Public Comment         

Jan. 30: NOAA Fisheries seeks public comment on the proposed rule to implement Amendment 26 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region (Amendment 26). Amendment 26 contains actions related to the king mackerel portion of the coastal migratory pelagic fishery in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region. These actions were proposed by the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils following review of the most recent stock assessment. (Find more information here.)

Feb. 3: NOAA Fisheries is proposing regulations to implement Amendment 18 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan. Amendment 18 was developed by the New England Fishery Management Council to promote fleet diversity in the groundfish fishery and enhance sector management. This action proposes to limit the number of permits and annual groundfish allocation that an entity could hold. This action also removes several effort restrictions to increase operational flexibility for limited access handgear vessels. (Find more information here.) 

Feb. 10: SAFMC seeks public comment for item s identified in the the Snapper Grouper Vision Blueprint addressing recreational management measures.  Potential actions in the amendment may include re-evaluation of the shallow water grouper closure, re-evaluation of aggregate bag limits, removal of minimum size limits for deepwater species, changes to the jacks complex and its bag limits, and modification of the recreational minimum size limit for black sea bass. 
(Find more information here.)

Feb. 14: NOAA Fisheries seeks public comment for proposed rule to require turtle excluder devive use for skimmer trawls, pusher-head trawls and wing nets (butterfly trawls).  The rule, if implemented, would require all skimmer trawls, pusher-head trawls and wing nets (butterfly trawls) to use turtle excluder devices (TEDs) in their nets.
(Find more information here.)

Feb. 16: NOAA Fisheries seeks public comment on the issuance of an exempted fishing permit to Dr. David Kerstetter of Nova Southeastern University to evaluate pelagic longline (PLL) catch and bycatch rates from within two different sub-areas in the northern portion of the East Florida Coast (EFC) PLL Closed Area and compare those rates to rates obtained by authorized samplers from outside the EFC PLL Closed Area and the availability of a draft Environmental Assessment analyzing the impacts of granting the application to conduct the research using commercial PLL vessels with certain terms and conditions. ( Find more information here.)

Feb. 17: NOAA Fisheries seeks public comment on the proposed rule to implement Amendment 36 to the Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region as prepared and submitted by the SAFMC. If implemented, this proposed rule would modify the FMP framework procedures to allow spawning special management zones (SMZs) to be established or modified through the framework process. ( Find more information here.)

Mar. 6: NEFMC seeks public comment for a scoping document for Amendment 5 to the Northeast skate complex FMP. The purpose of this scoping document is to inform the public of the Council's intent to gather information necessary for the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement that will analyze the impacts of this amendment on the affected biological, physical and human environments ( Find more information here.)

Mar. 10: NOAA Fisheries invites public comments on the information collection requirements mandated in the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan. Specifically, (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. (Find more information here.)

National Updates
Regional Updates
Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (GARFO)
Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC)
Southeast Regional Office (SERO)
Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC)
USFWS - Northeast Office (Region 5)
USFWS - Southeast Office (Region 4)
New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC)
Potomac River Fisheries Commission (PRFC)
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC)
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC)
Featured Stories for the Week of January 26
MAFMC: Seeking Applications for Interim Advisory Panel Members

MAFMC is soliciting applications from qualified individuals to serve on several advisory panels that currently have vacancies.  Advisory panels provide information and recommendations to the Council during the development of fishery management actions. One of the chief responsibilities of advisory panels is the development of annual Fishery Performance Reports, which provide the Council and SSC with information on why catches may have fluctuated from year to year.
Advisory panels are composed of individuals with diverse experience and interest in Mid-Atlantic fisheries. Members include commercial fishermen, recreational anglers, for-hire operators, dealers, scientists, environmentalists, and other interested members of the public. Most advisory panels meet 1 - 2 times per year. Members are compensated for travel and per diem expenses for advisory panel meetings.  Individuals appointed under this notice would serve on an interim basis and could re-apply during the next general application window in early 2018.
Find more information here. 
MAFMC: Request for Proposals - Catch Share Program Review for the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Individual Transferable Quota Fisheries 
 
MAFMC is accepting proposals  to conduct a Catch Share Program Review of the present and past social and economic conditions in the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog (SCOQ) fisheries which are managed using individual transferable quotas (ITQs). Section 303A(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) includes requirements for the regular monitoring and review of the operations of catch share programs by the Council and the Secretary of Commerce.
Find more information here. 
NEFMC: Council Selects Industry-Funded Monitoring Alternatives for Omnibus Amendment, Atlantic Herring Catergory A and B Boats 
 
