Council Actions

November 26, 2013 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

Please note that the Groundfish PDT Conference Call scheduled for tomorrow is canceled. We will be updating our website accordingly.

 

November 20, 2013 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

Newport, RI Testimony from fishermen both supporting and opposing the issue of whether the New England Fishery Management Council should request that NOAA Fisheries take emergency action to effectively close the Atlantic herring midwater trawl fishery was among the key topics at the Council’s one-day meeting in Newport today.

At issue is the perception as well as the opinion of many groundfish fishermen andenvironmental advocates that the midwater trawl fleet catches and discards large amounts of groundfish, particularly small haddock, in the course of catching Atlantic herring. Herring fishermen argued that their fishery is not catching large amounts of haddock and they support additional observer coverage. While existing records that were reviewed at the meeting indicate that levels of groundfish bycatch have been relatively low, there are concerns that the current level of observer coverage does not provide adequate information to document the extent of bycatch in the large volume herring fishery.

Lengthy debate, and a great deal of public participation resulted in the Council’s conclusion that while there are problems in the Atlantic herring fishery, they do not meet the strict requirements for an emergency action. Ultimately, its members voted to address this issue during a meeting to be scheduled as soon as possible, focusing on the most pressing problems in the fishery, including requirements for observer coverage.

The meeting also would address the development of an action to reconsider measures that were adopted by the Council in Amendment 5 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan, but disapproved by NOAA Fisheries last month, including net slippage provisions (dumping of unwanted catches) and dealer weighing requirements.

The NEFMC, one of eight regional organizations established by federal legislation in 1976, is charged with conserving and managing fishery resources from three to 200 miles off the coasts of Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut.

View a PDF of the press release here 

 

November 19, 2013 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The public is invited to attend the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's December 2013 meeting.

December 9-12, 2013

Westin Hotel Annapolis
100 Westgate Circle
Annapolis, Maryland, 21401
Telephone: (410) 972- 4300

For online access to the meeting, enter as a guest at: http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/dec2013/

Briefing materials will be available in late November at http://www.mafmc.org/briefing/december-2013

Meeting Agenda

Click here to download the meeting agenda as a PDF

Monday, December 9

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Highly Migratory Species Committee -Develop Council comments on HMS Draft Amendment 7 (bluefin tuna management measures) for submission to NMFS on December 10

Tuesday, December 10

9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. – Executive Committee [CLOSED SESSION] – Ricks E Savage Award Nominations
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Executive Committee [OPEN SESSION] – Review Draft Implementation Plan and public comments, Approve 2014 Implementation Plan for Council consideration
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Lunch
1:00 p.m. –  Council Convenes
1:00 p.m. – 1:10 p.m. – Council Photo
1:10 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Framework 9 to the Mackerel, Squid, Butterfish FMP – First Meeting – Review and approve options to address unobserved slippage on observed trips
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – River Herring and Shad Approach – Review and adopt plan to move forward with the river herring and shad strategy implementing motion made at October 2013 meeting
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Data Portal Presentation – Rutgers and Nature Conservancy – Review project goals, methods and illustrative draft maps of Mid-Atlantic fishing activity summarized by port and gear groups (Rutgers University and Nature Conservancy staff). Provide advice to project team on best approaches and opportunities for engaging fishermen to review, discuss and improve project data and maps
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Surfclam Presentation – Bonnie McCay and Eric Powell
Report of the NSF Coupled Natural and Human Systems surfclam study: climate change and responses in a coupled marine system
Update on the NSC Science Center for Marine Fisheries (SCeMFiS)

Wednesday, December 11

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Demersal Committee Meeting as a Committee of the Whole  with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's  Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Boards
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Finalize Summer Flounder 2014 Recreational Management  Measures
Review Monitoring Committee and Advisory Panel recommendations for 2014
Adopt recommendations for 2014 management measures
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Lunch
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. –  Finalize Black Sea Bass 2014 Management Measures
Review Monitoring Committee and Advisory Panel recommendations for 2014
Adopt recommendations for 2014 management measures
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Finalize Scup 2014 Recreational Management Measures
Review Monitoring Committee and Advisory Panel recommendations for 2014
Adopt recommendations for 2014 management measures

Thursday, December 12

9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. – Spiny Dogfish Trip Limits – Review options for trip limits in federal waters for the 2014-2015 fishing years
9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Stakeholder Survey on Ecosystem-based Fisheries   Management Presentation – Ingrid Biedron
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Business Session
Organizational Reports
NMFS Regional Administrator – Update on forms and process for data collection for the surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries
NMFS NEFSC Director
NOAA Office of General Counsel
Federal Enforcement Officials (NMFS and USCG)
ASMFC Executive Director

