NOAA Fisheries Announces Final Rule to Implement Joint Monkfish and Spiny Dogfish Framework

NOAA Fisheries has approved Framework Adjustment 15 to the Monkfish FMP/Framework Adjustment 6 to the Spiny dogfish FMP. This action implements area-based gear restrictions to reduce bycatch of Atlantic sturgeon in the gillnet fisheries for monkfish and spiny dogfish.

2020-2021 Sea Scallop and Monkfish Research Set-Aside Projects Selected

14 Projects Selected for 2020-21 Research Set-Aside Support

NOAA Fisheries has selected 12 sea scallop and 2 monkfish projects for 2020-2021 awards through two research set-aside (RSA) programs. The New England Fishery Management Council established the Sea Scallop RSA Program and the Monkfish RSA Program to address research questions that support management of commercial fisheries for these species. Projects will investigate scallop and monkfish research priorities to improve our knowledge and management of these species. For more information on these awards and the programs, please visit this page

Questions?

  • Ryan Silva, RSA Liaison, Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, 978-281-9326

  • Media: Teri Frady, Research Communications, 508-495-2239

October 2019 Council Meeting Report

This summary highlights actions taken and issues considered at the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s October 2019 meeting in Durham, NC.

Monkfish Research Set-Aside Program Seeks Research Proposals

August 1, 2019 - The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

Competition for monkfish research support has opened under the Monkfish Research Set Aside Program. Projects selected through the competition are awarded fishing days rather than dollars, and the proceeds generated from those days are used to fund the research.

This year’s priorities include monkfish life history; stock structure; relative abundance; surveys; bycatch and discard mortality; interactions with other species; gear studies; ecological studies; and trophic research.

Monkfish are one of the highest valued finfish in the Northeast. This federal fishery is managed primarily by limiting the number of days and trips that the fleet can use to target this species. Under the monkfish management plan, 500 of the allowable days-at-sea are “set aside” annually by the councils and then awarded through this federal grant competition.

NOAA Fisheries and the New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils have managed the Monkfish Research Set Aside Program since 2006. Since then, 27 projects have been conducted under this program.

In addition to the monkfish, there are active RSA programs for Atlantic sea scallop and Atlantic herring.  RSA programs support applied research that responds to priorities established by the fishery management councils, and are designed to inform resource management decisions and improve stock assessments.

To learn more and apply, visit grants.gov

Questions?

Media: Contact Cheryl Corbett, Cooperative Programs Specialist

August 2019 Council Meeting Agenda

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will meet August 13-15, 2019 at the Courtyard Philadelphia Downtown (21 N. Juniper St., Philadelphia, PA 19107, Telephone 215-496-3200).

NOAA Fisheries Announces 2019-2021 Spiny Dogfish Fishery Specifications

May 14, 2019 - The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

We are approving and implementing the final 2019 and projected 2020-2021 specifications for the spiny dogfish fishery, as recommended by the Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils.

The specifications for the 2019 spiny dogfish fishery are a 46-percent reduction from fishing year 2018 to ensure overfishing does not occur. However, these quotas are projected to increase in 2020 and 2021 as the spiny dogfish biomass is expected to increase and the risk of overfishing declines. Below is a summary of the specifications. All other fishery management measures, including the 6,000-lb federal trip limit, will remain unchanged for fishing years 2019-2021.

Summary of Final 2019 and Projected 2020 and 2021 Spiny Dogfish Fishery Specifications, in metric tons. 

201920202021
Commercial Quota9,30910,52112,438
Percent Change in Quota from Previous Year-46+13+18

For more details read the rule as filed in the Federal Register or the bulletin posted on our website.

Questions?

Fishermen: Contact Cynthia Ferrio, Sustainable Fisheries Division, 978-281-9180
Media: Contact Jennifer Goebel, Regional Office, 978-281-9175

NOAA Fisheries Announces the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council Acceptable Biological Catch Omnibus Framework Adjustment

April 10, 2018 – The following was released by NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Regional Office:

NOAA Fisheries announces three administrative changes to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s processes in setting catch limits though the Acceptable Biological Catch Omnibus Framework Adjustment:

  1. The Council may now recommend multi-year Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) limits for Mid-Atlantic fisheries, which may bring greater stability and predictability to the fishing industry;
  2. The Atlantic Bluefish, Tilefish, and Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plans will now automatically incorporate the best available scientific information in calculating ABCs (as all other Mid-Atlantic management plans do) rather than requiring a separate management action to adopt them; and
  3. New language clarifies the process for setting ABCs for each of the four types of ABC control rules.

To get all the details on these management changes, read the final rule as filed in the Federal Register today. 

Questions? 

  • Fishing Industry Contact: Erin Wilkinson, Headquarters Office, 301-427-8561
  • Media: Jennifer Goebel, Regional Office, 978-281-9175

October 2017 Council Meeting Summary

The following summary highlights actions taken and issues considered at the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s October 2017 meeting in Riverhead, NY. Presentations, briefing materials, and webinar recordings are available on the Council website at http://www.mafmc.org/briefing/october-2017.

Open October 2017 Council Meeting Summary (pdf)

2016-2017 Monkfish Research Set-Aside Awards Announced

NOAA Fisheries is pleased to announce, in coordination with the New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils, the selection of two cooperative research proposals submitted to the 2016/2017 Monkfish Research Set Aside (RSA) Program.