Saving Seafood

Delaware facing possible moratorium on eel fishing

DOVER, Del. — September 4, 2015 — Federal regulators are eyeing a possible moratorium on eel fishing in Delaware waters.

The National Marine Fisheries Service is reviewing a referral from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission that found Delaware out of compliance with the interstate management plan for American eel, whose numbers are depleted.

If the national agency determines that Delaware failed to carry out its responsibilities, and that the measures the state failed to implement are necessary for conservation, then it must declare a moratorium on eel fishing in Delaware waters. A determination must be made by Sept. 18.

Read the full story from the Associated Press at The Washington Post

ASMFC 74th Annual Meeting Details, Preliminary Agenda and Public Comment Guidelines

August 28, 2015 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

Please find below the preliminary agenda and public comment guidelines for the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s 74th Annual Meeting, which will be held November 2-5, 2015 at the World Golf Village Renaissance Resort in St. Augustine, FL. This email contains meeting details, including the preliminary agenda. All of the business meetings scheduled during this week (with the exception of closed sessions) are open to the public, free of charge.

Our Florida Commissioners have been working hard on the meeting details and are looking forward to welcoming you all to St. Augustine. Similar to our previous Annual Meetings in Florida, this meeting will be held jointly with the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission’s 66th Annual Meeting. We have scheduled some overlapping events to allow for you all to spend time with your colleagues from the Gulf.  Our nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine was founded 450 years ago along Florida’s historic coast. Here, history comes alive in red-brick lanes leading to centuries-old churches, in forts where soldiers still walk the grounds, and on horse-drawn carriage rides through time. Head just out of town and back to nature along 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches.

ACCOMODATIONS: A block of rooms is being held at the World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort (500 South Legacy Trail, St. Augustine, FL).  Lisa Hartman(lhartman@asmfc.org) 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 (including late arrivals), otherwise you will incur no-show penalties. We greatly appreciate your cooperation in this matter.  

For all other attendees, please make your reservations online at http://tinyurl.com/nlnogfn as soon as possible to obtain the negotiated room rate of $119.00 plus tax. Hotel reservations must be made before September 30, 2015. Room availability will not be guaranteed beyond this date.  Please be aware that you must guarantee your room reservation with a major credit card or one night’s advance payment and you must notify the hotel of any cancellation prior to 72 hours before arrival or you will be billed one night’s room plus tax. If you have any problems regarding accommodations, please contact Lisa at 703.842.0740 or lhartman@asmfc.org.  

PLEASE NOTE: The negotiated room rate will be available from October 30th through November 8th. If you plan on arriving on Saturday, you should make your reservation as soon as possible since the hotel will also be hosting the Georgia Football Team following Saturday’s Georgia-Florida game.

GETTING TO ST. AUGUSTINE: The World Golf Village Renaissance Resort is located in St. Augustine off of Interstate 95, and is easily accessible by either car or air. From the Jacksonville International Airport, take I-95 south to exit 323, International Golf Parkway. Following the exit, turn right onto International Golf Parkway, and right again into the main entrance to World Golf Village. Then follow signs to Hotel. The nearest major airport is Jacksonville International Airport (JAX). This airport is 45 miles from the Resort. Self-parking is complimentary for overnight guests.  

REGISTRATION:  The meeting registration fee is $200/per participant and $150/per spouse or guest if you register by October 26, 2015. After October 26th and in St. Augustine the fees will be $225 and $175, respectively. The registration fee covers the Monday night reception, the Tuesday night dinner, and the Wednesday Hart Award Luncheon, as well event materials. Payment is not required until you arrive at the meeting; however, we ask that you please assist us in planning for the meeting by registering as soon as possible. You may register by returning the attached registration form (by email, fax, or US mail) or online at http://mahi.accsp.org:8080/myJSPs/registration74thAnnualMtg.html. Once you have registered, payment can be made in several ways (1) check, cash or credit card at the ASMFC Registration Desk at the Annual Meeting; (2) credit card by calling Lisa Hartman at 703.842.0744; or (3) mail a check to ASMFC at 1050 N. Highland Street, Suite 200A-N, Arlington, VA 22201. Please note all board/committee members attending the Annual Meeting will be reimbursed for the full pre-registration fee. However, late registration fees will not be reimbursed.

FISHING TOURNAMENT: Plans are well underway for the 24th Annual Laura Leach Fishing Tournament. Everyone is invited and encouraged to participate. You will receive a t-shirt with your $20 entry fee with 100% of the tournament proceeds going to kids’ fishing programs in Florida. If you intend to fish, a fishing license can be obtained at https://license.myfwc.com or by visiting a local tackle shop that sells licenses.  The tournament runs from Sunday (11/1) through Wednesday morning (11/4); the raffle drawing and tournament prizes will be awarded at Wednesday Awards Luncheon.  Additional information about kayak rentals, fishing locations, tackle shops, etc. will be provided to tournament anglers. 

FOR SPOUSES/GUESTS: The Monday Morning Social for Spouses and Guests will be held at 9:30 a.m. at the hotel. On Tuesday, Ancient City Tours will take spouses and guests to some of the notable historic sites in St. Augustine, including the Fountain of Youth (remember to drink the water!), the Lightner Museum, and Castillo de San Marcos Fort.  Sit back as the driver shares the history and sights of our Nation’s Oldest City on the Old Town Trolley tour.  Lunch will be provided at the Five Flags Café.

