Saving Seafood

Council Actions

Supplemental Materials for the March 18 American Lobster Management Board Meeting Now Available

March 12, 2025 — The following was released by Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The supplemental materials for the upcoming meeting of the American Lobster Board are now available at https://asmfc.org/events/american-lobster-management-board-4/ or you can access them directly at https://asmfc.org/resources/management/species-board-proceedings/american-lobster-managment-board-supplemental-materials-march-2025/.  At the meeting, the Board will consider approval of Draft Addendum XXXII for public comment. The Draft Addendum will consider repealing all Addendum XXVII measures pertaining to gauge and escape vent size limits. This action responds to industry concerns regarding the potential economic impacts of an increase to the minimum gauge size in the Gulf of Maine and uncertainty surrounding trade issues with Canada. In addition, the Gulf of Maine states have agreed to work with the lobster industry to develop management strategies to ensure the long-term health of the resource and the coastal communities that it supports.

 
Webinar Information
To register for the webinar, please go tohttps://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5146448237796194138 (Webinar ID: 755-528-995). If you are joining the webinar but will not be using voice over internet protocol (VoIP) via your computer, you can also call in at +1 (914) 614-3221, access code 543-426-674. A PIN will be provided to you after joining the webinar. For those who will not be joining the webinar but would like to listen in to the audio portion only, press the # key when asked for a PIN.
 
Meeting Process
The Board Chair will provide an opportunity to the public to bring matters of concern to the board’s attention at the start of the meeting. The Board Chair will ask members of the public to raise their hands to let the chair know they would like to speak. Depending upon the number of commenters, the Board Chair will decide how to allocate the available time on the agenda (typically 10 minutes) to the number of people who want to speak.
 
The webinar will begin 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting so that people can troubleshoot any connectivity or audio issues they may encounter.  If you are having issues with the webinar (connecting to or audio related issues), please contact Chris Jacobs at 703.842.0790.
 
Public Comment Guidelines
With the intent of developing policies in the Commission’s procedures for public participation that result in a fair opportunity for public input, the ISFMP Policy Board has approved the following guidelines for use at management board meetings:
For issues that are not on the agenda, management boards will continue to provide opportunity to the public to bring matters of concern to the board’s attention at the start of each board meeting. The Board Chair will ask members of the public to raise their hands to let the chair know they would like to speak. Depending upon the number of commenters, the Board Chair will decide how to allocate the available time on the agenda (typically 10 minutes) to the number of people who want to speak.
For topics that are on the agenda, but have not gone out for public comment, the Board Chair will provide limited opportunity for comment, taking into account the time allotted on the agenda for the topic. The Board Chair has the flexibility to decide how to allocate comment opportunities; this could include hearing one comment in favor and one in opposition until the chair is satisfied further comment will not provide additional insight to the board.
For agenda action items that have already gone out for public comment, it is the Policy Board’s intent to end the occasional practice of allowing extensive and lengthy public comments. Currently, the Board Chair has the discretion to decide what public comment to allow in these circumstances.
In addition, the following timeline has been established for the submission of written comment for issues for which the Commission has NOT established a specific public comment period (i.e., in response to proposed management action)
 
1.    Comments received by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11 will be included in supplemental materials.
2.    Comments received by 10 a.m. on Monday, March 17 will be distributed electronically to Commissioners/Board members prior to the meeting.
 
The submitted comments must clearly indicate the commenter’s expectation from the ASMFC staff regarding distribution.  As with other public comment, it will be accepted via mail and email.
 
For more information, please contact Caitlin Starks, Senior Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at cstarks@asmfc.org.

Navigating Change: Strengthening the Hawai‘i Fishing Community

March 8, 2025 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

Fishing in the Pacific Islands isn’t just a way of life—it’s a legacy, a livelihood and a connection to the ocean that sustains our communities. But when policies change or challenges arise, those who rely on fishing to feed their families or for their livelihood feel the impact first. That’s why your voice matters now more than ever.

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is hitting the road to meet directly with fishing communities across Hawai‘i. These meetings aren’t just about policies—they’re about real people, real issues and real solutions. Whether you’re a commercial fisher, a weekend angler or simply care about the future of local seafood, this is your chance to speak up, ask questions and be part of the conversation. Federal fishery managers, industry leaders and fellow fishers will be there to listen, share updates and work toward a stronger future for Hawaii’s fisheries.

“Fishing is deep-rooted here in Hawai‘i, as it is part of our culture and tradition, it provides food to our tables and contributes to our economy,” said Gil Kuali‘i, Hilo fisherman and Advisory Panel vice chair. “For me, you gotta be engaged otherwise things happen and you don’t get a say. Fishing is what we do, who we are…either you participate or cut bait!”  

