Posted on April 23, 2021

The New England Fishery Management Council closed its Newburyport, MA-based office in March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker’s order. The Council is continuing to abide by federal and state travels restrictions, as well as public safety protocols and guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

IS THE COUNCIL STAFF STILL WORKING: Yes. The staff is working full time. For the most part, the staff continues to telework. All staff members are responding to emails and phone calls from home. Phones calls that come into the Council’s telephone system are being forwarded to staff members. Here is the Staff Directory. As currently allowed under the Commonwealth’s phased reopening plan, some staff members occasionally are working in their Council offices on a staggered, limited basis as needed.

WHAT ABOUT MAIL: The U.S. Postal Service continues to deliver mail. Designated Council staffers pick up and monitor mail every few days.

IS THE COUNCIL HOLDING MEETINGS: Yes. The Council has been holding advisory panel and committee meetings on a regular basis by webinar. Visit the Council’s calendar to see the schedule.

FULL NEW ENGLAND COUNCIL: The Council’s next full meeting is scheduled for June 22-24, 2021. Here is the Council Members Directory.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: The Council and its partners will continue to closely monitor important developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit the CDC’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 website at What’s New for the latest government reports.