Saving Seafood

Council Actions

Final Supplemental Materials for ASMFC 2026 Summer Meeting Now Available

July 31, 2026 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

Final supplemental materials for the ASMFC’s 2026 Summer Meeting are now available at https://asmfc.org/events/2026-summer-meeting/ for the following Boards/Committees. Click on “Final Supplemental Materials” at the bottom of the relevant Board/Committee agenda to access these materials.

 
Winter Flounder Management Board – Revised Draft Proceedings from February 2026
 
Atlantic Menhaden Management Board – Public Comment
 
Commission Business Session – Suggested changes to Commission Rules and Regulations
 
 
Other resources (TA, Roster, Reimbursement Guidelines, etc.) are available near the top of the page in the Background Materials accordion under Meeting Information.
 
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.
 
Also of note, the Commission will be considering changes to its Rules and Regulations regarding guidelines on states declared interest on species management boards, as well as changing the name of the Legislative and Governor Appointees Sections to Legislative and Governor Appointees Committees.


Webinar Information
Meeting proceedings will be broadcast daily via webinar beginning Tuesday, August 4 at 10 AM and continuing daily until the conclusion of the meeting (expected to be 12:15 PM) on Thursday, August 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/7353853081544591455 (Webinar ID: 898-319-835). I If you are joining the webinar but will not be using VoIP, you can also call +1 (415) 930-5321, access code 464-559-262. 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.  
 
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.
 
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 Summer Meeting!

ASMFC 2026 Summer Meeting Supplemental Materials Now Available

July 29, 2026 — Supplemental materials for ASMFC’s 2026 Summer Meeting are now available at https://asmfc.org/events/2026-summer-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 at  https://asmfc.org/resources/management-meeting-materials/2026-summer-meeting-supplemental-materials-august-2026/

 
American Lobster Management Board – Public Comment
 
Winter Flounder Management Board – Staff Memo: Winter Flounder Specifications Process 
 
Tautog Management Board – Draft Addendum I: Regional Response to 2025 Stock Assessment Update
 
Executive Committee – Draft Meeting Summary from May 2026
 
Coastal Pelagics Management Board – Draft Cobia FMP Review for the 2025 Fishing Year
 
Atlantic Menhaden Management Board – Revised Draft Addendum II (this draft was revised July 23 and was updated to the linked meeting materials for the Board; if the copy you have does not have yellow highlighted text on the cover, please see the revised document in the supplemental materials); and Public Comment
 
Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board – Draft FMP Review for the 2025 Fishing Year 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.
 
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.
 
Also of note, the Commission will be considering changes to its Rules and Regulations regarding guidelines on states declared interest on species management boards, as well as changing the name of the Legislative and Governor Appointees Sections to Legislative and Governor Appointees Committees.


Webinar Information
Meeting proceedings will be broadcast daily via webinar beginning Tuesday, August 4 at 10 AM and continuing daily until the conclusion of the meeting (expected to be 12:15 PM) on Thursday, August 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/7353853081544591455 (Webinar ID: 898-319-835). I If you are joining the webinar but will not be using VoIP, you can also call +1 (415) 930-5321, access code 464-559-262. 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.  
 
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.
 
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.
 
Public Comment Guidelines
To provide a fair opportunity for public input, the ISFMP Policy Board has approved the following guidelines for use at management board meetings:
For issues that are not on the agenda, management boards will continue to provide opportunities to the public to bring matters of concern to the board’s attention at the start of each board meeting. Board chairs will ask members of the public to raise their hands to let the chair know they would like to speak. 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.
For topics that are on the agenda, but have not gone out for public comment, board chairs will provide limited opportunity for comment, taking into account the time allotted on the agenda for the topic.

Chairs will have flexibility in deciding how to allocate comment opportunities; this could include hearing one comment in favor and one in opposition until the chair is satisfied further comments will not provide additional insight to the board.

 

For agenda action items that have already gone out for public comment, it is the Policy Board’s intent to end the occasional practice of allowing extensive and lengthy public comments. Currently, board chairs have the discretion to decide what public comment to allow in these circumstances.

 

In addition, the following timeline has been established for the submission of written comments for issues for which the Commission has NOT established a specific public comment period (i.e., in response to proposed management action).

