November 1, 2026 - April 30, 2027
NOAA Fisheries reminds summer flounder permit holders of important changes to the Small Mesh Exemption Program (SMEP) beginning November 1.
The SMEP allows vessels with a summer flounder commercial moratorium permit and a Letter of Authorization (LOA) to fish under an exemption from summer flounder minimum mesh size requirements within a designated area from November 1 through April 30.
Exemption Program Changes
NOAA Fisheries published a final rule on April 28, 2026, making changes to the summer flounder SMEP. This action implemented three modifications to the existing SMEP LOA program, as recommended by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:
- Expanded the geographical area of the SMEP;
- Revised the annual evaluation process for the SMEP; and
- Reduced the minimum LOA period to provide added flexibility to the industry.
The minimum LOA enrollment period is currently set at 1 day. We will announce any future changes to the minimum enrollment on the NOAA fisheries website and in stakeholder bulletins.
The expanded SMEP area can be viewed here. The western boundary moved approximately five miles west for a portion of the area south of Long Island Sound. For areas of the SMEP that overlap with the Frank R. Lautenberg Deep Sea Coral Protection Area, the coral area restriction on bottom tending gear applies for all vessels.
Visit NOAA Fisheries’ Framework 18 webpage and the Mid-Atlantic Council’s summary of the changes to learn more.
Paperless LOA
NOAA Fisheries’ Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office launched a new, fully-electronic, self-service pilot program for the Summer Flounder SMEP LOA program. Permit holders can use Fish Online to enroll, withdraw, or cancel their participation. Requests are processed automatically and immediately, without manual review by Permit Office staff. The earliest start or withdrawal date is the next day; same-day requests are not allowed. See instructions for managing your SMEP LOA.
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