The Council’s Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Advisory Panel will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 from 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. via webinar.

The purpose of this meeting is for the Advisory Panel to develop a fishery performance report (FPR) for Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog. The intent of the FPR is to facilitate a venue for structured input from the Advisory Panel for specifications processes. The FPR will be used by the MAFMC’s Scientific and Statistical Committee and the Council when reviewing specifications for the 2025 fishing year.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the meeting. If prompted, enter Meeting number (access code): 2333 402 3930; Meeting password: SCOQAP2024FPR

• Join by phone: 415-655-0001 (US Toll)

Meeting Materials

• 2024 Surfclam Fishery Information Document

• 2024 Ocean Quahog Fishery Information Document

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is requesting public comments on a draft amendment to modify the species separation requirements in the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. Comments may be submitted at any of three public hearings to be held on May 9, 14, and 16. Written comments will also be accepted through May 30, 2024.

This action is intended to address the increased frequency of mixed catches in these fisheries, an issue raised by the clam fishing industry. Current regulations do not allow for surfclam and ocean quahog to be landed on the same trip or placed in the same cages. The mixing of catches has created challenges related to catch monitoring, allocation tracking, and enforcement. Industry has also reported that the increasing frequency of mixed catches will impact onboard fisheries operations, creating logistical and economic challenges in the long-term that need to be addressed.

The Public Hearing Document describes a range of management approaches (“alternatives”) that could address this issue and provides a summary of associated impacts. At the June 2024 Council Meeting, the Council will review public input and recommend an alternative to NOAA Fisheries for review and rulemaking.

Public Hearings

Comments may be submitted at any of the following public hearings:

1. Thursday, May 9, 2024. 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Webinar.

2. Tuesday, May 14, 2024. 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport, 9000 Bartram Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19153. 215-365-4500.

3. Thursday, May 16, 2024. 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Hyatt Place Boston/Braintree, 50 Forbes Rd, Braintree, MA 02184 781-848-0600.

Written Comments

Written comments may be submitted by any of the methods listed below. Comments must be received by 11:59 p.m. EST on May 30, 2024.

• Email to: jcoakley@mafmc.org (use subject “SCOQ Species Separation”)

• Online at: https://www.mafmc.org/comments/scoq-species-separation  

• Mail to: Chris Moore, Ph.D., Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 North State Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901. Mark the outside of the envelope “SCOQ Species Separation.”

For more information, contact Jessica Coakley (jcoakley@mafmc.org, 302-526-5252) or visit https://www.mafmc.org/actions/scoq-species-separation.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is requesting public comments on a draft amendment to modify the species separation requirements in the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. Comments may be submitted at any of three public hearings to be held on May 9, 14, and 16. Written comments will also be accepted through May 30, 2024.

This action is intended to address the increased frequency of mixed catches in these fisheries, an issue raised by the clam fishing industry. Current regulations do not allow for surfclam and ocean quahog to be landed on the same trip or placed in the same cages. The mixing of catches has created challenges related to catch monitoring, allocation tracking, and enforcement. Industry has also reported that the increasing frequency of mixed catches will impact onboard fisheries operations, creating logistical and economic challenges in the long-term that need to be addressed.

The Public Hearing Document describes a range of management approaches (“alternatives”) that could address this issue and provides a summary of associated impacts.. At the June 2024 Council Meeting, the Council will review public input and recommend an alternative to NOAA Fisheries for review and rulemaking.

Public Hearings

Comments may be submitted at any of the following public hearings:

1. Thursday, May 9, 2024. 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Webinar.

2. Tuesday, May 14, 2024. 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport, 9000 Bartram Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19153. 215-365-4500.

3. Thursday, May 16, 2024. 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Hyatt Place Boston/Braintree, 50 Forbes Rd, Braintree, MA 02184 781-848-0600.

Written Comments

Written comments may be submitted by any of the methods listed below. Comments must be received by 11:59 p.m. EST on May 30, 2024.

• Email to: jcoakley@mafmc.org (use subject “SCOQ Species Separation”)

• Online at: https://www.mafmc.org/comments/scoq-species-separation  

• Mail to: Chris Moore, Ph.D., Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 North State Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901. Mark the outside of the envelope “SCOQ Species Separation.”

