Spiny Dogfish Draft Addendum VII

In August 2024, NOAA Fisheries published a proposed rule (Federal Register notice 89 FR 65576; August 12, 2024) to approve and implement Spiny Dogfish Framework Adjustment 6, as recommended by the Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils (MAFMC and NEFMC, respectively). The rule, which was approved in December 2024 by NOAA Fisheries and will be effective as of May 1, 2025, will implement area-based gear requirements in the spiny dogfish gillnet fishery to reduce bycatch of Atlantic sturgeon for harvesters that possess a federal spiny dogfish permit. However, harvesters that do not possess a federal spiny dogfish permit and only fish in states waters are not be captured by the action. Because the specific areas included for additional management span state and federal waters, action is needed to implement corresponding measures for state-only permit holders to maintain consistency between the federal and interstate FMPs.

The Spiny Dogfish Management Board has scheduled three public hearings to gather input on the draft addendum:

To ensure fair opportunity for public input, ASMFC offers opportunities for verbal comments on certain actions. Written comments are accepted following a specific timeline for inclusion in meeting materials. Read the guidelines for more information.

• James Boyle, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, JBoyle@asmfc.org or (703) 842-0740