Saving Seafood

Mid-Atlantic Council Presents Award of Excellence to Dr. Lee Anderson

August 28, 2023 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council has named Dr. Lee Anderson as the recipient of the Council’s prestigious Award of Excellence. The award was presented to Dr. Anderson during the August 2023 Council Meeting held in Annapolis, Maryland.

The Award of Excellence was established in 2016 to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to fisheries management, legislation, science, or law enforcement in the Mid-Atlantic region. The award is made on a periodic basis, subject to the identification and selection of outstanding individuals, and has only been given one other time.

Dr. Anderson has been a valued participant in the Mid-Atlantic Council process for almost the entirety of the Council’s 47-year history. He was one of three economists appointed to the Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee when it was first formed in 1976. He was later appointed to the Council, holding Delaware’s obligatory seat from 1986 to 1995 and 2007 to 2016. He served for three years as Council Chair (1992-1995) and a total of ten years as Vice-Chair (1990-1992, 2008-2016). After his departure from the Council in 2016, Dr. Anderson was reappointed to the SSC and served until early 2023.

“Lee’s impact on fisheries management, economics, and policy has not only shaped the present but also paved the way for a more sustainable future,” said Chris Moore, Executive Director of the Council. “Throughout his years on the Council and SSC, he brought a wealth of knowledge that helped the Council understand and account for the economic forces that shape fisheries management decisions.”

Dr. Anderson’s expertise and leadership were particularly instrumental in the Council’s development of an individual transferable quota program system for the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries, which was the first catch share program in the United States.

In addition to his contributions to the Council, Dr. Anderson has had a profound impact on the field of fisheries economics. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in economics from Brigham Young University in 1966, he earned his doctorate in economics from the University of Washington in 1970. In 1974 he joined the University of Delaware, where he would serve as Director of the Marine Policy Program in the College of Marine Studies from 1986 to 2004. His book The Economics of Fisheries Management has served as an important learning tool for fisheries economists nationally and internationally. He has written or edited six books and over sixty scientific papers and is recognized as a respected mentor and collaborator.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council proudly congratulates Dr. Anderson on this well-deserved recognition.

 

August 2023 Council Meeting

July 20, 2o23 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will meet Tuesday, August 8 – Friday, August 11, 2023 in Annapolis, Maryland. Council members, other meeting participants, and members of the public will have the option to participate in person at the Westin Annapolis or virtually via Webex webinar. Please see the August 2023 Council Meeting Page for webinar details, public comment deadlines, briefing materials (as they become available), and other updates.

A detailed agenda is available here. Below is an overview of the main topics to be addressed each day.

Please note that the agenda below has been corrected. The Council and Board will be adopting (not reviewing) 2024 black sea bass specifications. 

Tuesday, August 8, 2023 

Joint with ASMFC Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass Management Board

  • Summer Flounder 2024-2025 Specifications
  • Scup 2024-2025 Specifications
  • Scup Commercial Discards Report
  • Black Sea Bass 2024 Specifications

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

  • Recreational Harvest Control Rule Framework / Addenda 2.0 – Review progress and discuss next steps (Joint with ASMFC ISFMP Policy Board)
  • Bluefish 2024-2025 Specifications (Joint with ASMFC Bluefish Board)
  • East Coast Scenario Planning Initiative – Review outcomes and discuss MAFMC next steps
  • NOAA Fisheries Climate Governance Policy – Review policy and discuss Council comments
  • Award Presentations

Thursday, August 10, 2023

  • Atlantic Mackerel 2024-2025 Specifications
  • River Herring and Shad (RH/S) – Review update and adopt 2024-2025 RH/S cap
  • National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Electronic Monitoring and Reporting Grant Program
  • Longfin Squid 2024-2026 Specifications
  • Illex Hold Baseline Framework (FW Meeting #1 – Review and approve range of alternatives)
  • Research Set-Aside Program Redevelopment – Update
  • Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: National Standard 4, 8, and 9 – Discuss Council comments

Friday, August 10, 2023

  • Business Session
  • Other Business and General Public Comment

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

Mid-Atlantic Council Seeks Contractor to Participate in Longfin Squid Stock Assessment

May 3, 2023 — The following was released by Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid‐Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) seeks a contractor to collaboratively participate in the upcoming longfin squid (Doryteuthis (Amerigo) pealeii) research track stock assessment. 

Research track stock assessments are carried out over several years and can consider extensive changes in data, models, or stock structures. The contractor will work with the Longfin Squid Research Track Assessment Working Group (to be formed later this year). The contractor will participate in working group discussions, conduct relevant data analyses, and develop analytical models as appropriate in support of the workgroup efforts. The contractor will also collaborate on the development of technical working papers that advance the state of longfin squid assessment science, and which are independently peer reviewed at the conclusion of the assessment (March 2026).

See the Request for Proposals linked below for additional details and proposal instructions.

Request for Proposals: Longfin Squid Stock Assessment

MAFMC April 2023 Meeting in Durham, NC

March 15, 2023 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will meet Tuesday, April 4 – Thursday, April 6, 2023 in Durham, North Carolina. This will be an in-person meeting with a virtual option. Please see the April 2023 Council Meeting Page for webinar details, public comment deadlines, briefing materials (as they become available), and other updates.

A detailed agenda is available here. Below is an overview of the main topics to be addressed each day.

Tuesday, April 4th

  • Executive Committee Meeting (Closed Session) – SSC Membership, Award of Excellence nominations
  • Short-Term Forecasts of Species Distributions for Fisheries Management Project Results
  • East Coast Climate Change Scenario Planning – update from February 2023 East Coast Scenario Planning Summit

Wednesday, April 5th

  • Illex Squid: Review 2023 Specifications and Set 2024-2025 Specifications (MSB Committee of the Whole)
  • Illex Squid Permit Action Follow-Up (MSB Committee of the Whole)
  • Habitat Activities Update – aquaculture, wind, other projects
  • Ocean City Video Boat Count Project Results
  • Update from ACCSP on Atlantic Recreational Data Implementation Plan
  • Marine Recreational Information Program Update
  • Scup Federal Recreational Season – review recent ASMFC Board recommendation and consider similar Council action
  • 2023 Mid-Atlantic State of the Ecosystem Report
  • NOAA Draft National Seafood Strategy

Thursday, April 6th

  • Business Session
  • Other Business and General Public Comment

East Coast Fishery Managers to Convene Climate Change Scenario Planning Summit

February 6, 2023 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Over the past two years, East Coast fishery management bodies have been collaborating on a climate change scenario planning initiative designed to prepare fishing communities and fishery managers for an era of climate change. The final stage of this initiative will include an in-person summit meeting, to be held February 15-16, 2023, in Arlington, Virginia. The summit meeting will serve as a venue to discuss input collected throughout the scenario planning process, with the goal of developing a set of potential governance and management actions and priorities. 

Summit participants will include representatives from each of the three U.S. East Coast Fishery Management Councils, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and NOAA Fisheries. Non-invited participants attending the meeting in person are invited to observe the plenary discussions and provide comments during designated public comment opportunities. Only plenary sessions will be broadcast by webinar.

Additional details, including webinar connection information and a draft agenda, are available on the event page.

NOAA Seeks Applicants for Hudson Canyon National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council

January 6, 2022 — The following was released by Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is in the process of considering designation of a new national marine sanctuary in the Hudson Canyon area off the coast of New York and New Jersey. The Hudson Canyon is the largest submarine canyon along the U.S. Atlantic coast and is one of the largest in the world. The area is also one of the Mid-Atlantic region’s most important commercial and recreational fishing grounds.

NOAA is establishing an advisory council for the proposed Hudson Canyon National Marine Sanctuary and is seeking applicants for advisory council seats. The advisory council will bring members of the local community together to provide advice to NOAA and help guide the designation of the sanctuary.

