Saving Seafood

ASMFC Releases New Habitat Management Series Report on Atlantic States Shell Recycling

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

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has released the latest installment in its Habitat Management Series, Atlantic States Shell Recycling. The report highlights the growing role of shell recycling programs in supporting oyster reef restoration, coastal resilience, and sustainable fisheries management along the US Atlantic coast.

 
Oyster reefs are among the most valuable habitats in coastal ecosystems, improving water quality, stabilizing shorelines, and providing critical habitat for commercially and recreationally important species. However, the availability of suitable shell for restoration has become a limiting factor in many regions. Shell recycling programs address this need by collecting used shell from restaurants and community partners, curing it to meet public health and biosecurity standards, and returning it to the water to create or enhance oyster reefs and living shorelines.
 
The report outlines common program models, curing standards, equipment and logistics considerations, permitting frameworks, and performance metrics. Developed in collaboration with state and regional partners, the report provides practical guidance for states seeking to expand or establish shell recycling initiatives. It highlights how collaboration among state agencies, nonprofit organizations, industry partners, and volunteers has strengthened restoration capacity and community engagement.
 
“This report showcases how shell recycling programs transform a waste product into a critical restoration resource,” said Russ Babb, New Jersey Bureau of Marine Habitat & Shellfisheries. “By sharing lessons learned and common standards, we aim to support states in building efficient, scalable programs that advance oyster reef restoration and habitat resilience across the coast.”
 
The Atlantic States Shell Recycling report is available for download at https://asmfc.org/resources/habitat-special-report/atlantic-states-shell-recycling-february-2026/ or via the Commission’s website athttps://asmfc.org/programs/habitat/. For more information, please contact Simen Kaalstad, Habitat Program Coordinator, at skaalstad@asmfc.org or 703.842.0743.

Meeting Summary and Motion from the February 10, 2026 Joint Meeting of the MAFMC and ISFMP Policy Board

February 18, 2026 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The meeting summary and motion from the February 10, 2026 joint meeting of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Commission’s ISFMP Policy Board are now available and can be found here. Presentations, briefing materials, motions, and webinar recordings are available on the Council’s February 2026 meeting page.

 

ASMFC Begins Preparations for Benchmark Stock Assessment for Atlantic Migratory Group Cobia

February 18, 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 migratory group cobia to be completed in 2027. The goals of the assessment are to evaluate the health of the stock along the Atlantic coast from Georgia northward to inform management. While updating the stock assessment model and datasets used in the 2020 benchmark stock assessment (SEDAR 58) will be considered, additional data sources and potential new models will also be explored due to data limitations and changes in management. The Commission’s stock assessment process and meetings are open to the public, except for when confidential data are being discussed.

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 growth, maturation, migration, tagging, natural mortality, environmental impacts, abundance/biomass, and fishery removals. Essential data needs for the Cobia assessment are fishery-independent data sources that can contribute to indices of abundance, data to inform the discards in fisheries, including size information, and bycatch in other directed fisheries. For data sets to be considered, the data must be sent in the required format, with accompanying description of methods, to the Commission by March 20, 2026. For more information on submitting data, including the appropriate format, please contact CJ Schlick. 

The Commission will hold multiple data workshops in the spring of 2026, with some webinar sessions and one in-person session, to review all available data sources and identify datasets to be incorporated in the stock assessment. The Data Workshops are open to the public, please contact Emilie Franke or visit https://asmfc.org/events/ for information on the workshops.                                                                                    

ASMFC Spiny Dogfish Board Sets Quota for 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 Fishing Seasons

February 5, 2026 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The Commission’s Spiny Dogfish Management Board approved a coastwide commercial quota for the 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 fishing seasons (May 1-April 30) of 9.2 million pounds (state-specific allocations are provided in table below), pending approval by NOAA Fisheries. The quota is consistent with the measures recommended to NOAA Fisheries by the Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils (Councils). The Board also maintained the commercial trip limit in state waters of 7,500 pounds for the northern region states of Maine through Connecticut. The states of New York through North Carolina have the ability to set state-specific trip limits based on the needs of their fisheries. The Commission’s actions are final and apply to state waters (0-3 miles from shore). The Councils forwarded their recommendations for federal waters (3 –200 miles from shore) to NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Administrator for final approval.

