Saving Seafood

NOAA Fisheries Announces Proposed 2020-2021 Bluefish Specifications and Recreational Management Measures

May 11, 2020 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

NOAA Fisheries announces the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s recommended revised bluefish specifications for 2020 and 2021. These proposed catch limits are reduced to account for the results of the recent operational assessment and prevent overfishing on the now overfished bluefish stock.

The commercial total allowable landings would be reduced by 25 percent, from 3.71 to 2.77 million pounds. The recreational total allowable landings would be reduced by 39 percent, from 15.62 to 9.48 million pounds.

The federal bluefish recreational fishery daily bag limit would remain reduced from 15 to 3 fish per person for private anglers and to 5 fish per person for for-hire (charter/party) vessels as set forth in the interim measures recently announced. All other recreational management measures and commercial management measures would remain unchanged.

Read the proposed rule as published in the Federal Register, and submit your comments through the online portal. The comment period is open through May 26,2020.

Read the full release here

ASMFC Spring Meeting Webinar Supplemental Materials Available

April 29, 2020 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

Supplemental materials for the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s 2020 Spring Meeting Webinar are now available at http://www.asmfc.org/home/2020-spring-meeting-webinar for the following Boards/Committees (click on “Supplemental” following each relevant committee header to access the information). For ease of access, supplemental meeting materials have been combined into one PDF – http://www.asmfc.org/files/Meetings/2020SpringMeeting/2020SpringMeetingWebinarSupplementalMaterials.pdf.

Atlantic Menhaden Management Board – Memo on Exploration of Additional ERP Scenarios with the NWACS-MICE Tool; Public comment

ACCSP Coordinating Council – Program Updates

Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board – Memo on Next Steps for Management

ASMFC Bluefish Management Board & MAFMC – Bluefish FMAT Meeting Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment – Webinar Meeting Summary

Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Management Board and MAFMC – Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment FMAT Meeting 1 Summary

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.

Board proceedings will be broadcast daily via webinar, with separate webinar links for each day. May 5th meeting participants and attendees can register for the webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/9135385124352928269 (Webinar ID: 894-169-955), while May 6th participants and attendees can register at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6204543422027821581 (Webinar ID: 918-539-707). 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/2020SpringMeeting/Webinar_Instructions.pdf.

Each day, we will begin the webinar 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. If he is busy supporting another meeting participant, please leave a message or contact the following Help Desk backups: Mike Rinaldi at mike.rinaldi@accsp.org (on Tuesday only) or Kirby Rootes-Murdy at krootes-murdy@asmfc.org (on Wednesday only).

We strongly recommend Commissioners/proxies, ACCSP Coordinating Council members and MAFMC members connect to the webinar using the computer audio (VoIP). For the best sound quality, we recommend you get a headset (any headphones with a microphone should work, such as headphones you use with your phone).

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 631.992.3221 (access code: 129-744-343) for the May 5th meetings and dialing 562.247.8422 (access code: 839-924-158) for May 6th meetings.

For management boards that are anticipated to take final actions, such as the Atlantic Herring and Tautog Management Boards, the public and stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide brief comments on actions for which the Commission has NOT established a specific public comment period, as time allows. For all other meetings, the public should anticipate limited opportunity to provide comment via the webinar. When public comment is allowed, it will be at the discretion of the individual Board Chairs. As such, we strongly encourage members of the public to submit written comments in advance to be included in the meeting materials. Please see the following revised Public Comment Guidelines for more information about submitting public comment prior to the meeting.

ASMFC 2020 Spring Meeting Webinar Scheduled for May 5 & 6, 2020

April 3, 2020 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

Due to concerns regarding the coronavirus and following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission cancelled its in-person Spring Meeting. Instead, a number of Boards will be meeting via webinar to either (1) take required actions to allow for the fishery to be prosecuted now and into next year or (2) take non-decisional actions that allow for the continued development of draft management documents. Specifically, the Atlantic Herring and Tautog Management Boards will consider management actions. The Atlantic Coastal Cooperative Statistics Program Coordinating Council will consider approval of its Funding Decision Document and request for proposals.  The Atlantic Menhaden and Atlantic Striped Bass Management Boards will be informational though the Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board may provide feedback on next steps. The Bluefish and Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Management Boards will be meeting jointly with the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council to review public comment on two scoping/public information documents, and provide further direction on the development of the respective Draft Amendments. Unless stated otherwise by the respective Board chairs, all votes will be recorded via roll call.

The agenda can be found below, attached, and on the ASMFC website at http://www.asmfc.org/home/2020-spring-meeting-webinar.

For management boards that are anticipated to take final actions, such as the Atlantic Herring and Tautog Boards, the public and stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide brief comments on actions for which the Commission has NOT established a specific public comment period, as time allows. For all other meetings, the public should anticipate limited opportunity to provide comment via the webinar. When public comment is allowed, it will be at the discretion of the individual Board Chairs. As such, we strongly encourage members of the public to submit written comments in advance to be included in the meeting materials. Please see the revised Public Comment Guidelines (below) for more information about submitting public comment prior to the meeting.

