Final Rule for 2021 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Specifications

NOAA Fisheries is implementing the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s recommended 2021 summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass specifications.The final 2021 catch limits for all three stocks are increasing relative to previously approved 2021 quotas because the Council revised its risk policy, which defines the acceptable risk of overfishing. The revised catch limits still minimize the chance of overfishing, while providing more opportunities for fishermen. No additional changes to the federal commercial management measures were made.