Key Topics of Discussion

  • Voice of community in future fishery management decisions
  • Impacts of ecosystem and resource changes on fishing communities
  • Small-boat fishing issues such as distrust in data use, aging fleet, infrastructure and need to integrate fishermen into decision-making
  • Duplication and/or void in federal and state fishing regulations, adverse policies, access limitations and support of fishery development

Meeting Schedule:

●   Kona, HI

Date: March 13, 2025 (Thursday)

Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (HST)

Location: King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, 75-5660 Palani Rd., Kailua-Kona

●     Hilo, HI

Date: March 14, 2025 (Friday)

Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (HST)

Location: Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, 71 Banyan Dr., Hilo

●   Community meetings across the remainder of the Hawaiian Islands will be scheduled in late April and May 2025.

The Hawai‘i Advisory Panel meeting will also be held March 13 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. Major agenda items include uku catch limits for 2026-2029; deepwater shrimp and precious corals catch limits for 2025-2028; Hawai‘i and American Samoa longline fisheries crew training and electronic monitoring updates; and longline and small-boat scenario planning, regulatory review and community consultation project discussions.

We invite community members to participate in these vital discussions. Your voice matters as we work together to navigate changes and enhance the fishing community’s future.

For more information, please contact Mark Mitsuyasu (mark.mitsuyasu@wpcouncil.org, 808-479-6357) or Zach Yamada (zach.yamada@wpcouncil.org). www.wpcouncil.org

Experts to Address Key Pacific Fisheries Issues at Upcoming Scientific Meeting

March 6, 2025 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

Science is at the heart of sustainable fisheries—join top experts as they review the latest information and provide recommendations for Pacific fish stocks.

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will meet March 11-13, 2025, in Kailua-Kona to tackle some of the region’s most pressing fisheries management issues. Scientists, fishery managers and industry leaders will set the course for sustainable fishing, from protecting precious corals to shaping the future of longline fisheries.

Hot Topics on the Agenda

 Setting New Limits for Uku

The Main Hawaiian Islands uku (green jobfish) fishery is on the line as the SSC will advise the Council how much can be sustainably caught from 2026 to 2029. With recent challenges in monitoring both commercial and noncommercial catch, the SSC may recommend an acceptable overfishing limit and provide scientific justification for a shift in management strategies. The outcome will impact fishermen, markets and the ecosystem.

 Hidden Treasures: Deepwater Shrimp & Precious Corals

These deep-sea resources are incredibly valuable—but they’re also difficult to study and regulate. With current catch limits expiring soon, the SSC will decide whether to maintain or adjust quotas for species like deepwater shrimp, black coral, and pink and bamboo corals. 

 Cameras on Deck: The Future of Electronic Monitoring

With human observer coverage shrinking, electronic monitoring is set to revolutionize longline fisheries monitoring in Hawai‘i and American Samoa. But who will foot the bill? How will it affect fishers? The SSC will discuss how video footage from vessels will be reviewed and how the new program may impact longline fleets as these fisheries transition into a new era of monitoring. 

This is your chance to hear the science, ask questions and be part of the discussion.

How to Join

 In-Person: Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel (75-5660 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI)

 Online: Join remotely via web conference: https://tinyurl.com/155SSCMtg

 Get the Full Agenda & Documents: www.wpcouncil.org/event/155ssc-meeting

The SSC provides advice to the Council, which will meet March 25-27, 2025, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu, www.wpcouncil.org/event/202nd-council-meeting.

Navigating Change – Estorian Peskadot Marianas: Strengthening the CNMI and Guam Fishing Communities

February 26, 2025 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

Fishing in the Pacific Islands is culturally, socially and economically important. Even small changes can have big consequences, especially when they impact fisheries and habitats. These effects are felt at the local level, directly influencing fishing communities.

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will hold a series of meetings with fishing communities across the Mariana Archipelago to discuss key fishery issues. The Council invites all members of the fishing communities in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and Guam to participate in discussions aimed at strengthening fishery management and community involvement. These meetings will bring together federal fishery managers, industry leaders, researchers and local fishers to share insights and tackle challenges related to sustainable fishing.

“These meetings are critical for us as fishermen. They ensure that the voices of fishers and their communities are heard in the implementation of federal fisheries,” said Alex Min, project coordinator at the Pacific Islands Fisheries Group, a fishermen-led nonprofit organization facilitating community outreach. “We are focused on understanding the impact and needs of our communities to strengthen fisheries, protect marine ecosystems and support coastal communities that rely on seafood as a way of life.”

