Fishing, fast growth and climate variability increase the risk of collapse

A recent study of global fish populations suggests that fast-growing species of fish are more vulnerable to population collapses than slow growing species when experiencing overfishing.

NOAA Fisheries Announces 2015 Annual Catch Limits for Atlantic Bluefish

NOAA Fisheries has announced the following annual catch limits for the 2015 bluefish fishery:

Commercial quota: 5.241 million lb.
Recreational harvest limit: 12.951 million lb.
Combined total allowable landings: 18.19 million lb.

August Council Meeting Agenda

The Council will meet August 10 - 13, 2015 in New York, NY at the Holiday Inn Midtown (440 West 57th St., New York, NY 10019: telephone 212-581-8100.)

Request For Proposals: Habitat Research (Due August 21)

The Council is accepting proposals to manage a short-term research program focusing on Mid-Atlantic habitat and fisheries productivity, as they relate to the Council’s managed fisheries.

NEFSC to Hold Industry Outreach Meetings to Review Upcoming Groundfish Assessments

NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) will host outreach meetings on July 22 in Portland, Gloucester, Woods Hole, and New Bedford for fishermen interested in the upcoming operational assessments for 20 stocks of Northeast groundfish.

Mid-Atlantic Council Seeks Applicants for Trawl Survey Advisory Panel

The Council is soliciting applications from qualified individuals to serve on the Northeast Trawl Survey Advisory Panel. Applications are due by August 4, 2015.

SAFMC Draft Vision Blueprint for the Snapper Grouper Fishery Now Available for Public Input

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is asking stakeholders to provide input on a draft vision blueprint for the snapper grouper fishery during a series of webinars and comment station meetings from July through September 2015. Learn more here.

June 2015 Council Meeting Summary

The following summary highlights actions and issues considered at the Council's June 8-11 meeting in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

U.S. Commerce Department Announces 2015 Regional Fishery Council Appointments

The U.S. Commerce Department today announced the appointment of 30 new and returning members to the eight regional fishery management councils that partner with NOAA Fisheries to manage ocean fish stocks.

Recreational Management Measures for the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fisheries; Fishing Year 2015

NOAA Fisheries has approved the final 2015 minimum fish size, angler possession limits, and fishing season rules for the summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass recreational fisheries.

Mid-Atlantic Council Approves Deep Sea Corals Amendment

This week the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council approved an amendment to protect deep sea corals from the impacts of bottom-tending fishing gear in the Mid-Atlantic.

Vessel Opportunity for Trawl Research Charter with the NEFSC Survey Branch - Deadline June 17, 2015

The Northeast Fisheries Science Center is seeking a charter vessel partner to participate in a cooperative research study to estimate trawl gear capture efficiency in order to improve assessments of commercially important fish populations in the Northwest Atlantic. The deadline for quotes is June 13.

Special Management Zones for Delaware Artificial Reefs

NMFS has issued final regulations to implement Special Management Zones for four Delaware artificial reefs

Listening Session: Proposed Rule to Revise Listing Status of Humpback Whales

Members of the public are invited to attend the Council’s next listening session at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9 to learn about – and provide comments on – a proposed rule to revise the Endangered Species Act (ESA) listing of humpback whales.

Emergency Action for Blueline Tilefish in Greater Atlantic Region Effective June 4

NOAA Fisheries has announced that emergency management measures for the blueline tilefish fishery in the Greater Atlantic Region will go in to effect Thursday, June 4, 2015.

Notice of Availability: Omnibus Amendment To Simplify Vessel Baselines

NMFS has announced the availability of an Omnibus Amendment to the Fishery Management Plans of the Northeastern United States to simplify vessel baselines. Public comments on the amendment can be submitted through July 17, 2015.

April 2015 Council Meeting Summary

The following summary highlights Council actions and issues considered at the April 14-16, 2015 Council Meeting held in Long Branch, New Jersey.

Proposed Rule: Consequences for Slippage Events in the Atlantic Mackerel Fishery

NOAA Fisheries is proposing to implement measures to enhance catch monitoring and address slippage in the Atlantic mackerel fishery. Comments on the proposed rule are due June 18.

Council Meeting in Virginia Beach, VA: June 8-11, 2015

The public is invited to attend the Council's next meeting to be held June 8-11, 2015 at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, 3001 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach, VA 23451.

Request for Proposals: Cost Estimates for Herring and Mackerel Monitoring Programs (Due May 29)

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is seeking proposals from fishery monitoring service providers to develop detailed cost analyses for proposed portside and at-sea monitoring programs. Download the RFP.

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