Saving Seafood

Mid-Atlantic Council Seeks Applicants for Spiny Dogfish Advisory Panel Vacancies

August 31, 2021 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is accepting applications to fill up to nine vacant seats on the Spiny Dogfish Advisory Panel. Individuals selected for the advisory panel will be appointed to serve for the remainder of the Council’s advisory panel term ending on June 30, 2024.

The Council completed an initial round of advisory panel appointments earlier this year. However, due to the limited number of applications received for the Spiny Dogfish Advisory Panel, the Council recommended a supplemental recruitment to ensure that membership is reflective of stakeholder interests and the fishery’s geographic range.

Advisory panels provide information and recommendations to the Council during the development of fishery management actions. One of the chief responsibilities of advisory panels is the development of annual Fishery Performance Reports, which provide the Council and SSC with information about the factors that influenced fishing effort and catch within each fishery during the previous year.

Advisory panels are composed of individuals with diverse experience and interest in Mid-Atlantic fisheries. Members may include commercial fishermen, recreational anglers, for-hire operators, commercial dealers, scientists, environmentalists, and other members of the interested public. Most advisory panels meet 1-2 times per year. Advisors are compensated for travel and per diem expenses for in-person meetings, but meetings are often convened via webinar.

How to Apply

Anyone interested in applying for the Spiny Dogfish AP may apply online or download an application at www.mafmc.org/advisory-panel-application.

Completed applications must be received by Wednesday, September 22, 2021.

Contact

For questions about the Spiny Dogfish AP, contact Jason Didden at jdidden@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5254. For questions about how to complete or submit the application, contact Mary Sabo at msabo@mafmc.org, (302) 526-5261.

August 2021 MAFMC Meeting to be Conducted by Webinar Only, In-Person Option Cancelled

August 3, 2021 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Due to the worsening situation with COVID-19 in Philadelphia and other areas of the country, Council leadership has made the difficult decision to cancel the in-person option for the upcoming Council Meeting to be held August 9-12, 2021. The meeting will be conducted by webinar only with the same format and procedures used for our recent virtual Council meetings.

Webinar connection instructions are provided below. Please see the August 2021 Council Meeting Page for additional information and briefing materials.

Webinar Details

Click here to join the meeting (If prompted, enter Meeting number: 1796121174 and Meeting password: WJpMjJQa249). To join by phone-only, dial 1-844-621-3956 and enter access code 1796121174.

For those who wish to listen but do not need to participate, a live stream of the meeting will also be available on our YouTube channel.

If you have webinar issues, please check the Webex Participant Guide to see if your question is addressed there. This page provides step-by-step instructions for joining a meeting from various devices. If you need further technical assistance, contact Stephen Pearson at spearson@mafmc.org or (302) 526-5256.

Questions?

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

MAFMC August 9-12, 2021 Hybrid Meeting (In-Person/Virtual)

July 15, 2021 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold a hybrid in-person/virtual Council meeting August 9-12, 2021. Council members, other meeting participants, and members of the public will have the option to attend the meeting in person at the The Notary Hotel in Philadelphia, PA or participate online via Webex webinar. Portions of the meeting will be conducted jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Bluefish Management Board, Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass Management Board, and ISFMP Policy Board. All attendees, regardless of whether they choose to attend in-person or virtually, will be given an equal opportunity to provide comments.

Please see the August 2021 Council Meeting Page for further updates and details regarding webinar connection and participation instructions, briefing materials, and public comment deadlines. A detailed agenda is available here. Most briefing materials will be available on the meeting page by July 30.

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

Webinar Instructions for the June 2021 MAFMC Meeting

June 4, 2021 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s June 2021 Meeting will be held via webinar next week, Monday, June 7 – Thursday, June 10, 2021. The meeting will begin with a closed Executive Committee session on June 7. The public portion of the meeting will begin on Tuesday, June 8 at 9:00 a.m.  A detailed agenda and briefing documents are available on the June 2021 Council Meeting Page.

Webinar Connection Instructions

The Council meeting will be conducted via Webex. Before connecting to the webinar, we recommend that you review the Council Meeting Webex Participant Guide for detailed step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips. The meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. each day. We will have the webinar up and running by 8:30 a.m. to allow time for audio checks and troubleshooting. We recommend connecting a few minutes early.

