Saving Seafood

Council Actions

ASMFC 2026 Spring Meeting Press Releases, Meeting Summaries, Motions, and Audio Files Now Available

May 8, 2026 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The press releases, meeting summaries, and motions from the Commission’s 2026 Spring Meeting are now available at

https://asmfc.org/resources/management-quarterly-meetings/2026-spring-meeting-summary-may-2026/. Board recordings are also available at https://asmfc.org/events/2026-spring-meeting/. These can be found at the bottom of each Board’s agenda (click on Audio link) and can also be found on the Commission’s YouTube channel athttps://www.youtube.com/ASMFCvideos.
 
Most of this week’s presentations will be available either today or by Monday, May 11. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend and Happy Mother’s Day. Best. – Tina

ASMFC Honors 2026 Annual Award of Excellence Recipients

May 6, 2026 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Annual Awards of Excellence, recognizing outstanding contributions to the management, policy development, enforcement, and public understanding of Atlantic coastal fisheries. This year’s honorees represent excellence across four key areas: fisheries management and policy, legislative leadership, outreach, and law enforcement.

 
“These award recipients exemplify the dedication, expertise, and collaborative spirit necessary to sustain our nation’s marine resources,” said ASMFC Chair Daniel McKiernan of Massachusetts. “Their work strengthens not only their respective fields, but also the entire interstate fisheries management process.”
 
Management & Policy Award
John Clark — Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife (Retired)
John Clark is honored for a distinguished career in fisheries management and policy, marked by more than a decade of service as Delaware’s Administrative Commissioner to ASMFC. Since 2011, he has played a central role in guiding the Commission’s work on complex and often contentious fisheries issues.
 
Mr. Clark has chaired several key management boards, including those overseeing horseshoe crab, Atlantic menhaden, and American eel fisheries. He is widely respected for his fairness, efficiency, and ability to navigate technical and policy challenges while fostering productive dialogue among diverse stakeholders.
 
His contributions to the development and application of innovative management tools, such as the horseshoe crab Adaptive Resource Management Framework model, have supported the recovery of important species and provided benefits across ecological, commercial, and biomedical sectors.
 
Prior to his administrative role, Mr. Clark built a strong foundation as a field researcher and scientist, contributing significantly to the understanding of fisheries and invertebrate ecology in Delaware waters. 
 
His career reflects a rare combination of scientific expertise, policy leadership, and dedication to public service.


 
Congressional & Legislative Contributions Award
Alex Swanson — Legislative Assistant, Office of U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen
Alex Swanson is honored for her exceptional contributions to advancing fisheries policy and securing critical federal support for ASMFC priorities. As a Legislative Assistant, she has demonstrated a deep understanding of coastal and marine issues, as well as the complex intersection of science, policy, and funding.
 
In fiscal year 2026, under a highly constrained budget environment, Ms. Swanson played a leading role in securing funding for key initiatives, including the Chesapeake Bay menhaden study and an industry-based trawl survey pilot program. These efforts will help address longstanding scientific questions, improve data collection, and support more effective fisheries management decisions.
 
Ms. Swanson’s experience working in both New England and Mid-Atlantic congressional offices has provided her with a broad perspective on interstate fisheries challenges. Her ability to translate technical needs into actionable legislative outcomes has made her an invaluable partner to ASMFC and its stakeholders.
 
Her leadership ensures that the needs of coastal communities, fisheries managers, and the scientific community are effectively represented at the federal level.
 
Outreach & Advisory Award
Francis “Fran” McParland — New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Francis “Fran” McParland is recognized for his innovative and impactful approach to fisheries outreach and public engagement. His work has significantly enhanced public understanding of marine resource
 
management across New York’s diverse marine environments, from Long Island Sound to the Atlantic Ocean and the Hudson River.
 
Through the development of creative, science-based communication strategies—including social media outreach and in-person engagement—Mr. McParland has successfully translated complex regulatory and scientific concepts into accessible and engaging messaging. His efforts have strengthened public trust in fisheries management and increased awareness of conservation priorities.
 
Mr. McParland regularly engages a wide range of stakeholders, including recreational and commercial fishing communities, educators, and youth groups. He has also organized and participated in hands-on events such as beach cleanups and environmental awareness initiatives, fostering a culture of stewardship and community involvement.
 
