The Council is developing this amendment primarily to reduce the capacities of the longfin squid and Illex squid fleets. The Council is considering this action because there is considerable latent capacity in both fisheries - a small portion of vessels with limited access squid permits account for the majority of landings in most years, and the Council is concerned that activation of latent capacity in the squid fisheries could lead to excessive fishing effort and increased catch of non-target species. As part of the Amendment, the Council is also reevaluating the Trimester rollover and closure provisions. The Council has identified buffer areas around Nantucket/Martha's Vineyard as a possible separate action for 2017.
This action is in development - The next scheduled Council meeting relevant to this action is the February 2016 Council meeting, when the Council is scheduled to approve a public hearing document and possibly identify preliminary preferred alternatives. The next FMAT/technical meeting will be 10:30 am January 6.
Summary of the alternatives the Council has selected for additional analysis
Contact
Jason Didden - (302) 526-5254, jdidden@mafmc.org
Older Documents
- December Council Meeting to Finalize Alternatives
- December Committee/AP Meeting to Develop Alternatives
- September AP Meeting to Develop Alternatives
- June 2016 Council Meeting with FMAT Summary
- June 2015 Meeting Materials With Scoping Hearing Summaries and Comments
- Squid Capacity Amendment Scoping Guide
- May 16, 2013 Longfin Squid Control Date Notice
- August 2, 2013 Illex Squid Control Date Notice
- 2015-2017 Specifications Environmental Assessment Package