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CFRF March 2021 Newsletter

March 31, 2021 — The following was released by the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation:

Project Update: South Fork Wind Farm Fisheries Monitoring — Beam Trawl Survey

The South Fork Wind Farm beam trawl survey is well underway with six months of data collected on the benthic communities of the South Fork windfarm development area and two nearby reference areas. The beam trawl is designed to primarily target scallops and groundfish, however it is outfitted with a 2.4 cm knotless nylon liner to document all sizes of the benthic species present. The catch from each monthly survey has been relatively consistent with the eastern reference area dominated by crabs and skate and a handful of flatfish; the western reference area was rocky with many small invertebrates with high catches of scallop and skate with a few summer and winter flounder; and finally, the wind farm proposed area was predominantly little skate, scup, sea robins and a few scallops. In the colder months, with a few big storms moving though the area, we have seen a slight downturn in catch, particularly in finfish through the winter. Stay tuned to see what the warmer waters bring this spring as well as the beginning of our gillnet, ventless trap, and fish pot surveys each designed to target slightly different fisheries species in this area Visit the project webpage at www.cfrfoundation.org/sfwf-beam-trawl-survey to stay up to date with the catch information from this survey.

Project Results: River Herring Bycatch Avoidance Program

After over a decade of collaboration the River Herring Bycatch Avoidance Program has come to an end. The program, representing the work of CFRF, the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth School for Marine Science and Technology, the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, the commercial fishing industry, and contributions from several other organizations, fundamentally improved the understanding of river herring bycatch and how to reduce it in the Atlantic herring and Atlantic mackerel fisheries. It increased portside sampling of relevant vessels in Massachusetts and Rhode Island by over 100% at times. The data collected though portside sampling supported scientific publications, management decisions, and was the primary information source for near-real time communications of river herring bycatch. These communications positively influenced fishing habits and played a role in the approximate 60% decrease in total bycatch and 20% decrease in the bycatch rate prior to the establishment of river herring catch limits. Once river herring catch limits were established, the program helped the industry stay under these limits more often than what was expected by managers. Through the course of the project 26 vessels contributed data. This included 8 fishing companies and their 13 mid-water trawl vessels, representing the majority of Atlantic herring and mackerel catch in U.S., that were cornerstones of the program. The program was started with funding from the National Fisheries Wildlife Foundation, strengthened with funding from The Nature Conservancy, and then sustained by the Atlantic Herring Research-Set Aside Program. Cuts to the Atlantic herring quota made funding through the Research-Set Aside Program untenable and, along with the closure of near shore areas, reduced the need for the program. Thank you to all who supported and contributed to this program. More information can be found at www.umassd.edu/smast/bycatch/.

Read the full release here

CFRF Job Opening: Research Biologist

March 12, 2021 — The following was released by the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation:

The CFRF is seeking a motivated and qualified individual for the position of Full-time Research Biologist to start April 2021. Applications are due by March 26, 2021.

A full description of this job opening and application instructions are available HERE.

Overview of Position: Full‐time position focusing on collaborating with the commercial fishing industry to continue the Shelf Research Fleet, support an automatic squid jig pilot project and help execute at-sea work for pre‐wind farm development fisheries monitoring surveys.

Timeframe and Compensation: The position will last for one year, beginning in April 2021. The research biologist will maintain an average of 35 hours of work/week, will receive compensation at a rate of $48,000‐$52,000/year, depending on qualifications, and benefits of healthcare, paid holiday and paid personal time off.

Scope of Work: The qualified applicant will work with CFRF staff, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), and the fishing community to maintain the Shelf Research Fleet and utilize Fleet data. The project, run since 2014, utilizes modern technology and fishermen’s time on the water to collect oceanographic data in six study areas across the continental shelf south of Rhode Island. The individual will also assist with other projects conducted in collaboration with the local fishing community.

Location: : The Research Biologist will work from the CFRF office located in the Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island building on the East Farm Campus of the University of Rhode Island (Kingston, RI) as well as from their home office.

Qualifications: See full position description for minimum and preferred qualifications.
To Apply: Email a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three professional references to twinneg@cfrfoundation.org by March 26,2021.

Questions: Contact Teresa Winneg at twinneg@cfrfoundation.org or 401-515-4890. Please visit here for additional background information.

NOAA Provides Funding to Lobster, Jonah Crab Research Fleet as Fishery Undergoes Landings Jump

October 16, 2020 — Last month, the Northeast Fisheries Science Center provided funding to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to support the Lobster and Jonah Crab Research Fleet, organized by the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation (CFRF). NOAA explained that both the lobster and Jonah crab fisheries need additional research and data.

For lobster, managers have recently noted the need for more data for the most valuable species in the United States. When it comes to Jonah crab on the other hand it was once considered bycatch of the lobster fishery, but growing landings mean more biological and fishery data is needed to create a stock assessment for the crab species.

Read the full story at Seafood News

JOB OPENING: CFRF Research Associate

July 29, 2020 — The following was released by the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation:

The CFRF is seeking a motivated and qualified individual for the position of Full-time Research Associate to start September 2020. Applications are due by August 12, 2020.