 

1.       Comments received three weeks prior to the start of a meeting week (July 13) will be included in the briefing materials.

2.       Comments received by 5 PM on Tuesday, July 28 will be included in supplemental materials.

3.       Comments received by 10 AM on Friday, July 31 will be distributed electronically to Commissioners/Board members prior to the meeting.

The submitted comments must clearly indicate the commenter’s expectation from the ASMFC staff regarding distribution.  As with other public comment, it will be accepted via mail and email.

 

We look forward to seeing you at the Summer Meeting!

Guam Fishers Invited to Help Shape Local Fisheries at Upcoming Public Meetings

July 27, 2026 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council and the Pacific Islands Fisheries Group will host a public meeting Aug. 7, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Guam Museum Art Cafe. The meeting is the latest in a series of gatherings that invite fishers, community members and local leaders to share their knowledge, concerns and experiences regarding Guam’s changing fisheries and ocean resources.

The meeting will provide an update on what was heard from fishing communities in 2025, highlight recent actions taken in response to those concerns, share outcomes from a shark workshop held in February 2026, and outline opportunities for continued community engagement this year.

Participants will also take part in hands-on activities, including FishMaps, a community mapping exercise that helps document important fishing areas, access points and local knowledge shared by fishers. The meeting will also gather fisher observations on changing conditions and emerging needs to help guide future planning and decision-making.

To learn more, visit: Council community consultation effort overview

The Council’s Guam Advisory Panel will also hold a public meeting Aug. 8, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Council office, with an option to join virtually via Webex. Discussion topics include commercial fishing management in the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument, Guam and Malesso community fishery discussions, and 2026 strategic planning.

The Advisory Panel advises the Council on fishery management issues, provides input to the Council regarding fishery management planning efforts, and advises the Council on the content and likely effects of management plans, amendments and management measures.

Meeting Schedule: 

Date: August 7, 2026 (Friday) (ChST)

Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Location: Guam Museum, Art Cafe, 193 Chalan Santo Papa Juan Pablo Dos, Hagåtña

Date: August 8, 2026 (Saturday) (ChST)

Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Location: Council Office, Cliff Pointe, 304 W. O’Brien Drive, Hagåtña

For more information, please contact Felix Reyes-GU (felix.reyes@wpcouncil.org), Zach Yamada (zach.yamada@wpcouncil.org) or Laurina Sebaklim (laurinaann@gmail.com, www.fishtoday.org/pacific-islands-voices). 

ASMFC 2026 Summer Meeting Final Agenda and Materials Now Available

July 22, 2026 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Summer Meeting will be August 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 Summer Meeting are now available at https://asmfc.org/events/2026-summer-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-summer-meeting-materials-august-2026/. Supplemental materials will be posted to the website on Wednesday, July 29.

Other resources (TA, Roster, Reimbursement Guidelines, etc.) are available near the top of the page in the Background Materials accordion under Meeting Information.

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.

Also of note, the Commission will be considering changes to its Rules and Regulations regarding guidelines on states declared interest on species management boards, as well as changing the name of the Legislative and Governor Appointees Sections to Legislative and Governor Appointees Committees.

Webinar Information

Meeting proceedings will be broadcast daily via webinar beginning Tuesday, August 4 at 10 AM and continuing daily until the conclusion of the meeting (expected to be 12:15 PM) on Thursday, August 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/7353853081544591455 (Webinar ID: 898-319-835). I If you are joining the webinar but will not be using VoIP, you can also call +1 (415) 930-5321, access code 464-559-262. 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.

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.

 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.

Public Comment Guidelines

To provide a fair opportunity for public input, the ISFMP Policy Board has approved the following guidelines for use at management board meetings:

For issues that are not on the agenda, management boards will continue to provide opportunities to the public to bring matters of concern to the board’s attention at the start of each board meeting. Board chairs will ask members of the public to raise their hands to let the chair know they would like to speak. 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.

For topics that are on the agenda, but have not gone out for public comment, board chairs will provide limited opportunity for comment, taking into account the time allotted on the agenda for the topic.

Chairs will have flexibility in deciding how to allocate comment opportunities; this could include hearing one comment in favor and one in opposition until the chair is satisfied further comments will not provide additional insight to the board.