The final agenda and meeting materials will be available on October 22, 2015 on the Commission website at http://www.asmfc.org/home/2015-Annual-Meeting. We look forward to seeing you all in St. Augustine in November!

 

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.

 

Sunday, November 1, 2015

 

2:00 – 5:30 p.m.                                Registration

 

Monday, November 2, 2015

 

7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.                      Registration

 

8:00 – 10:30 a.m.                              American Lobster Management Board

·         Discuss Management Response to the 2015 American Lobster Benchmark Stock Assessment and Peer Review Report

o   Report from Subcommittee (Subset of Board, Lobster Conservation Management Team and Technical Committee Members) Input on the Southern New England Stock

o   Technical Committee Report

·         Discussion and Initiation of an Addendum to Set Effort Controls for Jonah Crab-only Trap Fishermen

·         Review and Consider Approval of 2015 American Lobster Fishery Management Plan Review and State Compliance

·         Review and Consider Approval of Advisory Panel Membership

 

10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.                  Atlantic Herring Section

·         Set Fishery Specifications for 2016-2018

·         Review and Consider Approval of Draft Amendment 3 for Public Comment

 

1:45 – 3:45 p.m.                                Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Management Board

·         Review Wave 4 Data (if available) for Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Recreational Harvest and Discuss Potential Implications for 2016 Management

·         Consider Continuing the Ad-Hoc Approaches to Regional Management for Black Sea Bass

·         Consider Approval of the Terms of Reference for the Black Sea Bass Benchmark Stock Assessment

·         Review the  2015/2016 Black Sea Bass Quotas Based on the Outcome of the September 2015 Mid-Atlantic Fishery management Council Science and Statistical Committee Meeting

·         Update Board on Scup Scoping/Public Information Document for Amendment

·         Update Board on the Schedule of Assessment Updates for Summer Flounder and Scup

 

2:00 – 3:00 p.m.                           Atlantic Coastal Cooperative Statistics Program (ACCSP) Executive Committee

(A portion of this meeting may be a closed session for Committee members only)

·         Status Report (Program and Committee Updates)

·         Independent Program Review Progress

·         APAIS Update

·         Governance Update

·         Executive Committee Membership Standard Operating Procedures

·         Recommendations from the Operations and Advisory Committees on Project Funding

 

3:00 – 6:00 p.m.                                Registration

 

4:00 – 5:30 p.m.                                ACCSP Coordinating Council

·         Status Report (Program and Committee Updates)

·         Independent Program Review Progress

·         Governance Update

·         Executive Committee Membership Standard Operating Procedures

·         Recommendations from the Operations and Advisory Committees on Project Funding

·         Election of Chair and Vice-Chair

 

6:30 – 8:00 p.m.                                 Welcome Reception

 

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

 

7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.                      Registration

 

8:00 – 10:00 a.m.                            Executive Committee

(A portion of this meeting may be a closed session for Committee members and Commissioners only)

·         Review Guidance Documents

·         Review Fiscal Year 2015 Audit 

 

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.                      Habitat Committee

·         Discuss Improvements to Habitat Factsheet Content and Rollout

·         Review 2015 Work Plan and Set 2016 Work Plan

·         Discuss Progress on Fishery Management Plan Amendments, Habitat Bottlenecks White Paper, and Sciaenid Habitat Source Document

8:30 a.m. – Noon                              Joint Meeting of the SEAMAP-SA and GSMFC Crustacean Workgroups

 

10:15 – 11:15 a.m.                            American Eel Management Board

·         Technical Committee Report on Maine’s Life Cycle Survey Proposal

·         Review and Consider Approval of 2015 American Eel Fishery Management Plan Review and State Compliance

 

11:30 a.m. – Noon                           Weakfish Management Board

·         Review and Consider Approval of 2015 Weakfish Fishery Management Plan Review and State Compliance

·         Update on 2016 Benchmark Stock Assessment

 

Noon – 1:30 p.m.                             Legislators and Governors’ Appointees Luncheon

 

1:30 – 3:00 p.m.                             Winter Flounder Management Board

·         Review the Groundfish Assessment and Review Meeting Stock Assessment Update Results for the Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank, and Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic Stocks

·         Review and Consider Approval of 2015 Winter Flounder Fishery Management Plan Review and State Compliance

 

2:00 – 4:30 p.m.                             Registration

 

3:15 – 5:45 p.m.                                Atlantic Menhaden Management Board

·         Update on Working Group’s Progress for Ecosystem Management Objectives and Allocation

·         Discuss Allowance of Cast Nets Under the Bycatch Provision of Amendment 2

·         Provide Guidance to Plan Development Team on the Development of the Public Information Document for Draft Amendment 3

 

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.                                Annual Dinner at the Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park                                                                   

 

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

 

8:00 – 10:00 a.m.                              Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board

·         Review 2015 Stock Assessment Update and Projections on Reaching Coastwide Fishing Mortality Target with Addendum IV Regulations

·         Technical Committee Report on Coastwide and Fleet-specific Fishing Mortality Reference Points

 

8:30 a.m. – Noon                              Law Enforcement Committee

(A portion of this meeting may be a closed session for Committee members, authorized law enforcement personnel, and LEC Coordinators only)

·          ISFMP Species Board Issues

·         Federal and State Agency Reports

·         Discussion of Atlantic Striped Bass Compliance Report Needs for 2016

·         Review 2015 Action Plan Completion and 2016 Action Plan Items

·         Closed Session (as needed, to discuss ongoing enforcement activities)

