Saving Seafood

Council Actions

Non-Traditional Stakeholders Sought for Participation in ASMFC Horseshoe Crab Advisory Panel

June 17, 2025 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Horseshoe Crab Management Board is in process of re-configuring its Advisory Panel (AP). As part of that process, the Board is seeking nominations for non-traditional stakeholders. Examples of such stakeholders include, but are not limited to, environmental organizations, grassroots organizations, and individuals/groups with an interest in shorebirds or horseshoe crab conservation.

 
The intent of this action is to broaden the scope of public input to the Horseshoe Crab Management Board (Board) as it considers possible changes to the management program for the Delaware Bay region commercial horseshoe crab fishery. In July 2024, responding to substantial public input regarding the Adaptive Resource Management Framework Revision, the Commission convened a multi-stakeholder workshop to explore potential future objectives and management approaches for the Delaware Bay horseshoe crab fishery. One of the consensus recommendations from the workshop was to evaluate the Horseshoe Crab AP to determine if it has adequate representation across stakeholder groups, including fishing, biomedical, and environmental conservation interests. The Commission believes that input from non-traditional stakeholders will strengthen its efforts in successfully managing horseshoe crab. The Board has not determined the makeup of the revised AP but has committed to expanding the non-traditional stakeholder participation on the panel.
 
Interested stakeholders can fill-in and submit a nomination form (https://asmfc.org/resources/management/forms/horseshoe-crab-shorebird-advisory-panel-nomination-form/) by 11:59 PM on June 27, 2025 to info@asmfc.org (subject line: HSC AP nomination). Submitted nominations will be reviewed by a subgroup of the Board, which is also tasked with reviewing the AP’s composition and membership and providing recommendations to the Board for consideration.  
 
For more information, please contact Tina Berger, Director of Communications, at tberger@asmfc.org.

ASMFC 2025 Summer Meeting Details, Preliminary Agenda, and Public Comment Guidelines

June 16, 2025 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

Please find attached and below the preliminary agenda and public comment guidelines for the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s 2025 Summer Meeting will be August 5 – 7, 2025 at The Westin Crystal City. This will be a hybrid meeting (both in-person and remote) to allow for participation by Commissioners and interested stakeholders; the details of which will be provided two weeks prior to the meeting. A brief, preliminary agenda and public comment guidelines are included in the attached. Materials will be available July 23 on the Commission website at https://asmfc.org/events/2025-summer-meeting/.

 

A block of rooms is being held at The Westin Crystal City, 1800 Richmond Highway, Arlington, VA  22202. Lisa Carty will make Commissioner/Proxy reservations and will contact you regarding the details of your accommodations. Please notify Lisa of any changes to your travel plans that will impact your hotel reservations, otherwise you will incur no-show penalties. We greatly appreciate your cooperation.

 

For all other attendees, please reserve your room online via our group link at Book your group rate for Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission ASMFC Meeting August 2025 or call Marriott directly at 888.236.2427 as soon as possible and mention the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to obtain the group room rate of $183 plus tax single/dbl. Please be aware you must guarantee your room reservation with a major credit card or one night’s advance payment. Hotel reservations must be made by Monday, July 7. Room availability will not be guaranteed beyond this date.  If you are being reimbursed by ASMFC for your travel, please make your reservation directly with the hotel. Reservations made through travel websites do not apply toward the minimum number of required reservations with the hotel. Please note, cancellations at The Westin must be made by 4 PM two days before arrival to avoid penalty and an early departure fee of $183 + tax will apply when checking out before the confirmed date. If you have any problems regarding accommodations, please contact Lisa Carty at 703.842.0713 or lcarty@asmfc.org.

 

We look forward to seeing you at the Summer Meeting.

 

ASMFC 2025 Summer Meeting

August 5 – 7

Westin Crystal City
1800 Richmond Highway
Arlington, VA  22202

Preliminary Agenda
The agenda is subject to change. Bulleted items represent the anticipated major issues to be discussed or acted upon at the meeting. The final agenda will include additional items and may revise the bulleted items provided below. The agenda reflects the current estimate of time required for scheduled Board meetings. The Commission may adjust this agenda in accordance with the actual duration of Board meetings. Interested parties should anticipate Boards starting earlier or later than indicated herein.