For the remainder of Board actions previously scheduled to occur at the Spring Meeting, these actions have been deferred to the Summer Meeting or will be addressed via email. The types of issues that would be addressed via email include administrative items, such as FMP Reviews.

Details about the webinar and meeting process will be provided prior to the meeting.

Reminder: Scoping Comment Deadlines

March 16, 2020 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Reminder: Scoping Comment Deadline for Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment and Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment

Scoping Comment Deadline: March 17, 2020, 11:59 p.m. EDT

Tomorrow is the deadline to submit scoping comments on two amendments that will consider potential changes to the management of summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish. Scoping is the first and best opportunity to raise concerns related to the scope of issues that will be considered in these amendments. You are encouraged to submit comments on which options may or may not be useful or practical for meeting the goals of these amendments, as well as any other relevant issues that should be considered.

Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) are developing this joint amendment that will consider potential modifications to the allocations of catch or landings between the commercial and recreational sectors for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. Members of the public are encouraged to submit written comments on potential changes to the commercial/recreational allocations for these three species. Eleven scoping hearings were held between February 13 and March 3. Written comments are due by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment

The Council and ASMFC are developing this joint amendment in order to (1) update the goals and objectives of the Bluefish Fishery Management Plan; (2) perform a comprehensive review of the bluefish sector allocations, commercial allocations to the states, and transfer processes; and (3) initiate a bluefish rebuilding plan. Members of the public are encouraged to submit written comments on any of these issues. Eleven scoping hearings were held between February 13 and March 4. Written comments are due by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

Correction: Bluefish Scoping Webinar Information for March 4

March 4, 2020 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold a final scoping hearing via webinar tonight, March 4, at 6:00 p.m., to gather public input for the Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment. Please note that an incorrect telephone number for audio-only access was previously distributed. The correct information is listed below.

Webinar Link: http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/bf_allocation_rebuilding_scoping/

Audio-only access: dial 800-832-0736 and enter room number 5068609

For additional information about this amendment and comment opportunity, please view the hearing announcement or visit the Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment action page. Written comments can be submitted through March 17. Details on how to submit written comments are available in the hearing announcement.

Questions? Contact Matt Seeley, mseeley@mafmc.org

NOAA Fisheries Announces Interim Recreational Management Measures for the Atlantic Bluefish Fishery

February 28, 2020 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

NOAA Fisheries announces interim 2020 recreational management measures for the Atlantic bluefish fishery. These temporary measures are needed to prevent overfishing on the bluefish stock, which was declared overfished in late 2019.

The following interim regulations apply to all recreational vessels fishing for bluefish in federal waters from Maine through Florida effective February 28, 2020:

  • Private Recreational Vessels – Daily bag limit of 3 fish per person.
  • For-Hire Vessels (Party/Charter Permit) – Daily bag limit of 5 fish per person.

All other management measures and requirements, including minimum size and recreational seasons, remain unchanged.

For more details read the rule as published in the Federal Register and the bulletin posted on our website.

Submit Your Comments by March 30, 2020

Submit your comments either through the online e-rulemaking portal or by mailing your comments to: Michael Pentony, Regional Administrator, NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Region, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA  01930.

Please mark the outside of the envelope, “Comments on the Bluefish Interim Action.”

Reminder: Public Scoping Hearings to Begin Next Week

February 3, 2020 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Scoping hearings will begin next week for two amendments that will consider potential changes to the management of summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish. Scoping is the first and best opportunity to raise concerns related to the scope of issues that will be considered in these amendments. You are encouraged to submit comments on which options may or may not be useful or practical for meeting the goals of these amendments, as well as any other relevant issues that should be considered.

Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment

This amendment will consider potential modifications to the allocations of catch or landings between the commercial and recreational sectors for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. Members of the public are encouraged to attend a scoping hearing or submit written comments on potential changes to the commercial/recreational allocations for these three species.

Please note that this amendment will not address recreational bag, size, or season limits for any species.

Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment

This amendment is being developed in order to (1) update the goals and objectives of the Bluefish Fishery Management Plan; (2) perform a comprehensive review of the bluefish sector allocations, commercial allocations to the states, and transfer processes; and (3) initiate a bluefish rebuilding plan. Members of the public are encouraged to attend a scoping hearing or submit written comments on any of these issues.

Please note that this amendment will not address recreational bluefish management measures, including the 3-fish private/shore bag limit and 5-fish for-hire bag limit recommended for 2020. 

ERIC BURNLEY: Commercial fishermen do not affect recreational fishing

February 3, 2020 — There is a misconception among some recreational fishermen that commercial fishermen are to blame for all the ills we suffer with a lack of flounder, bluefish, trout, striped bass, or (you name it) . Sorry, Charlie, it just ain’t so.

There was a time when both commercial and recreational fishermen could take as many fish of any size as they wanted, and we did. I have seen coolers full of flounder come off the Point at Cape Hatteras with many of those fish well below 12 inches. Blues stacked up like cordwood at Indian River when the run was on, and trout deck loaded in Delaware Bay. At the same time, commercial fishermen were filling their nets with the same fish until the market value dropped to the point where it became a losing proposition to go after them.

