToWebinar, you can download the software by clicking here or via the App store under GoTo. Before joining, we recommend testing your device’s compatibility with the webinar. If you need assistance, please contact the Commission at info@asmfc.org (subject line: GoToWebinar help).

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management 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 Recreational Sector Separation and Data Collection Amendment to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and the Bluefish FMP. Five scoping hearings will be held between February 25 and March 5, 2025. Written comments will be accepted through March 20, 2025.

• Hearing Announcement

• Public Information/Scoping Document

• Submit Written Comments

• Scoping Hearing Slides

• Scoping Presentation Recording

Hearing Details

For a complete schedule of hearings, please see the Scoping Hearing Announcement.

This hearing will be conducted via webinar only. To register, click the link below and select the hearing(s) you plan to attend from the dropdown menu.

• Webinar Registration

Hearing Contacts:

• John Clark (DE) 302.739.9914

• Mike Luisi (MD) 410.260.8341

• Ron Owens (PRFC) 804.224.7148

• Pat Geer (VA) 757.247.2200

• Chris Batsavage (NC) 252.241.2995

Webinar Instructions: When connecting to audio, we strongly encourage you to use your computer’s microphone and speakers (VoIP) so you can ask questions and provide comments. To attend the webinar in listen only mode, dial 415.655.0052 and enter access code 724-084-791. Those joining by phone only will be limited to listening to the presentation and will not be able to provide input. If you are new to GoToWebinar, you can download the software by clicking here or via the App store under GoTo. Before joining, we recommend testing your device’s compatibility with the webinar. If you need assistance, please contact the Commission at info@asmfc.org (subject line: GoToWebinar help).

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management 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 Recreational Sector Separation and Data Collection Amendment to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and the Bluefish FMP. Five scoping hearings will be held between February 25 and March 5, 2025. Written comments will be accepted through March 20, 2025.

• Hearing Announcement

• Public Information/Scoping Document

• Submit Written Comments

• Scoping Hearing Slides

• Scoping Presentation Recording

Hearing Details

For a complete schedule of hearings, please see the Scoping Hearing Announcement.

This will be a hybrid hearing, with in-person and virtual participation options. To register for the webinar, click the link below and select the hearing(s) you plan to attend from the dropdown menu.

• Webinar Registration (Zoom) (Meeting ID: 861 5076 1946; Passcode: 483668; if calling in dial 646-931-3860)

Hearing Contacts: Jason McNamee 401.537.4141

The Assessment Oversight Panel (AOP) will meet on February 28, 2024 to review the stock assessment plans for June management track assessment stocks and recommend the level of peer review necessary for each assessment. MAFMC-managed stocks to be addressed at this meeting include: Atlantic mackerel, black sea bass, bluefish, Northern shortfin squid (Illex), scup, and summer flounder.

An agenda and other details will be posted at the link below prior to the meeting. This meeting is open to the public.

*** Please note that stock assessment meetings are hosted by the Northeast Fisheries Science Center. Webinar connection information for these meetings is only available on the meeting page (linked above) and will not be posted on the Council calendar. ***

Background Information

Management track assessments provide updated catch advice on a regular schedule. The schedule varies by species.  These assessments begin with a previously approved assessment model and a plan to carry forward an updated assessment with possible changes to the data or parameters in the model.

The AOP is responsible for reviewing and approving management track assessment plans and recommending the appropriate level of peer review for each management track assessment. The AOP is composed of four members: a member of the Mid-Atlantic Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC), a member of the New England Council’s SSC, a member of the ASMFC Assessment Science Committee, and the NEFSC Chief of the Populations Dynamics Branch.

During this meeting, the lead assessment scientist for each species will present the assessment plans to the AOP. The AOP will then recommend the level of peer review appropriate for each assessment. There are three levels of management track peer review:

• Level 1: direct delivery (i.e., no peer review) of simple data and model updates;

• Level 2: expedited peer review of updates with some changes to the model or data streams; or

• Level 3: enhanced peer review of updates with extensive changes. 