 

Tuesday, August 5

10 – 11:30 a.m.                          American Lobster Management Board

  • Presentation of On-Demand Gear Research and Technology
  • Update on New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils’ Alternative Gear Marking Amendment
  • Update from Maine and New Hampshire on Industry Meetings
  • Progress Update on 2025 American Lobster Stock Assessment

 

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.                  Legislative and Governors’ Appointees Luncheon

 

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.                  Lunch Break

 

1 – 2 p.m.                                     Weakfish Management Board

  • Consider 2025 Stock Assessment Update


2:15 – 3:15 p.m.                        American Eel Management Board

  • Update on CITES Proposal to List American Eel under Appendix II
  • Review and Consider State Aquaculture Proposals

 

3:30 – 5:30 p.m.                        Sciaenids Management Board

  • Consider Red Drum Draft Addendum II for Public Comment
  • Review 2025 Traffic Light Analyses for Spot and Atlantic Croaker
  • Consider Delaware Spot Commercial Measures Proposal
  • Consider Atlantic Croaker and Red Drum Fishery Management Plan Reviews and Compliance for 2024 Fishing Year

 

5:30 – 6:30 p.m.                        ASMFC Public Outreach (Westin Lobby)

  • Informational Exchange among Commission Members, Staff, and Meeting Attendees; All are Welcome; Light Snacks


Wednesday, August 6

8 – 10 a.m.                                   Executive Committee

 

10:15 – 11:15 a.m.                    Shad & River Herring Management Board

  • Review Advisory Panel Report on 2024 River Herring Benchmark Assessment
  • Consider Updates to Shad and River Herring Sustainable Fishery Management Plans (SFMPs) and Alternative Management Plans (AMPs)
    • Massachusetts SFMP (River Herring)
    • Florida SFMP (American Shad) and AMP (Shad & River Herring)
    • Georgia SFMP (American Shad) and AMP (River Herring)

 

11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.        Coastal Sharks Management Board

  • Updates on Federal Rulemaking

 

12:15 – 1:15 p.m.                      Lunch Break


1:15 – 5:30 p.m.                        Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board

  • Consider FMP Review and Compliance for 2024 Fishing Year
  • Consider Draft Addendum III for Public Comment

Thursday, August 7

8:30 – 9:30 a.m.                        Atlantic Menhaden Management Board

  • Discuss Technical Committee Direction in Response to Work Group Report on Precautionary Management in Chesapeake Bay
  • Progress Update on 2025 Ecological Reference Point Benchmark Assessment

 

9:45 – 11:30 a.m.                      Interstate Fisheries Management Program Policy Board

  • Review and Consider Conservation Equivalency: Policy and Technical Guidance Document
  • Review Discussion Paper on Declared Interests and Voting Privileges
  • Discussion of Environmentally Friendly Fishing Gear and Bait Alternatives
  • Progress Update on On-Going Stock Assessments
  • Committee Reports
  • Review Noncompliance Findings, if necessary

 

11:30 – 11:45 a.m.                   Commission Business Session

  • Consider Noncompliance Recommendations, if necessary

 

Public Comment Guidelines

To provide 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 opportunities to the public to bring matters of concern to the board’s attention at the start of each board meeting. Board chairs 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, board chairs will provide limited opportunity for comment, taking into account the time allotted on the agenda for the topic.

Chairs will have flexibility in deciding how to allocate comment opportunities; this could include hearing one comment in favor and one in opposition until the chair is satisfied further comments 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, board chairs have 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 comments 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 three weeks prior to the start of the quarterly meeting (July 14) will be included in the briefing materials.
  2. Comments received by 5 PM on Tuesday, July 29 will be included in supplemental materials.
  3. Comments received by 10 AM on Friday, August 1 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 (to comments@asmfc.org or via online submission athttps://asmfc.org/events/2025-summer-meeting/.