In addition to his outreach work, he has demonstrated leadership within the professional community, including serving as President of the New York Chapter of the American Fisheries Society. His contributions have had a lasting impact on both public engagement and professional collaboration in fisheries management.
 
Law Enforcement Award
Corporal Vincent “Vinny” Artrip — Maryland Natural Resources Police
Corporal Vincent “Vinny” Artrip is recognized for his exceptional leadership and effectiveness in fisheries law enforcement along Maryland’s Atlantic coast. Assigned to one of the region’s most active coastal districts, Corporal Artrip has demonstrated extensive expertise in both recreational and commercial fisheries enforcement, handling complex cases involving species managed under overlapping state and federal regulations.
 
Over the past year, his enforcement efforts have addressed violations involving key Atlantic species such as striped bass, black sea bass, flounder, tautog, as well as federally managed pelagic species including bluefin tuna and billfish. His work requires a high level of technical knowledge and the ability to navigate evolving regulatory frameworks.
 
A deputized officer under the Joint Enforcement Agreement program, Corporal Artrip works closely with NOAA Fisheries and federal enforcement partners to ensure alignment with national fisheries management objectives. He also maintains strong working relationships with neighboring state agencies, supporting coordinated enforcement efforts across jurisdictional boundaries.
 
In addition to his operational work, Corporal Artrip has contributed to regulatory development discussions, assisted with the transition to federal reporting systems for highly migratory species, and delivered training to fellow officers and partner agencies. His efforts have enhanced both compliance and interagency coordination, making a lasting impact on fisheries enforcement in the region.
 
About the ASMFC
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission is a cooperative interstate fisheries management agency dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of Atlantic coastal fishery resources. Through collaboration among its member states, the Commission develops and implements management programs that balance ecological sustainability with the economic needs of coastal communities.

Final Supplemental Materials for ASMFC 2026 Spring Meeting Now Available

May 1, 2026 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

Final supplemental materials for the ASMFC’s 2026 Spring Meeting are now available athttps://asmfc.org/events/2026-spring-meeting/ for the following Boards/Committees. Click on “Supplemental 2 Materials” at the bottom of the relevant Board/Committee agenda to access these materials. These materials can also be found at https://asmfc.org/resources/management-meeting-materials/atlantic-menhaden-management-board-spring-meeting-supplemental-2-materials-may-2026/

 
Atlantic Menhaden Management Board – Advisory Panel Nomination and Public Comment
 
Other resources (TA, Roster, Reimbursement Guidelines, etc.) are available near the top of the page in the Background Materials accordion under Meeting Information.
 
Be advised the agenda is subject to change. The agenda reflects the current estimate of time required for scheduled Board meetings. The Commission may adjust this agenda in accordance with the actual duration of Board meetings. Interested parties should anticipate Boards starting earlier or later than indicated herein.  At these meetings, action may be taken on any agenda item, including, but not limited to, reports from staff, technical committees, stock assessment committees, peer reviews, Law Enforcement Committee, advisory panels, plan review teams, and plan development teams.


Please note: The GoToWebinar platform has significantly changed, so please carefully review the webinar instructions to guide you through joining and participating in the webinar. Also available is a recording on “ASMFC Webinar Platform Updates: How to Join & Participate,” which provides an overview of recent updates to GoToWebinar and highlights key changes and explains how they affect webinar participation and engagement.
 
Webinar Information
Meeting proceedings will be broadcast daily via webinar beginning Monday, May 4 at 9 AM and continuing daily until the conclusion of the meeting (expected to be 5 PM) on Wednesday, May 6. The webinar will allow registrants to listen to board deliberations and view presentations and motions as they occur. To register for the webinar, please go to:https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1954560493628461656 (Webinar ID: 165-183-795). If you are joining the webinar but will not be using voice over internet protocol (VoIP), you may also call 415.655.0060, access code 649-369-347. A PIN will be provided to you after joining the webinar. For those who will not be joining the webinar but would like to listen in to the audio portion only, press the # key when asked for a PIN.
 
Each day, the webinar will begin 15 minutes prior to the start of the first meeting so that people can troubleshoot any connectivity or audio issues they may encounter.  If you are having issues with the webinar (connecting to or audio related issues), please contact Chris Jacobs at 703.842.0790.
 