After the AOP meets and makes its recommendations, the assessment leads will then carry out the management track assessment within the scope of the approved plan for each stock.

A peer review meeting will be held at the end of the process to review the Level 2 and 3 assessments.

Additional information about stock assessments is available on the Council’s Stock Assessments page and on the NOAA Fisheries website.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management 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 Recreational Sector Separation and Data Collection Amendment to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and the Bluefish FMP. Five scoping hearings will be held between February 25 and March 5, 2025. Written comments will be accepted through March 20, 2025.

• Hearing Announcement

• Public Information/Scoping Document

• Submit Written Comments

• Scoping Hearing Slides

• Scoping Presentation Recording

Hearing Details

For a complete schedule of hearings, please see the Scoping Hearing Announcement.

This will be a hybrid hearing, with in-person and virtual participation options. To register for the webinar, click the link below and select the hearing(s) you plan to attend from the dropdown menu.

• Webinar Registration

Hearing Contacts: Martin Gary (NY), 631.444.0430; Matthew Gates (CT), 860.876.4393

Webinar Instructions: When connecting to audio, we strongly encourage you to use your computer’s microphone and speakers (VoIP) so you can ask questions and provide comments. To attend the webinar in listen only mode, dial 415.655.0052 and enter access code 724-084-791. Those joining by phone only will be limited to listening to the presentation and will not be able to provide input. If you are new to GoToWebinar, you can download the software by clicking here or via the App store under GoTo. Before joining, we recommend testing your device’s compatibility with the webinar. If you need assistance, please contact the Commission at info@asmfc.org (subject line: GoToWebinar help).

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management 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 Recreational Sector Separation and Data Collection Amendment to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and the Bluefish FMP. Five scoping hearings will be held between February 25 and March 5, 2025. Written comments will be accepted through March 20, 2025.

• Hearing Announcement

• Public Information/Scoping Document

• Submit Written Comments

• Scoping Hearing Slides

• Scoping Presentation Recording

Hearing Details

For a complete schedule of hearings, please see the Scoping Hearing Announcement.

This hearing will be conducted via webinar only. To register, click the link below and select the hearing(s) you plan to attend from the dropdown menu.

• Webinar Registration

Hearing Contact: Joseph Cimino - 609.748.2020

Webinar Instructions: When connecting to audio, we strongly encourage you to use your computer’s microphone and speakers (VoIP) so you can ask questions and provide comments. To attend the webinar in listen only mode, dial 415.655.0052 and enter access code 724-084-791. Those joining by phone only will be limited to listening to the presentation and will not be able to provide input. If you are new to GoToWebinar, you can download the software by clicking here or via the App store under GoTo. Before joining, we recommend testing your device’s compatibility with the webinar. If you need assistance, please contact the Commission at info@asmfc.org (subject line: GoToWebinar help).

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has scheduled a series of public hearings to gather input on the Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework/Draft Addenda. Although the Council’s framework development process does not include public hearings, all public comments provided during the Commission’s comment period will be considered by both groups before taking final action.

This hearing will be conducted by webinar.

• Hearing Details

Documents

• Draft Addenda to the FMPs for Bluefish, and Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass: Harvest Control Rule for Recreational Management

Background Information

• ASMFC Releases Recreational Measures Setting Process Draft Addenda for Public Comment States to Conduct Public Hearings in January

• MAFMC Action Page

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has scheduled a series of public hearings to gather input on the Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework/Draft Addenda. Although the Council’s framework development process does not include public hearings, all public comments provided during the Commission’s comment period will be considered by both groups before taking final action.

This hearing will be conducted by webinar.

• Hearing Details

Documents

• Draft Addenda to the FMPs for Bluefish, and Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass: Harvest Control Rule for Recreational Management

Background Information

• ASMFC Releases Recreational Measures Setting Process Draft Addenda for Public Comment States to Conduct Public Hearings in January

• MAFMC Action Page

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has scheduled a series of public hearings to gather input on the Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework/Draft Addenda. Although the Council’s framework development process does not include public hearings, all public comments provided during the Commission’s comment period will be considered by both groups before taking final action.