 

10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.                  Tautog Management Board

·         Review Public Comment on the Public Information Document to Draft Amendment 1

·         Provide Guidance to Plan Development Team on the Development of Draft Amendment 1

·         Review and Consider Approval of Advisory Panel Membership

 

12:15 – 1:45 p.m.                              ASMFC Captain David H. Hart & GSMFC Lyles-Simpson Awards Luncheon

 

1:45 – 5:45 p.m.                                Joint Meeting of the ASMFC Law Enforcement Committee and the GSMFC Law Enforcement Advisory Committee

 

1:45 – 2:45 p.m.                              Business Session

·         Review and Consider Approval of 2016 Annual Action Plan

·         Election of Chair and Vice-Chair

·         Review Non-compliance Findings (if necessary)

 

2:00 – 6:00 p.m.                                Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership (ACFHP) Steering Committee

·         Discuss Outcomes of the Recent Science and Data Committee Meeting and Next Steps for the Steering Committee

·         Receive Updates on the Implementation Plan

·         Discuss Potential Goals and Objectives for Next Conservation Strategic Plan

·         Approve FY2016 Projects for Recommendation to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

 

3:00 – 4:00 p.m.                                Coastal Sharks Management Board

·         Set 2016 Specifications Based on Federal Quotas (if available)

·         Update on NOAA Fisheries Highly Migratory Species Amendment 6 Final Rule and Draft Amendment 9

·         Review and Consider Approval of 2014 Coastal Sharks Fishery Management Plan Review and State Compliance

 

4:15 – 5:15 p.m.                                Spiny Dogfish Management Board

·         Set Specifications for Spiny Dogfish

·         Review and Consider Approval of 2014 Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan Review and State Compliance

 

Thursday, November 5, 2015

 

8:00 – 9:00 a.m.                                Horseshoe Crab Management Board

·         Horseshoe Crab Technical Committee Report

o   Shorebird and Horseshoe Crab Survey Reports Summary

o   Adaptive Resource Management Framework Harvest Output for 2016

·         Set Specifications for the 2016 Delaware Bay Fishery

·         Review and Consider Approval of 2015 Horseshoe Crab Fishery Management Plan Review and State Compliance

·         Update on the Virginia Tech Horseshoe Crab Trawl Survey

 

8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.                    ACFHP Steering Committee (continued)

 

9:15 – 11:15 a.m.                              Interstate Fisheries Management Program Policy Board 

·         Atlantic Sturgeon Stock Assessment Update

·         Review and Consider Approval of 2015 Atlantic Sturgeon Fishery Management Plan Review and State Compliance Report

·         Habitat Committee Report

·         Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership Report

·         Law Enforcement Committee Report

·         Management and Science Committee Report

 

11:15 – 11:45 a.m.                            Business Session (if necessary)

 

12:15 – 1:45 p.m.                              South Atlantic State/Federal Fisheries Management Board

·         Update on 2015 Red Drum Benchmark Stock Assessment and Peer Review

·         Review and Consider Approval of 2015 Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan Review and State Compliance

·         Review and Consider Approval of 2015 Spanish Mackerel Fishery Management Plan Review and State Compliance

·         Discuss Black Drum Compliance Report Deadline

 

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. Board chairs will use a speaker sign-up list in deciding 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 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, 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 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 3 weeks prior to the start of a meeting week will be included in the briefing materials.

2.    Comments received by 5:00 PM on the Tuesday, October 27, 2015 will be distributed electronically to Commissioners/Board members prior to the meeting and a limited number of copies will be provided at the meeting.

3.    Following the Tuesday, October 27, 2015 5:00 PM deadline, the commenter will be responsible for distributing the information to the management board prior to the board meeting or providing enough copies for the management board consideration at the meeting (a minimum of 50 copies).

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, fax, and email.

Read the ASMFC Annual Meeting First Notice and Preliminary Agenda here

ASMFC 74th Annual Meeting Details, Preliminary Agenda and Public Comment Guidelines

August 28, 2015 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

Please find below the preliminary agenda and public comment guidelines for the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s 74th Annual Meeting, which will be held November 2-5, 2015 at the World Golf Village Renaissance Resort in St. Augustine, FL. This email contains meeting details, including the preliminary agenda. All of the business meetings scheduled during this week (with the exception of closed sessions) are open to the public, free of charge.

Our Florida Commissioners have been working hard on the meeting details and are looking forward to welcoming you all to St. Augustine. Similar to our previous Annual Meetings in Florida, this meeting will be held jointly with the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission’s 66th Annual Meeting. We have scheduled some overlapping events to allow for you all to spend time with your colleagues from the Gulf.  Our nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine was founded 450 years ago along Florida’s historic coast. Here, history comes alive in red-brick lanes leading to centuries-old churches, in forts where soldiers still walk the grounds, and on horse-drawn carriage rides through time. Head just out of town and back to nature along 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches.

ACCOMODATIONS: A block of rooms is being held at the World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort (500 South Legacy Trail, St. Augustine, FL).  Lisa Hartman(lhartman@asmfc.org) 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 (including late arrivals), otherwise you will incur no-show penalties. We greatly appreciate your cooperation in this matter.

