For-Hire Boats vs. Solo Anglers: Fishing Data Drama
Published Date: 2/14/2025
Notice
Summary
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission are kicking off talks to change how recreational fishing for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish is managed. They want to separate for-hire fishing from private anglers and improve how fishing data is collected. If you fish or work in these industries, your input matters—join the meetings or send comments by March 20, 2025!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Considering Separate Management for For-Hire Fishing
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission are considering an amendment to manage for-hire recreational fishing separately from private anglers for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish. Scoping hearings are scheduled February 25–March 5, 2025, and written comments are due by 11:59 p.m. EST on March 20, 2025. If you operate a charter/for-hire vessel or fish privately for these species, this separate-sector approach is being considered and you can provide input at the meetings or by March 20, 2025.
Potential New Recreational Reporting Requirements
The Council and Commission are considering options related to recreational data collection, including private angler reporting and enhanced for-hire vessel trip reporting requirements for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish. Scoping hearings run February 25–March 5, 2025, and written comments are due by 11:59 p.m. EST on March 20, 2025. If you are an individual angler or a for-hire vessel operator, new reporting requirements are being considered and you may be asked to provide data in the future.
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