2014 MSB Specs: a proposed rule is out and available at: http://www.nero.noaa.gov/regs/ (see January 2014 tab if it’s not immediately visible). Public comments are due to NMFS by February 10, 2014. Among other measures this proposed rule includes the implementation of the river herring and shad catch cap on the mackerel fishery. While the timeline means that the earliest the mackerel fishery could close due to the cap would probably be early March, data from the beginning of the year would likely be used to calculate the 2014 ratio of river herring and shad catch. Therefore current avoidance of river herring and shad by mackerel fishery participants will maximize 2014 mackerel fishing opportunities.

Slippage Framework: the Council is scheduled to take action on recommending to NMFS measures to minimize slippage events on observed mackerel trips at the February Council meeting (http://www.mafmc.org/briefing-books). The Council requested that some of the alternatives presented at the December meeting be modified, and a new framework document with additional alternatives and analysis will be included in the February briefing book. There will also be an Advisory Panel (AP) meeting via webinar focused on this slippage framework on Monday February 10, 2014 from 2pm-5pm (connection info will be posted to http://www.mafmc.org/actions/msb-framework-9.

Omnibus Observer Amendment: development continues on ways to facilitate industry-funded observer programs and how to get higher coverage levels for the Atlantic mackerel fishery. NMFS will make a presentation on preliminary approaches at the February Council meeting. As time allows, the February AP meeting may discuss this Amendment as well.

Scup GRAs: Jessica Coakley of the MAFMC staff is leading development and analysis of a framework to consider modifying the Scup small-mesh GRAs. Preliminary analysis will be reviewed at the February Council meeting.

Marine Resource Education Program (MREP): There are still a few seats for the MREP Fishery Science 100 program on January 21-23 in Baltimore, MD. Participants gain a basic working knowledge of population biology and the assessment process, especially as occurs in the Northeast. The focus is on improving stakeholders’ abilities to engage in the fishery management process. The program will cover all travel, hotel and meal expenses for attendees, and active fishermen receive an additional stipend to help offset lost fishing time. For more information, visit http://www.mafmc.org/mrep or contact Patty Collins, pcollins@gmri.org, (207) 228-1625 ASAP.