Saving Seafood

ASMFC American Lobster Management Board to Meet February 22 to Consider Final Action on Draft Addendum XXIX: Electronic Vessel Tracking in the Federal American Lobster and Jonah Crab Fisheries

February 2, 2022 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s American Lobster Management Board will meet via webinar on February 22nd from 1 – 3:30 PM. The purpose of the meeting is to review submitted public comment on Draft Addendum XXIX: Electronic Vessel Tracking in the Federal American Lobster and Jonah Crab Fisheries and consider final approval of the Addendum. The Draft Agenda is available athttp://www.asmfc.org/files/Meetings/AmLobsterBoardFeb2022/AmLobsterBoardAgenda_Feb2022.pdf .Meeting materials will be posted to http://www.asmfc.org/calendar/2/2022/American-Lobster-Management-Board-/1886 by February 8th.

To register for the webinar go to https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2930590334961190923 (Webinar ID 845-804-555). If you are joining the webinar but will not be using VoIP, you can also call in at +1 (562) 247-8422. A PIN will be provided to you after joining the webinar; see webinar instructions for details on how to receive the PIN as well as how to navigate the webinar. For those who will not be joining the webinar but would like to listen in to the audio portion only, you can do so by dialing +1 (562) 247-8422, access code 538-513-755.

The webinar will allow registrants to listen to the Board’s deliberations and view presentations and motions as they occur.  The Board will provide the public the opportunity to bring matters of concern to the Board’s attention at the start of the meeting. The Board Chair 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.

Public Comment Guidelines

With the intent of developing policies in the Commission’s procedures for public participation that result in 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 opportunity 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 comment 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 comment for issues for which the Commission has NOT established a specific public comment period (i.e., in response to proposed management action)

· Comments received by 5 PM on Monday, February 15 will be included in the supplemental materials.

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, fax, and email.

For more information, please contact Caitlin Starks, Senior FMP Coordinator, at cstarks@asmfc.org.

 

NEFMC February 1-3, 2022 Webinar Meeting – Listen Live, View Documents

January 24, 2022 — The New England Fishery Management Council will hold a three-day meeting from Tuesday, February 1 through Thursday, February 3, 2022.  The public is invited to listen live and provide input during designated opportunities for public comment.  Due to ongoing public safety considerations related toCOVID-19, this meeting will be conducted entirely by webinar.

START TIME:  10:00 a.m. on Day 1 and 9:00 a.m. on Day 2 and Day 3.  The webinar will end shortly after the Council adjourns each day.

PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITIES:  The Council wants to hear from you.  Here’s how you can let the Council know what you think.

•WRITE A LETTER:  The deadline for submitting written comments for consideration at this meeting is 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 27, 2022.

•TALK TO THE COUNCIL:  You’ll be able to address the Council directly through two different avenues:

1.By commenting on motions at the discretion of the Council chair (raise your hand on the webinar and unmute yourself when called upon); and

2.By speaking during the open period for public comment.  Here are the Guidelines for Providing Public Comment.

•OPEN PERIOD FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:  On Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at 12:00 p.m., the Council will offer the public an opportunity to provide comments on issues relevant to Council business but not listed on this agenda.  Given the Council’s busy meeting schedule, we ask that you limit remarks to 3-5 minutes.

◦ SIGN UP NOW:  Interested in speaking?  Email Janice Plante at jplante@nefmc.org to get on the list.

WEBINAR REGISTRATION:  Online access to the meeting is available at Listen Live.  There is no charge to access the meeting through this webinar.

•Here are instructions in the Remote Participation Guide for successfully joining and participating in the webinar.

•THIS IS KEY!  If you want to speak during opportunities for public comment, you need to: (1) register for the webinar; and (2) actually “join” the webinar.  People who call in by telephone without joining the webinar will be in listen-only mode.  Those who take both steps – register and then join the webinar – will see the meeting screen and be able to click on a “raise hand” button, which will let the meeting organizer know you want to be unmuted to speak.

•We have a Help Desk in case you get stuck joining the webinar or have trouble along the way.  Phone numbers are listed on the Help Desk Poster, or just email helpdesk@nefmc.org and we’ll get right back to you.