For more information, contact Jessica Coakley (jcoakley@mafmc.org, 302-526-5252) or visit https://www.mafmc.org/actions/scoq-species-separation.

Webinar Connection Details

This hearing will be conducted on the Webex webinar platform. No pre-registration is needed.

• Click here to join the meeting - If prompted, enter Meeting Number (access code): 2336 086 1589; Password: 2024May9_SCOQ

• Join by phone: +1-415-655-0001 (US Toll)

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is requesting public comments on a draft amendment to modify the species separation requirements in the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. Comments may be submitted at any of three public hearings to be held on May 9, 14, and 16. Written comments will also be accepted through May 30, 2024.

This action is intended to address the increased frequency of mixed catches in these fisheries, an issue raised by the clam fishing industry. Current regulations do not allow for surfclam and ocean quahog to be landed on the same trip or placed in the same cages. The mixing of catches has created challenges related to catch monitoring, allocation tracking, and enforcement. Industry has also reported that the increasing frequency of mixed catches will impact onboard fisheries operations, creating logistical and economic challenges in the long-term that need to be addressed.

The Public Hearing Document describes a range of management approaches (“alternatives”) that could address this issue and provides a summary of associated impacts. At the June 2024 Council Meeting, the Council will review public input and recommend an alternative to NOAA Fisheries for review and rulemaking.

Public Hearings

Comments may be submitted at any of the following public hearings:

1. Thursday, May 9, 2024. 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Webinar (see connection details at top of page).

2. Tuesday, May 14, 2024. 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport, 9000 Bartram Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19153. 215-365-4500.

3. Thursday, May 16, 2024. 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Hyatt Place Boston/Braintree, 50 Forbes Rd, Braintree, MA 02184 781-848-0600.

Written Comments

Written comments may be submitted by any of the methods listed below. Comments must be received by 11:59 p.m. EST on May 30, 2024.

• Email to: jcoakley@mafmc.org (use subject “SCOQ Species Separation”)

• Online at: https://www.mafmc.org/comments/scoq-species-separation  

• Mail to: Chris Moore, Ph.D., Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 North State Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901. Mark the outside of the envelope “SCOQ Species Separation.”

For more information, contact Jessica Coakley (jcoakley@mafmc.org, 302-526-5252) or visit https://www.mafmc.org/actions/scoq-species-separation.

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 Surfclam, Black Sea Bass, and Butterfish. Please note that the AOP meeting for the golden tilefish management track assessment will be held on April 4.

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 Council’s Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Committee and Advisory Panel will hold a public meeting on Monday, February 5, 2024 from 9 :30 a.m. - 12 p.m. via webinar.

The purpose of this meeting is for the Committee and Advisory Panel to review the Species Separation Requirements Amendment Public Hearing Document and provide input. The Committee will make recommendations about the Public Hearing Document to the Council at the February Council meeting.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar. Meeting number (access code): 2331 680 5932

  Password: R8fmyi3W43n

• Join by phone: +1-415-655-0001 US Toll - Access Code: 2331 680 5932

Materials

• Agenda

• SCOQ Species Separation Requirements Amendment Draft Public Hearing Document

The Council’s Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Committee and Advisory Panel will hold a public meeting on Friday, September 13, 2023 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. via webinar.

The purpose of this meeting is for the Committee and Advisory Panel to receive updates on the Shellfish Biotoxin/Food and Drug Administration protocols that might impact the clam fisheries on Georges Bank, discuss the status of the Species Separation Requirements Amendment, and to develop recommendations for implementation plan items for the Executive Committee to consider in October 2023.

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar. If prompted, enter Access Code: 2337 412 8419;

  Meeting password: SCOQCTAP2023SEPT

• Phone only access: +1-415-655-0001 US Toll; Access Code: 2337 412 8419

Materials

• Agenda

• Staff Memo

• Comment letter from Cape May Foods and Surfside Foods

• Comment from Sea Watch International

• Comment from Monte Rome on GSCHMA EFP

The Council’s Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Advisory Panel will hold a public meeting on Thursday, April 13, 2023 from 1 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. via webinar.

