Atlantic States
Marine Fisheries

Commission

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Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework/Addenda

Focal species: bluefish, summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass

Topics

  • Explore:
Overview
Hearings
Comments
Contacts
Timeline & Documents

Overview

Topics

In June 2022, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Interstate Fisheries Management Program Policy Board (Policy Board) and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) the approved the Recreational Harvest Control Rule Addenda/Framework, which implemented a new process for setting recreational measures (bag, size, and season limits) for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish. When the Council and Policy Board approved the new process they agreed to continue development of several other options for possible implementation by 2026. The Council and Policy Board are now developing a follow-on action which will consider an improved measures setting process for 2026 and beyond. The Council is considering these changes through a framework adjustment, and the Commission is considering an identical set of options through draft addenda. Collectively, these management actions are referred to as the Recreational Measures Setting Process Addenda/Framework.

Submit a Public Comment
Draft Addenda
Hearing Announcement

Phase

Status

October 2024: Board and Council approve Draft Addenda/Framework
for Public Comment

Completed

Draft Addenda/Framework Public Comment Period, including Public Hearings

Active

Board and Council consider final approval of Draft Addenda/Framework

April 2025

Effective date of addenda/GARFO review and approval of Council Framework Action

TBD

Public Hearings

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

Public Comment

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.

Comment Guidelines

Although the Council’s framework development process does not include public hearings, all public comments submitted during the Commission’s comment periods will be considered by both groups before taking final action. Written comments will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. on February 15, 2025. Please see the below hearing announcement for additional details and instructions for submitting comments.

You may submit public comment by attending a public hearing held in your state or jurisdiction or mailing, faxing, or emailing written comments to the address below. Only comments received at a public hearing or written comments submitted to the Commission will become part of the public comment record.

  • Mail: Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, 1050 North Highland Street, Suite 200 A-N, Arlington, VA 22201
  • Email: comments@asmfc.org; Subject line: Recreational Measures Setting Process
  • Fax: (703) 842-0740

Contacts

  • 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

Action Development Timeline & Documents

August 2023

The Council and Policy Board reviewed progress and discussed next steps.

December 2023

The Council and Policy Board refined the range of preliminary alternatives.

July 2024

The Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee completed a review of the alternatives under consideration through this framework/addenda.

August 2024

The Council and Policy Board reviewed a revised range of alternatives and endorsed several modifications recommended by the Fishery Management Action Team/Plan Development Team.

October 2024

The Council and Policy Board reviewed and approved a document for public comment.

Next Steps

April 2025: The Council and Policy Board will review public comments and take final action on the addenda/framework.