Catch Share Plan for Surfclams & Ocean Quahogs (1990)

The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 mandates the use of annual catch limits and accountability measures to end overfishing and provides for market-based fishery management through limited access privilege programs (LAPPs).  The Act defines individual fishing quotas (IFQs) as one type of limited access privilege and provides tools and guidance for fishery managers to design and implement such programs. The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council began discussing the management of surfclams and ocean quahogs at their first meeting in September 1976.  Within the year, the management of these two resources became the Nation's first under the newly created Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act.  Between 1977 and 1990 the Council developed the Plan and seven separate amendments.  In the fall of 1990, the Council and National Marine Fisheries Service established the nation's first federal ITQ management system.  This system allows individuals the flexibility to harvest their annual share of the quota, or to lease or "sell" a portion or all of their harvest rights.  This 1990 amendment has had major impact in the continued successful management of these two species.  Under the Council's management, these resources are not overfished and overfishing is not occurring.  There is now minimal bycatch of small surfclams and other species since there is no "race to fish".  The fleet has become profitable, allowing new, safer, and more productive vessels.  The result is that the consumer receives high quality products at a reasonable price on a sustainable basis from the surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries.  The 2006 reauthorization has provided guidance for managers to assess other complex and often-controversial issues including the definition of excessive shares; fees and cost recovery; and reporting and monitoring requirements.