Are you currently happy with the way fluke, sea bass, scup and bluefish are currently managed on an annual basis in your state?
If not, then make sure you sit in on one of the final two Atlantic Coast meetings on recreational fisheries reform, Monday, April 11th for New York anglers and Wednesday, April 13th for Massachusetts. Both meetings will be held from 6 to 8 p.m.
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and its Interstate Fisheries Management Program Policy Board (Policy Board) have approved for public comment the Recreational Harvest Control Rule Draft Addenda to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and Bluefish FMP.
The Draft Addenda considers changes to the process used by ASMFC and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) to set recreational management measures (bag, size, and season limits) for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish. MAFMC is considering an identical set of options through a framework action.
Recently, many anglers have been discouraged with the management process and the outcomes regarding fluke, sea bass and porgies. We suggest you get involved now and show your support by attending the upcoming webinar and signing the petition listed below. Help support the efforts underway by the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) and the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) to incorporate some much needed changes to better our fishery.
Written comments from the public will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on April 22 and should be sent to Dustin Colson Leaning, FMP Coordinator, at 1050 N. Highland St., Suite 200 A-N, Arlington, Virginia 22201; 703-842-0740 (fax) or at [email protected] (Subject line: Harvest Control Rule).
ACTION ITEM 1
New York anglers can register to attend the April 11th and Massachusetts can register for the April 13th meeting at https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/1135657394291955982 (select the option based on your state).
ACTION ITEM 2
Sign this petition developed by the ASA in support of the reforms by going to https://www.votervoice.net/iframes/KAF/Campaigns/93101/Respond
ACTION ITEM 3
Download ASA’s Guide to the Recreational Harvest Control Rule Draft Addenda/Framework to follow along with the various options at https://keepamericafishing.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/ASA-Guide-for-HCR-Addendum-Final.pdf
Read more about the Recreational Harvest Control Rule from The Fisherman Magazine.
For additional background information please visit https://www.thefisherman.com/public-hearings-on-recreational-fisheries-reform-begin-on-march-16/
