This framework action will update Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) text and map designations for multiple Fishery Management Plans (FMP) including the Atlantic Sea Scallop; Northeast Multispecies (Groundfish); and Small-Mesh Multispecies (Whiting) FMPs.
This includes the life history stages of Acadian redfish, American plaice, Atlantic halibut, Atlantic sea scallop, Atlantic wolffish, haddock, ocean pout, offshore hake, pollock, red hake, silver hake, white hake, windowpane flounder, winter flounder, witch flounder, and yellowtail flounder.
This action is being developed through the Habitat Plan Development Team (PDT), Committee, and Advisory Panel (AP) with support from species PDTs and APs.
Federal regulations require that EFH designations be reviewed and, if warranted, updated at least once every five years based on available information. EFH designations were last updated for these 16 species via the 2018 Omnibus Habitat Amendment 2. The Council completed an EFH Technical Review in January 2025, which included the development of model-based EFH designation methods. The review recommended that the Council evaluate and potentially update text and map components of EFH designations for all NEFMC-managed species. The Council agreed to complete this detailed evaluation over a three-year period starting in 2025.
Designations for 10 species were recommended via the 2025 EFH Framework. The 2026 EFH Framework will build upon the work of the EFH Technical Review for the 16 species listed above.
Revisions to EFH designations (text and maps) can be used as context and background for Council discussion and decision-making on any future management action(s). Updated designations also support EFH consultations done by the Habitat and Ecosystem Services Division (HESD) at the Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (GARFO).