A full description of this job opening and application instructions are available HERE.

Overview of Position: Full-time position focusing on leading the communication aspects of CFRF’s research portfolio. This includes leading two projects focused on the communication of environmental change to fishing communities.

Timeframe and Compensation: The position will last for one year, beginning in September 2020. The Research Associate will maintain an average of 35 hours of work/week, will receive compensation at a rate of $48,00-$52,000/year, depending on qualifications, and benefits of paid holiday and vacation time.

Scope of Work: The qualified applicant will be responsible for helping CFRF Research Biologists and the Executive Director communicate project results and CFRF’s mission to a variety of stakeholders. All CFRF projects have an outreach component that this position will assist in. The individual will also lead two projects that seek to communicate the impacts of ocean acidification on the scallop fishery and changes on the New England shelf related to intrusions of warm, salty water.

Location: : The Research Associate will work from the CFRF office located in the Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island building on the East Farm Campus of the University of Rhode Island (Kingston, RI) as well as from their home office.

Qualifications: See full position description for minimum and preferred qualifications.
To Apply: Email a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three professional references to twinneg@cfrfoundation.org by August 12, 2020.

Questions: Contact Teresa Winneg at twinneg@cfrfoundation.org or 401-515-4890. Please visit here for additional background information www.cfrfoundation.org.

CFRF Recognized as 2018 Best Non-Profit in Collaboration by the Rhode Island Foundation

December 20, 2018 — The following was released by the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation:

The Rhode Island Foundation, with sponsorship from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island, has honored five nonprofit organizations, including the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation, with its 2018 Best Practice Awards. These Awards recognize outstanding practices by Rhode Island nonprofit organizations in the areas of Advocacy and Communications, Board and Staff Leadership, Collaboration, Innovation and Volunteer Engagement.

“Our recipients rose from a highly competitive process and an extraordinary group of nominees. There is something in each of their noteworthy accomplishments that can help nonprofits become even more productive,” said Jill Pfitzenmayer, who oversees the Rhode Island Foundation’s capacity-building programs for nonprofits.

“The best practice awards highlight the enormously important role played by Rhode Island’s nonprofit organizations in improving our lives and communities, and we’re grateful to join the Rhode Island Foundation in celebrating the outstanding work of winners and hope to inspire and encourage these outstanding practices among all within the sector,” said Carolyn Belisle, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island’s Managing Director of Community Relations.

The Collaboration Award was presented to the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation (CFRF) for its work building a community of collaboration among fishermen, scientists, resource managers, and food professionals that promotes sound science, sustainable seafood, and vibrant fishing communities. Founded by and led by members of Rhode Island’s fishing community, CFRF develops practical solutions to scientific and supply chain challenges, such as providing fishermen with specialized apps to collect data while at sea and developing digital maps of seafood access points in Rhode Island. Since 2004, the CFRF has engaged over 150 fishermen and over 300 scientists and seafood professionals in its work.

“All of the partners that CFRF works with speak their own language, use their own jargon, and harbor assumptions about others involved in fisheries and seafood. The CFRF provides a venue for these groups to come together to find common ground and advance the sustainability of fisheries resources and coastal communities,” said Dr. Anna Mercer, CFRF’s executive director.

To read the full press release and watch a short video from the Rhode Island Foundation, click HERE.

CFRF Lobster & Jonah Crab Research Session 8/30/18

August 2, 2018 — The following was released by the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation:

Please join the CFRF and its collaborators for a Lobster and Jonah Crab Research Session on Thursday, August 30, 2018 from 4-6 PM at the Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island. The Research Session will include:

  • Discussion of the Lobster and Jonah Crab Research Fleet, including reflections from participant fishermen, data summaries, plans for the future, and viewing of the project documentary video.
  • Presentations from collaborators at the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries on Jonah crab size at sexual maturity and the sustainability of the Jonah crab fishery.
  • Presentations from lobster and Jonah crab stock assessment scientists at the NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center focusing on the use of the Research Fleet’s data in the lobster stock assessment and Jonah crab management plan.

To read more about the project and for project updates visit the project web page here.

RSVP to Aubrey at (401) 515-4892 or aellertson@cfrfoundation.org .

The research session is being held at the Commercial Fisheries Center of RI, Building 61B, URI East Farm Campus, Kingston, RI  (click here for directions).

CFRF Completes Three Multi-Year NOAA Awards

February 24, 2015 — The following was released by the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation (CFRF):

The CFRF is proud to announce the successful completion of three major multi-year NOAA awards spanning the past seven years. The awards were issued through the National Marine Fisheries Service with the funding secured through efforts made by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (RI-D). The work completed under these awards focused on supporting collaborative fisheries research projects important to the sustainable management of fisheries resources in the southern New England region, and involved some 151 members of the commercial fishing industry, 108 researchers and students, and 25 fisheries managers from Rhode Island and across the region. Anna Malek Mercer, CFRF Executive Director, noted that “the projects that CFRF supported and conducted through these awards demonstrate the importance of implementing a collaborative approach to fisheries research to produce applicable results and build trust between the fishing industry, science community, and management system.”

