NOAA Fisheries Approves the Recreational Harvest Control Rule Effective March 9

[Gumada]

Today, NOAA Fisheries issued a final rule implementing a new process to set recreational management measures (bag, size, and season limits) for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish as recommended by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Interstate Fisheries Management Program Policy Board. The approved changes also include modifications to the recreational accountability measures. The new approach is part of a broader long-term effort by both the Council and Commission to improve recreational management of these four species. The new management program aims to provide greater stability and predictability in recreational measures from year-to-year while accounting for scientific variability in stock assessment and management data, including recreational data.

The new process allows managers to consider two factors: 1) biomass compared to the target, and 2) estimated recent recreational harvest compared to future harvest limits, to determine if management measures need to change and, if so, by how much.

Additional information can be found on the Council’s webpage.

For more information read the final rule as filed in the Federal Register or our bulletin.

Questions?

Fishermen: Contact Emily Keiley, Sustainable Fisheries, 978-281-9116

Media: Contact Allison Ferreira, Regional Office, 978-281-9103


While we are killing cetaceans let’s slip this by....

[AndyS]

Dery Allen Solzar Nunez- Not present Captain Quirk read aloud the statement for the revocation appeal for Mr. Nunez who was not present. Mr. Nunez was convicted of a violation on January 19,2022, for NJSA/NJAC 23:5-45.1a undersized striped bass. A second violation NJSA/NJAC 23:5-45.1a undersized striped bass. Chairman Virgilio asked for a motion to open the floor for discussion. A motion was made by Councilman Robinson to open the floor for discussion and seconded by Councilman Jones. Vote taken, all in favor; motion approved. After the council discussed Mr. Nunez’s violations, Chairman Virgilio asked for a motion to close the floor for discussion. A motion was made by Councilman Robinson to close the floor for discussion, seconded by Councilman Puskas. Vote taken, all in favor; motion carried. Chairman Virgilio stated that the council has three options, reinstate, continue with the revocation, or delay for additional information. If there is a motion to reinstate, for the record justification is needed. Councilman Robinson made a motion Not to reinstate Mr. Nunez’s license, seconded by Councilman Kertz. Vote taken, all in favor; motion carried. David Dunleavy- Not present Captain Quirk read aloud the statement for the revocation appeal for Mr. Dunleavy who was not present. Mr. Dunleavy was convicted of a violation on May 2,2019, for N.J.S.A/N.J.A.C 7:25- 18.1(e) possession of mutilated marine fish parts (summer flounder). A second violation on July 5,2022, for N.J.S.A/N.J.A.C 7:25-18.1c possession of 1 undersized flounder. Chairman Virgilio asked for a motion to open the floor for discussion. A motion was made by Councilman Robinson to open the floor for discussion.