Mid-Atlantic Council Hosts Meetings on 14 Fish Species Habitat Updates
Published Date: 11/17/2025
Notice
Summary
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is updating important fish habitats for 14 species and wants your thoughts! They’re hosting five public meetings—mostly online from December 2025 to February 2026—and accepting comments until February 11. If you fish, care about ocean life, or live nearby, this could affect fishing rules and local waters.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
EFH changes for 14 fish species
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is proposing to revise Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) designations for 14 managed fish species. This action could affect fishing rules and local waters. The Council will consider input at five hearings between December 2, 2025 and February 3, 2026 and is accepting written comments until February 11, 2026.
Public hearings, comment deadline, and accessibility
The Council will hold five public hearings (four webinars and one in-person) from December 2, 2025 through February 3, 2026; the in-person hearing is on February 3, 2026 at the Westin Crystal City, Arlington, VA. Written comments are accepted until February 11, 2026, and requests for sign language or other aids must be made at least 5 days prior to a meeting.
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