Saving Seafood

ASMFC Schedules Peer Review for American Lobster Benchmark Stock Assessment for August 10-14, 202

July 27, 2020 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s American Lobster Benchmark Stock Assessment will be peer-reviewed on August 10-14, 2020 via webinar. The assessment will evaluate the status of American lobster stocks along the U.S. Atlantic coast and inform the management of this species. The peer review is open to the public, except for discussion of confidential commercial landings data and the Peer Review Panel’s final deliberations, when the public and all other workshop participants will be asked to exit the webinar. Webinar space is limited to 25 participants, so please contact Tina Berger at tberger@asmfc.org if you are interested in listening in on the webinar.

Please note the draft assessment report and the peer review report will not be made publically available until mid-October as part of the American Lobster Management Board’s meeting materials, since neither report is considered final until they are accepted by the Board for management use.

It’s anticipated that the benchmark assessment and peer review report will be considered by the American Lobster Management Board in October. A copy of the peer review agenda can be found at – http://www.asmfc.org/files/Meetings/AmLobsterAssessmentReviewWorkshopAgenda_August2020_1.pdf.

For more information, please contact Tina Berger, Director of Communications, at tberger@asmfc.org or 703.842.0740.

Status Quo Effort Controls Maintained for the 2020 Atlantic Herring Area 1A Fishery for Season 1

July 23, 2020 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (Commission) Atlantic Herring Management Board members from Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts met via webinar on July 23rd, and decided to maintain status quo effort control measures for the 2020 Area 1A fishery for Season 1 (June 1 – September 30). Current effort controls for the 2020 Area 1A fishery are detailed in M20-50 which is available on the Commission’s website (click here).

The Area 1A sub-annual catch limit (ACL) is 2,957 metric tons (mt) after adjusting for the research set-aside, the 30 mt fixed gear set-aside, and the fact that Area 1A closes at 92% of the sub-ACL. The Board allocated 72.8% of the sub-ACL for Area 1A to Season 1 (2,152 mt). The Maine fishery began Sunday, July 19 (6:00 pm), and the New Hampshire/Massachusetts fishery began Monday, July 20 (12:01 am). Landings will be closely monitored and the fishery will be adjusted to zero landings days when 92% of the Season 1 quota is projected to be reached.

The Atlantic Herring Management Board members from Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts are scheduled to reconvene via conference call to review fishing effort on:

  • Friday, July 31, at 8:30 – 10:00 am
  • You can join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone at the following link:https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/924867957. If you are new to GoToMeeting, you can download the app ahead of time (click here) and be ready before the meeting starts. The meeting will be using the computer audio (VoIP), but if you are joining the webinar from your phone only, you can dial in at +1 (646) 749-3122and enter access code 924-867-957 when prompted.

If it is decided that this meeting is not needed, it may be canceled. Please contact Max Appelman, FMP Coordinator, at mappelman@asmfc.org or 703.842.0740 for more information.

ASMFC 2020 Summer Meeting Webinar Final Agenda and Materials Now Available

July 22, 2020 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The final agenda and meeting materials for the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s 2020 Summer Meeting Webinar (August 3-6, 2020) are now available at http://www.asmfc.org/home/2020-summer-meeting-webinar; click on the relevant Board/Committee name to access the documents for that Board/Committee. For ease of access, all documents have been combined into one document Main Meeting Materials.

Supplemental materials will be posted to the website on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. For those Boards that have FMP Reviews and Compliance Reports on their agendas, the compliance reports are not posted due to their large file sizes. If you would like a copy of a specific state’s or jurisdiction’s compliance report, please contact the respective FMP Coordinator.

The agenda is subject to change. 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. It is our intent to begin at the scheduled start time for each meeting, however, if meetings run late the next meeting may start later than originally planned. Please note there has been a change in meeting times and the order of meetings on Wednesday (August 5) and a slight shift in meeting times on Thursday (August 6).

Board proceedings will be broadcast daily via webinar; please register at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/4049656764540271887 (Webinar ID 393-732-675) for all the meetings conducted throughout the week. IMPORTANT: When registering, Commissioners, proxies, and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council members (on Wednesday only for Council members), should place two zeros (00) prior to their names (e.g., 00Toni Kerns). Detailed instructions on joining and participating in the webinars can be found at http://www.asmfc.org/files/Meetings/2020SummerMeeting/Webinar_Instructions_July2020.pdf.