Liaison Reports
South Atlantic Council
New England Council

Executive Director's Report – Chris Moore

Science Report – Rich Seagraves

Committee Reports
HMS Committee
Executive Committee

Continuing and New Business

The above agenda items may not be taken in the order in which they appear and are subject to change as necessary.  Other items may be added, but the Council cannot take action on such items even if the item requires emergency action without additional public notice.  Non-emergency matters not contained in this agenda may come before the Council and / or its Committees for discussion, but these matters may not be the subject of formal Council or Committee action during this meeting.  Council and Committee actions will be restricted to the issues specifically listed in this agenda.  Any issues requiring emergency action under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act that arise after publication of the Federal Register Notice for this meeting may be acted upon provided that the public has been notified of the Council’s intent to take final action to address the emergency.  The meeting may be closed to discuss employment or other internal administrative matters.

November 19, 2013 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

The New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils are seeking public comment on a draft amendment to all the fishery management plans under their purview. The omnibus amendment would establish a standardized bycatch reporting methodology for each fishery management plan, as required by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. You can view the Council's Standardized Bycatch Reporting Methodology Amendment as submitted to NOAA Fisheries. To review the notice, click here. The deadline for public comments is December 19, 2013.

 

 

Arlington, VA –- November 15, 2013– The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission releases its Draft Strategic Plan for 2014 – 2018 for public review and comment. The Draft Plan revises the Commission’s long-term vision to “Sustainably Managing Atlantic Coastal Fisheries” and proposes seven major goals and related strategies to pursue this vision. The Strategic Plan will guide the Commission’s activities over the next five years and will be implemented through Annual Action Plans.

The seven goals proposed by the Draft Plan are:
 
1. Rebuild, maintain, fairly (equitably) allocate, and promote Atlantic coastal fisheries
2. Provide the scientific foundation for and conduct stock assessments to support informed management actions
3. Promote compliance with fishery management plans to ensure sustainable use of Atlantic coast fisheries
4. Protect and enhance fish habitat and ecosystem health through partnerships and education
5. Strengthen stakeholder and public support for the Commission
6. Advance Commission and member states’ priorities through a proactive legislative policy agenda
7. Ensure the fiscal stability & efficient administration of the Commission
 
Several Atlantic coastal states will be conducting public input meetings, some of which will be held in conjunction with previously scheduled state advisory meetings. Following are the currently scheduled meetings. Contact your respective state agency or check the Commission’s website calendar at http://www.asmfc.org/calendar/ for more information on additional state meetings as they are scheduled.

 
Maine Marine Resources Advisory Council
January 2014 (date to be determined)
Contact: Patrick Keliher at 207.624.6553
 
New Hampshire Advisory Committee on Marine Fisheries
December 3, 2013 at 7 PM
Urban Forestry Center
45 Elwyn Road
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Contact: Doug Grout at 603.868.1095
 
Rhode Island Marine Fisheries Council
December 2, 2013 at 6 PM
URI Narragansett Bay Campus – Corless Auditorium
South Ferry Road
Narragansett, Rhode Island
Contact: Robert Ballou at 401.222.4700
 
New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council
January 9, 2014 at 4 PM
Galloway Township Public Library
306 E. Jimmie Leeds Road
Galloway, New Jersey
Contact: Brandon Muffley at 609.748.2020

The Draft Strategic Plan is available on the Commission website at www.asmfc.org/files/StrategicPlan/DraftStrategicPlan_PublicComment.pdf. Public comment must be received by January 10, 2014, 5:00 PM EST and should be forwarded to Deke Tompkins, Legislative Assistant, at 1050 N. Highland, Suite 200A-N, Arlington, VA 22201; 703.842.0741 (fax) or comments@asmfc.org (Subject line: Strategic Plan). The Commission is scheduled to take action on the final Plan in February at its Winter Meeting in Alexandria, VA.        

 

November 12, 2013 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The public is invited to attend the November 20, 2013 New England Fishery Management Council meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Newport Marriott Hotel, 25 America’s Cup Boulevard, Newport, RI. For further information about the location click here.

The webinar will be activated beginning at 8:00 a.m. and end at approximately 5:00 p.m. each day.

Webinar Registration: For online access to the meeting, please register by clicking here.  Once registered, you will receive an email confirmation with the information you will need to join the webinar.

Charges for Listening: There are no charges for accessing the webinar via your computer. If you would like to listen to the meeting on your telephone, please be aware that regular phone charges will apply.

