Mid-Atlantic Council to Hold Public Hearings on Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Species Separation Requirements

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.

This action is intended to address the increased occurrence of mixed catches in the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. Current regulations do not allow for surfclam and ocean quahog to be landed on the same trip or placed in the same cages. Industry has reported that it has become increasingly difficult to avoid mixed catches due to changes in the species’ distributions. The draft amendment contains a range of management approaches (“alternatives”) that would modify current regulations to allow for mixed catches onboard vessels. Details about these management alternatives can be found in the Public Hearing Document and Public Hearing Presentation.

Following a review of comments received, the Council will choose a preferred alternative and submit the amendment to the Secretary of Commerce for approval and publication of proposed and final rules, both of which have additional comment periods. The Council may consider final action at its December 12-15, 2022 meeting.

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.

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