Voting Seats 

The proposed Hudson Canyon National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council will include 15 voting members and 15 alternates. NOAA is seeking applicants to represent the following voting seats:

  1. Commercial Fishing (2 seats)
  2. Recreational Fishing (2 seats)
  3. Tourism/Recreation (1 seat)
  4. Conservation (2 seats)
  5. Science/Research (1 seat)
  6. Business and Economic Development (1 seat)
  7. Marine Industry (2 seats)
  8. Education/Outreach (2 seats)
  9. Citizen At-Large (2 seats)

Non Voting Seats 

The following government agencies have been invited to participate on the Sanctuary Advisory Council and may appoint a non-voting member and an alternate to the council:

  1. NOAA Fisheries
  2. New England Fishery Management Council
  3. Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council
  4. South-Atlantic Fishery Management Council
  5. U.S. Coast Guard
  6. U.S. Department of Interior/Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
  7. U.S. Department of Navy
  8. State of New York
  9. State of New Jersey
  10. State of Rhode Island

Applications will be accepted through January 31, 2023. Visit NOAA’s Hudson Canyon Sanctuary Advisory Council page for details and application instructions.

Comment Period Extended for Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Species Separation Requirements Amendment

November 18, 2022 — The following was released by Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council has extended the deadline for members of the public to submit written comments on the Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Species Separation Requirements Amendment. Written comments can now be submitted until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 29, 2022. The Council is extending the deadline to accommodate individuals who may have been affected by the canceled public hearing on November 14th.

The Council developed the draft amendment to address the increased occurrence of mixed catches in the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. Current regulations do not allow for surfclam and ocean quahog to be landed on the same trip or placed in the same cages. The draft amendment contains a range of management approaches (“alternatives”) that would modify current regulations to allow for mixed catches onboard vessels. Details about these management alternatives can be found in the Public Hearing Document and Public Hearing Presentation.

Written comments may be submitted by any of the methods listed below. Comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 29, 2022.

Mid-Atlantic Council to Hold Public Hearings on Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Species Separation Requirements

November 8, 2022 — The following was released by Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) is requesting public comments on a draft amendment to modify the species separation requirements in the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. Comments may be submitted at any of three public hearings to be held on November 10, 14, and 17. Written comments will also be accepted through November 23.

This action is intended to address the increased occurrence of mixed catches in the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. Current regulations do not allow for surfclam and ocean quahog to be landed on the same trip or placed in the same cages. Industry has reported that it has become increasingly difficult to avoid mixed catches due to changes in the species’ distributions. The draft amendment contains a range of management approaches (“alternatives”) that would modify current regulations to allow for mixed catches onboard vessels. Details about these management alternatives can be found in the Public Hearing Document and Public Hearing Presentation.

Following a review of comments received, the Council will choose a preferred alternative and submit the amendment to the Secretary of Commerce for approval and publication of proposed and final rules, both of which have additional comment periods. The Council may consider final action at its December 12-15, 2022 meeting.

Public Hearings

Comments may be submitted at any of the following public hearings:

  1. Thursday, November 10, 2022. 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport. 9000 Bartram Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19153. 215-365-4500.
  2. Monday, November 14, 2022. 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Hampton Inn. 53 Old Bedford Road, Westport, MA 02790. 508-675-8500.
  3. Thursday, November 17, 2022. 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Webinar. Register here. 

Written Comments

Written comments may be submitted by any of the methods listed below. Comments must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23, 2022.

For more information, contact Jessica Coakley (jcoakley@mafmc.org, 302-526-5252) or visit the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Species Separation Requirements Amendment page.

Mid-Atlantic Council to Hold Public Hearings on Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Species Separation Requirements

October 7, 2022 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) is requesting public comments on a draft amendment to modify the species separation requirements in the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. Comments may be submitted at any of three public hearings to be held on November 10, 14, and 17. Written comments will also be accepted through November 23.

