2011 MAFMC/ASMFC December Meeting

Ok, before a ton of misinformation gets out there, let me try to get the info out from the proceedings in Williamsburg, VA today.

FLUKE -
BAD NEWS - 2012 quota reduced by nearly 10 million pounds from what was proposed back in August
GOOD NEWS - Our recreational landings (according to MRFSS) were so low in 2011 that we will have the opportunity to LIBERALIZE our regulations (that means some combination of lower size/longer season/higher bag) for 2012. This is because the process doesn't compare quotas from year to year, only our landings from one year to the quota the next year. Since our 2011 landings are lower than our 2012 quota (even after being revised downward), we are *ok* (YMMV from the definition of *ok*) This will be determined in NJ in March/April timeframe.

SCUP -
BAD NEWS - 2012 quota reduced a few million pounds from what was proposed back in August
GOOD NEWS - Our recreational landings (according to MRFSS) were so low in 2011 that *may* have the opportunity to LIBERALIZE our regulations (that means some combination of lower size/longer season/higher bag). This will be an issue that will be taken up my the ASMFC in February. (see explanation above)
MORE GOOD NEWS - Scup will be open in FEDERAL WATERS (beyond 3 miles) year round with a 10.5" size and 20 fish bag.
MORE BAD NEWS - Due to the time to get regs in place, the 2011 regs will still be in force at the start of 2012. This means CLOSED UNTIL 6/6 in FEDERAL WATERS (possibly opening slightly sooner). But as of right now, we would have an open Scup season Fall/Winter 2012-13.

SEA BASS -
GOOD NEWS - FEDERAL WATERS size, season and bag will be open Jan/Feb with a 15 fish bag limit at 12.5". It will close 3/1, then reopen 5/19 - 10/14, close on the 15th, then re-open 11/1 - 12/31. 25 fish at 12.5" during those two openings.
BAD NEWS - Federal waters regs will DEFINITELY NOT BE IN PLACE FOR THIS COMING JAN/FEB. But assuming all goes as decided today, would be open Jan/Feb 2013. The 5/19 opening in 2012 also may not occur, worst case would be a 5/22 opening in federal waters in 2012.
NEWS - Our recreational landings (according to MRFSS) were so low in 2011 that we *may* have the opportunity to LIBERALIZE our regulations (that means some combination of lower size/longer season/higher bag) in NJ. This will be an issue that will be taken up my the ASMFC during the months of January and February with a final decision coming for NJ in the March/April timeframe. Bottom line is that NJ sea bass regs are still pending.