ASMFC Spring ’26: What To Watch This Week

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission holds its Spring Meeting this week. The quarterly gathering runs from Monday, May 4th through Wednesday, May 6th in Arlington, Virginia. ASMFC is the interstate board that sets the rules for menhaden, striped bass, red drum, and a dozen other species we advocate for whenever possible. For those new to this process, the meetings are “hybrid”, so you can watch live from this link.

The following provides a summary of what is on the table for the species that matter most to us at the American Saltwater Guides Association:

Tuesday, May 5, at 8:30 AM
Atlantic Menhaden Management Board

This meeting is important. The board will consider approving Draft Addendum II for public comment. Draft Addendum II targets the industrial reduction fishery in Chesapeake Bay. The addendum looks at two real changes. First, it offers options to cut the Chesapeake Bay reduction fishery harvest cap. The choices for that cut include: status quo, 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and a full 50% reduction.

Second, the Draft Addendum II looks at quota periods to spread the fishing pressure out, instead of letting the fleet hammer the Bay in one short window. One additional important note for this conversation: lowering the Chesapeake Bay cap does not automatically transfer any quota to the ocean reduction fishery, nor does it increase the coastwide total allowable catch. Those two quotas are completely separate. Fish left in the Bay stay in the Bay. These reductions represent pure conservation for the nursery area that striped bass, red fish, and the whole inshore food web depend on.

If the board approves the draft next week, public comment runs from June to July with final action scheduled for the Summer Meeting in early August. This directly affects the forage base that striped bass, red drum and the entire inshore food web depend on. We have been pushing for meaningful cuts in the Bay for years. This is a powerful opportunity to make it happen.

Monday, May 4 at 9:15 AM
Sciaenids Management Board

The board will take final action on Georgia and South Carolina red drum management proposals to implement Addendum II to Amendment 2. This regulatory change represents the 14.4% fishing mortality reduction the southern stock needs. Florida is taking zero reduction in this round – and because Florida is sitting out, Georgia and South Carolina are forced to overcompensate with much deeper cuts. Georgia is proposing measures that will deliver approximately a 22-28% percent reduction. South Carolina’s new regulations in S.961 are projected to achieve a 19-25% reduction. Both states far exceed the required 14.4% target. South Carolina just passed S.961 through the Senate committee, and this vote checks whether those new rules meet the coastwide requirement. Strong approval here locks in real conservation for bull reds and maintains the slot limits that are finally giving the stock a chance.

Monday, May 4 at 1:15 PM
Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board

The board will discuss guidance for the 2027 benchmark stock assessment, including biological reference points and spatial management. They will also give direction to the Work Group on Future Striped Bass Management and get an update on Maryland Addendum III season implementation. With low recruitment still hammering the stock and states like Connecticut moving their own winter river protections, this Board will make the decisions that set the long-term direction for the fishery we have fought hardest to save.

All three boards open with public comment periods. The full meeting is broadcast live via webinar. You can register and watch every minute at the official ASMFC Spring Meeting page.

If you fish menhaden-dependent waters or chase redfish, striped bass, or any inshore species, mark your calendar. Watch the meetings. Submit comments when the public period opens. Our natural resources are watching, and you are their voice.