  1. Click Here to Join the Webinar (If prompted, enter Meeting number: 173 841 2552; Meeting password: mafmc)
  2. If this is your first time using Webex you will be prompted to download and install the application. To join from a mobile device you will need the Cisco Webex Meetings app, which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
  3. Sign In: On the sign in screen you will be asked to enter your full name.
  4. Connect your audio: On the meeting preview screen you can choose how you want to connect your audio. You will have the option to use your computer mic/speakers or phones for audio.
  5. A note about video: Participant video will be disabled for this meeting. However, depending on your webcam settings you may still see your video on the meeting preview screen before you enter the webinar. This will not be displayed to other participants. You can disable the preview by clicking the “Stop Video” button.
  6. Telephone-only access: For those who will not be joining the webinar but would like to listen in to the audio portion only, dial 1-844-621-3956 (meeting number: 1738412552#). Please only use this option if you are not connecting to the webinar. Participants connected by phone only will need to enter *6 on their keypad to unmute/mute themselves and *3 to raise/lower their hands.
  7. Troubleshooting: If you have webinar issues, please check the Council Meeting Webex Participant Guide and these troubleshooting steps to see if your question is addressed there. This page provides step-by-step instructions for joining a meeting from Windows and Mac computers, IOS and Android devices, and internet browsers. Check the June meeting page for staff contact info if you need help during the meeting.

Live Streaming (New!)

We are excited to announce a new way to tune in to Council meetings through a live stream on our YouTube channel. Links to the live stream will be posted each day on the June meeting page. You can also visit our YouTube live stream page (video will appear once the stream goes live). This is a great option if you are only planning to listen in to the meeting and do not need to participate.

Questions? Contact Mary Sabo, Communication and Outreach Coordinator, msabo@mafmc.org, (302) 518-1143.

MAFMC Advisory Panel Applications Due This Friday, April 23

April 19, 2021 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The deadline to apply for the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s advisory panels is this Friday, April 23. All current advisory panel members must reapply to be considered for reappointment.

Apply Here

The Council is accepting applications for the following advisory panels:

  • Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass
  • Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish
  • Surfclam and Ocean Quahog
  • Tilefish
  • Bluefish
  • Ecosystem and Ocean Planning
  • River Herring and Shad
  • Dogfish (jointly managed with New England Council)
  • Communication and Outreach (NEW!)

How to Apply

Anyone interested in serving on an advisory panel may apply online or download an application at www.mafmc.org/advisory-panel-application. Applications can also be obtained by calling (302) 518-1143 or emailing msabo@mafmc.org.

Completed applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 23, 2021.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Mary Sabo at (302) 518-1143, msabo@mafmc.org.

About Advisory Panels

Advisory panels provide information and recommendations to the Council during the development of fishery management plans, amendments, specifications, and other initiatives. One of the chief responsibilities of advisory panels is the development of annual Fishery Performance Reports. These reports provide the Council and SSC with information about the factors that influenced fishing effort and catch within each fishery during the previous year. Learn more about advisory panels here.

Advisory panels are composed of individuals with diverse experience and interest in Mid-Atlantic fisheries. Members include commercial fishermen, recreational anglers, for-hire operators, commercial dealers, scientists, environmentalists, and other members of the interested public. Most advisory panels meet 1-2 times per year. Members are compensated for travel and per diem expenses for all meetings. Individuals who are appointed to advisory panels serve for three-year terms.

Mid-Atlantic Council Meeting This Week, February 10-11, 2021

February 8, 2021 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will meet by webinar this week on Wednesday, February 10 and Thursday, February 11, 2021. Briefing documents are now available on the February 2021 Council Meeting Page.

Agenda

A detailed agenda is available here. Topics to be discussed at this meeting include:

  • North Atlantic Right Whale Issues
  • Aquaculture Updates
  • River Herring and Shad White Papers
  • Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment – Public Hearing Document Approval (Joint with ASMFC Bluefish Board)
  • Offshore Wind Updates
  • SOPP Updates (during Executive Director’s Report)

Webinar Instructions

Join the webinar during the meeting at http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/february2021/. Please note that participants will be required to use the Adobe Connect application. The browser option will not be available. You can download the application for Windows here and for Mac here. We recommend checking your system in advance, as it may take a few minutes to download. More detailed instructions are available on the meeting page. For telephone-only access, dial 800-832-0736 and enter room number 7833942# when prompted.

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

Reminder: December 2020 MAFMC Meeting Next Week, December 14-17, 2020

December 9, 2020 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will meet by webinar next week, December 14-17, 2020. Portions of the meeting will be conducted jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Management Board, Bluefish Management Board, and ISFMP Policy Board (please note that the agenda has been updated to reflect that the Council will meet jointly with the ISFMP Policy Board on Wednesday from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m.).

Briefing documents are now available on the December 2020 Council Meeting Page. Any supplemental documents will be posted by Friday, December 11.