CALL-IN OPTION:  To listen by telephone without joining the webinar, dial +1 (631) 992-3221.  The access code is 248-228-740.  Please be aware that if you dial in, your regular phone charges will apply.  Remember, you will not be able to speak if you do not first join the webinar as described above.  This phone number provides a “listen-only” option without the webinar component.

AGENDA:  All meeting materials and the agenda are available on the Council’s website at NEFMC February 1-3, 2022 meeting.  Additional documents will be posted as they become available.

EMERGENCY ACTION:  Please note that the Council will discuss a request for secretarial emergency action related to the Great South Channel Habitat Management Area under the Habitat Committee report.

GROUNDFISH:  The Council will devote Day 3 of this meeting to groundfish issues to allow for extensive discussion of: (1) the final report from the Atlantic Cod Stock Structure Workshops; and (2) important issues related to the 2023 Atlantic Cod Research Track Assessment.  The Council also will make recommendations on recreational measures for Gulf of Maine cod and Gulf of Maine haddock for the 2022 fishing year.

THREE MEETING OUTLOOK:  A copy of the New England Council’s Three Meeting Outlook is available HERE.

COUNCIL MEETING QUESTIONS:  Anyone with questions prior to or during the Council meeting should contact Janice Plante at (607) 592-4817, jplante@nefmc.org.

 

MAFMC Webinar Meeting: February 8-9, 2022

January 19, 2022 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s next meeting will be held Tuesday, February 8 – Wednesday, February 9, 2022. Due to concerns about the continued spread of COVID-19, this meeting will be conducted entirely by webinar. A portion of the meeting will be conducted jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s ISFMP Policy Board

Agenda and Briefing Materials: A detailed agenda is available here. Briefing documents and presentations will be posted on the February 2022 Meeting Page as they become available. Most briefing materials will be posted by January 28, 2022.

Public Comments: Oral public testimony will be accepted on all major agenda items. Written comments must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 to be included in the briefing book or by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 3, 2022 to be posted with the supplemental meeting materials. Written comments may be submitted using the online comment form linked below or via email, mail, or fax (see this page for details). Comments submitted after February 3 may only be submitted using the online form.

•February 2022 Public Comment Form

Webinar: Webinar connection instructions will be posted on the meeting page at least two weeks prior to the meeting.

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

 

ASMFC 2022 Winter Meeting Webinar Supplemental Materials Now Available

January 19, 2022 —  The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

Supplemental materials for the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s 2022 Winter Meeting Webinar are now available at http://www.asmfc.org/home/2022-winter-meeting for the following Boards/Committees (click on “Supplemental” following each relevant committee header to access the information). For ease of access, all supplemental meeting materials have been combined into one PDF – http://www.asmfc.org/files/Meetings/2022WinterMeeting/2022WinterMeetingSupplementalCombined.pdf.

Below is the list of documents included in the supplemental materials.

Revised Final Notice & Agenda

American Lobster Management Board – Draft Fishery Management Plan Review for Jonah Crab for 2020 Fishing Year

Tautog Management Board – Revised Agenda and Meeting Overview

Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Management Board – Revised Agenda and Meeting Overview; Technical Committee Memo on Summer Flounder & Black Sea Bass Methodology for Adjusting 2022 Recreational Measures; Public Comment

Spiny Dogfish Management Board – Revised Agenda and Meeting Overview

Executive Committee – Revised Agenda and DraftAppeals Process Revisions

Horseshoe Crab Management Board – Supplemental Report to the 2021 Revision to the ARM Framework; Public Comment

Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board – Revised Agenda & Meeting Overview; Advisory Panel Comments on the Scope of New Options for Draft Amendment 7; Public Comment

Atlantic Menhaden Management Board – Plan Development Team Recommendations on Draft Addendum l to Amendment 3; Advisory Panel Feedback on Options to Include in Draft Addendum; Advisory Panel Nominations; Public Comment

Webinar Information

Board meeting proceedings will be broadcast daily via webinar beginning Tuesday, January 25 at  10 a.m. and continuing daily until the conclusion of the meeting (expected to be 3:15 p.m.) on Thursday, January 27. The webinar will allow registrants to listen to board deliberations and view presentations and motions as they occur.  Management boards will continue to provide opportunity 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.

Each day, the webinar will begin 30 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.

If you are joining the webinar but will not be using VoIP, you can may also call in at +1 (415) 655-0600, access code 774-133-932. A PIN will be provided to you after joining the webinar; see webinar instructions for details on how to receive the PIN.