For agenda action items that have already gone out for public comment, it is the Policy Board’s intent to end the occasional practice of allowing extensive and lengthy public comments. Currently, board chairs have the discretion to decide what public comment to allow in these circumstances.

In addition, the following timeline has been established for the submission of written comments for issues for which the Commission has NOT established a specific public comment period (i.e., in response to proposed management action).

  1. Comments received three weeks prior to the start of a meeting week (July 13) will be included in the briefing materials.
  2. Comments received by 5 PM on Tuesday, July 28 will be included in supplemental materials.
  3. Comments received by 10 AM on Friday, July 31 will be distributed electronically to Commissioners/Board members prior to the meeting.

The submitted comments must clearly indicate the commenter’s expectation from the ASMFC staff regarding distribution.  As with other public comment, it will be accepted via mail and email.

We look forward to seeing you at the Summer Meeting.

Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council to Meet August 11-13, 2026, in Philadelphia, PA

July 21, 2026 — The following was released by the The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will meet Tuesday, August 11 – Thursday, August 13, 2026 at The Westin Philadelphia. The meeting is open to the public and will also be accessible via webinar. Meeting materials, webinar information, and public comment instructions are available on the August 2026 Council Meeting Page.

Major agenda items include:

  • Surfclam and Ocean Quahog: Adopt 2027-2028 specifications.
  • Butterfish: Adopt 2027-2029 specifications and consider alternative trip limits and other measures intended to increase quota utilization.
  • Monkfish and Skates: Review feedback received during the Spring 2026 listening sessions on potential fishery improvements.
  • Chub Mackerel: Review 2027 specifications and consider revisions if needed.
  • Northeast Fisheries Science Center Surveys: Receive an update on recent fishery-independent surveys and the Regional Industry Based Trawl Survey.
  • Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan: Receive a presentation from NOAA Fisheries on the scoping process for potential future modifications to the plan.
  • Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass, and Bluefish: Review 2027 specifications and consider revisions, if needed.
  • Scup Winter I Framework (final action): Review alternatives and take final action.
  • Business Session: Receive committee, agency, and liaison reports; approve an appointment to the Scientific and Statistical Committee; and provide an opportunity for general public comment.

The Council welcomes public comment from in-person and remote participants. Instructions and deadlines for submitting comments are available on the meeting page.

Questions? Contact Mary Sabo at msabo@mafmc.org or (302) 526-5261.

Atlantic Herring Area 1A Start Date Remains July 19, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

July 17, 2026 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Atlantic Herring Management Board members from Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts met via webinar on July 17 to discuss the start date for the 2026 Area 1A (inshore Gulf of Maine) fishery. The Board members previously set the start date for July 19 at 6:00 p.m. as part of days out measures discussed in April 2026 (press release here). The additional meeting was scheduled after some industry members reported a significant increase in bait from the menhaden fishery and imported bait from the Canadian weir fishery on the market. As a result, there are some concerns about the possibility of a surplus of bait at the dock, lack of storage capacity for herring, a crash of the bait market, and general waste if the fishery were to open on July 19. However, not all members of industry expressed those concerns and noted that there are markets for bait. In addition, those industry members expressed that changing the start date at the last minute would cause hardships because crews were already lined up and vessels are prepared to begin fishing on July 19.

Given the lack of consensus among industry and only two days until the original start date, the Board maintained the July 19 start date with landing days starting at 6:00 p.m. this Sunday, July 19.

The effort control measures set in April 2026 are unchanged.

Days Out of the Fishery

  • Landing days will be set at zero (0) from June 1 until the start of the fishery on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
  • Landing days begin on Sunday of each week at 6:00 p.m. starting Sunday, July 19.
  • Vessels with an Atlantic herring Limited Access Category A permit that have declared into the Area 1A fishery may land herring five consecutive days a week. The week shall begin at 6:00 p.m. on Sundays and conclude at 6:00 p.m. on Fridays. One landing per 24-hour period. Vessels are prohibited from landing or possessing herring caught from Area 1A during a day out of the fishery.
  • Small mesh bottom trawl vessels with an Atlantic herring Limited Access Category C or Open Access D permit that have declared into the fishery may land herring six consecutive days a week. The week shall begin at 6:00 p.m. on Sundays and conclude at 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

Weekly Landing Limit

  • Vessels with an Atlantic herring Category A permit may harvest up to 240,000 lbs. (6 trucks) per harvester vessel, per week starting Sunday, July 19, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

At-Sea Transfer and Carrier Restrictions

The following applies to harvester vessels with an Atlantic herring Category A permit and carrier vessels landing herring caught in Area 1A to a Maine, New Hampshire, or Massachusetts port.