Meeting Process
Board chairs will ask both in-person and virtual board members if they wish to speak. In-person members can simply raise their hands at the meeting without logging on to the webinar, while virtual members will raise their hands on the webinar. The chair will work with staff to balance the flow of questions/comments between in-person and virtual attendees. The same process will be used for public comment. Depending upon the number of commenters, the board chair will decide how to allocate the available time on the agenda (typically 10 minutes) to the number of people who want to speak.
 
We look forward to seeing you at the Spring Meeting!

ASMFC 2026 Spring Meeting Supplemental Materials Now Available

April 29, 2026 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

Supplemental materials for  the ASMFC’s 2026 Spring Meeting are now available at https://asmfc.org/events/2026-spring-meeting/ for the following Boards/Committees. Click on “Supplemental Materials” at the bottom of the relevant Board/Committee agenda to access these materials. Combined supplemental materials can also be found athttps://asmfc.org/resources/management-meeting-materials/2026-spring-meeting-sup-materials-may-2026/

 
Tautog Management Board – Revised Meeting Overview and Staff Memo: Tautog Advisory Panel Review of 2025 Stock Assessment Update 
 
American Lobster Management Board – Revised Meeting Overview and Advisory Panel Nomination
 
Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board – Public Comment
 
Atlantic Menhaden Management Board – Public Comment
 
American Eel Management Board – 2020-2025 Yellow Eel Landings
 
Other resources (TA, Roster, Reimbursement Guidelines, etc.) are available near the top of the page in the Background Materials accordion under Meeting Information.
 
Be advised the agenda is subject to change. The agenda reflects the current estimate of time required for scheduled Board meetings. The Commission may adjust this agenda in accordance with the actual duration of Board meetings. Interested parties should anticipate Boards starting earlier or later than indicated herein.  At these meetings, action may be taken on any agenda item, including, but not limited to, reports from staff, technical committees, stock assessment committees, peer reviews, Law Enforcement Committee, advisory panels, plan review teams, and plan development teams.

 

Please note: The GoToWebinar platform has significantly changed, so please carefully review the webinar instructions to guide you through joining and participating in the webinar.
 
Webinar Information
Meeting proceedings will be broadcast daily via webinar beginning Monday, May 4 at 9 AM and continuing daily until the conclusion of the meeting (expected to be 5 PM) on Wednesday, May 6. The webinar will allow registrants to listen to board deliberations and view presentations and motions as they occur. To register for the webinar, please go to:https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1954560493628461656 (Webinar ID: 165-183-795). If you are joining the webinar but will not be using VoIP, you may also call 415.655.0060, access code 649-369-347. A PIN will be provided to you after joining the webinar. For those who will not be joining the webinar but would like to listen in to the audio portion only, press the # key when asked for a PIN. 
 
Each day, the webinar will begin 15 minutes prior to the start of the first meeting so that people can troubleshoot any connectivity or audio issues they may encounter.  If you are having issues with the webinar (connecting to or audio related issues), please contact Chris Jacobs at 703.842.0790.
 
Meeting Process
Board chairs will ask both in-person and virtual board members if they wish to speak. In-person members can simply raise their hands at the meeting without logging on to the webinar, while virtual members will raise their hands on the webinar. The chair will work with staff to balance the flow of questions/comments between in-person and virtual attendees. The same process will be used for public comment. Depending upon the number of commenters, the board chair will decide how to allocate the available time on the agenda (typically 10 minutes) to the number of people who want to speak.
 
We look forward to seeing you at the Spring Meeting!

ASMFC Begins Preparations for Atlantic Sturgeon Benchmark Stock Assessment

April 23, 2026 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has initiated a benchmark stock assessment for Atlantic sturgeon to be completed in the fall of 2028. The goals of the assessment are to evaluate the health of stocks along the Atlantic coast and inform management of this species. The Commission’s stock assessment process and meetings are open to the public, with the exception of discussions of confidential data.

 
The Commission welcomes the submission of data sources that will contribute to the goals of the assessment. This includes, but is not limited to, data on abundance trends (e.g., surveys), tagging data, biological samples (sex, maturity, age, weight, length), life history information (growth, fecundity, natural mortality, sex ratio, spawning history), stock structure, mortality (predator-prey interactions, anthropogenic sources such as vessel strikes and bycatch). For data sets to be considered, the data must be sent in the required format, with accompanying description of methods, to the Commission by July 1, 2026. 
 
