[Rimarinefisheries] Reminder: Scoping Comment Deadlines

March 16, 2020

Reminder: Scoping Comment Deadline for Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment and Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment

Scoping Comment Deadline: March 17, 2020, 11:59 p.m. EDT

Tomorrow is the deadline to submit scoping comments on two amendments that will consider potential changes to the management of summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish. Scoping is the first and best opportunity to raise concerns related to the scope of issues that will be considered in these amendments. You are encouraged to submit comments on which options may or may not be useful or practical for meeting the goals of these amendments, as well as any other relevant issues that should be considered.

Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) are developing this joint amendment that will consider potential modifications to the allocations of catch or landings between the commercial and recreational sectors for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. Members of the public are encouraged to submit written comments on potential changes to the commercial/recreational allocations for these three species. Eleven scoping hearings were held between February 13 and March 3. Written comments are due by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

• Written comments may be submitted using our online comment form [click.icptrack.com].
• Additional information is available in the Scoping and Public Information Document [click.icptrack.com] and in the Scoping Presentation Video [click.icptrack.com].
• Contact: Julia Beaty, jbeaty@mafmc.org, 302-526-5250.

Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment

The Council and ASMFC are developing this joint amendment in order to (1) update the goals and objectives of the Bluefish Fishery Management Plan; (2) perform a comprehensive review of the bluefish sector allocations, commercial allocations to the states, and transfer processes; and (3) initiate a bluefish rebuilding plan. Members of the public are encouraged to submit written comments on any of these issues. Eleven scoping hearings were held between February 13 and March 4. Written comments are due by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

• Written comments may be submitted using our online comment form [click.icptrack.com].
• Additional information is available in the Scoping and Public Information Document [click.icptrack.com] and in the Scoping Presentation Video [click.icptrack.com].
• Contact: Matt Seeley, mseeley@mafmc.org, 302-526-5262.

Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council

www.mafmc.org [click.icptrack.com]

800 North State Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901

Phone: (302) 674-2331 | Toll-Free: (877) 446-2362 | Fax: (302) 674-5399