Give input on proposed changes to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Horseshoe Crabs in a virtual hearing conducted by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC).

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), of which Delaware is a member state, will hold a virtual public hearing to gather input on a draft addendum to the Horseshoe Crab Fishery Management Plan.

The proposed changes, Draft Addendum VIII, would incorporate recommended changes in the Adaptive Resource Management (ARM) Framework into the management program for bait harvest of Delaware Bay-origin horseshoe crabs. The ARM Framework is an ecosystem-based approach to manage the Delaware Bay horseshoe crab population to ensure enough eggs to support the migratory red knot population during their annual spring stopover.

The proposed ARM Framework changes were included in the 2021 Revision of the Adaptive Resource Management (ARM) Framework and Peer Review Report.

The ASMFC will accept comments until 11:59 p.m. Sept. 30, 2022. Submit comments to comments@asmfc.org (subject line: Horseshoe Crab Draft Addendum VIII).

The hearing will be conducted via GoToMeeting. To attend virtually, and if you intend to comment as part of the hearing, please pre-register (select Sept. 8 from the drop-down). To attend the webinar in listen only mode, dial 213-929-4221 and enter access code 667-452-901. Find more information about attending the virtual hearing on the ASMFC website.

For more information about the hearing, contact the DNREC Fisheries Section at 302-739-9914.