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.

Public Comment Guidelines

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

For issues that are not on the agenda, management boards will continue to provide an opportunity 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 comment 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 comment 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 3 weeks prior to the start of the meeting (January 10) will be included in the briefing materials.

2. Comments received by 5:00 PM on Tuesday, January 18 will be included in the supplemental materials.

3. Comments received by 10:00 AM on Friday, January 21 will be distributed electronically to Commissioners/Board members prior to the meeting.

Comments should be submitted via email at comments@asmfc.org. All comments must clearly indicate the commenter’s expectation from the ASMFC staff regarding distribution.

 

ASMFC 2022 Winter Meeting Webinar Final Agenda and Materials Now Available

January 12, 2022 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The final agenda and meeting materials for the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Winter Meeting Webinar (January 25-27, 2022 are now available at http://www.asmfc.org/home/2022-winter-meeting;  click on the relevant Board/Committee name to access the documents for that Board/Committee. For ease of access, all meeting materials have been combined into one document:  Main Meeting Materials.

Due to concerns about the continued spread of COVID-19 and the challenges of conducting a fully participatory hybrid meeting (in-person and virtual meeting combined), the meeting has shifted from a hybrid meeting to one that will be conducted entirely via webinar.
 
Supplemental materials will be posted to the website on Wednesday, January 19. For those Boards that have FMP Reviews and Compliance Reports on their agendas, the compliance reports are not posted due to their large file sizes. If you would like a copy of a specific state’s or jurisdiction’s compliance report, please contact the respective FMP Coordinator. 
 
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. It is our intent to begin at the scheduled start time for each meeting, however, if meetings run late the next meeting may start later than originally planned. Please note there has been a slight shift in timing for the Executive Committee and Horseshoe Crab Management Board, which meet on Wednesday. January 26.
 
Webinar Information
Board meeting proceedings will be broadcast daily via webinar beginning Monday, January 25 at  10 a.m. and continuing daily until the conclusion of the meeting (expected to be 3:15 p.m.) on Thursday, January 27. The webinar will allow registrants to listen to board deliberations and view presentations and motions as they occur.  Management boards will continue to provide opportunity 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.

Each day, the webinar will begin 30 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.

If you are joining the webinar but will not be using VoIP, you can may also call in at +1 (415) 655-0600, access code 774-133-932. A PIN will be provided to you after joining the webinar; see webinar instructions for details on how to receive the PIN.

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.

Public Comment Guidelines
To provide a fair opportunity for public input, the ISFMP Policy Board  approved the following guidelines for use at management board meetings.

For issues that are not on the agenda, management boards will continue to provide an opportunity 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 comment 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 comment 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 3 weeks prior to the start of the meeting (January 10) will be included in the briefing materials.
2. Comments received by 5:00 PM on Tuesday, January 18 will be included in the supplemental materials.
3. Comments received by 10:00 AM on Friday, January 21 will be distributed electronically to Commissioners/Board members prior to the meeting.

Comments should be submitted via email at comments@asmfc.org. All comments must clearly indicate the commenter’s expectation from the ASMFC staff regarding distribution.

 

Pacific Fishery Management Council to hold online emergency webinar only meeting January 21, 2022

January 10, 2022 — The following was released by the Pacific Fishery Management Council:

The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC or Council) will meet January 21, 2022 by webinar only, regarding the Southern Oregon/ Northern California Coast Coho Harvest Control Rule.  The Council’s Salmon Advisory Subpanel will meet by webinar on January 20, 2021.

Please see the January 2022 Council meeting webpage for further updates and details regarding the agenda, webinar participation, the Salmon Advisory Subpanel meeting, our E-Portal for submitting public comments, and the public comment deadline.  This meeting of the Council will be streamed live on the internet. The broadcast will begin at 8 a.m. Pacific Time, Friday, January 21, 2022.   The broadcast will conclude when business for the day is complete.

Instructions for how to connect to the online meeting will be posted on the Council’s January 2022 meeting webpage prior to the first day of the meeting.

For further information:

•Please contact Pacific Fishery Management Council staff at 503-820-2280; toll-free 1-866-806-7204.

