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Sustainably Managing Atlantic Fisheries
As a partnership of coastal states, we work together to protect essential marine species, ensuring vibrant fisheries, thriving communities, and resilient ecosystems, all through science-driven, cooperative management.
Meetings Calendar
Meetings Calendar
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Monday, March 2
Villas by the Sea Resort, 1175 N. Beachview Drive, Jekyll Island, GA 31527
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Monday, March 2
In-person, ASMFC Offices, 1050 N. Highland Street, Suite 200 A-N, Arlington, VBA 22201
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Thursday, March 5
Webinar
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Tuesday, March 10
Webinar
Our Programs
POLICY: Promoting Sustainable Fishing Practices for the Atlantic Coast
The goal of fisheries management is to balance sustainable harvests that support the fishing and seafood industries while safeguarding the productivity and health of marine ecosystems. Learn more about our management program, dive into species-specific information, and explore our Action Tracker that offers detailed insights into ongoing challenges, management discussions, and the steps being taken to address them. Discover how ASMFC’s law enforcement program upholds regulations to protect our fisheries.
SCIENCE: Providing Robust and Actionable Science to Inform Management Decisions
Sustainable management of fisheries relies on accurate and timely scientific advice. Find out more about how the Commission conducts rigorous stock assessments to guide sustainable fishing practices. Delve into our work on fish ageing, conserving fish habitat, tagging, resource surveys, and the integration of multispecies and ecosystem approaches.
DATA: Producing Dependable and Timely Marine Fisheries Data
Effective management depends on quality fishery-dependent data to inform stock assessments and fisheries management decisions. Learn how state, regional and federal partners work to ensure accurate catch, effort, and biological data on Atlantic coast recreational, for-hire, and commercial fisheries through the ACCSP.
Access the Action Tracker
Stay informed and engaged with the latest developments in fisheries management. You can explore current issues, ongoing discussions, and the actions being taken to address them.
Latest News & Resources
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Proceedings of the American Eel Management Board — October 2025
The American Lobster Management Board of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission convened in the Ballroom East/West via hybrid meeting, in-person and webinar; Monday, October 27, 2025, and was called to order at 2:45 p.m.…
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American Lobster Advisory Panel Input on 2025 Benchmark Assessment — January 2026
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American Lobster Technical Committee Memo on GOM/GBK Lobster MSE Development — January 2026
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American Eel Technical Committee Guidance on Interpretation of Addendum V Aquaculture Site Selection Criteria — January 2026
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Atlantic Coast Fisheries Infographic
Graphic on the economic impact of Atlantic coast fisheries
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Jonah Crab Data Update through 2024 — January 2026
The 2023 Jonah Crab Benchmark Stock Assessment determined that the abundance of three of four Jonah crab stocks (Offshore Southern New England or OSNE, Inshore Gulf of Maine or IGOM, and Offshore Gulf of Maine or OGOM) has not been depleted to historical lows observed in the 1980s and 1990s. Data were insufficient to make…
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American Eel Technical Committee Meeting Summary — December 2025
An annual Data Update process between American lobster stock assessments was recommended during the 2020 stock assessment to more closely monitor changes in stock abundance. The objective of this process is to present information—including any potentially concerning trends—that could support additional research or consideration of changes to management. Although a stock assessment was completed in…
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American Eel Technical Committee Meeting Summary — January 2026
An annual Data Update process between American lobster stock assessments was recommended during the 2020 stock assessment to more closely monitor changes in stock abundance. The objective of this process is to present information—including any potentially concerning trends—that could support additional research or consideration of changes to management. Although a stock assessment was completed in…
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American Lobster Data Update through 2024 — January 2026
An annual Data Update process between American lobster stock assessments was recommended during the 2020 stock assessment to more closely monitor changes in stock abundance. The objective of this process is to present information—including any potentially concerning trends—that could support additional research or consideration of changes to management. Although a stock assessment was completed in…
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Proceedings of the American Lobster Management Board — October 2025
The American Lobster Management Board of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission convened in the Ballroom East/West via hybrid meeting, in-person and webinar; Monday, October 27, 2025, and was called to order at 2:45 p.m. by Chair Renee Zobel.
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Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Management Board Meeting Materials — March 2026
Consider Final Approval of Proposed Black Sea Bass Recreational Measures for 1:15 p.m. the 2026-2027 Fishing Years
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ASMFC Releases New Habitat Management Series Report on Atlantic States Shell Recycling
Arlington, VA – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) 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…
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Atlantic States Shell Recycling – February 2026
This issue of the Habitat Management Series (HMS) serves as a resource on shell recycling programs for states and practitioners along the Atlantic coast. It highlights shell recycling programs across member states and offers recommendations for best management practices, including permitting guidelines, lessons learned, strategies to minimize the risk of disease introduction, and a variety…
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Atlantic Croaker Stock Assessment Workshop Agenda — March 2026
Technical Committee Memo: Recommendations for Distribution of 20% Liberalization for Black Sea Bass Recreational Management Measures
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