 

Winter Flounder Stock Assessment Updates Find GOM Stock Not Experiencing Overfishing & SNE/MA Stock Not Overfished or Experiencing Overfishing

February 4, 2026 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission

The Commission’s Winter Flounder Management Board received the results of the 2025 Stock Assessment Updates for the Gulf of Maine (GOM) and Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic (SNE/MA) winter flounder stocks and set specifications for the 2026-2028 fishing years.

 
For the GOM stock, it is unknown if the stock is overfished. However, the exploitation rate is estimated to be 19% of the overfishing exploitation threshold proxy, indicating the stock is not experiencing overfishing. The commercial fishery has experienced sharp declines in landings since the peak in 1982 at just over 6 million pounds. Landings declined steadily to approximately 770,000 pounds in 1999 and is estimated to be approximately 354,283 pounds in 2024. Recreational landings represented a significant portion of total harvest on the GOM stock during the 1980s, ranging between 2.5 and 10.5 million pounds. Recreational landings dropped below 440,000 pounds in 1992 and continued to drop to a time series low of approximately 49,824 pounds in 2024. This significant reduction in landings is largely attributable to low availability and/or low effort.


 
Survey indices for the GOM stock have shown little change in the composition of age classes over time. This is concerning given the declining level of annual landings and low exploitation rate in the GOM. Overall, these indices of abundance have not shown any positive response to the large declines in commercial and recreational removals since the 1980s. However, recent increases (2021-2024) in biomass, if continued, may be the beginning of a response to low fishing effort. 
 
The SNE/MA stock is considered not overfished nor experiencing overfishing. Spawning stock biomass (SSB) is estimated at 6.14 million pounds, 89% of the SSB target of 6.86 million pounds. Total fishing mortality is estimated at 0.048, which is 21% of the overfishing threshold of 0.233. Natural mortality, defined as the removal of fish from the stock due to causes not associated with fishing, is a source of uncertainty in the stock assessment and may be contributing to declining abundance. Although the stock is not overfished and not experiencing overfishing, trends in survey indices and model estimates all continue to indicate the stock is in poor condition.
 
SNE/MA commercial landings have declined significantly from the record high of 22.6 million pounds in 1981 to an all-time low of approximately 76,941 pounds in 2023. In 2024, commercial landings are estimated at 167,772 pounds. In response to the poor condition of the stock, a moratorium in the SNE/MA fishery was implemented in federal waters between May 2009 and April 2013. Concurrently, a 50-pound commercial bycatch limit was implemented in state waters and still remains in place today. 
 
The SNE/MA recreational fishery has also experienced significant declines over time due to decreases in abundance. Landings were around 12 million pounds in the early 1980s, increased to 18.5 million pounds in 1984, and then precipitously declined to between 2 and 4.5 million pounds from 1992 to 2001. Landings continued to decline over the next two decades, from a high of 1.4 million pounds in 2002 to a low of 1,102 pounds in 2019. In 2024, recreational landings were estimated at 4,409 pounds.
 
Considering the results of the assessment updates and catch limits recommended by the New England Fishery Management Council, the Board maintained 2025 recreational and commercial measures for the GOM and SNE/MA winter flounder stocks for the 2026-2028 fishing years (see Table 1). However, the Board discussed the 2 fish recreational possession limit currently in place for the SNE/MA stock, including concerns the low possession limit was discouraging targeting of winter flounder by the recreational fishery. The Board tasked the Winter Flounder Technical Committee to examine the potential impacts of increasing the SNE/MA recreational possession limit and corresponding open seasons, and report its findings to the Board by the Commission’s August 2026 meeting.
 