WP Council Reaffirms NWHI Fisheries Were Sustainable, Urges Policy Shift Aligned with EO 14276

June 13, 2025 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council has reaffirmed its longstanding position that commercial fisheries in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) were sustainably managed prior to the designation of Papahānaumokuākea as a marine national monument and sanctuary. For more than 60 years, commercial fishing took place in the region without degrading the ecosystem, which was recognized as one of the healthiest and most intact in the world.

The Council at its meeting in Honolulu this week voted to urge the president to lift the prohibition on fishing in Papahānaumokuākea, stating that such action would align with Executive Order 14276, Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness and Revitalizing the American Blue Economy. The EO directs federal agencies to reduce burdens on domestic fishing and increase sustainable U.S. seafood production.

Council member Judith Guthertz, vice chair for Guam, highlighted the cultural importance of fishing in island communities.

“When the White House recognized our fishing traditions, it was powerful,” she said. “We’ve honored these practices for generations and that respect should be reflected in policy decisions.”

During public comment, Abe Apilado, a Native Hawaiian fisher from Kaua‘i, echoed a sentiment heard earlier in the week, saying, “Nobody ever told the farmer, ‘just make enough food to feed your family.’ So why put that same limit on fishermen?” The Council has previously recommended that fishing within the monument should be allowed under a special permit system, with access for Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, including a consideration for cost recovery.

Council Recommendations Align with EO 14276

In support of EO 14276, the Council approved several actions aimed at strengthening domestic fisheries and addressing inequities in trade, as it voted to:
  • Endorse a preliminary list of recommendations to reduce regulatory burdens on U.S. fisheries and direct staff to finalize supporting documentation.
  • Initiate a review of existing fishing prohibitions in Pacific marine national monuments to inform federal decision-making on regulations.
  • Send a letter to the secretary of commerce and U.S. trade representative outlining unfair trade practices and proposing corrective measures under the America First Seafood Strategy.

These actions responded to concerns raised at last month’s Council Coordination Committee meeting in New Bedford, where members discussed the impact of low-cost seafood imports, inconsistent labeling and lack of traceability. The Council noted that the United States provides $60 million annually in foreign fishery aid through agreements with the Pacific Islands Forum and under the Compact of Free Association.

In 2023, the United States pledged $2 billion over 20 years to the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and Palau. At the same time, the Council emphasized that U.S. Pacific territories continue to face limited investment in their own fisheries.

Council Executive Director Kitty Simonds said the agency has a clear role to play. “This executive order gives us a real opportunity to reform outdated policies and support our fisheries more effectively,” she said.

Uku Catch Limits Set

The Council took final action on catch limits for uku (gray jobfish) in the main Hawaiian Islands. For the 2026–2029 fishing years, the annual catch limit is set at 401,020 pounds, based on a 36% risk of overfishing after scientific adjustments.

The Council also recommends replacing in-season closures with a post-season accountability measure. If the average catch over the most recent three years exceeds the limit in any year, the overage will be deducted from the following year’s catch limit.

 

Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council: Secretary of Commerce appointees from nominees selected by American Samoa, the CNMI, Guam and Hawai‘i governors: Will Sword, noncommercial fisherman/engineer (American Samoa) (chair); Roger Dang, Fresh Island Fish Co. (Hawai‘i) (vice chair); Judith Guthertz, University of Guam (Guam) (vice chair); Pete Itibus, noncommercial fisher (CNMI); Shaelene Kamaka‘ala, Hawaiian Islands Land Trust (Hawai‘i); Frank Perez, AC Sales and Service, (Guam); Matt Ramsey, Conservation International (Hawai‘i); and Gene Weaver, Tasi to Table (CNMI). Designated state officials: Dawn Chang, Hawai‘i Dept. of Land & Natural Resources; Sylvan Igisomar, CNMI Dept. of Lands & Natural Resources (vice chair); Chelsa Muña, Guam Dept. of Agriculture; and Archie Soliai, American Samoa Government (vice chair). Designated federal officials (voting): Sarah Malloy, NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office. Designated federal officials (nonvoting): Colin Brinkman, U.S. State Dept.; Jeremy Raynal, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; and RADM Sean Regan, U.S. Coast Guard 14th District.

