November 16, 2012 — At the recommendation of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, NOAA Fisheries proposes 2013-2015 catch limits and management measures for Atlantic mackerel, and 2013 catch limits for butterfish.
Specifications for longfin squid and Illex squid were set for 3 years in 2012 (2012-2014) so are not included in this action. Other regulatory changes included in this action are to the longfin squid fishery, as well as the butterfish mortality cap to avoid 1-2 week closures at the end of a Trimester. Compared to 2012, this proposed action would increase the butterfish quota by 236 percent (recommended 2013 quota of 2,570 mt), and increase the butterfish mortality cap by 184 percent (recommended 2013 quota of 4,500 mt).
To control effort in the directed butterfish fishery, changes are proposed to trip limits, the closure threshold for the directed fishery, and post-closure trip limits.