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FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLANS
ATLANTIC MACKEREL, SQUID, & BUTTERFISH
Implementing regulations for these fisheries are found at 50 CFR Part 648 Subpart B
The Atlantic Mackerel, longfin squid, Illex squid, and butterfish fisheries are all managed by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) under a single Fishery Management Plan. To access the MAFMC Mackerel/Squid/Butterfish webpage, please click here.
The Atlantic mackerel fishery utilizes an annual coastwide quota to manage commercial and recreational fishing fleets. Mackerel is a large volume fishery primarily harvested with mid-water trawl gear. The squid (longfin and Illex) fisheries utilize annual coastwide quotas to manage fishing fleets and are harvested with small mesh trawl gear. The annual harvest quota for longfin squid is divided into trimester allocations spaced throughout the fishing year. Illex is primarily harvested to be used as bait. The butterfish fishery utilizes an annual coastwide quota to manage fishing fleets and is primarily harvested with small mesh trawl gear. Currently, there is not a directed fishery for butterfish. Instead, most butterfish are harvested as bycatch with squid. On January 1, 2011, NMFS implemented a mortality cap to limit butterfish catch in the longfin squid fishery. To view images of these fisheries, please click here.
"A new limited access permit system for Atlantic mackerel goes into effect on March 1, 2012. For information on how to apply for a limited access mackerel permit, click here. If you hope to qualify for a limited access permit prior to March 1, 2012, you must submit a complete application prior to January 31, 2012. The last day to submit an initial application is February 28, 2013."
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Recent Announcements
- January 15, 2013 - Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish 2013 Specifications
- January 14, 2013 - Atlantic mackerel fishery limited access program application deadline reminder
- December 3, 2012 - Tier 1 and 2 Atlantic Mackerel Permit Holders - More individuals and entities approved to complete vessel hold measurements and deadline to submit extended to December 31, 2013
- November 8, 2012 - Revised 2012 Butterfish Mortality Cap and Commercial Quota; Cap Increased to 3,165 mt
- September 21, 2012 - Mackerel Limited Access Program Application Due Date Reminder, and Proposed Rule for MSB Framework 5
- August 24, 2012 - Final 2012 Commercial Quota and Management Measures for Butterfish And Trimester III Longfin Squid Fishery Opening
- August 6, 2012 - Longfin Squid Fishery - Details about Trimester 3 and ongoing NMFS actions
- July 16, 2012 - Longfin Squid Fishery Trimester II Closure Apology
- July 7, 2012 - Longfin Squid Trimester 2 Closure, Catch limited to 2,500 lb per trip/day, Effective Date: July 10, 2012
- June 21, 2012 - Adjustment of Trimester 2 and 3 Longfin Squid Quotas
- April 13, 2012 - Trimester 1 Closure - Longfin squid catch limited to 2,500 lb per trip/day, effective April 17, 2012
- March 21, 2012 - 2012 Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Specifications and Management Measures
- November 16, 2011 - New Limited Access Atlantic Mackerel Fishery Permits Required as of March 1, 2012
Recent And Upcoming Actions
- Final rule; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; 2013 Specifications and Management Measures
- Proposed rule, request for comments; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Framework Adjustment 7
- Final rule; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Framework Adjustment 5
- Interim final rule; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Specifications and Management Measures; Revised 2012 Specifications for the Butterfish Fishery
- Final rule; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Framework Adjustment 6
- Final rule; Final 2012 specifications and management measures for the butterfish fishery
- Temporary rule; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Closure of the 2012 Trimester 2 Directed Longfin Squid Fishery
- Final Rule; Correction; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Specifications and Management Measures
- Temporary Rule; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Closure of the Trimester 1 Longfin Squid Fishery
- Final Rule; Interim Specifications; Request For Comment; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Specifications and Management Measures
- Final Rule; Correction; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Amendment 11; Correction
- Final Rule; Effectiveness Of Collection Of Information Requirements; Amendment 11 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, Butterfish Fishery Management Plan
- Final Rule; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fisheries; Amendment 11
Programs
Information Sheets
Charts — Fishery Specific Charts
Forms - Permit Applications And Request Forms
FishWatch - U.S. Seafood Facts
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Last Updated:
January 16, 2013
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