Greetings all, a few items:

Framework 5 is effective: http://www.nero.noaa.gov/regs/frdoc/12/12smbfw5fr.pdf. Framework 5 extends the deadline for mackerel Tier 1/2 vessel hold measurements to be submitted to the end of 2013 and expands the list of individuals who may perform such measurements. Here’s a permit holder letter on the same subject: http://www.nero.noaa.gov/nr/doc/12/msb-framework-5-bulletin.pdf.

Amendment 10: The deadline for limited access mackerel applications is February 28, 2013: http://www.nero.noaa.gov/nr/doc/12/12macklaseptreminderphl.pdf. NMFS “will not consider applications that are postmarked after that date, so be sure that your application is received or postmarked by February 28, 2013.”

Framework 7’s proposed rule just came out and will be posted here soon: http://www.nero.noaa.gov/regs/. Comments are due January 14, 2013. There was a possibility that butterfish landings, which are proposed to be increased in 2013, would wreak havoc with the longfin squid fishery’s butterfish cap calculations in 2013. Framework 7 eliminates that possibility by changing the butterfish cap from a catch cap to a discard cap. The cap is also proposed to be lowered a bit to account for the landings of butterfish on longfin squid trips that used to be counted, so no real change in overall butterfish mortality should occur, as compared to how the cap was intended to function.

Amendment 15 (River Herring & Shad): Scoping comments are posted at: http://www.mafmc.org/fmp/msb_files/msbAm15current.htm. I’ll keep folks updated as the amendment develops. (I’m also working on finalizing Am14’s Final EIS.)

Thanks,
Jason

Jason Didden
Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Plan Coordinator
jdidden@mafmc.org
www.mafmc.org
(302) 526-5254 (direct)
(302) 397-1131 (cell)
(302) 674-5399 (fax)