The purpose of this meeting is for the Advisory Panel to develop a fishery performance report (FPR) for Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog. The intent of the FPR is to facilitate a venue for structured input from the Advisory Panel for specifications processes. The FPR will be used by the MAFMC’s Scientific and Statistical Committee and Council when reviewing specifications for the 2024 fishing year.

Materials

• 2023 Surfclam Fishery Information Document

• 2023 Ocean Quahog Fishery Information Document

• 2022 Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery Performance Report

Webinar Connection

• Please register for this meeting here:

  https://midatlanticfisheriesmc.webex.com/weblink/register/raf79dc568c8ca543223e028f9fa9e2ee

The Council’s Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Advisory Panel and Species Separation Requirements Amendment Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) will hold a public meeting on Thursday, January 26, 2023 from 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. via webinar.

The purpose of this meeting is for the Advisory Panel to provide input on the FMAT’s draft action plan for work on the Species Separation Requirement Amendment in 2023. In addition, the FMAT will gather input from the Advisory Panel on additional types of solutions/approaches that could be considered for the amendment.

Materials

• Agenda

• Action Plan

• Industry Comments

Webinar Connection

• Click here to join the webinar. If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2344 936 6246; Password: SCOQAmend2023. 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: 2344 936 6246. 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.

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 for in-person meetings may be obtained by contacting Council staff prior to the meeting. This information is not posted to the Council’s website. The date and time of FMAT meetings are generally posted to the calendar on the Council’s website, sometimes with very little notice. FMAT members may discuss topics listed on the agenda in any order and may also discuss topics not listed. Members of the public may attend FMAT meetings, or listen to the meetings if they are broadcast, but should not expect to participate in the discussion unless the FMAT chair invites public input during a specified public comment period to be noted at the beginning of the meeting. Work carried out by the FMAT is considered during committee and/or Council meetings, during which public comments are encouraged.

The Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Committee will hold a public meeting via webinar on Friday, December 2, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to review public comment received on the draft Amendment to address species separation requirements in the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. The Committee may also develop recommendations to the Council, to be presented to the full Council later in December.

Contact: Jessica Coakley, jcoakley@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5252

Webinar Information

• Join the Webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2341 674 0543, Meeting password: Dec2022SCOQCtte)

• Join by Phone: +1-415-655-0001 (US Toll), Access Code: 2341 674 0543

Meeting Materials

• Agenda

• SCOQ Species Separation Requirement Amendment - Summary of Comments

• SCOQ Comments

• SCOQ Species Separation Requirement_PHD

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) is requesting public comments on a draft amendment to modify the species separation requirements in the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. Comments may be submitted at any of three public hearings to be held on November 10, 14, and 17. Written comments will also be accepted through November 23.

• Public Hearing Document

• Public Hearing Presentation

Public Hearings

Comments may be submitted at any of the following public hearings:

1. Thursday, November 10, 2022. 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport. 9000 Bartram Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19153. 215-365-4500.

2. Canceled Monday, November 14, 2022. 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Hampton Inn. 53 Old Bedford Road, Westport, MA 02790. 508-675-8500.

3. Thursday, November 17, 2022. 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Webinar. Register here.

Written Comments

Written comments may be submitted by any of the methods listed below. Comments must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23, 2022.

• Email to: jcoakley@mafmc.org (use subject “SCOQ Species Separation”)

• Online at: https://www.mafmc.org/comments/scoq-species-separation 

• Mail to: Chris Moore, Ph.D., Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 North State Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901. Mark the outside of the envelope " SCOQ Species Separation.”

PLEASE NOTE: This hearing has been cancelled due to staff and hearing officer travel delays. Anyone planning to attend this hearing is strongly encouraged to attend the public hearing webinar to be held on Thursday, November 17 at 6:00 p.m.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) is requesting public comments on a draft amendment to modify the species separation requirements in the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. Comments may be submitted at any of three public hearings to be held on November 10, 14, and 17. Written comments will also be accepted through November 23.

