In 2014, the Council suspended the RSA Program due to concerns associated with the Program that included administrative, enforcement, and science issues. The Council is considering the potential redevelopment of the RSA Program. From July 2021 through February 2022, the Research Steering Committee (RSC) held a series of four exploration workshops focusing on the key issues of RSA research, funding mechanisms, enforcement, monitoring, and administration. In addition, the RSC reviewed the input from the workshops and developed a draft framework for a potentially revised RSA Program that would seek to address the issues of the original RSA Program. At its August meeting, Council staff will give a presentation on a potential draft RSA Framework, draft RSA Program elements, and recommendations developed by the RSC for Council consideration. Any potential action considered by the Council through a management document would need to be developed cooperatively with the Commission for jointly managed species to ensure a consistent and compatible RSA Program across fishery management plans. At its July 11 meeting, the ISFMP Policy Board will consider providing a recommendation to the Council on the future of the RSA Program.

The Commission's Interstate Fisheries Management Policy Board is scheduled to meet via webinar on July 11 from 1 - 3 PM to discuss and make a recommendation on the future of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's Research Set-Aside Program. The agenda and meeting materials are available at https://asmfc.org/files/Meetings/ISFMP_PolicyBoardWebinarAgenda_Materials_July2023.pdf.

If you are joining the webinar but will not be using VoIP, you can may also call in at  +1 (415) 655-0052, access code 115-483-509. A PIN will be provided to you after joining the webinar; see webinar instructions for details on how to receive the PIN.