Next week the Council will hold five public hearings throughout the Mid-Atlantic region to gather public input on the Draft Omnibus Recreational Accountability Measure Amendment.
Marine Recreational Information Program Update- Watch Online
Earlier this month Rob Andrews from NOAA Fisheries presented an overview of recent and upcoming changes to the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) at the Council's meeting in Raleigh, North Carolina. His presentation focused on new catch and effort survey methods, is available to watch online. Click Here to watch it.
April 2013 Council Meeting Report
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council considered a broad range of issues at its meeting earlier this month in Raleigh, North Carolina. The following report summarizes the major decisions and topics of discussion, including 2014 Tilefish Management Measures, the Omnibus Recreational Accountability Amendment, a Forage Fish Workshop, and more. Read more...
Council Invites Public to Discuss Changes in Recreational Fishing Survey Methods
Recreational fishermen and other members of the public are invited to participate in an informal discussion with the Council about recent and upcoming changes in the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP). The listening session will be held on April 9 in Raleigh, NC in conjunction with the Council’s April Meeting.
NMFS Solicits Proposals for MAFMC 2014 Research Set-Aside Program
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced that it is accepting proposals under the Mid-Atlantic Council's Research Set-Aside (RSA) Program for research activities to be conducted in 2014. Applications must be received by NMFS on or before 5 p.m. EDT on May 6, 2013. Read more...
Jack Travelstead Receives Ricks E. Savage Award
Jack Travelstead was named this year’s recipient of the Ricks E. Savage award. The award is given each year to a person who has added value to the MAFMC process and management goals through significant scientific, legislative, enforcement, or management activities.
Council recommends SMZ designation for five Delaware reef sites
At last month's meeting the Council voted to recommend to the Regional Administrator that all five permitted Delaware reef sites be designated as SMZs year-round. The SMZ designation would restrict fishing to hook and line and spear fishing gear only (take by hand would also be permitted) within the area of each reef site.
Deep Sea Corals- February 2013 update
Amendment 15- February 2013 Update
Black Sea Bass Catch Limits- 2013-2014
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council Revises 2013 Black Sea Bass Catch Limits
Bluefish- Proposed Rule for 2013 and 2014 Commercial Quota and Recreational Harvest Limit
Northeast Regional Administrator to Hold Public Listening Sessions
Council Seeks Public Input on Deep Sea Coral Protection
Council to Hold Public Hearings on Special Management Zone Designation for Delaware Reefs
Council Passes Hurricane Sandy Resolution
During the most recent Council meeting, more than 40 members of the public turned out in person or online to ask questions and discuss the storm's impacts with Council members and National Marine Fisheries Service representatives. The next day, the Council unanimously approved a resolution of support for the federal fisheries disaster declaration in the Mid-Atlantic region following Hurricane Sandy (full text below). The resolution was introduced by Chairman Rick Robins and was passed unanimously by the full Council.
December News and Updates
Council Considers Black Sea Bass Overage and 2013 Management Measures
At last week’s meeting in Baltimore, MD, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council considered a number of issues related to the recreational black sea bass fishery. The fishery closed on November 1 after preliminary landings estimates indicated that the harvest limit had been exceeded. This closure prompted concerns related to the black sea bass stock assessment and the current accountability measures that could result in a recreational fishery closure in 2014.