Effective January 1, 2019

NOAA Fisheries sets 2019 catch limits for the summer flounder and black sea bass fisheries and maintains the 2019 scup specifications that were established in 2017.

The summer flounder specifications will result in a 16-percent increase in the recreational harvest limit. Due to commercial overages that occurred in 2017, an accountability measure will be applied to the commercial quota that will result in a commercial quota that is similar to that in place for 2018.

For black sea bass, we are implementing the same specifications that were in place for 2018. We are also reopening the February black sea bass recreational fishery.

The scup specifications for 2019 are identical to those in place for 2018. We are also increasing the incidental possession limit for scup moratorium permit holders using small mesh from April 15-June 15.

A new assessment for summer flounder will be finalized in early 2019; any adjustment to the summer flounder specifications as a result will be taken up by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. Additional information will be sent outlining any changes being implemented mid-year.