Amendment 7 to the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery Management Plan

NOAA Fisheries is approving and implementing all measures included in Amendment 7 to the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery Management Plan, as submitted by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. This amendment revises the goals and objectives of the fishery management plan, reallocates quota between the commercial and recreational fisheries, reallocates commercial quota among the states, implements a 7-year rebuilding plan using a constant fishing mortality strategy, revises the sector quota transfer measures, and revises how management uncertainty is applied during the specifications process. Amendment 7 is intended to use the best information available to update the Bluefish Fishery Management Plan by responding to changes in stock health and distribution, while recognizing economic need and reliance throughout the management area.