The Commission will hold three Data Webinars (July 23, 28 and 30, 2026) and one in-person session (August 10-12, 2026) to review all available data sources and identify datasets to be incorporated in the stock assessment. The Data Webinars and Workshop are open to the public. 
 
Please contact James Boyle at jboyle@asmfc.org or visit https://asmfc.org/events/ for more information on the webinars and workshop.

April 2026 Council Meeting Summary

April 22, 2026 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council met from April 14-16, 2026, in Portland, Maine. The following is a summary of actions taken and issues considered during the meeting. Presentations, meeting materials, motions, and meeting audio recordings are available on the Council’s April 2026 meeting page.

ACROSS THE STOCKS

Monkfish and Skates: The Council considered input from the Joint Advisory Panels and Committees and voted to discontinue the 2026 priority related to IFQ Scoping for monkfish and/or skate wing fisheries. The Council approved a series of listening sessions for monkfish and skate fishermen across New England and the Mid-Atlantic to solicit input and ideas for fisheries and management improvements. Read the full press release here.

Herring: The Council received an update on the 2026 herring action that will:

• Set Atlantic herring specifications for fishing years 2027-2031.

• Enhance river herring and shad (American shad and hickory shad) avoidance and other catch reduction measures to support ongoing coastwide restoration efforts.

• Address other management measures such as the carryover of unharvested catch. This action will be initiated in June with Council final action planned for the September 2026 meeting.

Redfish Sector Exemption Review: The Council received a report evaluating the performance of the Redfish Sector Exemption program. This program allows commercial trawl vessels enrolled in sectors to target redfish with smaller mesh gear in designated areas. It was established as a universal sector exemption in the Northeast Multispecies (Groundfish) Fishery Management Plan (FMP) in Framework 61. The review found generally strong sector compliance with catch thresholds and stable participation. It also examined bycatch of other groundfish, vessellevel performance, and program goals and objectives. The review was a regulatory requirement and a 2026 Council Priority. Based on information from the review, the Council may consider modifications to the redfish sector exemption program in the future.

Groundfish Action Update: Framework 69, which set specifications for several groundfish stocks for fishing years 2025-2027, was implemented on March 8, 2026. Amendment 25 (A25), which incorporates the four Atlantic cod stocks (Eastern Gulf of Maine; Western Gulf of Maine; Georges Bank; and Southern New England) into the Northeast Multispecies FMP and sets status determination criteria and management measures for these stocks, including accountability measures, recreational provisions, and catch limits for fishing years 2026 and 2027, was approved by NMFS on April 6, 2026. The action received broad public support, with over 250 comments largely favoring timely approval and implementation. Final implementing regulations are forthcoming, with interim default allocations expected to be in place until the rule is finalized. Framework 72, which will set specifications for several groundfish stocks for FY2026-2028, is currently in review with anticipated implementation in the coming months.

Read the full release here

ASMFC 2026 Spring Meeting Final Agenda and Materials Now Available

April 21, 2026 —  The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Spring Meeting will be May 4 – 6, 2026 at The Westin Crystal City. This will be a hybrid meeting (both in-person and remote) to allow for participation by Commissioners and interested stakeholders. The room block is now closed; if you need assistance reserving a room, please contact Lisa Carty at lcarty@asmfc.org.

 
The final agenda and meeting materials for the Spring Meeting are now available at https://asmfc.org/events/2026-spring-meeting/; click on the relevant Board/Committee name to access the documents for that Board/Committee. For ease of access, materials for all boards have been combined into one document – https://asmfc.org/resources/management-meeting-materials/2026-spring-meeting-materials-may-2026/. Supplemental materials will be posted to the website on Wednesday, April 29. 
 
Other resources (TA, Roster, Reimbursement Guidelines, etc.) are available near the top of the page in the Background Materials accordion under Meeting Information.
 
