2017 NOAA SAFE Report

NOAA Fisheries has released its 2017 Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) Report for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species. The 2017 SAFE report reviews the status of highly migratory Atlantic tunas, swordfish, billfishes, and sharks. The report also updates constituents on … Continued

2017 Atlantic Cobia Recreational Fishing Closure (Federal Waters)

In January, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) announced a closure of recreational harvests of cobia in Federal waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Recreational harvest of Atlantic migratory group cobia (from Georgia to New York) closed at 12:01 a.m. … Continued

Deep Sea Coral Protection Area Designated Off Virginia Coast

NOAA Fisheries recently published the final rule for a Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) action to designate a large offshore marine protected area for deep sea corals in the Mid-Atlantic. MAFMC approved the Deep Sea Corals Amendment to the Mackerel, … Continued

Virginia Dolphin Fishing

The dolphin, also known as dolphinfish or Mahi Mahi, is one of Virginia’s most popular offshore fish species. Along the Virginia Coast, dolphin are caught from May thru October using a variety of techniques. Dolphin are known for their brilliant … Continued

Atlantic HMS Tournament Economics Study

From March 2016 through February 2017, NOAA Fisheries will conduct a web-based survey of Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) tournament operators and participants. The agency will collect data on the costs associated with operating and participating in these events. These … Continued

2016 HMS Tuna-Swordfish Permits

NOAA’s Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Management Division recently announced that the 2016 Atlantic Tunas and Atlantic HMS Permitting System is now operational. NOAA is issuing vessel open access permits to those fishing commercially for Atlantic Tunas and Swordfish, recreationally … Continued

FishTrack Offshore Fishing Smartphone App

A new fishing app from FishTrack.com is designed to help anglers can research water conditions and weather for offshore fishing locations using a smartphone or other mobile device. According to the maker, the app provides high resolution sea surface temperature … Continued

2014 Atlantic Billfish Landings (recreational fisheries)

NOAA Fisheries recently released preliminary estimates of 2014 recreational billfish landings (January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014) for Atlantic blue and white marlin, roundscale spearfish, and western Atlantic sailfish. 2013 recreational billfish landings data (final) was also released, for … Continued