The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) are seeking recreational fishing stakeholders to participate in a workshop focused on potential recreational sector separation measures for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass and bluefish.
Scheduled for September 23-24, 2026, in the Baltimore, Maryland area, the workshop will help shape a joint amendment examining options for managing federally permitted for-hire vessels separately from private recreational anglers. Discussions will also include potential changes to for-hire permitting, reporting requirements and a possible Letter of Authorization program for federally permitted charter and party boats.
The agencies are looking for approximately 20 highly engaged stakeholders from both the private and for-hire sectors who have experience with these fisheries and an interest in improving recreational management. Travel and lodging expenses will be covered for selected participants.
Applications must be submitted by July 3, 2026, with selected participants expected to be notified later in July. Input gathered during the workshop will help inform management options under consideration by both the Council and Commission later this year.
For additional information about the workshop, contact Kiley Dancy at kdancy@mafmc.org. Media inquiries can be directed to Mary Sabo (MAFMC) at 302-526-5261 or Tina Berger (ASMFC) at 703-842-0749.