Patrick Keliher Named 2025 Captain David H. Hart Award Recipient

February 4, 2026 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

At its Winter Meeting in Arlington, Virginia, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) presented Patrick Keliher, former Commissioner with the Maine Department of Marine Resources (ME DMR), the Captain David H. Hart Award for 2025 for his longstanding contributions to and exceptional leadership towards the sustainable management of marine resources along the Eastern Seaboard.

Since becoming Commissioner with ME DMR and Administrative Commissioner to the ASMFC in 2012, Pat has worked tirelessly to support marine fisheries stakeholders, both in Maine and along the Atlantic coast. His unwavering work ethic extended well beyond the Commission table. He is a consummate professional – always prepared and expertly engaged in every setting with a straightforward, no-nonsense approach. This approach earned him the respect of all those who have worked with him.

From 2017 – 2023, Pat served in a leadership position with the Commission, helping address a wide range of issues. One of the most unique and challenging times during his tenure was guiding the Commission through the pandemic. This was a time that truly reflected Pat’s steady leadership and deep commitment to the Commission. Throughout that period, he stayed closely connected with staff and fellow Commissioners, oversaw a seamless transition to virtual meetings, and consistently made decisions with the safety of Commissioners and staff in mind. Other notable accomplishments during this time include quick action by the states to end overfishing of Atlantic striped bass and implementation of ecological reference points to manage Atlantic menhaden.
On the home front, Pat has been credited with strengthening and sustaining Maine’s commercial fisheries through effective management, responsible policy, and improved enforcement. His collaborative effort to secure a six-year pause on federal whale regulations and to provide millions in federal funds for marine mammal research has benefited both Maine’s lobster industry and the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale. During his tenure, DMR implemented enhanced management and enforcement measures to protect Maine’s valuable elver resource and fishery. His work to secure funding and establish strategic partnerships was instrumental in efforts to restore access to habitat for Maine’s sea-run fish species. Pat also oversaw the administration of state funding that has protected many vital working waterfront properties, and federal funds that provided much needed direct relief to industry and investments in critical infrastructure.
“I can’t think of a more deserving recipient of this honor,” said Department of Marine Resources Commissioner Carl Wilson. “Throughout his career, Pat has demonstrated a dedication to science-based decisions, effective policy, and strong enforcement necessary to protect our valuable marine resources and industries.”
“Pat’s strong advocacy for Maine’s marine resources and fisheries was exceeded only by his commitment to the people who make their living on the water,” said Maine Governor Janet Mills. “Maine’s coastal economy, environment, and communities are stronger because of his leadership, and this award reflects his many career accomplishments.”
Prior to joining DMR, Pat served as Executive Director of the Atlantic Salmon Commission and Executive Director of the New England States of the Coastal Conservation Association, Greater New England.
The Commission instituted the Hart Award in 1991 to recognize individuals who have made outstanding efforts to improve Atlantic coast marine fisheries. The Hart Award is named for one of the Commission’s longest serving members, who dedicated himself to the advancement and protection of marine fishery resources, Captain David H. Hart, from the State of New Jersey.

Atlantic Croaker Stock Assessment Workshop Scheduled for March 2-6, 2026 in Arlington, VA

January 30, 2026 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission will hold the Atlantic Croaker Benchmark Stock Assessment Workshop at the Commission’s office, 1050 N. Highland Street, Suite 200 A-N, Arlington, VA. The stock assessment will evaluate the health of Atlantic croaker stocks 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*, when the public will be asked to leave the room.

The Stock Assessment Workshop will focus on evaluation of models and analyses developed to estimate stock status. The Commission welcomes the submission of models from the public that will improve the stock assessment. The deadline for submission of alternate models is Friday, February 20, 2026. For alternate models to be considered, the model description, inputs, and complete source code must be provided to Jeff Kipp, Senior Stock Assessment Scientist, at jkipp@asmfc.org by February 20, 2026. Any models submitted without complete, editable source code and input files will not be considered.

