NOAA Fisheries Approves 2022 and 2023 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Specifications

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NOAA Fisheries - New England - Mid Atlantic Bulletin

December 22, 2021

NOAA Fisheries Approves 2022 and 2023 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Specifications

We are approving the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s recommended 2022 and 2023 summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass specifications. The catch limits are based on the results of recently conducted stock assessments for all three species and the recommendations of the Council’s Science and Statistical Committee. No changes to the federal commercial management measures are being made.

2022 Specifications

Summer Flounder

Scup

Black Sea Bass

Overfishing Limit (OFL)

36.28 32.56 19.26
Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) 33.12 32.11 18.86
Commercial ACL = Commercial Annual Catch Target (ACT) 18.48 25.05 10.10
Commercial Quota 15.53 20.38 6.47
Recreational ACL = ACT 14.64 7.06 8.76
Recreational Harvest Limit (RHL) 10.36 6.08 6.74
2023 Specifications Summer Flounder Scup Black Sea Bass
OFL 34.98 30.09 17.01
ABC 33.12 29.67 16.66
Commercial ACL = Commercial ACT 18.48 23.15 8.93
Commercial Quota 15.53 17.87 5.71
Recreational ACL = ACT 14.64 6.53 7.74
RHL 10.36 5.41 5.95

This rule also sets the 2022 summer flounder state commercial quotas. The state quotas account for adjustments necessary to address any long-standing overages or preliminary 2021 overages.

State Final 2022 Quotas (lb)
ME 24,488
NH 19,990
MA 1,391,846
RI 2,238,216
CT 956,043
NY  1,470,779
NJ 2,337,728
DE  -19,173
MD 935,226
VA  2,776,242
NC  3,361,569
Total 15,512,127*

 *Summed not including Delaware. 

For more information, read the the final rule posted in the Federal Register, and bulletin posted on our website.

Questions?

Fishermen: Contact Emily Keiley, Sustainable Fisheries Division, 978-281-9116

Media: Contact Allison Ferreira, Regional Office, 978-281-9103