With the 2024 Stock Assessment results showing the southern stock of red drum to be overfished and experiencing overfishing, the Draft Addendum considers two fishing mortality options states may not exceed in order to end overfishing. Although the northern stock is not overfished nor experiencing overfishing, the Sciaenids Management Board is concerned with an increasing trend in fishing mortality observed in the northern region. To address this trend, the Draft Addendum considers changes to the recreational bag and slot limits of states in the northern region, as well as provides states the opportunity to align their differing regulations, particularly in Chesapeake Bay.

The Draft Addendum also includes a process for states to propose management measures in response to changes in stock status. Further, the Draft Addendum proposes a process to allow states to submit stock status analyses conducted outside the Commission’s stock assessment process to be considered for management use. Lastly, the Draft Addendum proposes updates to the management program’s de minimis provisions. The Commission includes de minimis provisions in its FMPs to reduce the management burden for states whose measures would have a negligible effect on the conservation of the species.

Webinar Instructions

For all virtual or hybrid hearings, please note that in order to comment during virtual webinar hearings you will need to use your computer or download the GoToWebinar app for your phone. Those joining by phone only will be limited to listening to the presentation and will not be able to provide input. In those cases, you can send your comments to staff via email or US mail at any time during the public comment period. To attend the webinar in listen only mode, dial 914.614.3221 and enter access code 772-107-596. If you are unable to participate in your state’s scheduled hearing, you are welcome to participate in any of the virtual or hybrid hearings.

For all virtual or hybrid hearings, please click HERE and select the hearing(s) you plan to attend from the dropdown menu to register for a public hearing webinar. Hearings will be held via GoToWebinar, and you can join the webinar from your computer, tablet or smartphone. If you are new to GoToWebinar, you can download the software by (clicking here) or via the App store under GoToWebinar. We recommend you register for the hearing well in advance of the hearing since GoToWebinar will provide you with a link to test your device’s compatibility with the webinar. If you find your device is not compatible, please contact the Commission at info@asmfc.org (subject line: GoToWebinar help) and we will try to get you connected. We also strongly encourage participants to use the computer voice over internet protocol (VoIP) so you can ask questions and provide input at the hearing.

Hearing Presentation Recording

For those who cannot attend any in-person or virtual hearings, the Commission will also post a recording of the hearing presentation on the Commission’s YouTube page so that stakeholders may watch the presentation and submit comment at any time during the comment process. This recording will be available by early September.

Submitting Comments

The public is encouraged to submit comments at any time during the public comment period. The Draft Addendum is available at https://asmfc.org/resources/management-actions/draft-addendum-ii-to-amendment-2-to-the-interstate-fishery-management-plan-for-red-drum-for-public-comment/ or via the Commission’s website at Red Drum Action Tracker. Public comment will be accepted until 11:59 PM (EST) on October 1, 2025 and should be sent to Tracey Bauer, FMP Coordinator, at 1050 N. Highland St., Suite 200 A-N, Arlington, Virginia 22201; at comments@asmfc.org (Subject line: Red Drum Draft Addendum II); or via the Red Drum Action Tracker.

If your organization is planning to release an action alert in response to the Draft Addendum, please contact Tracey Bauer at tbauer@asmfc.org or 703.842.0723, so she can work with you to develop a unique subject line to enable us to better organize and summarize incoming comments for Board review. For more information, please contact Tracey Bauer at tbauer@asmfc.org.