Comment Period Extended for Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Species Separation Requirements Amendment
New Comment Deadline: November 29, 2022, 5:00 p.m. EST
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council has extended the deadline for members of the public to submit written comments on the Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Species Separation Requirements Amendment. Written comments can now be submitted until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 29, 2022. The Council is extending the deadline to accommodate individuals who may have been affected by the canceled public hearing on November 14th.
The Council developed the draft amendment to address the increased occurrence of mixed catches in the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. Current regulations do not allow for surfclam and ocean quahog to be landed on the same trip or placed in the same cages. The draft amendment contains a range of management approaches (“alternatives”) that would modify current regulations to allow for mixed catches onboard vessels. Details about these management alternatives can be found in the Public Hearing Document and Public Hearing Presentation.
Written comments may be submitted by any of the methods listed below. Comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 29, 2022.
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Email to: jcoakley@mafmc.org (use subject “SCOQ Species Separation”)
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Online at: https://www.mafmc.org/comments/scoq-species-separation
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Mail to: Chris Moore, Ph.D., Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 North State Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901. Mark the outside of the envelope “SCOQ Species Separation.”
Following a review of comments received, the Council will choose a preferred alternative and submit the amendment to the Secretary of Commerce for approval and publication of proposed and final rules, both of which have additional comment periods. The Council will consider final action at its December 12-15, 2022 meeting.
Source: Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council
