Comments Due April 14, 2023
NOAA Fisheries is seeking comments on proposed 2023 summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass recreational fishery management measures.
Summer Flounder and Black Sea Bass
We propose the conservation equivalency approach for the summer flounder and black sea bass recreational fisheries. Under conservation equivalency, states or regions develop minimum sizes, possession limits, and fishing seasons that will achieve the necessary level of conservation. Both the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission recommended conservation equivalency, for both species, in 2023.
The proposed rule contains additional details on conservation equivalency, including what measures would be put in place if the states or regions do not implement conservationally equivalent measures.
Scup
We are proposing a 10-inch minimum size limit, 40-fish possession limit, and May 1- December 31 open season for recreational scup measures in federal waters, with the states to further modify state measures through the Commission process.
Read the proposed rule as published in the Federal Register today. The comment period is open through April 14. Submit your comments through the e-rulemaking portal.
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