WPRFMC Approves Mandatory Electronic Monitoring for Hawai‘i and American Samoa Longline Fleets

June 12, 2025. — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council took final action today to authorize the use of electronic monitoring (EM) as a mandatory tool for data collection aboard longline vessels operating under Hawai‘i and American Samoa limited-entry permits.

The Council’s decision amends the Pelagic Fishery Ecosystem Plan to implement EM systems for the purpose of at-sea monitoring, including protected species interactions and other data collection requirements. The Council’s action calls for phased implementation of EM from 2025 through 2027, with vessels required to maintain EM systems once installed. The Council recommended longline vessels be randomly selected to install EM systems during the phase-in period.

The action comes as the number of human observers continues to decline due to National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) budget limitations. NMFS has secured funding to install EM systems and cover administrative and sampling costs through 2027, but the agency has not committed to maintaining the program beyond that point.

“Whether it be the human observer program or EM, this is a mandate by the federal government, and we are now discussing an unfunded mandate,” said Council Vice Chair for American Samoa Archie Soliai. “We’ve heard over the last couple of years how the American Samoa longline fleet is struggling, and I find it very hard to support having industry pay for something that should be the responsibility of the federal government beyond 2027.”

The Council endorsed the need for EM and emphasized that it will provide reliable data for compliance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Act as a primary objective. These data are also critical to meeting the terms of the biological opinion (BiOp), a legally required document developed under the ESA that outlines how fisheries must operate to avoid jeopardizing the continued existence of protected species. EM will also serve as a standardized bycatch reporting methodology.

Public comments reinforced the need for federal support. Nate Ilaoa, vice chair of the American Samoa Advisory Panel, said, “This is a disproportionate burden to our region.” He also referenced U.S. agreements dating back to the early 1900s that committed the federal government to protect American Samoa’s resources.

Eric Kingma, executive director of the Hawaii Longline Association, echoed these concerns. “We support mandatory EM,” he said. “But we can’t take it on if the agency does not take up the costs.”

As part of its final action, the Council also directed staff to work with NMFS and the longline fleets to conduct workshops to ensure vessel monitoring plans (VMPs) are practical and efficient. VMPs describe the responsibilities of crew at sea to maintain operational EM systems and provide contingencies in case of malfunction. The Council further urged NMFS to conduct outreach to the fleets prior to implementation and to update cost-earnings data for the American Samoa fishery to assess any economic impacts of EM.

“This has been a very meaningful conversation,” Soliai said. “At the bottom line, we are talking about putting food on the table and sustaining livelihoods that help support small economies. Our collective wisdom is going to be key in solving these problems.”

The Council also approved mandatory crew training on protected species handling and release for the Hawai‘i and American Samoa longline fisheries. The decision follows a successful pilot program launched in April 2024 through a collaboration between NMFS, the Hawaii Longline Association and the Council. Advisory groups expressed strong support for the initiative, the first of its kind in the Pacific. The action aims to improve the survival of protected species following incidental interactions with longline gear, while minimizing added burden on fishery participants.

 

Mid-Atlantic Council Seeks Contractor to Evaluate Governance Structures and Processes

June 11, 2025 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is seeking a contractor to assess and recommend improvements to the Council’s governance structures and joint management arrangements with other organizations. This project will address several priorities and recommendations identified during the Council’s recent program review and the East Coast Scenario Planning Initiative, with the goal of strengthening representation, coordination, and responsiveness in fisheries management. The proposal submission deadline is July 18, 2025.