Dial in number: 1 (646) 307-1708
Access Code: 302-012-332

Meeting Materials: Please consult the Council’s website at www.nefmc.org. The meeting agenda as well as directions are attached.

Questions: If you have questions prior to the meeting feel free to call the Council office at (978-465-0492, ext. 106). During the meeting, please contact Pat Fiorelli at 617.548.5786 or pfiorelli@nefmc.org.

View the meeting agenda here

View directions to the meeting here

November 12, 2013 — The following was released by the Northeast Regional Ocean Council:

As a reminder, the next Northeast Regional Planning Body (RPB) meeting will take place January 22-23 in the Boston area. A main focus of this meeting will be discussing, revising, and approving goals, objectives, and actions for regional ocean planning in the Northeast. A draft of the document that will be discussed is now available online at northeastoceancouncil.org/regional-planning-body/meetings/.

The RPB is soliciting comments on this draft in advance of the January RPB meeting, and comments received will be added to a comment summary which will be available before the January 22 meeting. There will be opportunities at the RPB meeting for public discussion as well, but recognizing the importance of this step, the RPB wishes to ensure ample time to review and comment prior to the meeting. Please see the website for additional information.

Additional information about the meeting, including specific location and agenda, will be forthcoming.

November 8, 2013 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The public is invited to attend the November 15, 2013 meeting of the SSC beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Omni Providence Hotel, One West Exchange Street, Providence, RI. For further information about the location, click: http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/Providence.aspx

The webinar will be activated beginning at 8:00 a.m. and end at approximately 5:00 p.m. EST.

Webinar Registration: For online access to the meeting, please register by clicking on https://www4.gotomeeting.com/register/247869295  
Once registered, you will receive an email confirmation with the information you will need to join the webinar.

Charges for Listening: There are no charges for accessing the webinar via your computer. If you would like to listen to the meeting on your telephone, please be aware that regular phone charges will apply.

Dial in number: 1 (646) 307-1721
Access Code: 515-614-458

Meeting Materials: Please consult the Council’s website atwww.nefmc.org. The meeting agenda as well as directions to the hotel are attached to this email.

Questions: If you have questions prior to the meeting, feel free to call the Council office at (978) 465-0492 ext 106. During the meeting, please contact Pat Fiorelli at (617) 548-5786 or pfiorelli@nefmc.org.

For more information view the meeting agenda 

 

 

November 1, 2013 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC):

The 2013 Atlantic striped bass benchmark assessment indicates the resource is not overfished or experiencing overfishing relative to the proposed new reference points defined in the assessment. Although the stock is not overfished, female spawning stock biomass (SSB) has continued to decline since 2004 and is estimated at 128 million pounds just above the SSB threshold of 127 million pounds, and below the SSB target of 159 million pounds. Additionally, total fishing mortality is estimated at 0.20, a value that is between the proposed new fishing mortality threshold (0.219) and fishing mortality target (0.18). The Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board approved the benchmark stock assessment for management use.

Projections of female SSB and fishing mortality suggest if the current fishing mortality rate (0.20) is maintained during 2013-2017, the probability of the stock being overfished (SSB less than the SSB threshold) is high and increases until 2015-2016, but declines thereafter. This trend is driven by the lack of strong year classes currently in the fishery, and the emergence of the strong 2011 year class that matures into the spawning stock in three to four years. Despite recent declines in SSB, the stock is still well above the SSB during the moratorium that was in place in the mid-1980s.

Given these findings and the management plan’s triggers (e.g., both fishing mortality and SSB are between their respective target and threshold limits), the Management Board initiated the development of two draft addenda. The first addendum will propose adoption of the new fishing mortality reference points recommended by the benchmark assessment. These include fishing mortality reference points for the coastal stock as described above, as well as stock-specific reference points for the Chesapeake Bay and Albemarle/Roanoke stocks that will be developed by the Technical Committee. The second addendum will propose a range of commercial and recreational management measures for the coastal, Chesapeake Bay, and Albemarle/Roanoke stocks to reduce fishing mortality to at least the target with a proposed implementation date of January 2015.

The Board intends to consider approval of the first draft addendum for public comment in February at the Commission’s Winter Meeting, and consider approval of the second draft addendum for public comment in May at the Commission’s Spring Meeting.

 

November 1, 2013 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The Commission’s 72nd Annual Meeting Press Releases, Meeting Summaries and Motions document is available here on the Commission website. Summaries from prior meetings can be found at www.asmfc.org under News/Meeting Archives.