During the seven years of work, the CFRF administered $5.8 million that supported over 30 research projects covering subjects such as conservation gear engineering, bycatch reduction, lobster settlement and recruitment, spiny dogfish stock dynamics, discard mortality estimation, fish habitat characterization, shellfish larval dynamics, industry based biological data collection, underutilized species processing, state fishery profiles, and supplementary trawl and trap surveys, among others. Fred Mattera, CFRF Vice President and owner of the Northeast Safety Training Company, noted that “CFRF has been extremely successful in conservation engineering research, establishing a rich dialogue between fishermen and gear experts that has resulted in a number of new tools to minimize bycatch and promote sustainability”.

All of the supported projects are prime examples of collaborative research, as each was carried out by teams of scientists and members of the fishing industry working together through all phases of research, from the development of the research idea, to the execution of research protocols, analysis and sharing of results, and application to management. The results of these projects were far reaching, with the Lobster and Jonah Crab Research Fleet contributing to the 2015 lobster stock assessment and development of the Jonah Crab Fishery Management Plan, quahog and whelk research projects feeding data into state stock assessments and guiding management efforts, the development and distribution of modified fishing gear to reduce bycatch and improve selectivity in the small mesh trawl and dredge fisheries, and the advancement of fish habitat characterization in an area slated for offshore wind energy development. David Spencer, CFRF President and owner of the F/V Nathaniel Lee out of Newport, RI, further remarked that “The CFRF played a critical role in facilitating discussions between fishermen and scientists to develop research ideas, and ultimately in carrying those ideas through to project completion and management application.”

The CFRF will continue working to implement a collaborative approach to fisheries research, engaging the commercial fishing industry in research to address key issues in science and management. For more information about the CFRF and the projects conducted as part of the multi-year NOAA awards, please visit www.cfrfoundation.org.

CFRF New Executive Director Announcement

December 11, 2015 — The following was released by the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation:

The CFRF Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Anna Malek Mercer as Executive Director of the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation effective immediately. Anna received a Bachelor of Science with a focus in marine biology from the University of New Hampshire in 2008 and a PhD in oceanography from the University of Rhode Island, Graduate School of Oceanography in 2015. Throughout her career, Anna has worked closely with the fishing industry to develop research projects, conduct field work, and communicate and apply results.

Over the past three years, Anna has spearheaded a variety of research projects for the CFRF, with the goal of expanding fishermen’s involvement with scientific data collection and application. Given her background in collaborative research, her knowledge of the scientific process, and her respect for the fishing community, the Board of Directors believes that Anna is uniquely suited to lead the CFRF as Executive Director. 

Upon acceptance of the position, Anna remarked: “I look forward to bringing a new energy to the CFRF’s existing projects and to working with the Board to pursue new initiatives and partnerships. The world of collaborative fisheries research is certainly an exciting place to be and I am committed to ensuring that CFRF continues to be a leader in the field.” 

The CFRF welcomes you to contact Anna at amalek@cfrfoundation.org or (401) 515-4662.

Assessing Potential Impacts of Offshore Wind Farms in the Northeast Region

November 18, 2015 — The following was released by the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation (CFRF):

CFRF is proud to announce the availability of a new report regarding fisheries research and monitoring protocols.  The report, Identifying Information Needs and Approaches for Assessing Potential Impacts of Offshore Wind Farm Development on Fisheries Resources in the Northeast Region, is the result of work conducted by the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation and the Cornell Cooperative Extension program. Together we canvassed fisheries managers, scientists, and fishermen to provide Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) recommendations for fishery resource research and monitoring specific to the Southern New England/New York Bight area. One of the principle recommendations of the report was to improve communication between BOEM, fishermen, and offshore wind developers in order to develop, prioritize, and review BOEM’s and lessees’ fisheries research and monitoring efforts.

View a PDF of the report

Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation July 2015 Newsletter

July 16, 2015 — The Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation (CFRF) is a non‐proit, private research foundation founded and directed by members of the commercial fishing industry and other support businesses based in Rhode Island. Its primary mission is to support teams of scientists and ishing industry members working together collaboratively on research and data collection projects important to the ishing industry in the southern New England region.

MESSAGE CORNER:

Welcome to the third edition of the CFRF newsletter. This edition is dedicated to reporting on the major projects the CFRF staff and Board members have been directly engaged in during the past couple of years. They highlight our dedication to engaging in strate- gic projects important to the fishing industry based here in the southern New England region. They range from research fleets, to better utilization of an underutilized species, to forward looking conservation engineering initiatives, to assessing potential impacts on fisheries resources from offshore wind development, and are all centered on providing opportunities for members of our industry to work collaboratively with fisheries managers and scientists. Thank you to all of you who have participated in these projects, and to those who continue to support this foundation and maintain an interest in its work.

Read the full newsletter from the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation

 

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