Agenda

A detailed agenda is available here. Topics to be discussed at this meeting include:

  • 2021 Implementation Plan
  • SSC Economic Work Group Report
  • Council Recusal Process
  • Habitat Updates
  • 2021 Recreational Specifications for Scup, Black Sea Bass, Summer Flounder, and Bluefish
  • Recreational Reform Initiative Updates
  • Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment – Public Hearing Document Approval
  • Black Sea Bass Commercial State Allocation Amendment and Draft Addendum XXXIII – Final Action
  • Atlantic Right Whale Update

Public Comments

Written comments may be submitted using the online comment form linked below. Comments submitted before 5:00 p.m. on December 10, 2020 will be posted as supplemental materials on the meeting page. After that date, comments may only be submitted using the form below and will be automatically added to a spreadsheet available from the meeting page.

Webinar Instructions

Join the webinar during the meeting at http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/december2020/. Please note that participants will be required to use the Adobe Connect application. The browser option will not be available. You can download the application for Windows here and for Mac here. We recommend checking your system in advance, as it may take a few minutes to download. More detailed instructions are available on the meeting page. For telephone-only access, dial 800-832-0736 and enter room number 7833942# when prompted.

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

Reminder: October 2020 Council Meeting This Week, October 5-8, 2020

October 5, 2020 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

As a reminder, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold its October Council meeting this week, October 5-8, 2020. Due to ongoing concerns about COVID-19, this meeting will be held by webinar.

An agenda, briefing materials, and webinar connection instructions are available on the October 2020 Council Meeting page. The meeting will begin today at 1:00 p.m. with a meeting of the Executive Committee to discuss the 2021 Implementation Plan. Other topics to be addressed this week include:

  • Spiny Dogfish 2021-2022 Specifications
  • Chub Mackerel 2021 Specifications Review
  • Executive Order 13921 Recommendations
  • Research Priorities Update
  • Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management Updates
  • Joint Council/SSC Meeting
  • Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment
  • Recreational Reform Initiative

IMPORTANT WEBINAR UPDATE: For this meeting we will be requiring participants to use the Adobe Connect application. The browser option will not be available. You can download the application for Windows here and for Mac here, or you will be prompted to download the application when you click the link below to join the meeting. We recommend connecting early to ensure that you have the necessary software installed. Additional details and troubleshooting tips can be found in our webinar guide. For telephone-only access, dial 800-832-0736 and enter room number 7833942#.

October 2020 Webinar Link: http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/october2020/

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

MAFMC Webinar Meeting: October 5-8, 2020

September 15, 2020 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The next meeting of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will be held October 5-8, 2020. Due to ongoing concerns about COVID-19, this meeting will be held by webinar.

A detailed agenda is available here. Topics to be discussed at this meeting include:

  • 2021 Implementation Plan – Draft Actions and Deliverables
  • Spiny Dogfish 2021-2022 Specifications
  • Chub Mackerel 2021 Specifications Review
  • Executive Order 13921 Recommendations
  • Research Priorities Update
  • Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management Updates
  • Joint Council/SSC Meeting
  • Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment
  • Recreational Reform Initiative
  • Proposed Rule for the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan Update

Briefing documents and webinar connection details will be posted on the October 2020 Council Meeting Page as they become available.

Written comments may be submitted using the online comment form linked below or via email, mail, or fax (see this page for details). Written comments must be received by 11:59 p.m. on September 23, 2020 to be included in the briefing book. Comments received after this date but before 5:00 p.m. on October 1, 2020 will be posted as supplemental materials on the Council meeting web page. After that date, comments may only be submitted using the online comment form below.

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

Mid-Atlantic Council Invites Public Input on Ways to Reduce Burdens on Domestic Fishing

July 22, 2020 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

On May 7, 2020, the President of the United States signed an Executive Order on Promoting American Seafood Competitiveness and Economic Growth. The purpose of this Executive Order is “to strengthen the American economy; improve the competitiveness of American industry; ensure food security; provide environmentally safe and sustainable seafood; support American workers; ensure coordinated, predictable, and transparent Federal actions; and remove unnecessary regulatory burdens.”

Section 4 of the Executive Order requires each Regional Fishery Management Council to submit a prioritized list of recommended actions to reduce burdens on domestic fishing and to increase production within sustainable fisheries, including a proposal for initiating each recommended action within 1 year. Recommendations must be consistent with the requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and other applicable laws.

We Want to Hear From You!

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council invites the public to provide input on ways to reduce burdens on domestic fishing and to increase production within sustainable fisheries. Recommended actions may include changes to regulations, orders, guidance documents, or other similar actions.

Please visit our Executive Order Comment Form to submit any comments or suggestions you would like the Council to consider. Comments may also be sent via email to msabo@mafmc.org with the subject line “Executive Order Comments.” All comments must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, August 5, 2020. The Council will review responses at its August 2020 meeting.

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