This is a hybrid meeting (both in-person and virtual).

• Hearing Details

Documents

• Draft Addenda to the FMPs for Bluefish, and Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass: Harvest Control Rule for Recreational Management

Background Information

• ASMFC Releases Recreational Measures Setting Process Draft Addenda for Public Comment States to Conduct Public Hearings in January

• MAFMC Action Page

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has scheduled a series of public hearings to gather input on the Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework/Draft Addenda. Although the Council’s framework development process does not include public hearings, all public comments provided during the Commission’s comment period will be considered by both groups before taking final action.

• Hearing Details

Documents

• Draft Addenda to the FMPs for Bluefish, and Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass: Harvest Control Rule for Recreational Management

Background Information

• ASMFC Releases Recreational Measures Setting Process Draft Addenda for Public Comment States to Conduct Public Hearings in January

• MAFMC Action Page

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has scheduled a series of public hearings to gather input on the Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework/Draft Addenda. Although the Council’s framework development process does not include public hearings, all public comments provided during the Commission’s comment period will be considered by both groups before taking final action.

This hearing will be conducted by webinar.

• Hearing Details

Documents

• Draft Addenda to the FMPs for Bluefish, and Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass: Harvest Control Rule for Recreational Management

Background Information

• ASMFC Releases Recreational Measures Setting Process Draft Addenda for Public Comment States to Conduct Public Hearings in January

• MAFMC Action Page

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE), in cooperation with the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, will hold a workshop to collect industry input on the current scup Gear Restricted Areas (GRAs). The Council and CCE are particularly seeking input from small mesh trawl fishermen. However, anyone with an interest in the scup GRAs is invited to attend.

When: Wednesday November 20, 2024, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Where: The workshop will be held at three in-person locations with a webinar option available:

• Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County Office – 423 Griffing Ave., Riverhead, NY 11901

• Superior Trawl – 55 State St., Narragansett, RI 02882

• Lund’s Fisheries – 997 Ocean Drive, Cape May, NJ 08204

• Webinar (Zoom) – Connection information is available here

Registration: Please register here if you are planning to attend.

Workshop Purpose: The workshop will be facilitated by CCE as part of a Council-funded project titled “Utilizing Collaborative Strategies to Assess and Adapt Scup GRAs in Response to Climate Change.” First implemented in 2000 and 2001, the Council’s two scup GRAs are intended to reduce juvenile scup discards in small mesh fisheries during certain times of the year. Recent data suggest there has been a shift in where and when scup discards occur, and it is anticipated that changes may continue with changing ocean conditions and species distributions. Industry input provided during this workshop will be used along with fisheries and environmental data to evaluate potential changes to the GRAs.

Additional Information: Visit the Cornell Cooperative Extension page to learn more.

The Council’s and ASMFC’s joint Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT)/Plan Development Team (PDT) for the Recreational Sector Separation and Catch Accounting Amendment will meet via Webinar on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, from 2-4pm.

The purpose of this meeting is to review a draft action plan and draft scoping document for the Recreational Sector Separation and Catch Accounting Amendment to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass and Bluefish FMPs. This action was initiated in 2020 as part of the Recreational Reform Initiative, but has since been on hold in order to prioritize other actions. The Council and ASMFC’s Policy Board will consider approval of a scoping document at their December joint meeting.

Webinar Connection

• Please join using this link: https://v.ringcentral.com/join/080684230

  Meeting ID: 080684230

  Or dial: +1 (650) 4191505 United States (San Mateo, CA)

  Access Code / Meeting ID: 080684230

About FMAT Meetings

Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) meetings are working meetings of the Council, NOAA Fisheries, and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission staff. 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 (SFSBSB) Monitoring Committee will meet via webinar on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss 2025 recreational management measures for all three species.

Staff contacts:

• Julia Beaty (lead for black sea bass): jbeaty@mafmc.org; 302-526-5250

• Kiley Dancy (lead for summer flounder): kdancy@mafmc.org; 302-526-5257

• Hannah Hart (lead for scup): hhart@mafmc.org; 302-526-5263

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number:

  2335 492 1278; Password: recreational). After you connect you will have the option to choose whether to use your phone or computer microphone and speakers for audio.

• Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001; Access code: 2335 492 1278. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar.

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

• Summer Flounder 2025 Recreational Measures:

  • Summer flounder staff memo

  • Presentation

• Scup 2025 Recreational Measures:

  • Scup staff memo

  • Presentation

• Black Sea Bass Recreational Measures:

  • Black sea bass staff memo (updated 11/8/24)

  • Presentation

• Supplemental

  • GARFO to MAFMC 2023 Catch Accounting Letter and Report

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel will hold a public webinar meeting, jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel. The meeting will be held via webinar on Thursday, November 14, 2024 from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.

The objective of this meeting is to discuss 2025 recreational measures (i.e., bag, size, and season limits) for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. The Council and Commission previously adopted 2024-2025 recreational measures for summer flounder and scup (the same measures across the two years). Therefore, Advisors will review the previously adopted 2025 recreational measures for summer flounder and scup and provide input on whether these measures should remain unchanged. Black sea bass recreational measures for 2025 were not previously adopted; therefore, Advisors will discuss considerations for 2025 black sea bass measures and provide input on the appropriate approach for 2025 black sea bass recreational measures.

Staff contact:

• Julia Beaty: jbeaty@mafmc.org; 302-526-5250

• Kiley Dancy: kdancy@mafmc.org; 302-526-5257

• Hannah Hart: hhart@mafmc.org; 302-526-5263

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar. If prompted, enter meeting number 2333 873 4833 and password 9gmN3YKK5H6.

• After you connect to the webinar, follow the prompts to use your computer, phone, or other device for audio.

• If necessary to connect via phone only, you may dial 1-415-655-0001 and enter access code 2333 873 4833.  Please only use this option if you are not able to connect to the webinar.

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

• Summer Flounder 2025 Recreational Measures:

  • Summer flounder staff memo

  • Presentation

• Scup 2025 Recreational Measures:

  • Scup staff memo

  • Presentation

• Black Sea Bass Recreational Measures:

  • Black sea bass staff memo (updated 11/8/24)

  • Presentation

• Supplemental

  • GARFO to MAFMC 2023 Catch Accounting Letter and Report

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel will hold a public webinar meeting, jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel. The meeting will be held via webinar on Thursday, October 3, 2024 from 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is for the Advisory Panels to review and provide comments on the draft Summer Flounder Commercial Mesh Size Exemptions Framework/Addendum.

Staff contact:

• Kiley Dancy: kdancy@mafmc.org; 302-526-5257

• Hannah Hart: hhart@mafmc.org; 302-526-5263

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar. If prompted, enter meeting number 2348 746 4641and password yXpCJays823.

• After you connect to the webinar, follow the prompts to use your computer, phone, or other device for audio.

• If necessary to connect via phone only, you may dial 1-415-655-0001 and enter access code 2348 746 4641.  Please only use this option if you are not able to connect to the webinar.

Meeting Materials

• Draft Addendum XXXV for Public Comment

• Staff presentation

• Additional information and past action documents available at: https://www.mafmc.org/actions/summer-flounder-commercial-mesh-exemptions

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has scheduled two virtual public hearings to gather input on the Summer Flounder Commercial Mesh Exemptions Framework/Addendum. Although the Council’s framework development process does not include public hearings, all public comments provided during the Commission’s comment period will be considered by both groups before taking final action.

• Register for the Webinar

  • Update 9/17/24: The webinar has concluded. A recording of the hearing presentation is available on the Commission’s YouTube channel.

• Public Hearing Document

Written comments will be accepted through September 28, 2024. Please see the Commission’s press release for comment instructions.

Visit the Council’s Summer Flounder Commercial Mesh Size Exemptions Framework/Addendum page to learn more about this action.

The Spiny Dogfish Monitoring Committee with meet via webinar on Tuesday, September 17th from 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. to develop recommendations for future Spiny Dogfish specifications.

