Following the New England Fishery Management Council’s August 26^th On-Demand Fishing Gear Conflict Working Group meeting, the Council, in partnership with the NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (GARFO), will hold a public engagement session on the Joint Alternative Gear-Marking Framework. The session will begin with an overview presentation of the gear-marking framework, followed by an opportunity for public questions and comments. This regulatory modification would allow for the use of fixed gears without a persistent buoy line (i.e., on-demand gear). Alternatives consider where and when alternative gear marking could be used, and whether users would be required to demonstrate proof of understanding.

It is the Commission’s understanding that NOAA will go into the rulemaking process for the lobster fishery on this same issue since they have gear-marking regulations (ASMFC does not; the states have regulations but they are state-specific) and the Council’s decisions would likely impact what goes in that rulemaking. This public engagement session is an important opportunity for the lobster industry to provide comments to NOAA Fisheries and the Council on this issue.

More information can be found at https://www.nefmc.org/calendar/aug-26-2025-alternative-gear-marking-framework-stakeholder-engagement-session