The following copy is from a Maryland DNR via email providing details on this public hearing. Public comment may be shared as described below by February 8th, 2024. CCA has no specific position on these options and urges anglers to attend the meeting and provide input on the allowed options.
Southern Region Summer Flounder Recreational Management Public Hearing
Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission are hosting a virtual-only public hearing to solicit feedback from southern region recreational summer flounder anglers regarding 2024-2025 recreational management measures (see below).
When:
Thursday, Feb 1, 2024, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Virtual Only:
Video call link: meet.google.com/hkq-ndez-ktj
Dial in: (US)+1 941-254-3670 PIN: 311 887 813#
Topic Background
A 28% reduction in the recreational harvest of summer flounder is required in 2024-2025. This reduction is needed because the Recreational Harvest Limit (RHL) for 2024-2025 (6.35 million pounds) falls below the confidence interval around projected harvest for these years, and the stock size is below the target level. Current regional measures will be restricted to achieve the full 28% reduction in 2024 and then will remain unchanged in 2025 unless new information suggests a major change in the expected impacts of those measures on the stock or the fishery. The following options will be presented and open for comment at the hearing.
Public Comment Period
A public comment period for these measures will be open from January 21 through February 8, 2024. Written comments can be sent via email to fisheriespubliccomment.dnr@maryland.gov. Additional comments will be recorded during the hearing.
Additional Information
More information regarding the management of summer flounder can be found by visiting the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission websites.