Press Releases

Press Releases

MAFMC and ASMFC Approve Changes to Process for Setting Recreational Management Measures for Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass, and Bluefish

The MAFMC and ASMFC Interstate Fisheries Management Program Policy Board (Policy Board) have approved modifications to the process for setting recreational measures (bag, size, and season limits), as well as the recreational accountability measures, for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish. The MAFMC recommended these changes through a framework action, and the Policy 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. These changes are part of a broader long-term effort by both the MAFMC and ASMFC to improve recreational…

April 2025
Meetings Announcements, Press Releases

American Lobster Board Releases Draft Addendum XXXII for Public Comment

One virtual public hearing has been scheduled to gather input on Draft Addendum XXXII to Amendment 3 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for American Lobster. The Draft Addendum considers repealing all Addendum XXVII measures pertaining to scheduled increases in gauge and escape vent size limits.

April 2025
Press Releases

American Lobster Board Approves for Public Comment Draft Addendum XXXII to Repeal Gauge and Escape Vent Measures of Addendum XXVII

Public comments accepted from March 20 to April 16, 2025

March 2025
Press Releases

ASMFC Releases 2024 Annual Report

This report informs stakeholders on the use of federal and state funds provided to the Commission for FY 2024.

March 2025
Press Releases

Horseshoe Crab Board Releases Draft Addendum IX for Public Comment

Draft Addendum Considers Allowing for Multi-year Specifications for Male-only Harvest in the Delaware Bay Region

February 2025
Press Releases

ASMFC Spiny Dogfish Board Approves Addendum VII to Ensure Consistency with the Councils’ Spiny Dogfish Framework Adjustment 6

ASMFC’s Spiny Dogfish Management Board approved Addendum VII to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Spiny Dogfish. The Addendum implements measures to maintain consistency with the federal FMP in response to Spiny Dogfish Framework Adjustment 6.

February 2025
Press Releases

Horseshoe Crab Board Approves Draft Addendum IX for Public Comment to Consider Multi-Year Specifications for Male-Only Harvest

ASMFC’s Horseshoe Crab Management Board approved Draft Addendum IX for public comment. The Draft Addendum considers allowing the Board to set specifications for male-only harvest for multiple years.

February 2025
Press Releases

American Lobster Board Initiates Draft Addendum XXXII to Repeal Gauge and Escape Vent Measures of Addendum XXVII

The Addendum will consider repealing all Addendum XXVII measures pertaining to gauge and escape vent size limits. This action responds to fervent industry concerns about the potential economic impacts of an increase to the minimum gauge size in the Gulf of Maine and uncertainty with trade issues with Canada.

February 2025
Press Releases

ASMFC Releases for Public Comment the Public Information/Scoping Document for Recreational Sector Separation and Data Collection Amendment

Arlington, VA – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission releases for public comment the Public Information/Scoping Document for the Recreational Sector Separation and Data Collection Amendment for Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass and Bluefish. The document is a joint effort of the Commission and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council given the species are managed cooperatively by the Commission in state waters (0-3 miles) and by the Council and NOAA Fisheries in federal waters (3-200 miles). As the first step in the amendment process, the document solicits public input on the potential development of an amendment to consider modifications to…

January 2025

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