Background: Changing species distributions increasingly pose challenges for East Coast marine fisheries governance and management structures, which were established under the assumption that stock distributions would remain relatively stable over time. The inherent complexity of East Coast governance structure poses challenges for nimbleness and adaptation to such changes. This issue was a central focus of the East Coast Scenario Planning Initiative, where stakeholders and managers identified several opportunities to improve adaptability and coordination. Similarly, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s recent program review highlighted the need to improve governance processes in the areas of efficiency, fairness, and collaboration. Both initiatives generated recommendations for strengthening the Council’s governance structures and enhancing joint or cooperative management arrangements with partners such as the New England and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. This project will explore ways to appropriately balance representation and stakeholder engagement with the need for more efficient and flexible decision-making. This project is being conducted in parallel to similar efforts by the NEFMC and SAFMC, and in cooperation with the ASMFC.

Scope of Work: The selected contractor will (1) document the existing structure, representation, and use of Mid-Atlantic Council committees and advisory bodies, (2) document existing joint and cooperative management arrangements and procedures with other management organizations, (3) develop recommendations for potential improvements to these governance structures and procedures to address representation concerns and increase the efficiency and efficacy of the management process.

Additional Information: Complete details about the scope of work, contractor qualifications, and proposal submission instructions can be found in the full request for proposals (RFP).

Request for Proposals: Improving Mid-Atlantic Council Governance Structures and Processes

Fishers Forum Sheds Light on the Challenges and Passion Behind Hawai‘i’s Commercial Fishing Industry

June 11, 2025 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WPRFMC) hosted a lively and thought-provoking Fishers Forum last night, June 9, at the Ala Moana Hotel. Titled “From Hanapa‘a to How Much? What It Takes to Fish and Sell in Hawai‘i,” the event brought together commercial fishers, seafood marketers and community members to discuss the evolving and often difficult realities of commercial fishing in the islands.

Panelists shared raw and honest insights about the economic, regulatory and cultural challenges facing Hawai‘i’s fishing community, especially as traditional knowledge erodes and entry into the profession becomes increasingly inaccessible.

“In the ’80s and ’90s, fishing was big,” said long-time fisherman Abe Apilado and WPRFMC Hawai‘i Advisory Panel member. “Now, fishermen are hardly recognized for their contributions. There’s a loss of fishing knowledge and community representation.” He noted “akule used to be king—today we leave fish in the water because no more market.”

He pointed to the growing burden of regulations, rising costs and reduced access to traditional fishing grounds such as the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. He also stressed the strong work ethic required to commercially fish, considering today’s economic challenges.

“You have to be comfortable with failing in this life,” he said. “Fishing goes up and down like the stock market, but one good trip might make up for a week of losses.”

Apilado urged the community to invest in youth, remove the stigma from underappreciated fish species, and revive the tradition of fishing as a way to nourish—not just supply—our communities.

Kapili Kalahiki-Anthony, a former NOAA Fisheries observer and founder of Native Hawaiian Trading Co., is a vocal advocate for community-based fisheries. He highlighted the entrepreneurial and cultural aspects of modern-day fishing. He credits Hawai‘i’s legendary fisherman, Leo Ohai, who taught him the importance of knowing all fishing methods and having the experience to recognize when to target seasonal fisheries.

“You can’t just fish—you have to market yourself, use social media,” he explained. “It’s not just about money, but we do have to pay the bills. The key is to light that spark—to show the kids what we do and connect the dots.”

Kalahiki-Anthony discussed the importance of indigenous knowledge and innovation in revitalizing Hawaiian fisheries. Through his nonprofit, he is working to provide vocational training and mentorship, hoping to build a future where Hawai‘i’s youth see fishing as both a viable career and a cultural calling.

“Fish trapping is a lost art,” he added. “We need to create the space and the pride for it to come back.”

From the business side of the industry, Josh Schade of Ahi Assassins, a member of the WPRFMC Fishing Industry Advisory Committee, addressed market dynamics and the discontent many fishers feel when they see their catch sell for far more than they’re paid.

“It’s easy to say it’s unfair,” said Schade, “but between the boat and the plate, there’s a whole network of people working hard to get that fish to the customer. If we clarify what happens behind the curtain, we can resolve a lot of the frustration in our community.”

Schade’s response to the question about the most important message he would share with someone wanting to become a commercial fisherman was: “Show respect for each other, family and community.”

