Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework/Addenda

In April 2025, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Interstate Fishery Management Program Policy Board (Board) and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council jointly approved two processes for setting recreational measures for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish. For summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass, the first process, the modified percent change approach using the recreational harvest limit (RHL) and harvest, will be used to set recreational measures for 2026-2029, and the second process, the modified percent change approach using the annual catch target (ACT) and catch, will be used to set recreational management measures for 2030 and beyond. Bluefish will be subject to the process used to set recreational measures outlined in the Amendment 2 rebuilding plan until the stock reaches the target level of spawning stock biomass. Once no longer in a rebuilding plan, bluefish will use the modified percent change approach using the RHL and harvest for setting recreational measures in 2028 and 2029, and the modified percent change approach using the ACT and catch for 2030 and beyond.

The Board adopted these changes through Addendum XXXVI to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and Addendum III to the Bluefish FMP. The Council recommended identical measures through a framework action which will be submitted to the National Marine Fisheries Service for review and implementation. Collectively, these management actions are referred to as the Recreational Measures Setting Process Addenda/Framework.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has scheduled a public hearing to gather input on the draft addendum:

Public Hearing Presentation and Recording

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.

• Tracey Bauer, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, tbauer@asmfc.org, 703.842.0723
• Chelsea Tuohy, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, ctuohy@asmfc.org, 703.842.0714
• Julia Beaty, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, jbeaty@mafmc.org, 302.526.5250