  • A harvester vessel may transfer herring at-sea to another harvester vessel.
  • A harvester vessel may not make any at-sea transfers to a carrier vessel.
  • Carrier vessels may not receive at-sea transfers from a harvester vessel.

Harvesters are prohibited from landing more than 2,000 pounds of Atlantic herring per trip from Area 1A until July 19, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Landings will be closely monitored and the fishery will be adjusted to zero landing days when the Season 1 quota of 1,748 metric tons is projected to be reached.

For more information, please contact Emilie Franke, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at efranke@asmfoc.org or 703.842.0740.

The press release can also be found at https://asmfc.org/news/press-releases/atlantic-herring-area-1a-start-date-remains-july-19-2026-at-600-p-m/

 

NEFMC NEWS: June 2026 Council Meeting Summary

July 1, 2026 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council met from June 23-25, 2026, in Mystic, Connecticut. The following is a summary of ongoing Council work priorities and future planning. All presentations, materials, and meeting audio recordings are available on the Council’s June 2026 meeting page. For an update on stock-specific actions that took place at the June meeting, please see the following press release.

NOAA LEADERSHIP OPENS THE JUNE MEETING, MARKING 50 YEARS OF THE MAGNUSON-STEVENS ACT

NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator Genio Piñeiro-Soler opened the June meeting with comments about the importance of regional fishery management councils and recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. He welcomed Council questions and feedback, which included continued support for Saltonstall-Kennedy funding for seafood marketing, support for a vessel buyback and new vessel purchasing program, and a call for focus on soliciting representative Council members.

RISK POLICY APPROVED FOR USE BY COUNCIL

The Council approved revisions to its Risk Policy, establishing qualitative categories of low, medium, and high risk tolerance to support management decisions beginning in 2026. The Risk Policy is a decision support tool that complements the existing specification-setting processes. Adoption of this policy sets New England as the first Fishery Management Council in the U.S. to consider tolerance of more risk, not just less. This bi-directional approach is designed to emphasize caution when stock conditions are poor, recruitment is low, and environmental conditions are unfavorable, and conversely allow fishery managers to increase catch limits for healthy stocks deemed eligible to tolerate more risk.

Weighting Exercise

The Risk Policy combines the Council’s input about the importance of risk factors with technical scores related to managed resources. The policy preference was determined at the June meeting, when 18 voting Council members took the important step of assigning universal weights to five factors on a scale of 0-4, ranging from “least” to “critically” important. The five factors include:

  1. Biomass/Stock Status
  2. Recruitment
  3. Climate Vulnerability
  4. Recreational Fishery Characterization
  5. Commercial Fishery Characterization

The weights from the June meeting will be combined with scores completed by each Plan Development Team and unique to each Fishery Management Plan (FMP) in the coming months. Combined weights and scores generate a qualitative Risk Tolerance level. Weights are recommended to remain in place for three years, at which time they are eligible for review.

Western Pacific Council Appointments Strengthen Commercial Fishing, Regional Fisheries Expertise

July 1, 2026 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council welcomed the appointment of Cody Norita as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands obligatory member, Eric Kingma as an at-large member representing Hawaiʻi and the reappointment of Roger Dang as an at-large member representing Hawaiʻi. Their appointments strengthen the Council’s expertise in commercial fishing, fisheries management and regional resource stewardship at a time when domestic seafood producers face increasing competition from imported seafood and foreign fishing fleets.

Hawaii Longline Association Executive Director Kingma brings decades of experience in Hawaiʻi’s commercial fishing industry and management, while Dang continues his service with extensive expertise in fishery operations, seafood distribution and fishery management. Together, they provide firsthand knowledge of seafood harvesting, processing and marketing, as well as the regulatory and economic challenges facing Hawaiʻi’s fishing industry. Their experience also provides valuable perspective on the international fisheries policies and conservation measures that influence Hawaiʻi’s fisheries and seafood markets.