Be advised the agenda is subject to change. The agenda reflects the current estimate of time required for scheduled Board meetings. The Commission may adjust this agenda in accordance with the actual duration of Board meetings. Interested parties should anticipate Boards starting earlier or later than indicated herein.  At these meetings, action may be taken on any agenda item, including, but not limited to, reports from staff, technical committees, stock assessment committees, peer reviews, Law Enforcement Committee, advisory panels, plan review teams, and plan development teams.


 
Please note: The GoToWebinar platform has significantly changed, so please carefully review the webinar instructions to guide you through joining and participating in the webinar.
 
Webinar Information
Meeting proceedings will be broadcast daily via webinar beginning Monday, May 4 at 9 AM and continuing daily until the conclusion of the meeting (expected to be 5 PM) on Wednesday, May 6. The webinar will allow registrants to listen to board deliberations and view presentations and motions as they occur. To register for the webinar, please go to:https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1954560493628461656 (Webinar ID: 165-183-795). If you are joining the webinar but will not be using VoIP, you may also call 415.655.0060, access code 649-369-347. A PIN will be provided to you after joining the webinar. For those who will not be joining the webinar but would like to listen in to the audio portion only, press the # key when asked for a PIN. 
 
Each day, the webinar will begin 15 minutes prior to the start of the first meeting so that people can troubleshoot any connectivity or audio issues they may encounter.  If you are having issues with the webinar (connecting to or audio related issues), please contact Chris Jacobs at 703.842.0790.
 
Meeting Process
Board chairs will ask both in-person and virtual board members if they wish to speak. In-person members can simply raise their hands at the meeting without logging on to the webinar, while virtual members will raise their hands on the webinar. The chair will work with staff to balance the flow of questions/comments between in-person and virtual attendees. The same process will be used for public comment. Depending upon the number of commenters, the board chair will decide how to allocate the available time on the agenda (typically 10 minutes) to the number of people who want to speak.
 
We look forward to seeing you at the Spring Meeting!

Council Presents Ricks E Savage Award to Peter Hughes

April 16, 2026 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council has named Peter Hughes, longtime industry representative and former Council member, as the recipient of the 2025 Ricks E Savage Award. The Council established the award in 2006 to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the management and conservation of fishery resources in the mid-Atlantic region. The award was presented to Hughes during the Council’s meeting last week in New York City.

A native of Elyria, Ohio, Hughes first discovered his love of fishing during family vacations on Long Beach Island. That early passion eventually led him to Cape May, New Jersey, in 1986, where he began his career in commercial fisheries aboard the F/V Atlantic Prince. In 1990, he transitioned to a shoreside role at Atlantic Capes Fisheries, Inc., where he has worked for more than 35 years and now serves as Director of Sustainability. Hughes was appointed to the Council in 2016 and served with distinction for nine years before completing his service in 2025. During this time, he became one of the Council’s most steadfast leaders, bringing broad, practical knowledge of fisheries to every discussion.

As Chair of the Council’s Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Committee for eight years, Hughes guided the Council through the development of several challenging management actions, including two Atlantic mackerel rebuilding actions, an amendment to establish long-term management of chub mackerel, and a framework that established measures to limit future capacity increases in the Illex squid fishery. He also served as Chair of the Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Committee for five years, providing steady leadership throughout the development of a major amendment to modify species separation requirements in the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries.

Hughes also served as the Council’s liaison to the New England Fishery Management Council throughout his entire tenure, representing the Mid-Atlantic Council on several New England committees. In that role, he ensured clear communication between the Mid-Atlantic and New England Councils, conveying priorities, decisions, and concerns in both directions.

Hughes was also recognized for his approach to public engagement. “Peter took public comment very seriously and was sensitive to the competing interests of recreational and commercial stakeholders, as well as differing sectors within the industry,” said Joe Cimino, Council Chair. “He always came to the table with the goal of finding the best possible solutions for all parties.” One notable example came during the development of the Atlantic Mackerel Rebuilding Amendment, when the Council was considering a federal recreational possession limit for mackerel. Early options ranged from 10 to 15 fish. After reviewing public comments and input from the New England states regarding the potential impacts on for-hire businesses that rely on mackerel for bait, Hughes proposed expanding the range to include a 20-fish limit. The Council ultimately adopted that option, which reduced the burden on those businesses while still meeting rebuilding objectives.

The Council extends its gratitude to Peter Hughes for his years of dedicated service and congratulates him on this well-deserved honor.

