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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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Tuesday, May 13
Webinar
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Monday, May 19
Webinar
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Tuesday, June 3
Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront, 3315 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
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Monday, June 9
Radisson Resort at the Port: 8701 Astronaut Blvd., Cape Canaveral, FL
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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Atlantic Herring Management Board Presentations– May 2025
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Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board Presentations– May 2025
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Proceedings of the American Lobster Management Board Meeting — March 2025
The American Lobster Management Board of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission convened online via and webinar; Tuesday, March 18, 2025, and was called to order at 3:00 p.m. by Chair Renee Zobel.
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Proceedings of the Horseshoe Crab Management Board Meeting — February 2025
Consider Approval of Draft Addendum IX on Multi-year Specifications for Male Only Harvest of Delaware Bay-origin Horseshoe Crabs for Public Comment. Discuss Advisory Panel Composition. Elect Vice-Chair.
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ASMFC Releases 2024 Annual Report
This report informs stakeholders on the use of federal and state funds provided to the Commission for FY 2024.
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ASMFC Approves Amendment 4to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Northern Shrimp
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission approved Amendment 4 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Northern Shrimp. In response to the continued poor condition of the northern shrimp stock, Amendment 4 modifies the first objective of the FMP to recognize the influence of environmental conditions on stock productivity and lengthens the amount of…
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Horseshoe Crab Board Approves Addendum IX
The Commission’s Horseshoe Crab Management Board approved Addendum IX to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Horseshoe Crabs. The Addendum allows the Board to set specifications for male-only harvest. It also establishes a method for managing male-only harvest limits during multi-year specifications periods, reestablishes seasonal harvest restrictions, and clarifies policy related to harvest caps for…
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Atlantic Menhaden Work Group Report on Chesapeake Bay Precautionary Management – April 2025
At its August 2024 meeting, the Atlantic Menhaden Management Board (Board) agreed to form a Work Group of Board members to “consider and evaluate options for further precautionary management of Chesapeake Bay menhaden fisheries, including time and area closures to be protective of piscivorous birds and fish during critical points of their life cycle.” This…
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Sciaenids Board Initiates Draft Addendum II to Address Red Drum Stock and Management Concerns
The Commission’s Sciaenids Management Board initiated Draft Addendum II to Amendment 2 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Red Drum. The Draft Addendum will consider a number of changes to the management programs for the southern (South Carolina to Florida) and northern (New Jersey to North Carolina) stocks of red drum in response to…
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ASMFC Presents 2025 Annual Awards of Excellence
On May 6, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission presented its Annual Awards of Excellence to a number of individuals for their outstanding contributions to the management, legislative, scientific, outreach, and law enforcement efforts along the Atlantic coast.
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American Lobster Board Approves Addendum XXXII to Repeal Addendum XXVII Gauge and Escape Vent Measures
The Commission’s American Lobster Management Board approved Addendum XXXII to Amendment 3 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for American Lobster. The Addendum repeals all gauge and escape vent size measures from Addendum XXVII. Measures related to the v-notch possession definition and the issuance of trap tags are maintained.
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Commission Business Session Spring Meeting Supplemental 2 Materials — May 2025
Draft of Amendment 4 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Northern Shrimp for Commission review
Get Hooked on ASMFC News
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