• Public Hearing Document

• Public Hearing Presentation

Public Hearings

Comments may be submitted at any of the following public hearings:

1. Thursday, November 10, 2022. 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport. 9000 Bartram Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19153. 215-365-4500.

2. Monday, November 14, 2022. 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Hampton Inn. 53 Old Bedford Road, Westport, MA 02790. 508-675-8500.

3. Thursday, November 17, 2022. 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Webinar. Register here.

Written Comments

Written comments may be submitted by any of the methods listed below. Comments must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23, 2022.

• Email to: jcoakley@mafmc.org (use subject “SCOQ Species Separation”)

• Online at: https://www.mafmc.org/comments/scoq-species-separation 

• Mail to: Chris Moore, Ph.D., Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 North State Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901. Mark the outside of the envelope " SCOQ Species Separation.”

The Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Species Separation Requirements Amendment Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) will meet on Tuesday, April 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The Council is developing and Amendment to modify species separation requirements in the surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. At this first meeting, the FMAT will 1) review the draft action plan including the timeline for work, 2) review the draft purpose and need statement (for NEPA), and 3) review a draft suite of alternatives on which to begin amendment development work.

Contact: Jessica Coakley, jcoakley@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5252 or José Montañez, jmontanez@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5258

Webinar Information

• Join the Webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2337 174 2477, Meeting password: SCOQ2022FMAT1)

• Join by Phone: +1-415-655-0001 (US Toll), Access Code: 2337 174 2477

 About FMAT Meetings

Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) meetings are working meetings of the Council, NOAA Fisheries, and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission staff. Connection details for webinar-based meetings are typically posted on the calendar page for that meeting. Information on FMAT meeting locations for in-person meetings may be obtained by contacting Council staff prior to the meeting. This information is not posted to the Council’s website. The date and time of FMAT meetings are generally posted to the calendar on the Council’s website, sometimes with very little notice. FMAT members may discuss topics listed on the agenda in any order and may also discuss topics not listed. Members of the public may attend FMAT meetings, or listen to the meetings if they are broadcast, but should not expect to participate in the discussion unless the FMAT chair invites public input during a specified public comment period to be noted at the beginning of the meeting. Work carried out by the FMAT is considered during committee and/or Council meetings, during which public comments are encouraged.

The Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Advisory Panel will meet on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. The objective of this is to review available 2021 fishery information and prepare the 2022 Fishery Performance Report (FPR). The FPR will be considered by the Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) and Council during their review of surfclam and ocean quahog measures for the upcoming fishing year (2023).

Contact: Jessica Coakley, jcoakley@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5252

Webinar Information

• Join the Webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 2337 632 6281, Meeting password: SCOQAP2022FPR)

• Join by Phone: +1-415-655-0001 (US Toll), Access Code: 2337 632 6281

Meeting Materials

• 2022 Surfclam Fishery Information Document

• 2022 Ocean Quahog Fishery Information Document

• 2021 Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery Performance Report

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Committee and Advisory Panel will meet together, via webinar on Monday, December 6, 2021 from 9:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to review and discuss the draft document being prepared for the Council to address issues related to the species separation requirements in the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. The Committee may develop recommendations for next steps related to this issue, to be presented to the full Council at their December meeting.

 Contact: Jessica Coakley, jcoakley@mafmc.org, 302-526-5252

Webinar Information

• Click here to join the meeting

• Meeting number: 2333 605 2076

• Password: DEC6SCOQJOINT

Meeting Materials

• Meeting Agenda

• White Paper: Approaches to Address the Current Species Separation Requirements in the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fisheries

• FMAT Meeting Summary (11/16/21)

• SCOQ Committee Meeting Summary (10/15/21)

• SCOQ Advisory Panel Meeting Summary (10/13/21)

• Comment Letter from Atlantic Capes Fisheries and Intershell Seafood Corp on Great South Channel Habitat Management Area

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Species Separation Requirements Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) will meet via webinar on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 from 1 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is for the FMAT to continue their work on a draft document being prepared for the Council to address issues related to the species separation requirements in the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries.