Each day, the webinar will begin 30 minutes prior to the start of the first meeting so that people can troubleshoot any connectivity or audio issues they may encounter. If you are having issues with the webinar (connecting to or audio related issues), please contact Chris Jacobs at 703.842.0790.

We strongly recommend Commissioners and proxies connect to the webinar using the computer audio (VoIP). For the best sound quality, we recommend using a headset (any headphones with a microphone should work, such as headphones you use with your phone). If you are joining the webinar but will not be using VoIP, you can may also call in at 213.929.4212 (a pin will be provided to you after joining the webinar); see webinar instructions for details on how to receive the pin.

For those who will not be joining the webinar but would like to listen in to the audio portion only, you can do so by dialing 213.929.4212 (access code: 568-469-389).

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. Please note these guidelines have been modified to adapt to meetings via webinar.

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 the webinar (July 13) will be included in the briefing materials.
2. Comments received by 5 PM on the Tuesday, July 28 will be included in the supplemental materials.
3. Comments received by 10 AM on Friday, July 31 will be distributed electronically to Commissioners/Board members prior to the meeting.

Comments should be submitted via email at comments@asmfc.org. All comments must clearly indicate the commenter’s expectation from the ASMFC staff regarding distribution.

MAFMC: Upcoming Council Meetings: August 6, 2020 and August 10-13, 2020

July 21, 2020 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC or Council) has two upcoming meetings in August. Both meetings will be conducted by webinar.

August 6, 2020: ASMFC Summer 2020 Meeting

On Thursday, August 6, the Council will meet jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASMFC) Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Management Board and Bluefish Management Board. This joint meeting will be held on the last day of the ASMFC’s Summer 2020 Meeting. Topics to be addressed include the Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment, Black Sea Bass Commercial State Allocation Amendment, Recreational Reform Initiative, and Massachusetts 2020 Black Sea Bass Recreational Proposal. An agenda and other details related to the joint portion of the meeting are available on the August 6, 2020 Joint MAFMC/ASMFC Meeting Page. Additional details and updates will be posted on the ASMFC Summer 2020 Meeting page.

August 10-13, 2020: MAFMC August 2020 Meeting

The Council will meet again via webinar on August 10-13, 2020. A portion of the meeting will be conducted jointly with the ASMFC’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Management Board and Bluefish Management Board. During this meeting, the Council (and Board, as applicable) will develop or review specifications for butterfish, longfin squid, Atlantic mackerel, bluefish, summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, surfclams, and ocean quahogs. Other agenda items include development of a river herring and shad cap for the Atlantic mackerel fishery, review of commercial scup discards, review of the range of alternatives for the Summer Flounder/Scup/Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment, swearing in of new and reappointed Council members, and election of officers. An agenda and webinar connection information is available on the August 2020 Council Meeting Page. Briefing materials will be posted as they become available.

Questions? Contact Mary Sabo, msabo@mafmc.org, (302) 518-1143.

ISFMP Policy Board Webinar Scheduled for July 14 at 1 PM

July 8, 2020 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Interstate Fisheries Management Program Policy Board will be meeting via webinar on July 14th (1-2 PM) to review and consider approval of proposed guidance on adjusting recreational measures due to COVID-19 impacts. The Draft Agenda and materials are available at http://www.asmfc.org/files/Meetings/ISFMP_PolicyBoardAgenda_Materials_July2020.pdf. The webinar information follows:

Webinar link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1705992754171840016. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information to connect to the webinar. We strongly recommend connecting to the webinar using the computer audio (VoIP). For those who will not be joining the webinar but would like to listen in, please refer to your confirmation email for dial-in information.

ASMFC Summer Meeting Webinar Preliminary Agenda and Public Comment Guidelines

July 8, 2020 — 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 2020 Summer Meeting Webinar, August 3-6, 2020. The agenda is also available athttp://www.asmfc.org/home/2020-summer-meeting-webinar.

Given the uncertainties of the pace of states reopening and potential continued prohibitions on large meetings in Arlington, Virginia in early August, the Summer Meeting will be held as a virtual meeting. Board meetings with complex decisions (e.g. Atlantic Menhaden and Atlantic Striped Bass) will recess following staff/technical presentations and a question and answer session. These Boards will reconvene the following day to allow time for Commissioners to consider the information from the previous day, fully vet the issues with their state delegates, and prepare for board discussion and action.