NEFMC selected preferred alternatives for the region's Industry-Funded Monitoring (IFM) Omnibus Amendment, which is being developed jointly with the Mid-Atlantic Council, along with considerable administrative help from NMFS. The Council also picked preferred alternatives for an IFM program for the Atlantic herring fishery but made clear that the measures - if approved and implemented - would apply only to Category A and B herring vessels. 
The IFM Omnibus Amendment has two core components.
 * The first focuses on proposed alternatives to modify all New England and Mid-Atlantic Council fishery management plans (FMPs) so that both Councils have a standardized, streamlined process in place for developing future FMP-specific industry-funded monitoring programs. 
* The second part of the amendment contains alternatives that specifically would apply to the Atlantic Herring and Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish FMPs upon implementation of the IFM Omnibus Amendment.
Find more information here. 
ME DMR: Maine Scallop Season Update 
 
Three scallop areas along the Maine coast are scheduled for closure or limitedclosure based on DMR survey data. Two of the areas, Muscle Ridge and Inner Cranberry Isle, will remain open on a limited basis for divers, while the Chandler Bay/Head Harbor area will be closed to all harvesting. The effective date of the closures will be Monday, January 22, 2017.

The Muscle Ridge Area, located near Spruce Head, has been open this season two days per week (Monday and Tuesday) for draggers and two days a week (Wednesday and Friday) for divers. Recent DMR survey work has revealed high concentrations of sublegals (smaler than the legal 4 inch diameter size) in the Muscle Ridge area. Survey work has also shown recovery in the area from last season, prompting the Department to continue this rebuilding trend in the Muscle Ridge area as overall densities in this area of the coast are low, making it vital to afford protection to remaining productive areas. The area will remain open to hand harvest by divers when they are able to resume their fishing season on March 1.

Find more information here. 
NYS DEC: State Department of Environmental Conservation Releases Final Ocean Action Plan for New York
 
NYS DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos announced the release of the State's final Ocean Action Plan, the first-ever comprehensive 10-year blueprint to guide the protection and conservation of New York's ocean resources from environmental threats such as ocean acidification due to climate change. The plan was developed with input from a variety of state agencies, as well as ocean-related advocacy and industry organizations.
 
"New York's Ocean Action Plan acknowledges the need to better understand how current and future uses of the ocean may impact the ocean ecosystem," said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. "New York's ocean region is a critical resource for 13 million people, nearly 60 percent of the state's population, who live along the coast. From carbon sequestration to storm resiliency, a healthy coastal environment is a necessity for coastal communities."

Find more information here.
MD DNR: Maryland Fishing and Crabbing Guide Set for February Release
 
MD DNR will release its comprehensive 2017-18 Maryland Fishing & Crabbing Guide Feb. 15. The guide is the go-to reference for all questions on  recreational fishing and crabbing in the state, providing a summary of seasons, license information, size and creel limits, and more.
Find more information  here .
GA DNR: Georgia's Whelk Trawl Season to Open 
   
GA DNR Commissioner Mark Williams has announced that Georgia's whelk trawl harvest season will open at 6:30 a.m. on Monday, January 30, 2017 and close at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 31, 2017. The DNR will continue its policy of requiring those who possess or fish for whelks with trawl gear in Georgia waters to have a no-charge let ter of authorization, the original of which must remain onboard the vessel during fishing activities.

Individuals possessing or fishing for whelk with trawl gear must adhere to all requirements in the letter of authorization, possess all proper licenses, including a Georgia commercial fishing license, and adhere to all gear restrictions for whelk trawls, including the use of minimum 4-inch stretch mesh trawl gear and a certified Turtle Excluder Device (TED).

Find more information  here .
FL FWCC: Imperiled Species Management Plan Rule Changes are in Effect

The Imperiled Species Management Plan rule changes are now in effect, including changes in listing status for many species. FL FWCC approved the groundbreaking plan in an effort to achieve conservation success with dozens of imperiled species throughout the state. The plan outlines the steps to conserve 57 species along with the broader vision of restoring habitats essential to the long-term survival of multiple fish and wildlife species.

"Florida is charting an ambitious new path for wildlife conservation success on a statewide scale," said FL FWCC Chairman Brian Yablonski. "Seeing a roseate spoonbill wading in shallow waters, a black skimmer resting on the beach or a Big Cypress fox squirrel sitting in a pine tree is an essential part of the Florida experience. This innovative plan is designed to keep imperiled species like these around for many generations to come."