Norita, CNMI assistant fire chief and U.S. Navy veteran, brings leadership in emergency management, interagency coordination and community resilience, along with firsthand experience as a pelagic fisherman. As founder of the CNMI Veterans Fishing Derby, he combines practical fishing knowledge with a strong commitment to sustainable marine resource stewardship and island communities.

“Cody has built a career on discipline and service, from the flight deck of the USS Nimitz to emergency response in the CNMI,” said Council Chair Nathan Ilaoa. “Through his work with the Veterans Fishing Derby, he’s turned that same commitment toward something just as important: connecting people back to the ocean and to each other.”

“Our commercial fishermen operate under extensive conservation, monitoring and reporting requirements, yet they continue to compete against imported seafood that often comes from fisheries operating under different standards,” said Council Executive Director Kitty Simonds. “Eric, Roger and Cody bring diverse experience in commercial fishing, international fisheries, fisheries management and public service that will strengthen the Council’s ability to address the unique opportunities and challenges facing fisheries throughout the U.S. Pacific Islands.”

The appointments come as federal fisheries policy continues to evolve. Recent actions by the Administration, including reopening portions of Pacific Marine National Monuments to commercial fishing, have renewed attention on strengthening domestic seafood production and reducing reliance on imports. NMFS estimates that approximately 80% of the seafood consumed in the United States is imported, highlighting the importance of maintaining a strong domestic fishing industry.

Federally managed fisheries throughout the U.S. Pacific Islands — including Hawaiʻi’s pelagic longline, bottomfish and other fisheries — are managed using science-based conservation measures. Fishermen comply with catch reporting, vessel monitoring, observer and electronic monitoring programs, protected species mitigation requirements and international conservation measures. In Hawaiʻi, pelagic fisheries generated nearly $120 million in commercial dockside revenue in 2025, reflecting their significant contribution to the state’s economy and locally landed seafood supply. 

The appointments take effect on August 11. Council members serve staggered three-year terms and may be reappointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to three consecutive terms.

The Council remains committed to conserving fishery resources while supporting sustainable commercial, recreational and subsistence fisheries throughout the U.S. Pacific Islands.

Council Focuses on Timely Implementation of Fishery Specifications; Recommends Changes to Habitat Research Area

June 30, 2026 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council met from June 23–25, 2026, in Mystic, Connecticut. The following is a summary of actions taken and issues considered affecting several Fishery Management Plans (FMPs). Meeting materials, motions, and the meeting audio recordings are available on the Council’s June 2026 meeting page.

HERRING INDUSTRY-FUNDED MONITORING TO BE REVISITED

The Council decided to consider rescinding the Atlantic herring Industry Funded Monitoring (IFM) program as a possible 2027 priority, to be further discussed at its December 2026 meeting.

The discussion was sparked by a letter from NOAA requesting the Council rescind the Herring IFM program in response to Executive Order 14276 and ongoing litigation.

Multiple Council members spoke about the importance of completing current Herring priorities as planned. The Council and NOAA partners noted that other existing IFM programs for scallops and groundfish would not be affected.

The Council plans to respond to NOAA in a letter following the June meeting.

More information can be found here.

HERRING SPECIFICATIONS PRIORITIZED; SEPARATED FROM OTHER MANAGEMENT MEASURES

The Council voted unanimously to separate Atlantic herring specifications for fishing years (FY) 2027–2031 into a standalone action distinct from ongoing work to modify river herring and shad (RHS) management measures.

The Council plans to take final action on the specifications at its September 2026 meeting.

In a separate action, the Council directed the Plan Development Team (PDT) to continue working on:

  1. Time-area closures for RHS with and without existing catch cap methodology;
  2. An updated specifications process; and
  3. Carryover provision modifications.

Final action is targeted for April 2027. The full herring report can be found here.

June 2026 Council Meeting Summary

June 30, 2026 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council met June 16-18, 2026, in Alexandria, VA. A summary of key actions and discussions from the meeting is now available.

 Read the June 2026 Council Meeting Summary

Additional materials, including briefing documents, presentations, motions, and webinar recordings, can be found on the Meeting Page. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Sabo (msabo@mafmc.org, 302-526-5261) or another member of Council staff.

 Next Meeting: 

The next Council meeting will be held August 11-13, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA. A full list of upcoming meetings can be found at https://www.mafmc.org/council-events.