The forum drew a diverse audience, reflecting a shared concern for Hawai‘i’s food security, cultural heritage and economic resilience. A recurring message throughout the night was that supporting local fishers means more than buying local—it means acknowledging the mana‘o (knowledge), effort and heart that sustains the practice.

The Fishers Forum was part of the WPRFMC’s 203rd Council meeting week, which brings together community members to discuss fisheries management in the Western Pacific region.

Council to Review Monument Policy Shifts, Take Final Action on Longline Monitoring and Uku Catch Limits

June 5, 2025 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will convene June 9–11 in Honolulu to review major federal policy changes that could reshape fisheries access across the Pacific Islands, and to take final action on several critical fishery management measures. The meeting is open to the public, with participation available both in person and via Webex.

The Council will discuss recent presidential actions that may have significant implications for fisheries management and ocean resource access in the region.

Executive Order 14276 – Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness: Among other provisions, directs NOAA to review marine national monuments, including Papahānaumokuākea, Rose Atoll, and the Marianas Trench, to ensure alignment with national seafood priorities.

Executive Order 14192 – Unleashing Prosperity through Deregulation: Mandates the identification of at least 10 regulations for repeal with each new regulation issued, with the goal of minimizing regulatory burdens and encouraging efficient use of public and private funds.

Executive Order 14303 – Restoring Gold Standard Science: Directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy to issue guidance on how federal agencies must use, interpret, and communicate scientific data, with an emphasis on transparency and rigor.

The Council will consider analyses of these actions and may offer recommendations regarding their potential effects on fishing access and regulations. The public is encouraged to send in their comments.

The Council will hear from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) on a new initiative to evaluate a potential offshore mineral lease sale near American Samoa. This follows a request from a U.S.-based company, Impossible Metals, and is the first such federal step in more than 30 years. The proposal aligns with national priorities to expand domestic access to critical minerals and reduce reliance on imports. BOEM will conduct a public review process to assess environmental impacts, geologic conditions and potential conflicts with ocean uses such as fishing.

In addition to the presidential actions, the Council will take final action to authorize electronic monitoring (EM) as a recognized data collection tool in the Hawai‘i and American Samoa longline fisheries. The EM program, currently voluntary and research-focused, would be transitioned to a formal monitoring mechanism. The Council will decide whether the program should be mandatory or optional, and how it should be funded beyond 2027, when federal support for equipment and sampling is currently set to expire.

Also on the agenda is Council review of a regulatory amendment to require crew training and a trained person on deck in these same longline fisheries. The action would expand existing protected species handling and release training requirements to crew members to reduce post-release mortality of protected species and ensure compliance with Endangered Species Act biological opinions. The Council will weigh options for recertification frequency, including annual, biennial or permanent certification.

In Hawai‘i, the Council will take final action on the annual catch limits for uku (green jobfish) in the main Hawaiian Islands for fishing years 2026 to 2029. This follows a stock assessment update that found the uku fishery is not overfished or experiencing overfishing. The Council will consider alternatives ranging from status quo to updated catch limits based on the latest assessment. It may also revisit whether in-season monitoring is practical for this fishery given challenges with data collection and reporting.

The Council will also discuss the 2024 Annual Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) Reports for its five Fishery Ecosystem Plans: Hawai‘i, American Samoa, the Marianas, the Pacific Remote Island Areas and Pelagic Fisheries. These reports include updated information on bottomfish and pelagic fisheries, ecosystem trends, fishery participation, catch and economic performance.

The second day of the meeting, Tuesday, June 10, will begin with virtual opening remarks from Eugenio Piñeiro Soler, assistant administrator for National Marine Fisheries Service, followed by a review of the marine EOs from Sam Rauch, NMFS deputy assistant administrator for regulatory programs.

How to Join

In-Person: Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom (410 Atkinson St., Honolulu, HI)

Online: Join remotely via Webex: https://tinyurl.com/203CouncilMtg, Event password: CM203mtg

Get the Full Agenda & Documents: www.wpcouncil.org/event/203rd-council-meeting

FISHERS FORUM

As part of the meeting week, the Council will host a public Fishers Forum titled “From Hanapa‘a to How Much? What It Takes to Fish and Sell in Hawai‘i” on Monday, June 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom.