For all other attendees, please make your reservations online at http://tinyurl.com/nlnogfn as soon as possible to obtain the negotiated room rate of $119.00 plus tax. Hotel reservations must be made before September 30, 2015. Room availability will not be guaranteed beyond this date.  Please be aware that you must guarantee your room reservation with a major credit card or one night’s advance payment and you must notify the hotel of any cancellation prior to 72 hours before arrival or you will be billed one night’s room plus tax. If you have any problems regarding accommodations, please contact Lisa at 703.842.0740 or lhartman@asmfc.org. 

PLEASE NOTE: The negotiated room rate will be available from October 30th through November 8th. If you plan on arriving on Saturday, you should make your reservation as soon as possible since the hotel will also be hosting the Georgia Football Team following Saturday’s Georgia-Florida game.

 GETTING TO ST. AUGUSTINE: The World Golf Village Renaissance Resort is located in St. Augustine off of Interstate 95, and is easily accessible by either car or air. From the Jacksonville International Airport, take I-95 south to exit 323, International Golf Parkway. Following the exit, turn right onto International Golf Parkway, and right again into the main entrance to World Golf Village. Then follow signs to Hotel. The nearest major airport is Jacksonville International Airport (JAX). This airport is 45 miles from the Resort. Self-parking is complimentary for overnight guests.

REGISTRATION:  The meeting registration fee is $200/per participant and $150/per spouse or guest if you register by October 26, 2015. After October 26th and in St. Augustine the fees will be $225 and $175, respectively. The registration fee covers the Monday night reception, the Tuesday night dinner, and the Wednesday Hart Award Luncheon, as well event materials. Payment is not required until you arrive at the meeting; however, we ask that you please assist us in planning for the meeting by registering as soon as possible. You may register by returning the attached registration form (by email, fax, or US mail) or online at http://mahi.accsp.org:8080/myJSPs/registration74thAnnualMtg.html. Once you have registered, payment can be made in several ways (1) check, cash or credit card at the ASMFC Registration Desk at the Annual Meeting; (2) credit card by calling Lisa Hartman at 703.842.0744; or (3) mail a check to ASMFC at 1050 N. Highland Street, Suite 200A-N, Arlington, VA 22201. Please note all board/committee members attending the Annual Meeting will be reimbursed for the full pre-registration fee. However, late registration fees will not be reimbursed. 

FISHING TOURNAMENT: Plans are well underway for the 24th Annual Laura Leach Fishing Tournament. Everyone is invited and encouraged to participate. You will receive a t-shirt with your $20 entry fee with 100% of the tournament proceeds going to kids’ fishing programs in Florida. If you intend to fish, a fishing license can be obtained at https://license.myfwc.com or by visiting a local tackle shop that sells licenses.  The tournament runs from Sunday (11/1) through Wednesday morning (11/4); the raffle drawing and tournament prizes will be awarded at Wednesday Awards Luncheon.  Additional information about kayak rentals, fishing locations, tackle shops, etc. will be provided to tournament anglers.

FOR SPOUSES/GUESTS: The Monday Morning Social for Spouses and Guests will be held at 9:30 a.m. at the hotel. On Tuesday, Ancient City Tours will take spouses and guests to some of the notable historic sites in St. Augustine, including the Fountain of Youth (remember to drink the water!), the Lightner Museum, and Castillo de San Marcos Fort.  Sit back as the driver shares the history and sights of our Nation’s Oldest City on the Old Town Trolley tour.  Lunch will be provided at the Five Flags Café.

The final agenda and meeting materials will be available on October 22, 2015 on the Commission website at http://www.asmfc.org/home/2015-Annual-Meeting. We look forward to seeing you all in St. Augustine in November!

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.

Sunday, November 1, 2015

 

2:00 – 5:30 p.m.                                Registration

 

Monday, November 2, 2015

 

7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.                      Registration

 

8:00 – 10:30 a.m.                              American Lobster Management Board 

  • Discuss Management Response to the 2015 American Lobster Benchmark Stock Assessment and Peer Review Report

o   Report from Subcommittee (Subset of Board, Lobster Conservation Management Team and Technical Committee Members) Input on the Southern New England Stock

o   Technical Committee Report

  • Discussion and Initiation of an Addendum to Set Effort Controls for Jonah Crab-only Trap Fishermen
  • Review and Consider Approval of 2015 American Lobster Fishery Management Plan Review and State Compliance
  • Review and Consider Approval of Advisory Panel Membership

 

10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.                  Atlantic Herring Section

  • Set Fishery Specifications for 2016-2018
  • Review and Consider Approval of Draft Amendment 3 for Public Comment

 

1:45 – 3:45 p.m.                                Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Management Board

  • Review Wave 4 Data (if available) for Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Recreational Harvest and Discuss Potential Implications for 2016 Management
  • Consider Continuing the Ad-Hoc Approaches to Regional Management for Black Sea Bass
  • Consider Approval of the Terms of Reference for the Black Sea Bass Benchmark Stock Assessment
  • Review the  2015/2016 Black Sea Bass Quotas Based on the Outcome of the September 2015 Mid-Atlantic Fishery management Council Science and Statistical Committee Meeting
  • Update Board on Scup Scoping/Public Information Document for Amendment
  • Update Board on the Schedule of Assessment Updates for Summer Flounder and Scup

 

2:00 – 3:00 p.m.                                Atlantic Coastal Cooperative Statistics Program (ACCSP) Executive Committee 

(A portion of this meeting may be a closed session for Committee members only)

  • Status Report (Program and Committee Updates)
  • Independent Program Review Progress
  • APAIS Update
  • Governance Update
  • Executive Committee Membership Standard Operating Procedures
  • Recommendations from the Operations and Advisory Committees on Project Funding

 

3:00 – 6:00 p.m.                                Registration

 

4:00 – 5:30 p.m.                                ACCSP Coordinating Council 

  • Status Report (Program and Committee Updates)
  • Independent Program Review Progress
  • Governance Update
  • Executive Committee Membership Standard Operating Procedures
  • Recommendations from the Operations and Advisory Committees on Project Funding
  • Election of Chair and Vice-Chair

 

6:30 – 8:00 p.m.                                 Welcome Reception 

 

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

 

7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.                      Registration

 

8:00 – 10:00 a.m.                              Executive Committee

(A portion of this meeting may be a closed session for Committee members and Commissioners only)

  • Review Guidance Documents
  • Review Fiscal Year 2015 Audit

 

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.                      Habitat Committee

  • Discuss Improvements to Habitat Factsheet Content and Rollout
  • Review 2015 Work Plan and Set 2016 Work Plan
  • Discuss Progress on Fishery Management Plan Amendments, Habitat Bottlenecks White Paper, and Sciaenid Habitat Source Document

8:30 a.m. – Noon                              Joint Meeting of the SEAMAP-SA and GSMFC Crustacean Workgroups

 

10:15 – 11:15 a.m.                            American Eel Management Board

  • Technical Committee Report on Maine’s Life Cycle Survey Proposal
  • Review and Consider Approval of 2015 American Eel Fishery Management Plan Review and State Compliance

 

11:30 a.m. – Noon                           Weakfish Management Board

  • Review and Consider Approval of 2015 Weakfish Fishery Management Plan Review and State Compliance
  • Update on 2016 Benchmark Stock Assessment

 

Noon – 1:30 p.m.                             Legislators and Governors’ Appointees Luncheon

 

1:30 – 3:00 p.m.                                Winter Flounder Management Board

  • Review the Groundfish Assessment and Review Meeting Stock Assessment Update Results for the Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank, and Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic Stocks
  • Review and Consider Approval of 2015 Winter Flounder Fishery Management Plan Review and State Compliance

 

2:00 – 4:30 p.m.                                Registration

 

3:15 – 5:45 p.m.                                Atlantic Menhaden Management Board

  • Update on Working Group’s Progress for Ecosystem Management Objectives and Allocation
  • Discuss Allowance of Cast Nets Under the Bycatch Provision of Amendment 2
  • Provide Guidance to Plan Development Team on the Development of the Public Information Document for Draft Amendment 3

 

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.                                Annual Dinner at the Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

 

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

 

8:00 – 10:00 a.m.                              Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board 

  • Review 2015 Stock Assessment Update and Projections on Reaching Coastwide Fishing Mortality Target with Addendum IV Regulations
  • Technical Committee Report on Coastwide and Fleet-specific Fishing Mortality Reference Points

 

8:30 a.m. – Noon                              Law Enforcement Committee

(A portion of this meeting may be a closed session for Committee members, authorized law enforcement personnel, and LEC Coordinators only)

  • ISFMP Species Board Issues
  • Federal and State Agency Reports
  • Discussion of Atlantic Striped Bass Compliance Report Needs for 2016
  • Review 2015 Action Plan Completion and 2016 Action Plan Items
  • Closed Session (as needed, to discuss ongoing enforcement activities)

 

10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.                  Tautog Management Board

  • Review Public Comment on the Public Information Document to Draft Amendment 1
  • Provide Guidance to Plan Development Team on the Development of Draft Amendment 1
  • Review and Consider Approval of Advisory Panel Membership

 

12:15 – 1:45 p.m.                              ASMFC Captain David H. Hart & GSMFC Lyles-Simpson Awards Luncheon

 

1:45 – 5:45 p.m.                                Joint Meeting of the ASMFC Law Enforcement Committee and the GSMFC Law Enforcement Advisory Committee

 

1:45 – 2:45 p.m.                                Business Session

  • Review and Consider Approval of 2016 Annual Action Plan
  • Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
  • Review Non-compliance Findings (if necessary)

 

2:00 – 6:00 p.m.                                Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership (ACFHP) Steering Committee

  • Discuss Outcomes of the Recent Science and Data Committee Meeting and Next Steps for the Steering Committee
  • Receive Updates on the Implementation Plan
  • Discuss Potential Goals and Objectives for Next Conservation Strategic Plan
  • Approve FY2016 Projects for Recommendation to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

 

3:00 – 4:00 p.m.                                Coastal Sharks Management Board

  • Set 2016 Specifications Based on Federal Quotas (if available)
  • Update on NOAA Fisheries Highly Migratory Species Amendment 6 Final Rule and Draft Amendment 9
  • Review and Consider Approval of 2014 Coastal Sharks Fishery Management Plan Review and State Compliance

 

4:15 – 5:15 p.m.                                Spiny Dogfish Management Board

  • Set Specifications for Spiny Dogfish
  • Review and Consider Approval of 2014 Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan Review and State Compliance

 

Thursday, November 5, 2015

 

8:00 – 9:00 a.m.                 Horseshoe Crab Management Board

  • Horseshoe Crab Technical Committee Report

o   Shorebird and Horseshoe Crab Survey Reports Summary

o   Adaptive Resource Management Framework Harvest Output for 2016

  • Set Specifications for the 2016 Delaware Bay Fishery
  • Review and Consider Approval of 2015 Horseshoe Crab Fishery Management Plan Review and State Compliance
  • Update on the Virginia Tech Horseshoe Crab Trawl Survey

 

8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.                      ACFHP Steering Committee (continued)

 

9:15 – 11:15 a.m.                              Interstate Fisheries Management Program Policy Board

  • Atlantic Sturgeon Stock Assessment Update
  • Review and Consider Approval of 2015 Atlantic Sturgeon Fishery Management Plan Review and State Compliance Report
  • Habitat Committee Report
  • Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership Report
  • Law Enforcement Committee Report
  • Management and Science Committee Report

 

11:15 – 11:45 a.m.                            Business Session (if necessary)

 

12:15 – 1:45 p.m.                              South Atlantic State/Federal Fisheries Management Board 

  • Update on 2015 Red Drum Benchmark Stock Assessment and Peer Review
  • Review and Consider Approval of 2015 Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan Review and State Compliance
  • Review and Consider Approval of 2015 Spanish Mackerel Fishery Management Plan Review and State Compliance
  • Discuss Black Drum Compliance Report Deadline

 

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. Board chairs will use a speaker sign-up list in deciding 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 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, 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 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 3 weeks prior to the start of a meeting week will be included in the briefing materials.

2.    Comments received by 5:00 PM on the Tuesday, October 27, 2015 will be distributed electronically to Commissioners/Board members prior to the meeting and a limited number of copies will be provided at the meeting.

3.    Following the Tuesday, October 27, 2015 5:00 PM deadline, the commenter will be responsible for distributing the information to the management board prior to the board meeting or providing enough copies for the management board consideration at the meeting (a minimum of 50 copies).

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, fax, and email.

 

ASMFC Atlantic Herring Area 1A Days Out Meeting Notice

August 24, 2015 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

Atlantic Herring Section members from the states of Maine and New Hampshire and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are meeting via conference call on August 26, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. to discuss “days out” effort control measures for the 2015 Area 1A (inshore Gulf of Maine) fishing season from June 1 to September 30 (Trimester 2).

The 2015 Area 1A sub-annual catch limit is 30,290 metric tons (mt) after adjusting for the 2013 carryover, 3% Herring Research Set-Aside awarded in 2015, and 295 mt fixed gear fishery set-aside. The Section set the seasonal split as 72.8% allocated from June 1 – September 30 and 27.2% allocated from October 1 – December 31. As of August 13, the cumulative catch for 1A has reached 12,597 mt, representing 41.59% of the quota.

Fishermen and other interested parties are welcome to listen in and participate at the Chair’s discretion. Join the conference call by dialing 1.888.394.8197 and entering the passcode 499811 when prompted and register for the webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5681527693678231297 .

Please contact Ashton Harp, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at 703.842.0740 or aharp@asmfc.org for more information.

Maine shrimp fishery may allow fewer fishermen in future

August 22, 2015 — Maine shrimp might come back on the market eventually but there could be fewer fishermen catching them.

Regulators are considering putting a limit on the number of fishermen who can participate in the Gulf of Maine’s beleaguered shrimp fishery in an attempt to revive the shuttered industry.

A board of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission is developing a proposal to control the number of fishermen who can fish for the shrimp that are prized for their sweet, tender meat. The plan will likely be the subject of public hearings next year, and could apply as soon as the 2017 fishing year, said commission spokeswoman Tina Berger.

The winter fishery, which formerly took place in the early months of the year, is currently shut down over concerns about low population, and fishermen haven’t been able to catch shrimp there since 2013.

Read the full story at the Portland Press Herald

American Lobster and Jonah Crab Reports Now Available

August 21, 2015 — The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has released the final versions of the 2015 American Lobster Benchmark Stock Assessment and Peer Review Report and Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Jonah Crab. Both documents can be found on the Commission website at www.asmfc.org on the American Lobster webpage. Direct links to the documents follow:
 
2015 American Lobster Benchmark Stock Assessment and Peer Review Report  – Please note this is a low resolution version; a high resolution copy of the report can be obtained at https://asmfc.egnyte.com/dl/kJfBicPSNR.
 
 

North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update: 8/17/15

August 17, 2015 — The following was released by the North Carolina Fisheries Association:

JERRY’S UPDATE

Last week I attended the joint meeting of the Mid Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission in New York City. The primary issue was the quota setting for the next three years for summer flounder. There were about 40 council and commission members with staff sitting around the table and about twice that many in the audience, mostly commercial and recreational fishermen plus some reps of environmental groups. There was quite a bit of public comment on Tuesday and one of those rare times when commercial and recreational fishermen were on the same page. The original proposal was for a 43 percent quota reduction in 2016. Although what they agreed on was a 29 percent reduction for next year’s summer flounder quota, it will have tremendous impacts on both commercial and recreational fishermen. In addition, a motion passed by the council will take a look at the landings regulations which could have other very serious consequences for North Carolina.

At the state level, we have a very important Marine Fisheries Commission meeting coming up this week in Raleigh, with the commission addressing the southern flounder regulations. (For those not familiar with these terms, it can be confusing. Summer flounder is regulated jointly by the feds and states with southern flounder regulated by the state.)

See the schedule elsewhere in this update. We are strongly encouraging fishermen and their families to attend at least part of this very important meeting!

