Saving Seafood

MAFMC News Roundup – 4/22/21

Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council

April 22, 2021 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

April Council Meeting Summary: The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council met via webinar April 6-8, 2021. Check out the April 2021 Council Meeting Summary for all the details, or watch the meeting recordings on YouTube. During this meeting, the Council:

  • Postponed final action on the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment during a joint meeting with the ASMFC Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Board
  • Adopted status quo specifications for the Mid-Atlantic blueline tilefish fishery for 2022-2024
  • Reviewed a preliminary range of alternatives for the Tilefish Multi-Year Specifications Framework
  • Provided comments on E.O 14008 on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad
  • Received an update regarding several ongoing activities in support of the Council’s EAFM guidance document
  • Reviewed the 2021 Mid-Atlantic State of the Ecosystem Report and EAFM Risk Assessment
  • Received an update on the East Coast Climate Change Scenario Planning Initiative
  • Received a presentation on Climate Change Science Efforts Underway at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center

June Council Meeting to be Conducted by Webinar: The next Council meeting, scheduled for June 8-10, will be held virtually. Topics to be addressed in June include final action on the Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment; review of previously approved 2022 specifications for longfin squid, butterfish, Atlantic surfclam, and ocean quahog; approval of 2022 Illex squid specifications; review of the Illex incidental trip limit and butterfish mesh regulations; habitat updates; and more. An agenda will be available in early May.

Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment: Tomorrow, April 23, is the last day to submit comments on the Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment. Learn more and submit comments here.

Advisory Panel Application Deadline: Tomorrow is also the deadline to apply for the Council’s advisory panels. All current advisors must reapply to be considered for reappointment. Apply here.

May SSC Meeting: The Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will meet via webinar May 11-12, 2021. During this meeting the SSC will review and consider changes to the 2021 Illex squid ABC, recommend a 2022 Illex ABC, and review the previously recommended ABCs for butterfish, longfin squid, Atlantic surfclam, and ocean quahog. The SSC will also discuss topics related to the Mid-Atlantic State of the Ecosystem Report and provide feedback on possible 2026 Research Track Assessment Priorities.

Mid-Atlantic Ocean Forum: The Mid-Atlantic Committee on the Ocean (MACO) will convene its Third Annual Mid-Atlantic Region Ocean Forum from May 3-6, 2021. This year’s all-virtual event will feature expert panel discussions on ocean planning issues including offshore wind energy in the Mid-Atlantic, climate-induced ocean changes, ocean justice, and emerging technologies for monitoring the ocean. The event will also feature opportunities for public participation, a virtual networking luncheon and a first-ever poster session highlighting the work of students and early career professionals.

For-Hire and Recreational Tilefish Reporting: As a reminder, for-hire vessels with permits for MAFMC-managed species are required to submit their Vessel Trip Reports (VTRs) electronically within 48 hours of completing their trip. All recreational vessels targeting or retaining golden or blueline tilefish from Virginia to Maine are required to obtain a recreational tilefish permit and must submit an electronic VTR within 24 hours of completing a trip where tilefish were targeted and/or retained.

Commercial Electronic Reporting: Beginning November 10, 2021, commercial and some recreational fishermen in the Greater Atlantic Region will be required to start submitting VTRs electronically. Learn more about the reporting requirements and software options.

Offshore Wind Updates: The Council periodically sends out updates on offshore wind activities in the Mid-Atlantic region. Read the latest update sent on 4/13/21. Sign up to receive wind updates here. Recent notices to mariners and comment opportunities are also listed on our Offshore Wind Notices page.

ASMFC At-Sea Monitoring RFP: The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, in cooperation with the National Marine Fisheries Service’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center, has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to conduct components of the At-Sea Monitoring Training Program for the NEFSC.

ROSA Fisheries Resource Data Project RFP: The Responsible Offshore Science Alliance (ROSA) is seeking a qualified contractor to conduct research and prepare a report with recommendations for standardizing and sharing fisheries resource data to support better understanding of the impacts of offshore wind development on ecosystems. Read the RFP for more details. Proposals are due May 11, 2021.

Upcoming Meetings

Questions? Contact Mary Sabo – msabo@mafmc.org, (302) 518-1143.