Find more information here.
FL FWCC: Snook Reopens in Atlantic State Waters
The recreational harvest season for snook reopens on Feb. 1 in Florida's Atlantic coastal and inland waters (from the Miami-Dade/Monroe county line north), including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River. The season will remain open through May 31.
In the Atlantic, anglers may keep one snook per day that is not less than 28 or more than 32 inches total length, which is measured from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed while the fish is lying on its side. A snook permit is required to keep snook, along with a saltwater fishing license, unless the angler is exempt from the license requirements. Only hook-and-line gear is allowed when targeting or harvesting snook.

Find more information here.
NOAA Fisheries: United States Continues Global Leadership to Combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing
   
NOAA Fisheries has taken another step forward in cracking down on illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing  (IUU) practices around the world with the release of its 2017 Biennial Report to Congress . The report highlights U.S. findings and analyses of foreign IUU fishing activities and of bycatch of protected species and shark catch on the high seas.

Ecuador, Mexico, and the Russian Federation were identified as having vessels reported to be engaged in IUU activity during 2014-2016. On behalf of the United States, NOAA Fisheries will consult with each nation to encourage action to address these activities and improve fisheries management and enforcement practices.
 
Find more information here. 
NOAA Fisheries: Adjustment to the Skate Wing and Skate Bait Inseason Possession Limits
   
NOAA Fisheries is the reduction of the commercial per-trip possession limits for the skate wing and skate bait fisheries for the remainder of the 2016 fishing year, through April 30, 2017. These possession limit reductions are necessary to prevent the seasonal skate wing and skate bait commercial quotas from being exceeded and still allow an opportunity for harvesting the annual total allowable landings. The skate wing possession limit may be reduced to the incidental catch limit of 500 lbs skate wings; the skate bait possession limit must be reduced to the 1,135 lb whole-weight equivalent of the skate wing possession limit. 
 
Find more information here. 
MARCO: Mid-Atlantic States Identify Wetland Restoration as Key Action for Reducing Climate Change
   
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO), a partnership of five Mid-Atlantic states, has released a report on the role of Mid-Atlantic coastal wetlands in reducing climate risk. The report examines current practices for identifying and prioritizing wetlands for their ability to reduce climate risk and enhance climate resilience in the region.  The report, prepared by the Environmental Law Institute (ELI), identifies opportunities for improving how coastal wetlands can serve as climate buffers in the coastal states of New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.
 
Coastal wetlands can serve as an initial but important line of defense to protect coastal cities, towns and infrastructure from climate-related impacts by storage, conveyance, and wave attenuation.  Coastal wetlands also help to stabilize shorelines, prevent erosion, and improve water quality by filtering, storing, and breaking down residential, agricultural and urban runoff.
 
Find more information  here. 
 
Upcoming Meetings and Events 

Jan. 24-26: NEFMC (Portsmouth, NH)

Jan. 27-29: New England Fishing and Outdoor Expo (Boxborough, MA) 

Jan. 30-Feb. 2: ASMFC Winter Meeting (Alexandria, VA)

Feb. 6-8: ASMFC & GSMFC Artificial Reef Committees (Jacksonville, FL) 

Feb. 6-8: Fish 2.0 (Salem, MA)

Feb. 14-16: MAFMC (Kitty Hawk, NC)

Mar. 2-4: Maine Fishermen's Forum (Rockport, ME)

Mar. 6-10: SAFMC (Jekyll Island, GA)

Mar. 8: Feeding the Future: An Ocean of Opportunity (Washington, D.C.)


Apr. 11-13: MAFMC (Avalon, NJ)

Apr. 9-11: Northeast Fish & Wildlife Conference (Norfolk, VA)

Apr. 19-25: International Pectinid Workshop (Portland, ME)
Coastwide Updates
State Updates
Maine Department of Marine Fisheries (ME DMR)
New Hampshire Fish & Game Department (NH FGD)
Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (MA DMF)
Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife (RI DFW)
Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (CT DEEP)
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC)
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC)
New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife (NJ DFW)
Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife (DE DFW)
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Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD DNR)
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District Department of the Environment  (DC DOEE)
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Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC)
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North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (NC DMF)
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SC DNR)
Georgia Department of Natural Resources - Coastal Resources Division (GA CRD)
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC)