New Regulations for 2024

[pddmd]

The Feds are using a new "accounting" method that is supposed to help level off the drastic highs and lows of prior years. Yes the Coastwide catch is still exceeding the FMP goals. This is supposed to be a more buffered response in that they are using a several year projection as the target. I'm not sure how much I believe after we had the NMFS scientist who developed MRIP speak at our Council meeting and say it was never intended to be used this way. Falls into the "Best available science" category.
From the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council
The Percent Change Approach requires a 28% reduction in recreational harvest of summer flounder in 2024-2025. This reduction is needed because the RHL for 2024-2025{6.53 million lbs}falls below the confidence interval around projected harvest for these years, and the stock size is below the target level.