This action is intended to address the increased occurrence of mixed catches in the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. Current regulations do not allow for surfclam and ocean quahog to be landed on the same trip or placed in the same cages. Industry has reported that it has become increasingly difficult to avoid mixed catches due to changes in the species’ distributions. The draft amendment contains a range of management approaches (“alternatives”) that would modify current regulations to allow for mixed catches onboard vessels. Details about these management alternatives can be found in the Public Hearing Document.

Following a review of comments received, the Council will choose a preferred alternative and submit the amendment to the Secretary of Commerce for approval and publication of proposed and final rules, both of which have additional comment periods. The Council may consider final action at its December 12-15, 2022 meeting.

Public Hearings

Comments may be submitted at any of the following public hearings:

  1. Thursday, November 10, 2022. 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport. 9000 Bartram Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19153. 215-365-4500.
  2. Monday, November 14, 2022. 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Hampton Inn. 53 Old Bedford Road, Westport, MA 02790. 508-675-8500.
  3. Thursday, November 17, 2022. 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Webinar. Register here. 

Written Comments

Written comments may be submitted by any of the methods listed below. Comments must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23, 2022.

Mid-Atlantic Council Approves Revised Stock Rebuilding Plan for Atlantic Mackerel

June 15, 2022 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council has approved a revised rebuilding plan and 2023 specifications for Atlantic mackerel. The first rebuilding plan for the stock was implemented in November 2019. However, an updated 2021 stock assessment found that, although the stock size almost tripled between 2014 and 2019, the stock was only 24% rebuilt in 2019 and unlikely to complete rebuilding as anticipated.

The revised rebuilding plan approved by the Council has a 61% probability of rebuilding the stock by 2032. Of the five rebuilding options considered, the Council selected this approach because it has a high probability of successfully rebuilding the stock while avoiding the severe economic impacts that would likely occur with some of the other alternatives. Compared to the original rebuilding plan, the revised plan uses lower predicted recruitment in projections to reduce the chance of underperforming stock growth predictions again.

The Council also voted to implement a first-ever federal waters recreational possession limit for Atlantic mackerel for 2023. Recreational catches of Atlantic mackerel have been relatively low historically, but recreational restrictions were deemed appropriate to achieve the total catch reduction required under the rebuilding plan. The Council had initially considered possession limits in the range of 10 to 15 fish per person, but they ultimately recommended a 20-fish per person limit based on the limited historical recreational catch and the importance of mackerel for recreational fishermen (including as bait). This limit is expected to reduce recreational catch by about 17%. Coordination with states that have substantial recreational mackerel catches (MA, NH, and ME) occurred during development of the plan, and it is hoped that these states will mirror the federal rules for their state waters in 2023.

Under the selected rebuilding plan, the acceptable biological catch (ABC) will be 8,094 metric tons (MT) for 2023. After accounting for expected Canadian catch, recreational catch, and commercial discards, the Council recommended setting the 2023 commercial quota at 3,639 MT. This quota is 79% lower than the initial 2021 rebuilding quota. A new Management Track Assessment will be available next year to inform 2024-2025 specifications.

The Council also discussed potentially scaling down the river herring and shad cap, currently set at 129 MT, in response to the reduced commercial quota. However, given the challenges associated with monitoring a very small cap, including potential closures based on a few observed trips, the Council voted to maintain the cap at 129 MT for 2023.

Finally, the Council agreed to request that NOAA Fisheries provide additional outreach and compliance assistance regarding the appropriate permitting and catch reporting for both commercial and for-hire vessels. Additional outreach should address any ambiguity regarding the need to have a permit and submit electronic vessel trip reports (eVTRs) by these vessels.

The Council will submit this amendment to the Secretary of Commerce for approval and implementation. Updates will be posted on the Atlantic Mackerel Rebuilding 2.0 page. For additional information about this action, contact Jason Didden at jdidden@mafmc.org or (302) 526-5254.