The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife is informing the public that the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) will hold two hearings in New Jersey regarding the management of Summer Flounder. The hearings are part of a series of hearings in coastal states to gather public input on the range of issues to be considered in the Comprehensive Summer Flounder Amendment.

The amendment will involve a comprehensive review of all aspects of the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan related to summer flounder. Specifically, the MAFMC and ASMFC will consider whether modifications to the plan's goals, objectives, and management strategies for summer flounder are needed.

The public is encouraged to submit comments regarding the range of potential issues to be addressed in the amendment. The Council and Commission are particularly interested in comments on the following topics:

• Fishery management plan goals and objectives
• Quota allocation between the commercial and recreational fisheries
• Commercial management measures and strategies
• Recreational management measures and strategies
• Discards in the commercial and recreational fisheries
• Ecosystem, habitat, bycatch, and protected species issues
• Data collection requirements and protocols

A link to the Scoping Document (background information on summer flounder management and on issues that may be addressed in the amendment, as well as a description of the amendment process and timeline) and additional information and updates will be posted on the MAFMC website at www.mafmc.org/actions/summer-flounder-amendment.

The New Jersey hearings will be held as follows; click on the links for detailed information, including instructions for submitting written comment:

Monday, September 29, 6 p.m.
Somers Point City Hall
1 West New Jersey Ave.
Somers Point, NJ 08244

Tuesday, September 30, 6 p.m.
Belmar Municipal Court
601 Main St.
Belmar, NJ 07719

There will also be an Internet Webinar on Wednesday, October 22 at 6 p.m.:
Connect by going to http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/summerflounder_scoping/ and selecting "enter as guest."