I was a small part of the movement to put limits on both recreational and commercial fishermen here in Delaware and in Virginia. In Delaware, I was on the Delaware Wildlife Federation’s Advisory Council, and we met regularly with state officials to try to bring some order to the fishery. The late Buddy Hurlock and his wife Rose were the driving force behind this movement.

Read the full story at the Cape Gazette

ASMFC 2020 Winter Meeting Supplemental Materials Now Available

January 29, 2020 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

Supplemental materials for the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s 2020 Winter Meeting are now available at http://www.asmfc.org/home/2020-winter-meeting for the following Boards/Committees (click on “Supplemental” following each relevant committee header to access the information). For ease of access, supplemental meeting materials have been combined into one PDF – http://www.asmfc.org/files/Meetings/2020WinterMeeting/2020WinterMeetingSupplementalMaterials.pdf.

Atlantic Herring Management Board – Draft Addendum III for Public Comment and Proposed Rule on Framework Adjustment 6 2020-2021 Specifications

Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board – Technical Review of Addendum VI State Implementation Plans and Conservation Equivalency Proposals; Law Enforcement Committee Recommendations on the Enforceability of Measures in the Bluefish and Striped Bass Conservation Equivalency Proposals; Advisory Panel Nominations and Resignation Letter from Arnold Leo; Public Comment

Bluefish Management Board – Bluefish Conservation Equivalency Criteria and Proposal Template; Technical Committee Review of Conservation Equivalency Proposals for the 2020 Recreational Bluefish Fishery; Regional and State Proposals; Law Enforcement Committee Recommendations on the Enforceability of Measures in the Bluefish and Striped Bass Conservation Equivalency Proposals

Atlantic Menhaden Management Board – Public Comment (please review before printing due to file size)

South Atlantic State/Federal Fisheries Management Board – Technical Committee Recommendations for Atlantic Cobia Harvest Quota; Public Comment Summary on Spot and Croaker Draft Addenda; South Atlantic Species Advisory Panel Meeting Summary; Atlantic Croaker Technical Committee and Spot Plan Review Team Meeting Summary; Stock Assessment Subcommittee Memo on Red Drum Stock Assessment Road Map

Executive Committee – Revised Agenda

Business Session – Revised Agenda

As a reminder, Board meeting proceedings will be broadcast daily via webinar beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 4th and continuing daily until the conclusion of the meeting (expected to be 12:30 p.m.) on Thursday, February 6th. The webinar will allow registrants to listen to board deliberations and view presentations and motions as they occur. No comments or questions will be accepted via the webinar. Should technical difficulties arise while streaming the broadcast the boards/sections will continue their deliberations without interruption. We will attempt to resume the broadcast as soon as possible. To register, please go to https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3853611638258510347.

Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council Updates for January 17, 2020

January 17, 2020 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

February Council Meeting Agenda: The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will meet February 11-13, 2020 in Duck, North Carolina. The agenda is available here.

Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment: The MAFMC has scheduled eleven scoping hearings to gather public input for the Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment. Hearings will be held between February 13 and March 4, 2020. Written comments will be accepted through March 17, 2020. Additional details are available in the hearing announcement and scoping document.

Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment: The MAFMC and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission have scheduled eleven scoping hearings to gather public input on the range of issues and information to be considered in the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment. Hearings will be held between February 13 and March 3. Written comments will be accepted through March 17, 2020. Additional details are available in the hearing announcement and scoping document.

SSC Nominations: The MAFMC is seeking candidates to fill four seats on its Scientific and Statistical Committee. Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 24, 2020. View the announcement for details and application instructions.

IT Specialist Vacancy: The MAFMC is seeking candidates for the position of IT Specialist and Data Manager. Applications are due January 31, 2020. See the vacancy announcement for more information.

Offshore Wind Updates: The latest update on offshore wind activities in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern New England is available here. Sign up for our offshore wind email list to receive these updates (be sure to check the box next to “Offshore Wind Updates”).

SSC Agenda: An agenda for the March 10-11 Scientific and Statistical Committee meeting is now available here.

Longfin Squid: Longfin squid incidental catch permit applications are due by February 29, 2020. See the NOAA Fisheries bulletin for more information.

Rutgers IFISSH Course: January 24th is the deadline to register for Rutgers Cooperative Extension’s Introductory Fisheries Science for Stakeholders (IFISSH) Course. This course was developed to educate New Jersey’s commercial and recreational fishing industries’ stakeholders on fisheries science and management. Classes will meet every Tuesday from January 28 through March 31, 2020. Learn more on the IFISSH web page.

Spanish Mackerel Trip Limits: The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is seeking input on proposed commercial trip limit reductions for Spanish mackerel in the Atlantic Northern Zone (federal waters from the North Carolina/South Carolina line northward to the New York/Rhode Island/Connecticut line). The reductions are proposed to help extend the commercial season. Webinar hearings will be held January 22 and 23 at 6:00 p.m. Written comments will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on February 7. More information is available here.

Upcoming Meetings:

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