Fishers have shared that making a living from commercial fishing has become increasingly difficult, with only a few able to do it full-time. Yet they play a critical role in food security, feeding those who cannot fish and supporting island communities. To thrive in today’s fishing industry, one must understand more than just how to fish—costs, regulations, market shifts and environmental changes all factor in. At the forum, participants will hear directly from fishers and marketers about the real-world challenges of the business. The event will feature presentations, informational tables, giveaways and more.

SSC to Tackle Key Pacific Fisheries Challenges at 156th Meeting

June 3, 2025 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

From shifting ocean temperatures to changing fishery participation, the Pacific’s marine ecosystems are in flux. The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will meet June 4–6, 2025, to review the latest science and data behind these changes and make recommendations to guide the future of fisheries management across Hawai‘i, American Samoa, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).

This 156th SSC meeting will include key discussions on electronic monitoring in longline fisheries, the latest island-specific findings from the 2024 Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) reports, an important bottomfish stock assessment update for CNMI and updates from the SSC’s Special Projects Working Group.

Agenda Highlights

1. Electronic Monitoring Implementation in Longline Fisheries

The SSC will evaluate the integration of electronic monitoring (EM) systems in Hawai‘i and American Samoa longline fisheries. This includes reviewing National Marine Fisheries Service technical memos assessing EM operations, such as comparisons between EM data and observer reports, and evaluations of EM detection accuracy at various review speeds.

Preliminary results show promising accuracy in species detection at various review speeds—paving the way for increased EM adoption as a tool for compliance and data collection.

2. 2024 Annual SAFE Reports

The SSC will discuss the reports, which provide insights into fishery performance, trends in catch and effort, related ecosystem considerations and the effectiveness of management measures.

Examples include:

Hawai‘i: The troll and handline pelagic fisheries in the main Hawaiian Islands saw a sharp economic downturn, with catch dropping from 1.6 million to 1.3 million pounds and total value sinking by nearly $2 million to $4.3 million. Declining fish prices—from $4.32 to $3.91 per pound—were a prominent factor in the decreased revenue, further emphasizing financial strain across the fleet.

Total pelagic catch across all fisheries increased from just over 30 million pounds in 2023 to almost 33 million pounds in 2024, with more than 28 million pounds coming from the deep-set longline fishery. Bigeye tuna catches continued to decline, falling below 14 million pounds, but was offset by a record 10 million pounds of yellowfin tuna—a 33% increase from the previous year. Blue marlin and striped marlin also increased, with striped marlin more than doubling.

American Samoa: Bottomfish catch increased to 11,737 pounds in 2024—a relatively small but notable development as the fishery sees a small resurgence in activity and catch per unit effort (CPUE). Pelagic catch also increased from 2023 to 2024, with tuna and non-tuna catches increasing 22% and 61%, respectively. Longline CPUE has increased since 2020, with catch per 1,000 hooks increasing from 12.6 albacore to 13 albacore over the last year.

Guam: Bottomfish catch increased to 36,130 pounds in 2024. Though CPUE declined slightly, trip and gear hours rose, showing a modest but positive shift in local engagement.

CNMI: Pelagic trolling effort dropped to its lowest point in more than a decade, and estimated total catch hit a 10-year low at just 84,333 pounds—driven by steep declines in tuna, ono and mahimahi landings. There are concerns about administrative challenges preventing the adequate number of creel surveys needed to monitor fishery performance.

3. CNMI Bottomfish Stock Assessment Update

The SSC will review the latest Western Pacific Stock Assessment Review (WPSAR) findings and consider steps toward rebuilding the fishery, which continues to experience historically low catch levels and reduced commercial activity.

4. SSC Special Projects Working Group Reports

The committee will receive updates from SSC working groups focusing on integrating socioeconomic and biological considerations into SSC recommendations, improving multi-species complex management of bottomfish fisheries and synthesizing climate information to inform the Council’s upcoming scenario planning process.