Staff contacts:

• Jason Didden, jdidden@mafmc.org; 302-526-5254

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar

• Webex Meeting number: 2330 179 5299

  Password if needed: chSbDY2SB52

  If joining by phone only: 415-655-0001 and use meeting number

Meeting Materials

• Please see spiny dogfish materials on the September 2024 SSC Meeting page

• Agenda: The task of the Monitoring Committee is to make recommendations to ensure that the Annual Catch Limit (ACL) and other specifications are not exceeded, starting with the Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) provided from the Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC). To complete this task the following must be identified:

  • How much to set aside for Canadian landings/catch?

    • This results in the U.S. ACL

  • How much of a management uncertainty buffer is needed?

    • This results in the Annual Catch Target (ACT)

  • How much to set aside for discards?

    • This results in the Total Allowable Landings (TAL)

  • How much to set aside for recreational landings?

    • This results in the commercial quota.

• The Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) has provided ABCs for 2025/2026 of either 7,230 metric tons (MT) for both years or 7,031 MT for 2025 and 7,446 MT for 2026.

• Draft Specifications Table

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has scheduled two virtual public hearings to gather input on the Summer Flounder Commercial Mesh Exemptions Framework/Addendum. Although the Council’s framework development process does not include public hearings, all public comments provided during the Commission’s comment period will be considered by both groups before taking final action.

• Register for the Webinar

• Public Hearing Document

Written comments will be accepted through September 28, 2024. Please see the Commission’s press release for comment instructions.

Visit the Council’s Summer Flounder Commercial Mesh Size Exemptions Framework/Addendum page to learn more about this action.

The Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass, and Bluefish Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework/Addenda Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) / Plan Development Team (PDT) will hold a meeting via webinar on Monday, September 9, 2024 from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

The FMAT/PDT and Work Group will discuss several aspects of the Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework/Addenda.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the Webex meeting. If prompted, enter meeting number 2347 968 8039.

• Please connect your audio through your computer, telephone, or other device by following the prompts that appear after opening the webinar. If you must join by phone only, you may dial 1-415-655-0001 and enter access code/meeting number 2347 968 8039. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or other device.

Meeting Materials

• Action Plan

About FMAT/PDT Meetings

This will be a working meeting of the FMAT/PDT. Members of the public may listen to this meeting, but should not expect to participate in the discussion unless the meeting chair invites input during a specified public comment period. FMAT/PDT working documents will not be shared. The work of the FMAT/PDT, including meeting summaries, will be shared and considered during Council/Policy Board meetings, during which public comments are encouraged.

The Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass, and Bluefish Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework/Addenda Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) / Plan Development Team (PDT) will hold a meeting via webinar on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

The FMAT/PDT and Work Group will discuss several aspects of the Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework/Addenda.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the Webex meeting. If prompted, enter meeting number 2337 745 1042.

• Please connect your audio through your computer, telephone, or other device by following the prompts that appear after opening the webinar. If you must join by phone only, you may dial 1-415-655-0001 and enter access code/meeting number 2337 745 1042. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or other device.

Meeting Materials

• Action Plan

About FMAT/PDT Meetings

This will be a working meeting of the FMAT/PDT. Members of the public may listen to this meeting, but should not expect to participate in the discussion unless the meeting chair invites input during a specified public comment period. FMAT/PDT working documents will not be shared. The work of the FMAT/PDT, including meeting summaries, will be shared and considered during Council/Policy Board meetings, during which public comments are encouraged.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel will hold a public webinar meeting, jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel. The meeting will be held via webinar on Monday, August 5, 2024 from 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is to review the recommendations of the Scientific and Statistical Committee and Monitoring Committee for 2025 black sea bass catch and landings limits and to provide additional Advisory Panel input to the Council on 2025 specifications.

