Public Comment

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council welcomes public input in the fishery management process. Public comments are solicited at multiple opportunities during the development of management actions. Subscribe to the Council's email list or check our news page for information on how and when to submit comments on Council actions. Our Council Actions page contains a list of amendments and frameworks currently under development. From there you will be able to find information about specific public comment opportunities.

Once an action has been submitted to NOAA Fisheries for review and rulemaking, there is an additional opportunity for the public to submit comments after a proposed rule has been published. NMFS' Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (GARFO) lists public notices with comment opportunities relevant to Mid-Atlantic and New England Fisheries. Sign up for the NOAA Fisheries updates to stay informed about comment opportunities.

Where Should I Send Written Comments?

  • Mail: Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, Suite 201, 800 North State St., Dover, DE 19901

  • Email to Dr. Chris Moore, Executive Director, cmoore@mafmc.org

  • Online: Links to online comment forms will be posted on individual meeting pages and in requests for public comment.

Please note that comment opportunities for specific amendments and frameworks may include additional instructions for submitting written comments. Check the relevant action page or hearing announcement for details.

Council Meeting Comments

The Council accepts written comments before, and oral comments during, Council meetings. General testimony on issues not related to specific agenda items is taken at all Council meetings during the "Continuing and New Business" portion of the agenda. Written comments should be submitted via the methods listed above or using the online form that will be linked below prior to each meeting.

Briefing Book Deadline: Unless otherwise noted, comments submitted by two Wednesdays before each Council meeting will be included in the Council Meeting briefing book.  

Supplemental Comment Deadline: Unless otherwise noted, comments received after the briefing book deadline but before 5:00 pm on the Thursday before the start of the Council meeting will be compiled and posted to the website as supplemental materials. 

Late Comments: Individuals who wish to submit comments after the supplemental comment deadline must use the online comment form. Comments will be automatically available for viewing in a spreadsheet linked from the Council meeting page. A link to the online comment form will be provided in the section below and on the individual meeting pages once the supplemental comment deadline has passed.

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