Saving Seafood

MAFMC Solicits Public Input on MSB FMP Goals/Objectives and Illex Permits Amendment

Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council

March 18, 2020 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is soliciting public input on an amendment to address revisions to the Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish (MSB) fishery management plan (FMP) goals/objectives and modifications to Illex fishery permitting. Five webinar-based public hearings will be held between March 30 and April 13, 2020. Written comments will be accepted through April 20, 2020.

This amendment is being developed to address the following objectives:

  • Consider revising the overall MSB FMP goals and objectives
  • Consider the appropriate number of permits and related management measures in the Illex fishery and reduce the number of directed permits if appropriate

For more information, contact Jason Didden at jdidden@mafmc.org (also 302-526-5254) or visit this amendment’s action page: http://www.mafmc.org/actions/illex-permitting-msb-goals-amendment. The action page has a public hearing document, and a video presentation will be posted there by March 21, 2020.

Public Hearing Schedule

Due to public health concerns, hearings will be conducted by webinar. To join the webinar, go to http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/msb-illex-2020/. Telephone connection instructions appear upon connecting, or you can call 800-832-0736 and enter room number 7833942#. You must call by phone to participate. You can contact Jason Didden to test your connection ahead of time. Please participate in the webinar designated for your region (but you can join any if necessary):

  1. Monday March 30, 2020, 6:00 p.m. – Massachusetts and north
  2. Tuesday March 31, 2020, 6:00 p.m. – Rhode Island and Connecticut
  3. Wednesday April 1, 2020, 6:00 p.m. – New York
  4. Thursday April 2, 2020, 6:00 p.m. – New Jersey and Delaware
  5. Monday April 13, 2020, 6:00 p.m. – Maryland and south

Written Comments

Written comments should be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EDT on April 20, 2020 through one of the following methods, with the subject “MSB Goals and Illex Permits”:

  1. Email to Jason Didden: jdidden@mafmc.org
  2. Online at http://www.mafmc.org/comments/illex-permitting-msb-goals-amendment
  3. Mail to Dr. Chris Moore, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 North State Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE, 19901
  4. Fax to Dr. Chris Moore, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council at 302-674-5399