Key topics of discussion:

●     The role of community input in future fishery management decisions

●     Open discussions on local community impacts and challenges

●     Updates on federal fishing regulations, policies and support programs

Meeting Schedule:

●     CNMI – Saipan

Date: February 27, 2025 (Thursday)

Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. (ChST)

Location: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Azucena Room, Coral Tree Ave., Garapan 

●     CNMI – Tinian

Date: February 28, 2025 (Friday)

Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (ChST)

Location: Tinian Public Library, San Jose 

●     CNMI – Rota

Date: March 1, 2025 (Saturday)

Time: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (ChST)

Location: Mayor of Rota Conference Hall, San Francisco de Borja Hwy., Tatachog 

●     Guam – Malesso’

Date: March 4, 2025 (Tuesday)

Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (ChST)

Location: Malesso’ Village Community Center, 440 Joseph A. Cruz St., Malesso’ 

●     Guam – Dededo

Date: March 5, 2025 (Wednesday)

Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (ChST)

Location: Dededo Village Community Center, 335 Iglesias Cir., Dededo 

We invite community members to participate in these vital discussions. Your voice matters as we work together to navigate changes and enhance the fishing community’s future.

For further information, please contact Council Island Coordinators for CNMI, Angela Dela Cruz (angela.delacruz@wpcouncil.org, 670-783-8729) or Guam, Felix Reyes (felix.reyes@wpcouncil.org, 671-483-1904). www.wpcouncil.org

SAFMC Meeting March 3-7, 2025 in Jekyll Island, GA

February 25, 2025 — The following was released by South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Members of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will meet next week, March 3-7, 2025, in Jekyll Island, GA to address federal fishery management issues. The meeting begins on Monday morning, March 3rd and continues through noon on Friday at Villas by the Sea, 1175 Beachview Drive N., Jekyll Island, GA 31527.

The meeting is open to the public and also available via webinar each day as it occurs. Register now to attend the meeting via webinar and receive email reminders as the meeting date approaches, or review the week-long meeting agenda and plan to attend in person.

The Council will meet in Full Session at the beginning and end of the meeting week, and hold meetings of the following committees throughout the week: Snapper Grouper Commercial Sub-Committee; Habitat & Ecosystem; Joint Habitat & Ecoystem and Shrimp; Snapper Grouper; Mackerel Cobia; and SEDAR (Southeast Data, Assessment and Review).

Meeting materials, including individual committee agendas and overviews, documents, and presentations are available from the Council’s website:https://safmc.net/events/march-2025-council-meeting/. 

Public Comment

The Council will hold a public comment session on Wednesday, March 5th, 2024 beginning at 4 p.m., allowing for both in-person and remote (via webinar) verbal public comment. Registration is required to comment via webinar. Details are available from the meeting website. An online public comment form for written comments is also available, with comments posted for both Council members and the public to view via the website.

 

Ecological Reference Points Benchmark Stock Assessment Workshop Scheduled for March 3 – 6, in Arlington, VA

February 21, 2025 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Ecological Reference Points (ERP) Work Group will be meeting March 3 – 6, 2025 at the Commission’s office, 1050 N. Highland Street, Suite 200A-N, Arlington, VA.  The ERP Work Group will explore various modeling approaches to be used in the assessment, which will be used to evaluate the health of the stock and inform the management of the species in an ecological context.
 
The ERP assessment is scheduled to be peer-reviewed later in 2025 through the SouthEast Data Assessment Review process. Visit the Commission’s website calendar (https://asmfc.org/events/) for information on the dates and times of those meetings.  
 
All Commission assessment workshops are open to the public. Time may be allotted for public comment at the discretion of the Chair of the ERP Work Group but may also be limited to keep the workshop on schedule. Additional information on the workshop, including webinar registration, can be found here. 
 
For more information about the assessments or attending the workshop, please contact James Boyle, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at jboyle@asmfc.org or 703.842.0740, or Jainita Patel, Fisheries Science Coordinator, at jpatel@asmfc.org or 703.842.0720.

SAVE THE DATE: American Lobster Management Board Webinar Scheduled for March 18, 3 – 4 PM

February 19, 2025 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s American Lobster Management Board will meet via webinar on March 18, 2025 from 3 – 4 PM. The purpose of the webinar is for the Board to consider approval of Draft Addendum XXXII for public comment. The Draft Addendum will consider repealing all Addendum XXVII measures pertaining to gauge and escape vent size limits. This action responds to industry concerns regarding the potential economic impacts of an increase to the minimum gauge size in the Gulf of Maine and uncertainty surrounding trade issues with Canada. In addition, the Gulf of Maine states have agreed to work with the lobster industry to develop management strategies to ensure the long-term health of the resource and the coastal communities that it supports.

 
The draft agenda, meeting materials, and webinar details will be available two weeks prior to the meeting at https://asmfc.org/events/american-lobster-management-board-4/.  For more information, please contact Caitlin Starks, Senior Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, atcstarks@asmfc.org.