Contact: Jessica Coakley, jcoakley@mafmc.org, 302-526-5252

Webinar Information

• Click here to join the meeting

• Meeting number: 2346 465 0212

• Password: NOV16SCOQFMAT

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 for in-person meetings may be obtained by contacting Council staff prior to the meeting. This information is not posted to the Council’s website. The date and time of FMAT meetings are generally posted to the calendar on the Council’s website, sometimes with very little notice. FMAT members may discuss topics listed on the agenda in any order and may also discuss topics not listed. Members of the public may attend FMAT meetings, or listen to the meetings if they are broadcast, but should not expect to participate in the discussion unless the FMAT chair invites public input during a specified public comment period to be noted at the beginning of the meeting. Work carried out by the FMAT is considered during committee and/or Council meetings, during which public comments are encouraged.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Committee will meet via webinar on Friday, October 15, 2021 from 9:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

The purpose of this meeting is to review the draft document being prepared for the Council to address issues related to the species separation requirements in the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries.

Briefing Materials

• Agenda

• Approaches to Address the Current Species Separation Requirements in the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fisheries

Webinar Details

• Click here to join the webinar

• Meeting number: 2347 878 7841

• Password: SCOQOCT2021CT

• Join by phone: 1-844-621-3956; Access code: 234 787 87841

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Advisory Panel will meet via webinar on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 from 9:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to provide input on a draft document being prepared for the Council to address issues related to the species separation requirements in the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries.

Briefing Materials

• Agenda

• Approaches to Address the Current Species Separation Requirements in the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fisheries

Webinar Details

• Click here to join the webinar

• Meeting number: 2348 125 6539

• Password: SCOQOCT2021AP

• Join by phone: 1-844-621-3956, Access code: 234 812 56539

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Advisory Panel will hold a public meeting on Thursday, April 22, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to develop a fishery performance report by the Council’s Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Advisory Panel.

Meeting Materials

• 2021 Surfclam Fishery Information Document

• 2021 Ocean Quahog Fishery Information Document

• 2020 Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery Performance Report

Webinar Instructions

This meeting will be conducted on Webex. You will need to install a WebEx app or extension onto your device (this should start automatically once you sign into the meeting link). Please connect a few minutes early to make sure you have time to address any technical issues.

• Webinar Link (If prompted, enter Meeting Number: 129 794 8552; Meeting password: HvX7rZmHJ38)

• Audio Options: Participants can use their computer mic/speakers or telephone for webinar audio. Once you have joined the webinar at the link above, you will be able to select your audio options. If you have an unstable internet connection, we recommend using the “call in” option. To use your phone to connect to audio, first sign into the webinar link above, then look for the “call in” option (if you don’t see this, look for the “use computer audio” button, which will have a little down arrow next to it that you can click on – that should bring up the “call in” option). That will give you a prompt with the phone number, access code, and Attendee ID#. Please make sure to use the Attendee ID# on your screen, as that will allow us to identify you on our end.

• Phone-Only Access:

  • Dial 1-844-621-3956 (Toll Free) or +1-415-655-0001 (US Toll)

  • Access code: 129 436 6511

  • 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.

Additional Webex Resources:

• Test out your audio/video connection in advance by joining a test meeting here: https://www.webex.com/test-meeting.html

• For a tutorial on connecting your video and audio to WebEx, see: https://help.webex.com/en-us/nt2ig0y/Choose-Your-Audio-and-Video-Settings-Before-You-Join-a-Webex-Meeting-or-Event

The Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Commingling/Discard Issue Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) will hold its first meeting on November 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

For additional information, or to obtain webinar connection details, contact Jessica Coakley at jcoakley@mafmc.org or 302-526-5252.

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 Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Advisory Panel will meet via webinar on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to develop a fishery performance report by the Council’s Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Advisory Panel.

Webinar Details

To join the meeting, go to http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/scoq2020july/. Audio connection details will pop up automatically, or you can dial 1-800-832-0736 and enter room number 9294759#. For additional instructions for connecting to and participating in Council webinars, go to https://www.mafmc.org/webinar.

Meeting Materials

• 2020 Surfclam Fishery Information Document

• 2020 Ocean Quahog Fishery Information Document

• 2019 Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery Performance Report