Mid-Atlantic Council Solicits Public Input on Chub Mackerel Amendment

The Mid-Atlantic Council is soliciting public input on a draft amendment to address management and conservation of chub mackerel off the U.S. east coast. Five public hearings will be held between December 3, 2018 and January 14, 2019. Written comments will be accepted through January 18, 2019.

South Atlantic Council to Hold Public Scoping Webinars

The following information is being posted on behalf of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council as it may be of interest to some Mid-Atlantic stakeholders.

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council has scheduled a series of public scoping webinars from August 6 through August 16 to provide an opportunity for public comment on the following issues: (1) Snapper Grouper Charter/Headboat (For-Hire) Federal Permit Modifications under Snapper Grouper Amendment 47; (2) Best Fishing Practices under Snapper Grouper Regulatory Amendment 29; and (3) Yellowtail Snapper Accountability Measures under Snapper Grouper Regulatory Amendment 32.  Copies of scoping documents, video presentations, links for webinar registration, public comment forms, and other information will be posted to the Council’s website at: http://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/public-hearings-scoping-meetings/ as it becomes available. Written comments will be accepted until August 17, 2018.

Questions? Contact Kim Iverson, Public Information Officer at kim.iverson@safmc.net or Cameron Rhodes, Outreach Specialist at cameron.rhodes@safmc.net. 

NOAA Fisheries Seeks Comments on Proposed 2018 Recreational Rules for Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass

NOAA Fisheries seeks comments on proposed recreational fishery management measures for the 2018 summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass fisheries. 

South Atlantic Council Seeks Input on Proposed Changes to Atlantic Cobia Management

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is soliciting public input on proposed management changes for Atlantic cobia as they consider revising the current management system. Public hearings will be held via webinar with public listening stations beginning January 22, 2018.

NEFMC to Hold Two Mid-Atlantic Port Meetings to Gather Public Input for Independent Program Review

The New England Fishery Management Council has scheduled two port meetings in the Mid-Atlantic region to gather public input for their ongoing independent program review. The meetings will be held on January 8 in Montauk, NY and January 9 in Cape May, NJ.

NOAA Fisheries Seeks Comments on Proposed Quotas for Squid and Butterfish

NOAA Fisheries proposes squid and butterfish quotas for the 2018-2020 fishing years and will maintain the mackerel quotas previously set for 2018.Comments on this rule must be received by 5 pm on January 12, 2018.

NOAA Fisheries Seeks Comments on Proposed Rule for Mid-Atlantic Council Fishery Management Plans

NOAA Fisheries is requesting comments on a proposed rule to implement the Omnibus Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) Framework Adjustment for the Mid-Atlantic Council's fishery management plans. Comments are due August 18, 2017.

Mid-Atlantic Council to Hold Scoping Hearings for Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Excessive Shares Amendment

The Council will hold four scoping hearings in July to solicit public input on the Excessive Shares Amendment to the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog FMP. Written comments may be submitted through July 21, 2017.

Notice of availability: Blueline Tilefish Amendment to the Tilefish Fishery Management Plan

NOAA Fisheries has published a notice of availability for Amendment 6 to the Tilefish Fishery Management Plan (previously referred to as the "Blueline Tilefish Amendment"). Comments on the amendment will be accepted through August 14, 2017.

Mid-Atlantic Council to Hold Hearings on New Jersey Special Management Zones

The Council will hold public hearings November 15-17, 2016 to gather public comments on a request by the State of New Jersey to designate 13 artificial reef sites as Special Management Zones. Written comments will be accepted until Friday, November 25, 2016, 11:59 p.m. EST.

NOAA Fisheries Announces Public Hearing and Comment Period for Industry-Funded Monitoring Amendment

NOAA Fisheries has announced public hearings and the opportunity to comment on the various amendment alternatives for future industry-funded monitoring programs. Public hearings will be held October 4 through November 1. Comments may be submitted by mail or online until November 7.

SAFMC August 2016 Public Hearing/Scoping Meetings of Interest

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council has scheduled a Q&A and public hearings for Coastal Migratory Pelagics Framework Amendment 4 addressing cobia management from GA through NY. The Council will also hold a Q&A and scoping meeting (via webinar) on management measures proposed for dolphin fish in federal water along the entire Atlantic coast.