February 3, 2020 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:
Scoping hearings will begin next week for two amendments that will consider potential changes to the management of summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish. Scoping is the first and best opportunity to raise concerns related to the scope of issues that will be considered in these amendments. You are encouraged to submit comments on which options may or may not be useful or practical for meeting the goals of these amendments, as well as any other relevant issues that should be considered.
Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment
This amendment will consider potential modifications to the allocations of catch or landings between the commercial and recreational sectors for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. Members of the public are encouraged to attend a scoping hearing or submit written comments on potential changes to the commercial/recreational allocations for these three species.
- Scoping hearings will be held between February 13 and March 3, 2020. A schedule of dates and locations is available here.
- Written comments may be submitted using our online comment form through March 17, 2020.
- Additional information is available in the Scoping and Public Information Document.
- Contact: Julia Beaty, jbeaty@mafmc.org, 302-526-5250
Please note that this amendment will not address recreational bag, size, or season limits for any species.
Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment
This amendment is being developed in order to (1) update the goals and objectives of the Bluefish Fishery Management Plan; (2) perform a comprehensive review of the bluefish sector allocations, commercial allocations to the states, and transfer processes; and (3) initiate a bluefish rebuilding plan. Members of the public are encouraged to attend a scoping hearing or submit written comments on any of these issues.
- Scoping hearings will be held between February 13 and March 4, 2020. A schedule of dates and locations is available here.
- Written comments may be submitted using our online comment form through March 17, 2020.
- Additional information is available in the Scoping and Public Information Document.
- Contact: Matt Seeley, mseeley@mafmc.org, 302-526-5262.
Please note that this amendment will not address recreational bluefish management measures, including the 3-fish private/shore bag limit and 5-fish for-hire bag limit recommended for 2020.