Council Discontinues Skate Wing and Monkfish IFQ Scoping; Approves Schedule for Listening Sessions

April 16, 2026 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management:

Portland ME: The New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) responded to industry feedback opposing further exploration of a potential individual fishing quota (IFQ) program for the monkfish and/or skate wing fisheries. The Council also voted to refocus the five existing scoping meetings into five listening sessions, giving New England and Mid-Atlantic fishermen an opportunity to share ideas for improvements to the management of the monkfish and skate fisheries, informing future Council work priorities.

IFQ SCOPING DISCONTINUED

At the April 2026 meeting, the Council voted to discontinue IFQ scoping work during the Monkfish and Skate report. This decision aligns with the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s (MAFMC) April decision for the jointly managed monkfish fishery. The NEFMC added IFQ scoping as a 2026 Monkfish and Skate Priority at the December 2025 meeting.

LISTENING SESSIONS SCHEDULED ACROSS THE REGION

The Council voted to hold five Listening Sessions across New England and the Mid-Atlantic to give monkfish and skate fishermen an opportunity to help guide future Council priorities. These sessions will:

Discuss how to utilize existing information: Participants will review previous monkfish and skate priority ideas, recent monkfish catch per unit effort project review information, and the Monkfish and Skate 2025 Joint Management Summary report on governance

Target specific dynamics: The Council is seeking feedback on gear-type dynamics, skate fishery components, and the differences between northern and southern monkfish components

Inform 2027+ Council Priorities: This is an opportunity for fishery participants to help the Council articulate and prioritize monkfish and skate management objectives in 2027 and beyond.

Input from the five listening sessions along with written comments will be compiled and presented to the Council at the June 2026 meeting and shared with the Monkfish and Skate Advisory Panels and Committees to inform the 2027 Council work priorities discussion at the December 2026 meeting. The MAFMC will also receive a summary of the monkfish input during its August 2026 meeting, as monkfish is a jointly managed fishery.

MAFMC Warns of Consequences for 2026 Recreational Black Sea Bass and Summer Flounder Fisheries Due to Federal Rulemaking Delay

April 15, 2026 — The following was released by The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council has expressed serious concern to the U.S. Department of Commerce and NOAA Fisheries regarding significant delays in the rulemaking process for the Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework. Despite the final framework being submitted over eight months ago, a proposed rule has yet to be published.

In a letter to Secretary Howard Lutnick and Assistant Administrator Eugenio Piñeiro Soler, the Council expressed serious concern that the delay threatens the implementation of the 2026 recreational management measures (bag, size, and season limits) for black sea bass and summer flounder.

Impacts on the 2026 Season

Without the framework in place, NOAA Fisheries has indicated it intends to enforce “non-preferred coastwide measures” instead of the state-tailored measures developed by the Council, Commission, and individual states. This would have several immediate consequences for the fishing community:

  • The highly anticipated 20% liberalization for black sea bass will not be realized. The black sea bass stock has been increasing for many years and is currently more than double the target level. In December, the Council and Commission agreed to allow states to liberalize measures to achieve a 20% increase in expected harvest—the first such increase since 2012. This change would have expanded angler access, reduced regulatory discards, and supported for-hire businesses. However, these benefits will not be realized if the non-preferred coastwide measures are implemented.

  • Measures in some states will be severely restricted. The non-preferred coastwide measures for both summer flounder and black sea bass are not tailored to individual state needs or regional differences. As such, the non-preferred measures for both species are much more restrictive than the recommended 2026 measures for multiple states.

  • There will be widespread confusion among the recreational fishing public and increased non-compliance. Non-preferred coastwide measures have never been implemented for these species and are therefore largely unknown to the recreational fishing public. With the fishing season opening in less than three weeks in some states, imposing these measures will generate confusion, frustration, and non-compliance.

Proposed Solutions

The Council’s letter urges the Department of Commerce and NOAA Fisheries to approve the Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework and the 2026 recreational measures adopted through the Council, Commission, and state process as soon as possible. To avoid disrupting the upcoming season, the Council also requests that the agency consider expedited implementation methods, such as an interim final rule or emergency rulemaking.

The Council remains committed to working with its partners to resolve this delay and provide stability for the recreational fishing public.

The full text of the letter can be found here.