NCFA’s position from the start has been that the MFC should consider further management of southern flounder through the amendment process rather than the supplement course they’re on. We will continue to make that point this week in Raleigh. Based on previous actions by the MFC, it seems like it’s impossible to change their course. But should we roll over and give up? A couple of points here:

1.) At the time I write this, we have 2 new commissioners: Janet Rose of Currituck in a commercial seat and Keith Rhodes of Wilmington in an at-large seat. There is one more recreational fisherman yet to be named, but the point here is that we need to show up to talk to these new commissioners and make public comment as they can make all the difference in the decisions coming out of the MFC.

2.) Even if we know that the deck is stacked on this issue with the current commission, what kind of message are we sending if we don’t show up the way we usually do? That it’s over? That we’ve given up? I sincerely hope that isn’t the message we want to convey to the MFC, to the public and the media!

THE WORLD IS RUN BY THOSE WHO SHOW UP! SO LET’S SHOW UP!

Jerry

ANNUAL SPECS FOR SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP, BLACK SEA BASS AND BLUEFISH APPROVED BY MAFMC AND ASMFC

NMFS ANNOUNCES PROPOSED RULE TO SET QUOTAS AND OPENING DATES FOR 2016 ATLANTIC SHARK COMMERCIAL FISHING SEASON

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces a proposed rule that would establish quota levels and opening dates for the 2016 Atlantic commercial shark fisheries.

The proposed 2016 quotas, adjusted as appropriate to account for over- and underharvests, are summarized in Table 1 by management group.  Adjustments based on over- and underharvests depend on stock status.  The proposed rule uses landings data received as of June 19, 2015.  The final rule will be based on updated data received in dealer reports as of October or November 2015 based on the timing of the final rule.  Thus, the quotas in the proposed rule are subject to change in the final rule.  All dealer reports that are received after the date of the final rule will be used to adjust the 2017 quotas, as appropriate.

Specifically, NMFS proposes to:

* Open all shark management groups on the effective date for this action (i.e., on or about January 1, 2016).

* Start the 2016 commercial shark fishing season with a retention limit of 45 large coastal sharks (LCS) other than sandbar sharks per    vessel per trip.

* Adjust the commercial shark retention limit inseason to allow more equitable fishing opportunities across the fishery.

* Increase the Gulf of Mexico blacktip shark management group sub-regional quotas based on underharvests in 2014 and 2015.

* Decrease the Gulf of Mexico non-blacknose small coastal shark management group quota based on an overharvest in 2014.

* Decrease the Atlantic blacknose shark management group quota over a five-year timeframe based on an overharvest in 2012 and further decrease the quota over a three-year timeframe based on an additional overharvest in 2015.

Public hearings are currently not scheduled.  If you are interested in public hearings for the proposed rule, please contact Karyl Brewster-Geisz or Guý DuBeck by phone 301-427-8503 Written comments will be accepted until Sept. 17.  For more information and how to submit comments see the news release.

RECREATIONAL SECTOR EXCEEDS 2015 ACL FOR HOGFISH IN SOUTH ATLANTIC, FISHERY TO CLOSE AUG. 24

Recreational harvest of hogfish in South Atlantic federal waters will close, at 12:01 a.m. (local time) on Aug. 24, 2015. Federal waters will reopen to recreational harvest at 12:01 a.m. (local time) on Jan. 1, 2016. The recreational annual catch limit for hogfish is 85,355 pounds whole weight. Reports indicate that landings have exceeded the 2015 recreational annual catch limit for hogfish.

REGULATION AND RULE CHANGES:

–Coral Amendment 8 in the South Atlantic Effective Aug. 17

–Amendment 6 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic HMS Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Sharks Effective Aug. 18

–Snowy Grouper Season Re-opens Aug. 20

-South Atlantic Gag and Wreckfish Catch Limits Change Effective Sept. 11

-Atlantic Mackerel Slippage Consequences Measures Effective Sept. 11

-USCG Mandatory Dockside Inspections Required Effective Oct. 15

DEADLINES:

Aug. 21 at 5 p.m. – Snapper-Grouper Regulatory Amendment 16  Comments

Aug. 26 – Green Sea Turtles ESA Uplisting Comments

Aug. 31 at 5 p.m. – Snapper-Grouper Regulatory Amendment 36 Comments

Sept. 1 – SAFMC Snapper-Grouper Draft Vision Blueprint Comments

Sept. 4 – Cape Fear River Restoration Scoping Document Comments

Sept. 10 – NMFS Updated Draft Acoustic Guidelines Comments

Sept. 14 – NMFS Generic Amendment to Snapper-Grouper, Golden Crab and Dolphin-Wahoo FMPs Comments

Sept. 17 – 2016 Commercial Atlantic Shark Season Comments

Sept 21 at 5 p.m. – 2016-2018 Atlantic Herring Research Set Aside Applications

Oct. 2 – MFC Proposed Rules Comments

MEETINGS:

If you are aware of ANY meetings that should be of interest to commercial fishing that is not on this list, please contact us so we can include it here.     

