New England/Mid- Atlantic Fishery Management Plans
We manage 14 fisheries in our region, six with the New England Council, five with the Mid-Atlantic Council, and two jointly.
We work cooperatively with the New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils, the Northeast Fisheries Science Center, and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to develop, review, and implement fishery management plans in federal waters (from 3 to 200 nautical miles). The division is responsible for federal waters from Maine to North Carolina and works on 14 fishery management plans.
Below are the fisheries that we actively manage in our region, six with the New England Council, five with the Mid-Atlantic Council, and two jointly. On these pages, you will find information about commercial and recreational fishing regulations, as well as about our management plans and the science that supports them.
New England Fishery Management Council Management Plans
- Atlantic Sea Scallops
- Northeast Multispecies (Groundfish)
- Small Mesh Multispecies (Hakes, Whiting)
- Atlantic Herring
- Deep-sea Red Crab
- Skates
- Atlantic Salmon (protected)
Mid-Atlantic Council Management Plans
- Mackerel, Squid, Butterfish
- Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass
- Bluefish
- Tilefish
- Surf Clams/Ocean Quahogs
Joint New England and Mid-Atlantic Management Plans
Management of Other Species in the Greater Atlantic Region
Some species found in the Greater Atlantic Region are managed exclusively by the states under the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission while some species are managed jointly in both state waters (0–3 nautical miles) and federal waters (3–200 nautical miles).
Species Managed Jointly in State and Federal Waters
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American Lobster: American Lobster is managed in both state and federal waters by ASMFC and NOAA Fisheries respectively. American lobster is managed under the authority of the Atlantic Coastal Act and not under the Magnuson-Stevens Act, which means that lobster is not managed by the New England Council even though it is managed in federal waters.
- Atlantic Herring
- Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass
- Bluefish
- Spiny Dogfish
Species Managed Only in State Waters
- American Eel
- Atlantic Croaker
- Atlantic Menhaden
- Atlantic Sturgeon (protected)
- Horseshoe Crab
- Northern Shrimp
- Red Drum
- Shad and River Herring
- Spanish Mackerel
Atlantic Tunas, Sharks, Swordfish, and Billfish
NOAA's Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Management Division manages Atlantic highly migratory species including tunas, sharks, swordfish, and billfish.
Fishing Resources
- Fishing Industry Home Page
- Fish Online (Log-in Required. Access permits, reporting, and other services)
- Vessel and Dealer Permitting
- Maps and Charts
- Vessel Monitoring
- Quota Monitoring
- Stock Assessments
- Observer Program
- Fishing Tips to Protect Sea Turtles and Marine Mammals
- Marine Mammal Authorization Program for Commercial Fishermen
- Marine Mammal Take Reduction Teams