How to Join

In-Person: Council Office, 1164 Bishop St., Suite 1400, Honolulu, HI

Online: Join remotely via Webex: https://tinyurl.com/156SSCMtg, Event password: SSC156mtg

Get the Full Agenda & Documents: www.wpcouncil.org/event/156th-scientific-and-statistical-committee-meeting

The SSC provides advice to the Council, which will meet June 9-11, 2025, at the Ala Moana Hotel – Hibiscus Ballroom in Honolulu, www.wpcouncil.org/event/203rd-council-meeting. Fishers, community members and the general public are encouraged to participate and provide input on the management of the region’s valuable marine resources.

ASMFC Approves Amendment 4 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Northern Shrimp

May 11, 2025 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission approved Amendment 4 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Northern Shrimp. In response to the continued poor condition of the northern shrimp stock, Amendment 4 modifies the first objective of the FMP to recognize the influence of environmental conditions on stock productivity and lengthens the amount of time the Northern Shrimp Section can set a moratorium from one year to up to five years. The Section can call a meeting at any time to review information relative to the fishery and the resource and initiate management action if necessary.

Amendment 4 also adds management triggers to the FMP as part of the annual stock monitoring process. Management triggers include recruitment and temperature triggers that signal potential improvement in stock conditions. The recruitment trigger will be achieved when the stock experiences non-failed recruitment for three consecutive years. If achieved, a stock assessment update will be conducted. If the recruitment trigger is not achieved, but non-failed recruitment occurs in two out of three years, the Section will consider conducting a winter sampling program without the use of size-sorting grates. This program will allow the Northern Shrimp Technical Committee to evaluate stage and length frequencies, and year class persistence before initiating a full assessment update. The temperature trigger will be considered reached when two out of three consecutive years of winter surface temperature and spring bottom temperature in the Gulf of Maine fall below the 80th percentile of the reference period. If achieved, the Section will consider a winter sampling program. These triggers are intended to help the Section identify if the stock is viable enough to support a fishery.

Finally, Amendment 4 adds the specifications setting timeline and management triggers to measures subject to change through adaptive management, allowing these management measures to be changed in the future via an addendum rather than an amendment.

All provisions of Amendment 4 are considered effective immediately. Amendment 4 will be available on the Commission’s website, https://asmfc.org/species/northern-shrimp/, by the end of May. For more information, please contact Chelsea Tuohy, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at ctuohy@asmfc.org or 703.842.0740.

 

Horseshoe Crab Board Approves Addendum IX Addendum Allows Multi-Year Specifications for Male-Only Harvest

May 8, 2025 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Horseshoe Crab Management Board approved Addendum IX to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Horseshoe Crabs. The Addendum allows the Board to set specifications for male-only harvest. It also establishes a method for managing male-only harvest limits during multi-year specifications periods, reestablishes seasonal harvest restrictions, and clarifies policy related to harvest caps for Maryland and Virginia.

Addendum IX responds to recommendations from the July 2024 Horseshoe Crab Management Objectives Workshop, which convened a group of stakeholders to explore management objectives for the Delaware Bay-origin horseshoe crab fishery. Workshop participants recommended the Board establish an interim solution to maintain male-only harvest while changes to the Adaptive Resource Management (ARM) Framework are explored to better align the model with stakeholder values.

The Addendum allows the Board to set multi-year specifications for up to three years until 2031 based on the ARM Framework. In interim years when the ARM is not used, the Board will manage maximum male harvest limits based on Delaware Bay region spawning survey data.  Addendum IX also reestablishes a harvest closure for the Delaware Bay region states from January 1 through June 7. Lastly, the Addendum clarifies the policy included in Addenda VII and VIII for applying Maryland and Virginia harvest caps; these caps further restrict harvest for Maryland and Virginia when female harvest is implemented in the Delaware Bay region.

Addendum IX will be available on the Commission website at https://asmfc.org/species/horseshoe-crab/ by next week. For more information, please contact Caitlin Starks, Senior Fishery Management Coordinator, at cstarks@asmfc.org or 703.842.0740.

Read the release from the ASMFC