Aug. 18  at 6 p.m.– Cape Fear River Restoration Public Meeting, Navassa Community Center, 338 Main St., Navassa

Aug. 19 at 1:30 p.m. – MAFMC Spiny Dogfish Advisory Panel Meeting via webinar

Aug. 19-21 – Marine Fisheries Commission Meeting, Brownstone Hotel, Raleigh

Aug. 31-Sept.1 – ASMFC Menhaden Ecosystem Management Workshop

Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. – MFC Rules Public Hearing, DMF Central District Office, 5285 Hwy 70 W, Morehead City

PROCLAMATIONS: 

CRAB TRAWLING AND TAKING SHRIMP WITH NETS (OPENING: Outer Shallowbag Bay)

CRAB TRAWLING AND TAKING SHRIMP WITH NETS

SNAPPER-GROUPER COMPLEX – COMMERCIAL PURPOSES (SNOWY GROUPER)

SNAPPER-GROUPER COMPLEX – RECREATIONAL PURPOSES (SNOWY GROUPER)

 

Mid-Atlantic Council and ASMFC Approve Specifications for Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass, and Bluefish

August 17, 2015 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) met jointly last week in New York, NY to establish specifications for the summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish fisheries. The table below summarizes the recommended commercial quotas and recreational harvest limits for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass (2015 values are provided for comparison purposes). Please note that specifications may be adjusted based on changes in the fishery or new scientific information. 

The Council’s recommendations apply to federal waters (3 – 200 miles from shore) and will be forwarded to NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Administrator for approval. The Commission’s actions are final and apply to state waters (0-3 miles from shore).

Summer Flounder 

For summer flounder, the Council and Commission approved an Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) limit of 16.26 million pounds for the 2016 fishing year. This represents an approximate 29% decrease relative to the 2015 ABC.  After accounting for projected discards in the commercial and recreational fisheries, this ABC is divided into a commercial quota of 8.12 million pounds and a recreational harvest limit of 5.42 million pounds for the 2016 fishing year.

These reductions in summer flounder catch and landings limits were recommended based on the findings of the 2015 stock assessment update, which indicates that the summer flounder stock was experiencing overfishing in 2014. The fishing mortality rate in 2014 was estimated to be 16% above the fishing mortality threshold reference point. For more information on the assessment update and its impacts on harvest limits for 2016, please see the Council’s Summer Flounder Catch and Landings Limit Fact Sheet.

Scup 

For scup, the Council and Commission approved an ABC of 31.11 million pounds for the 2016 fishing year. After accounting for projected discards in the commercial and recreational fisheries, this ABC is divided into a commercial quota of 20.47 million pounds and a recreational harvest limit of 6.09 million pounds. This represents a decrease from 2015 levels due to a slight decrease in spawning stock biomass (SSB) as projected by the 2015 benchmark stock assessment. 

Black Sea Bass 

For black sea bass, the Council and Commission approved an ABC of 5.50 million pounds for the 2016 and 2017 fishing years. After accounting for projected discards in the commercial and recreational fisheries, this ABC is divided into a commercial quota of 2.24 million pounds and a recreational harvest limit of 2.33 million pounds. These catch levels are unchanged relative to 2015 levels. Both the commercial quota and recreational harvest limit may be changed pending further review by the Council’s Science and Statistical Committee in September 2015. The next benchmark stock assessment is scheduled be peer-reviewed through the Northeast Regional Stock Assessment Workshop/Stock Assessment Review Committee in late fall 2016.

Bluefish 

For the bluefish fishery, the Commission and Council approved an ABC of 19.45 million pounds for the 2016 fishing year, an approximate 10% decrease from 2015 levels. The reduction responds to the findings of the 2015 benchmark stock assessment which lowered  both the SSB target level (223 million pounds) and the SSB estimate (191 million pounds in 2014). The 2016 commercial quota and recreational harvest limit will be set once the 2015 recreational harvest estimates are available.

 

Stock assessments important for fish and fishermen

August 14, 2015 — Why was the striped bass limit cut to one fish?  Why are you allowed to take 9″ scup from select shore areas and the minimum is 10″ from a boat and other shore areas?  And, why have we been restricted to one black sea bass all summer?

The answer to these and similar questions lies, in part, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) ability to manage and prioritize fish stock assessments for recreational and commercial fisheries so fish managers can make decisions based on the best available scientific information.

Earlier this month NOAA released a final version of a new stock assessment prioritization system.  NOAA manages over 500 fish species nationally but only has the recourses to conduct about 200 fish stock assessments a year with its partners.  So, they had to develop an objective and transparent way to prioritize assessments.  Details of the final assessment system report can be found at www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/stock-assessment/stock-assessment-prioritization.

Stock assessments are fundamental to the sustainable management of our Nation’s fisheries. They represent the best scientific information available used to determine the status of fish stocks and guide the setting of harvest regulations that prevent overfishing and attain optimum yield from our Nation’s fisheries.

Read the full story at the Cranston Herald

 

Maine elver fishermen to have same quota next season

August 14, 2015 — The following is an excerpt from a story published yesterday by the Associated Press, appearing in the Portland Press Herald:

Maine’s elver fishermen will have the same quota next spring when they fish for the valuable baby eels.

The fishermen are dealing with fluctuating volume and value in a fishery that exploded in interest early this decade. Elvers are sold to Asian aquaculture companies that raise them to maturity and use them as food, including sushi. Maine’s fishery for elvers is by far the biggest in the country, and the eels have become more valuable in recent years largely because of a sharp decline in their population across Europe in the 1990s.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, which manages elver fishing, met earlier this month to discuss the fishery. There was no discussion of the possibility of changing the quota, which will remain in effect through 2017, when it will be re-evaluated, a spokeswoman said.

The quota system and Maine’s swipe card tracking system have been valuable tools to manage the fishery, said David Allen, a member of the commission’s American Eel Advisory Panel.

Read the full story at the Portland Press Herald