Please note: This release revises the February 5th press release with a change in date for the virtual public hearing from February 29th to February 28th. The times and webinar link remain the same.
Arlington, VA – The Commission’s American Eel Management Board has released Draft Addendum VI to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for American Eel for public comment. The Board initiated the addendum to address Maine’s glass eel fishery quota, which expires at the end of 2024. Draft Addendum VI presents options to set Maine’s quota as well as the number of years the quota would remain in place once it is implemented, and whether or not an additional addendum would be required to maintain the same quota for subsequent years.
Addendum V, approved in August 2018, maintained Maine’s glass/elver eel quota of 9,688 pounds, previously established by Addendum IV, and specified that the quota be set for three years (2019-2021). The quota was extended for an additional three years (2022-2024) through Board action in 2021. Since Maine’s current glass eel quota of 9,688 pounds expires after 2024, the Board initiated Draft Addendum VI to establish a quota for the 2025 fishing season and beyond.
One virtual public hearing has been scheduled to gather public input on Draft Addendum VI on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 from 4:00 to 5:00 PM. Details on how to register and attend the hearing are provided below.
Submitting Comments
The Draft Addendum is available here or via the Commission’s website at http://www.asmfc.org/about-us/public-input. Public comment will be accepted until 11:59 PM (EST) on March 24, 2024 and should be sent to Caitlin Starks, Senior FMP Coordinator, at 1050 N. Highland St., Suite 200 A-N, Arlington, Virginia 22201; or at comments@asmfc.org (Subject line: Glass Eel Draft Addendum VI).
For more information, please contact Caitlin Starks, Senior Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at cstarks@asmfc.org.