 

Materials for the December 17th Meeting of the ASMFC Northern Shrimp Section Now Available

December 2, 2021 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The materials for the December 17th meeting of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Northern Shrimp Section are now available here. The Section will meet via webinar on December 17th from 9-11 AM. The purpose of the meeting is to review the results of the 2021 Stock Assessment Update Report and set specifications for the 2022 fishing season. The Northern Shrimp Advisory Panel will be meeting on December 16th from 9-10:30 AM to develop recommendations regarding 2022 specifications for the Section’s consideration; more information on the Panel’s meeting can be found here.

Section Webinar Information

To register for the webinar go to https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3795028573879517455 (Webinar ID: 433-977-227). If you are joining the webinar but will not be using VoIP, you can also call in at +1 (914) 614-3426. A PIN will be provided to you after joining the webinar; see webinar instructions for details on how to receive the PIN. For those who will not be joining the webinar but would like to listen in to the audio portion only, you can do so by dialing +1 (914) 614-3426, access code 361-188-250.

The webinar will allow registrants to listen to the Section’s deliberations and view presentations and motions as they occur.  The Section will provide the public the opportunity to bring matters of concern to the Section’s attention at the start of the meeting. The Section Chair 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 Section 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

With the intent of developing policies in the Commission’s procedures for public participation that result in 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/sections will continue to provide opportunity to the public to bring matters of concern to the board’s attention at the start of each board meeting. Board/section 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/section 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 comment 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 comment 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 by 5 PM on Monday, December 6 will be included in the supplemental materials.

2. Comments received by 10 AM on Thursday, December 16 will be distributed electronically to Section 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, fax, and email.

 

NEFMC December 7-9, 2021 Webinar Meeting – Listen Live, View Documents

November 30, 2021 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council will hold a three-day meeting from Tuesday, December 7 through Thursday, December 9, 2021.  The public is invited to listen live and provide input during designated opportunities for public comment.  Due to ongoing public safety considerations related to COVID-19, this meeting will be conducted entirely by webinar.

START TIME:  9:30 a.m. on Day 1 and 9:00 a.m. on Day 2 and 3.  The webinar will end shortly after the Council adjourns each day.

PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITIES:  The Council wants to hear from you.  Here’s how you can let the Council know what you think.

•WRITE A LETTER:  The deadline for submitting written comments for consideration at this meeting is 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 2, 2021.

•TALK TO THE COUNCIL:  You’ll be able to address the Council directly through two different avenues:

1.By commenting on motions at the discretion of the Council chair (raise your hand on the webinar and unmute yourself when called upon); and

2.By speaking during the open period for public comment.  Here are the Guidelines for Providing Public Comment.

•OPEN PERIOD FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:  On Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 12:00 p.m., the Council will offer the public an opportunity to provide comments on issues relevant to Council business but not listed on this agenda.  Given the Council’s busy meeting schedule, we ask that you limit remarks to 3-5 minutes.

◦ SIGN UP NOW:  Interested in speaking?  Email Janice Plante at jplante@nefmc.org to get on the list.

WEBINAR REGISTRATION:  Online access to the meeting is available at Listen Live.  There is no charge to access the meeting through this webinar.

•Here are instructions in the Remote Participation Guide for successfully joining and participating in the webinar.

•THIS IS KEY!  If you want to speak during opportunities for public comment, you need to: (1) register for the webinar; and (2) actually “join” the webinar.  People who call in by telephone without joining the webinar will be in listen-only mode.  Those who take both steps – register and then join the webinar – will see the meeting screen and be able to click on a “raise hand” button, which will let the meeting organizer know you want to be unmuted to speak.

•We have a Help Desk in case you get stuck joining the webinar or have trouble along the way.  Phone numbers are listed on the Help Desk Poster, or just email helpdesk@nefmc.org and we’ll get right back to you.

CALL-IN OPTION:  To listen by telephone without joining the webinar, dial +1 (914) 614-3221.  The access code is 731-472-552.  Please be aware that if you dial in, your regular phone charges will apply.  Remember, you will not be able to speak if you do not first  join the webinar as described above.  This phone number provides a “listen-only” option without the webinar component.

AGENDA:  All meeting materials and the agenda are available on the Council’s website at NEFMC December 7-9, 2021 meeting.  Additional documents will be posted as they become available.

