Washington, DC – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has notified the Secretaries of Commerce and the Interior of its finding that the State of New York is out-of-compliance with the provisions of the Summer Flounder Fishery Management Plan (FMP). This action is taken pursuant to the provisions of the Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act of 1993.
Specifically, New York has not implemented the required measures to achieve a 48.5% reduction in recreational landings. The required reduction is necessary to control fishing mortality and maintain the rebuilding schedule contained in the FMP. In order to come back into compliance, New York must implement a recreational management program that achieves a 48.5% reduction in landings (in number) relative to its 2003 landings.
Under the Act, the Commission must notify the State, the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Interior once it has made a noncompliance determination. Upon notification, the Secretary of Commerce has 30 days to review the recommendation and determine appropriate action, which, under the Act, may include a federal moratorium on fishing for the affected species.
For more information, please contact Robert Beal, Director, Interstate Fisheries Management Program, at (202) 289-6400.