New England Fishery Council Gathers in Mystic for Fish Limits Talk
Published Date: 3/17/2025
Notice
Summary
The New England Fishery Management Council is hosting a four-day meeting from April 14-17, 2025, both in-person in Mystic, CT, and online. Fishermen, seafood businesses, and coastal communities will hear updates and discuss new rules to protect fish and manage fishing better in New England waters. This meeting could lead to changes that affect fishing limits and practices, helping balance the environment and the economy.
Analyzed Economic Effects
10 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 6 mixed.
Atlantic herring specifications may be revised
The Atlantic Herring Committee will discuss updated Overfishing Limit (OFL) and Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) recommendations from the Scientific and Statistical Committee and consider potential Council action to revise specifications for 2025–2027. Any Council action could change catch limits or management for 2025–2027.
Monkfish specifications for 2026–2028 under review
The Council is initiating Monkfish Framework Adjustment 17 to set fishing year 2026–2028 specifications, and the Monkfish Committee will discuss 2025 priorities. This could lead to new specifications that apply to the 2026–2028 fishing years.
Initial discussion on skate specifications for 2025–2027
The Council will hold an initial discussion on Skate 2025–2027 specifications during the meeting. This begins the process that may lead to new skate management measures covering 2025–2027.
Framework to revise Essential Fish Habitat (EFH)
The Habitat Committee will initiate a framework to revise Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) designations for several species including Atlantic herring, Atlantic cod, skates, and monkfish. This starts a process that could change habitat protections for these species.
On-demand gear regulation framework initiated
The On-Demand Fishing Gear Conflict Working Group will initiate a framework to revise regulations for on-demand fishing gear in New England and Mid-Atlantic fixed-gear fisheries. This starts a process that could change rules for on-demand gear use.
Five-year review of LAGC IFQ Program reported
The Scallop Committee will provide a progress report on the five-year review of the Limited Access General Category (LAGC) Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program. This update is part of a review that could inform future changes to the IFQ program.
Monitoring and observer coverage discussions
The NEFSC Fishery Monitoring and Research Division will present updates including sea-day accomplishments, upcoming requirements, an at-sea monitoring spend plan, and a data consolidation and modernization project; the Council will also hear about challenges and potential solutions for achieving high target rates for sector observer coverage. These items relate to monitoring requirements and the at-sea monitoring spend plan.
Hybrid meeting — in person and online
The Council will hold a four-day hybrid meeting April 14–17, 2025 at the Hilton Hotel, 20 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic, CT, and online via a webinar (registration link provided). You can attend in person or by webinar and the meeting will be recorded with recordings available on request.
Open public comment opportunity
There will be an open public comment period during the meeting when individuals may provide remarks on issues relevant to Council business, including issues not listed on the agenda. This gives stakeholders a chance to speak directly to Council members during April 14–17, 2025.
Accommodations for disabilities (request deadline)
The meeting is physically accessible and requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids must be directed to the Council Executive Director at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. This means you should request accommodations no later than 5 days before the meeting starting April 14, 2025.
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