Council Covers Atlantic Herring, Habitat, and Risk Policy Issues; Learns About Fisheries Research in Offshore Wind Areas

February 19, 2025 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council met January 28-30, 2025 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. In addition to standard business, the Council received a series of presentations on fisheries research projects being conducted in offshore wind development areas. The Responsible Offshore Science Alliance (ROSA) organized the presentations at the Council’s request and planned an evening poster session (photos below). Presentations and posters are posted on the Council’s website here.

ATLANTIC HERRING / RIVER HERRING: The Council received a presentation on the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASMFC) 2024 River Herring Benchmark Stock Assessment. ASMFC staff provided the overview and answered Council questions.

The Council then received an update on Amendment 10 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan, which is an action to minimize user conflicts in the Atlantic herring fishery, support rebuilding of the resource, and address river herring and shad catch. The Council will receive another update in June.

During its September 2024 meeting, the Council took final action on fishing year 2025-2027 specifications for Atlantic herring. At the time, the Council’s proposed specifications assumed the 2024 acceptable biological catch (ABC) would be caught.

Given the limited activity in the commercial fishery over the past year, the Council did not expect the U.S. annual catch limit would be fully utilized in 2024. It therefore tasked the Herring Plan Development Team (PDT) with

reviewing preliminary 2024 year-end catch information and developing an updated 2024 catch estimate, which was presented to the Council at the January meeting along with revised projections.

Based on the new information, the Council agreed to ask its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) to provide updated fishing year 2025 and 2026 overfishing limit (OFL) and ABC recommendations. The Council also asked the SSC to consider results from the March 2025 Atlantic Herring Research Track Stock Assessment and a risk analysis that will be prepared by the PDT.

The Council will receive the SSC’s report during its April 2025 meeting and discuss whether revisions to the 2025 and 2026 specifications are warranted.

NEFMC Seeks Input at Scallop Strategic Plan Visioning Sessions

February 18, 2025 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) has scheduled four Visioning Sessions to gather public input to help shape the development of a strategic plan to guide the future management of the Atlantic sea scallop fishery over the next 3-5 years

Three of the sessions will be held in person and one will take place virtually. Here is the schedule:

• Rockport, Maine: February 27, 2025, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Maine Fishermen’s Forum, Samoset Resort, 220 Warrenton Street

• New Bedford, Massachusetts: March 4, 2025, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Whaling Museum, 18 Johnny Cake Hill

• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: March 13, 2025, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Windsor Suites, 1700 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

• Webinar: March 24, 2025, 1 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Register here

For planning purposes please fill out this Google Form to let us know if you’ll be attending a session. The Rockport, New Bedford, and Philadelphia Visioning Sessions will not have a webinar option

Vacancy Announcement: NEFMC Seeks Administrative Officer

February 10, 2025 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) seeks candidates for the position of Administrative Officer (AO). This position serves as the principal staff advisor on financial planning and administrative management. The responsibilities include development, preparation, and monitoring of budgets and oversight of all federal and programmatic contracts and purchasing. The AO provides overall human resources management, including benefit program oversight, payroll, personnel policies, and records management. The application deadline is March 5, 2025.

Administrative Officer Responsibilities:

  • Prepare documents in support of budgets and amendments, as well as justifications for funding.
  • Operate and maintain the Council’s accounting system in accordance with all applicable laws.
  • Prepare financial reports, monthly summaries of accounts, budget statements, and balance sheets.
  • Anticipate funding needs and ensure that sufficient funds are available to support the Council’s needs.
  • Establish and maintain cost and fund controls as needed to meet the needs of the Council.
  • Prepare and submit required reports to the NOAA Grants Office.
  • Prepare contracts for administrative services on behalf of the Executive Director.
  • Prepare, review, and oversee contracting and purchasing.
  • Compile the necessary information for the Council’s financial and compliance audit for review by independent or Inspector General auditors.
  • Assume responsibility for personnel management duties, including salary and wage administration, staff development opportunities, maintenance of personnel records, employee services (e.g., retirement, insurance, social security, and workers’ compensation), and other administrative services.
  • Assist the Executive Director in the overall operation of the Council office through recommendations regarding policies, procedures, personnel actions, equipment and other needs, fiscal responsibilities, and other administrative activities and functions as required.

 Qualifications: The Administrative Officer position requires expert knowledge of financial management, fiscal and accounting theories, concepts, principles, and procedures. A complete list of educational and professional requirements, as well as desired analytical skills, is outlined in the vacancy announcement.

Application Process: Please send a cover letter and a resume detailing education and experience to:

Cate O’Keefe, Executive Director
New England Fishery Management Council
50 Water Street, Mill 2
Newburyport, MA 01950

 

Applications will be accepted via email (preferred) to sgoutier@nefmc.org or U.S. mail until the closing date of March 5, 2025. The anticipated hiring date is April 2025.