Specifically, the workshop will focus on addressing the following stock assessment terms of reference:

  • Develop models used to estimate population parameters (e.g., fishing mortality, biomass, abundance) and biological reference points, and analyze model performance.
  • Characterize uncertainty of model estimates and biological or empirical reference points.
  • Recommend stock status as related to reference points (if available).
  • Compare stock status and management advice from the assessment with the results of the traffic light analysis currently used for management. If outcomes differ, discuss potential causes of observed discrepancies and preferred method.

The final step in the stock assessment process will be the Peer Review Workshop, where an independent panel of fishery scientists will review the assessment for its appropriateness to advise future management of Atlantic croaker. Once the Peer Review has been scheduled, a press release will be issued with the Workshop details.

A workshop agenda will be posted in the coming weeks at https://asmfc.org/events/atlantic-croaker-stock-assessment-workshop/. For more information about the assessment or attending the March workshop (space will be limited), please contact Tracey Bauer, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at tbauer@asmfc.org or 703.842.0740.

* Each state and federal agency is responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of its data and deciding who has access to its confidential data.  In the case of our stock assessments and peer reviews, all analysts and, if necessary, reviewers, have been granted permission by the appropriate agency to use and view confidential data. When the assessment team needs to show and discuss these data, observers to our stock assessment process are asked to leave the room to preserve confidentiality.

ASMFC 2026 Winter Meeting Supplemental Materials Now Available

January 28, 2026 — The following was released by Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

Supplemental materials for  the ASMFC’s 2026 Winter Meeting are now available at https://asmfc.org/events/2026-winter-meeting/ for the following Boards/Committees. Click on “Supplemental” 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-winter-meeting-supplemental-materials-february-2026/

 
Executive Committee – Draft Meeting Summary from October 2026; White Paper on Notifying “Actions” on Commission Agendas 
 
Legislative and Governor Appointee Commissioners – Agenda
 
Atlantic Menhaden Management Board – Plan Development Team Memo: Progress Report on Draft Addendum II to Amendment 3; Atlantic Menhaden Technical Committee Meeting Summary  from January 2026; Public Comment
 
Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Management Board – Technical Committee Memo: Recommendations for Distribution of 20% Liberalization for Black Sea Bass Recreational Management Measures   
 
Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board – Stock Assessment Subcommittee Memo: Request for Board Guidance on Biological Reference Points and Spatial Management; Charting A Course for Striped Bass: Science and Regulatory Innovation for Offshore Aquaculture; Public Comment
 
Interstate Fisheries Management Program Policy Board – 2025 Commissioner Survey Results; Atlantic States Shell Recycling: A practitioner’s guide to oyster shell recycling along the US Atlantic coast
 
Webinar Information
Meeting proceedings will be broadcast daily via webinar beginning Tuesday, February 3 at 9 AM and continuing daily until the conclusion of the meeting (expected to be 12:45 PM) on Thursday, February 5. To register for the webinar, please go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6602887735395459168 (Webinar ID: 674-030-171). If you are joining the webinar but will not be using VoIP, you may also call in at 914.614.3221, access code 161-484-911. 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 compile the list of speakers, balancing 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 (January 12) will be included in the briefing materials.
2.       Comments received by 5 PM on Tuesday, January 27 will be included in supplemental materials.
3.       Comments received by 10 AM on Friday, January 30 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

$30M for right whale research could also help lobster industry

January 21, 2026 — A congressional funding bill contains $30 million for research and monitoring related to the North Atlantic right whale, an endangered species closely tied to the regulation of the lobster industry in Maine and other New England states.

The money is designated for the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, which oversees state-regulated fisheries.

North Atlantic right whales are one of the world’s most at-risk species, approaching extinction. Threats include entanglement in fishing gear, vessel strikes and climate change.

The money is part of the fiscal year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations bill that passed the U.S. Senate last week, previously approved by the House of Representatives and now heading to President Donald Trump’s desk to be signed into law.

“This funding will support Maine’s lobster industry by improving the incomplete and imprecise science and research upon which the federal government relies,” said U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, chair of the appropriations committee.

Read the full article at Mainebiz