We are not planning to conduct pre-meeting webinar training sessions. However, staff will work with you if you would like a quick refresher or have changed computers and need to test out the webinar functions prior to the meeting. Please contact Toni Kerns, tkerns@asmfc.org, if you are interested in a test webinar.

Details about the webinar and meeting process will be provided prior to the meeting. We look forward to meeting with you at the Summer Meeting Webinar.

Atlantic Herring Days Out Meeting Scheduled for July 23, 10 AM – Noon

July 7, 2020 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

Atlantic Herring Management Board members from the States of Maine and New Hampshire, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will meet on July 23, 2020 from 10 a.m. to Noon to review landings to date and discuss potential changes to days out measures for the 2020 Area 1A (inshore Gulf of Maine) fishery for Season 1. Days out measures can include specification of the number of consecutive landings days, weekly landings limits, and restrictions on at-sea transfers. This meeting will be held via webinar and conference call. The call and the webinar information are included below:

Atlantic Herring Days Out Meeting

July 23, 2020
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Webinar link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7337839744604085772.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information to connect to the webinar.

We strongly recommend connecting to the webinar using the computer audio (VoIP).

For those who will not be joining the webinar but would like to listen in, please refer to your confirmation email for dial-in information.

The 2020 Area 1A allowable catch limit (ACL) is 2,957 metric tons (mt) after adjusting for the research set-aside, the 30 mt fixed gear set-aside, and the fact that Area 1A closes at 92% of the sub-ACL. The Board established the following allocations for the 2020 Area 1A ACL: 72.8% available from June 1 – September 30 and 27.2% available from October 1 – December 31. In April, the Board set effort controls for Season 1 in Area 1A (refer to Memo 20-50 for specifics).

Please contact Max Appelman, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at 703.842.0716 or mappelman@asmfc.org for more information.

A PDF of the meeting notice can be found here.

ASMFC May/June 2020 issue of Fisheries Focus Now Available

June 26, 2020 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission announces the release of the 16th publication in its Habitat Management Series, entitled Aquaculture: Effects on Fish Habitat along the Atlantic Coast. The document provides a broad description of current and common marine aquaculture (mariculture) practices, siting considerations, and some potential effects on fish habitats. It’s intended to serve as an introduction to the topic and facilitate a discussion on the intersection between aquaculture planning and fishery habitat conservation.

Mariculture is an important source of sustainable seafood production and a growing industry that creates jobs, supports communities, and promotes international trade. The U.S. aquaculture and mariculture industry was valued at $1.4 billion and produced 627 million pounds of meat and 1.2 million jobs in 2015. As the human population continues to grow, there will be an ever-increasing demand for seafood. Aquaculture and mariculture can help meet that demand.

Read the full release here

Retention Limit of Aggregated Large Coastal Shark and Hammerhead Shark Management Groups increase to 55 Sharks per Trip

June 19, 2020 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

NOAA Fisheries has increased the retention limit for the commercial aggregated large coastal shark (LCS) and hammerhead shark management groups (see Appendix 1 next page) for directed shark limited access permit holders in the Atlantic region from 36 to 55 sharks per vessel per trip effective June 19, 2020. The retention limit will remain at 55 LCS other than sandbar sharks per vessel per trip in the Atlantic region through the rest of the 2020 fishing season or until NOAA Fisheries announces another adjustment to the retention limit or a fishery closure via the Federal Register.

As agreed upon by the Commission’s Coastal Sharks Management Board, the Commission will follow NOAA Fisheries for in-season changes to the commercial retention limit, therefore, no more than 55 sharks per vessel per trip may be retained from the aggregated LCS and hammerhead management groups by a state licensed fishermen effective June 19, 2020.

The Federal Register will be published on June 22 athttps://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/06/22/2020-13373/atlantic-highly-migratory-species-commercial-aggregated-large-coastal-shark-and-hammerhead-shark. Shark landings can be found at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/atlantic-highly-migratory-species/2020-atlantic-shark-commercial-fishery-landings-and-retention.

Please contact Kirby Rootes-Murdy, Senior Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at 703.842.0723 orkrootes-murdy@asmfc.org for more information.

A PDF of the announcement can be found here – http://www.asmfc.org/uploads/file/5eed1303AdjustedCommericalRetentionLimits_June2020_1.pdf.