NOAA HMS Recreational Fisheries Economics Research

In December, NOAA Fisheries released the findings of two studies on the expenditures associated with Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) recreational fisheries. When combined with related findings from other recent assessments, these studies show that HMS recreational fishing contributes an … Continued

NOAA Fisheries Mackerel and Tuna Identification Guide

A new Mackerel and Tuna Identification Guide is available from NOAA Fisheries. The guide includes key characteristics that will help captains and anglers distinguish between these species when filling out vessel trip reports (logbooks) or completing recreational angler surveys. NOAA … Continued

Atlantic HMS Recreational and Commercial Fishery Compliance Guides

Updated Atlantic HMS Recreational and Commercial Fishery Compliance Guides are now available. The new guides are designed to help fishermen comply with federal regulations for tunas, swordfish, sharks, and billfishes in the U.S. Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Carribean. The … Continued

HMS Tournament Reporting Requirements

Beginning January 1, 2019, all Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) tournaments will be required to submit catch summaries, according to NOAA Fisheries. An Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) tournament is a tournament that awards points or prizes for catching Atlantic … Continued

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

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