THREE MEETING OUTLOOK:  A copy of the New England Council’s Three Meeting Outlook is available HERE.

COUNCIL MEETING QUESTIONS:  Anyone with questions prior to or during the Council meeting should contact Janice Plante at (607) 592-4817, jplante@nefmc.org.

 

MAFMC: December 2021 Hybrid Council Meeting

November 17, 2021 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Monday, December 13 – Thursday, December 16, 2021 

Westin Annapolis

100 Westgate Circle Annapolis, MD 21401, (410) 972-4300

or via Webex webinar

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold a hybrid in-person/virtual Council meeting December 13-16, 2021. Council members, other meeting participants, and members of the public will have the option to attend the meeting in person at the Westin Annapolis 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 and Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass Management Board. All attendees, regardless of whether they choose to attend in-person or virtually, will be given opportunities to provide comments.

Please see the December 2021 Council Meeting Page for additional information and updates.

Webinar: No pre-registration is required. At the time of the meeting, click here to join the webinar (if prompted, enter meeting number: 2330 933 4966; Meeting password: ncKMj56xX6p). Additional details, including instructions for joining by phone, are available on the meeting page.

Briefing Materials: Most briefing materials will be available on the meeting page by December 3. Supplemental materials will be posted by December 10.

Public Comments: 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 December 1, 2021 to be included in the briefing book. Comments received after this date but before 5:00 p.m. on December 9, 2021 will be posted as supplemental materials. After December 9, written comments may only be submitted using the form below.

•December 2021 Public Comment Form

Agenda: A detailed agenda is available here. Below is an overview of the agenda topics to be covered each day.

Monday, December 13

•Executive Committee (Closed Session)

•Offshore Wind Updates

•Omega Net Mesh Measurement Gauge – Presentation

•2022-2023 Bluefish Recreational Measures

Tuesday, December 14

•Recreational Summer Flounder Management Strategy Evaluation

•2022 Summer Flounder Recreational Measures

•2022 Scup Recreational Measures

•2022 Black Sea Bass Recreational Measures

•Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment (Final Action)

Wednesday, December 15

•2020-2024 Research Priorities (Biennial Review)

•Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Species Separation Requirements

•Climate Change Scenario Planning Update

•Ocean City, MD Video Project Update

•Habitat Activities Update

•Sea Turtle Bycatch in Trawl Fisheries

•Acknowledgments and Awards

Thursday, December 16

•2022 MAFMC Implementation Plan

•Business Session

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

ASMFC Northern Shrimp Section Webinar Scheduled for December 17 from 9 – 11 AM

November 10, 2021 — The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Northern Shrimp Section will meet via webinar on December 17th from 9-11 AM. The purpose of the meeting is to review the results of the 2021 Stock Assessment Update Report and set specifications for the 2022 fishing season. The Northern Shrimp Advisory Panel will be meeting on December 16th from 9-10:30 AM to develop recommendations regarding 2022 specifications for the Section’s consideration; more information on the Panel’s meeting can be found at http://www.asmfc.org/calendar/12/2021/Northern-Shrimp-Advisory-Panel/1843. The draft agenda for the Section’s webinar is available athttp://www.asmfc.org/files/Meetings/NShrimpSectionAgenda_December2021.pdf. Meeting materials will be available by December 7th.

To register for the webinar go to https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3795028573879517455 (Webinar ID: 433-977-227). If you are joining the webinar but will not be using VoIP, you can also call in at +1 (914) 614-3426. A PIN will be provided to you after joining the webinar; see webinar instructions for details on how to receive the PIN. For those who will not be joining the webinar but would like to listen in to the audio portion only, you can do so by dialing +1 (914) 614-3426, access code 361-188-250.

The webinar will allow registrants to listen to the Section’s deliberations and view presentations and motions as they occur.  The Section will provide the public the opportunity to bring matters of concern to the Section’s attention at the start of the meeting. The Section Chair 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 Section 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

With the intent of developing policies in the Commission’s procedures for public participation that result in 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/sections will continue to provide opportunity to the public to bring matters of concern to the board’s attention at the start of each board meeting. Board/section 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/section 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 comment 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 comment 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 by 5 PM on Monday, December 6 will be included in the meeting materials.

2. Comments received by 10 AM on Thursday, December 16 will be distributed electronically to Section 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, fax, and email.