Deep dropping off the Virginia coast for grouper, tilefish, black sea bass, and other deep sea species has gained popularity in recent years. In the future, these and other offshore fisheries could be impacted by new deep sea coral management … Continued
Each year, from November to April, fishermen and other mariners encounter whales as they migrate along the Virginia coast. During this time, the Coast Guard, in partnership with the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service, enforces the Ship Strike … Continued
2012 Virginia black sea bass regulations will include a 12.5 inch minimum size, possession limit of 25 fish, and open seasons from May 19 – October 14 and November 1 – December 31, according to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries … Continued
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Tautog Management Board has lowered the harvest reduction necessary for states to comply with Addendum VI. Under the revised stock assessment update, states from Connecticut through Virginia are required to reduce harvest by 39% … Continued
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission recently reported that its Tautog Stock Assessment Subcommittee has identified and corrected errors in the 2011 stock assessment update. Originally, the assessment indicated a 53% reduction was needed to meet the Addendum VI fishing … Continued
NOAA Fisheries will hold a 3-day Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Advisory Panel meeting March 13 through March 15, 2012. During the event, options will be considered for the conservation and management of Atlantic highly migratory species. The meeting is open … Continued
2012 Virginia summer flounder regulations have been established. For the 2012 fishing season, the minimum size for flounder will be 16 1/2 inches with a 4 fish possession limit. The regulations will become effective on 3/1/12. source: VMRC
The ASFMC Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board initiated an addendum to address illegal striped bass harvest, following an investigation conducted by the Interstate Watershed Task Force (IWTF). The IWTF conducted a multi-year, multi-jurisdictional investigation on illegal striped bass harvest within … Continued
The ASFMC Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Board has approved state proposals for 2012 summer flounder, black sea bass, and scup recreational fisheries. Over the next two months, Virginia and other states will select one of the approved … Continued
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council has extended the survey and comment deadline for its Visioning Initiative. The initiative is an opportunity for anyone interested in fisheries managed by the Council to weigh in on the future of fisheries management in … Continued