Staff contacts:

• Julia Beaty (lead for black sea bass): jbeaty@mafmc.org; 302-526-5250

• Kiley Dancy (lead for summer flounder): kdancy@mafmc.org; 302-526-5257

• Hannah Hart (lead for scup): hhart@mafmc.org; 302-526-5263

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the meeting. If prompted, enter meeting number 2345 885 4124 and password 3QWxdtmE7f2

• After you connect to the webinar, follow the prompts to use your computer, phone, or other device for audio.

• If necessary to connect via phone only, you may dial 1-415-655-0001 and enter access code 2345 885 4124.  Please only use this option if you are not able to connect to the webinar.

Meeting Materials

• Staff presentation

• Executive Summary of July 23-25, 2024 SSC Meeting Report

• Staff Memo: Recommendations for 2025 Black Sea Bass Specifications

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass (SFSBSB) Monitoring Committee will meet via webinar on Thursday, August 1, 2024 from 9am-1pm.

The purpose of this meeting is to recommend 2025 catch and landings limits for black sea bass, and to review the previously adopted 2025 limits for summer flounder and scup and recommend changes if necessary. In addition, the Monitoring Committee will review coastwide commercial measures for all three species and recommend changes as appropriate.

Staff contacts:

• Julia Beaty (lead for black sea bass): jbeaty@mafmc.org; 302-526-5250

• Kiley Dancy (lead for summer flounder): kdancy@mafmc.org; 302-526-5257

• Hannah Hart (lead for scup): hhart@mafmc.org; 302-526-5263

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2345 825 1222; Password: SFSBSB-MC). After you connect you will have the option to choose whether to use your phone or computer microphone and speakers for audio.

• Phone-Only Access: 1-415-655-0001; Access code: 2345 825 1222. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or device. Otherwise follow the audio connection prompts to call in when you join the webinar.

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

• Summer Flounder 2025 Specifications

  • Staff Memo: Review of 2025 Measures for Summer Flounder

  • 2024 Advisory Panel Fishery Performance Report (all 3 species)

  • Supplemental

    • 2024 Summer Flounder Fishery Information Document

    • 2024 Data Update for Summer Flounder

• Summer Flounder Commercial Mesh Exemptions Draft Framework/Addendum

• Action webpage

• Summer Flounder Commercial Mesh Exemptions Draft Framework/Addendum document (to be posted)

• Scup 2025 Specifications

  • Staff Memo: Review of 2025 Measures for Scup

  • 2024 Advisory Panel Fishery Performance Report (all 3 species, same as linked above)

  • Supplemental

• 2024 Scup Fishery Information Document

• 2024 Data Update for Scup

• Updated NEFSC Scup Projections for 2025

• Black Sea Bass 2025 Specifications

  • Staff Memo: Recommendations for 2025 Black Sea Bass Specifications

  • 2024 Advisory Panel Fishery Performance Report (all 3 species, same as linked above)

  • Supplemental

    • 2024 Black Sea Bass Fishery Information Document

    • 2025 Black Sea Bass OFL/ABC Projections

    • Draft 2024 Black Sea Bass Management Track Assessment Report

      • Additional Information: See the Stock Assessment Support Information (SASINF) Search Tool for additional information on the 2024 Black Sea Bass Management Track and 2023 Research Track assessments, including tables/figures, working papers, and presentations.

The Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass, and Bluefish Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework/Addenda Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) / Plan Development Team (PDT) will hold a meeting via webinar on Tuesday, July 30,, 2024 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The FMAT/PDT will discuss several aspects of the Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework/Addenda.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the Webex meeting. If prompted, enter meeting number 2338 688 7710.

• Please connect your audio through your computer, telephone, or other device by following the prompts that appear after opening the webinar. If you must join by phone only, you may dial 1-415-655-0001 and enter access code 2338 688 7710. Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar on your computer or other device.

Meeting Materials

• Action Plan

About FMAT/PDT Meetings

This will be a working meeting of the FMAT/PDT. Members of the public may listen to this meeting, but should not expect to participate in the discussion unless the meeting chair invites input during a specified public comment period. FMAT/PDT working documents will not be shared. The work of the FMAT/PDT, including meeting summaries, will be shared and considered during Council/Policy Board meetings, during which public comments are encouraged.