National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration December 31, 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

NMFS issues final specifications for the 2013 summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass fisheries, as well as the 2014 summer flounder and scup fisheries. This final rule specifies allowed harvest limits for both commercial and recreational fisheries. This action prohibits federally permitted commercial fishing vessels from landing summer flounder in Delaware in 2013 due to continued quota repayment from previous years' overages. These actions are necessary to comply with regulations implementing the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan, as well as to ensure compliance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The intent of this action is to establish harvest levels and other management measures to ensure that these species are not overfished or subject to overfishing in 2013 and 2014.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) announces its intent to hold a workshop. The purpose of the workshop is to consider options for improving the management of the longfin and Illex squid fisheries, with a focus on responsive harvest strategies that account for changing stock conditions over the course of the year. The Council intends for managers, scientists, and fishermen to collaboratively consider if responsive harvest strategies are feasible and appropriate for optimizing yield in these fisheries. Discussions at the workshop will culminate in a workshop report and a series of follow-up port meetings that will inform consideration of future management actions.

The Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) of the Mid- Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will hold a meeting.