Saving Seafood

Reminder! In-Person Public Hearings for Cobia Management Begin Next Week in Florida

October 15, 2021 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold a series of four in-person public hearings along the east coast of Florida next week to gather input on proposed measures for the Gulf Migratory Group Cobia fishery in federal waters. Written public comment is also being accepted (see below).

Measures are being proposed to modify catch limits, revise the sector allocation for the Florida East Coast Zone, modify size and possession limits, and change Framework procedures. The measures are proposed through Amendment 32 to the Coastal Migratory Pelagics Fishery Management Plan for the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region.

Public Hearing Schedule

Coastal Migratory Pelagics Amendment 32
All hearings begin at 6 p.m.

Monday, October 18
Harvey Governmental Center
Key West, FL

Tuesday, October 19
The River Center at Burt Reynolds Park
Jupiter, FL

Wednesday, October 20
Hilton Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach, FL

Thursday, October 21
Mudville Grill
Jacksonville, FL

During the in-person public hearings Council staff will provide an overview of proposed actions and answer questions. Council representatives will also be present and formal public comment accepted.

Additional information, including public hearing documents, a video presentation, and an online public comment form is available from the Council’s website at: https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/public-hearings-scoping-meetings/.

Public comments are due by October 21, 2021 at 5 p.m. The South Atlantic Council will address Amendment 32 during its December 6-10, 2021 meeting.

Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming SAFMC Meetings

The following meetings will be held via webinar

October 19-21, 2021
Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel
Briefing book materials and additional meeting information available online
Webinar Registration

October 27-29, 2021
Scientific and Statistical Committee
Briefing book materials and additional meeting information now available online
Webinar Registration

November 2 and 3, 2021
Public Scoping Meetings – Yellowtail Snapper
Starting at 6 p.m.
Snapper Grouper Amendment 44 – Proposed changes to catch levels and allocations
Scoping meeting materials will be posted online as they become available
Webinar Registration:
Tuesday, November 2
Wednesday, November 3

November 3-4, 2021
Habitat Protection and Ecosystem-Based Management Advisory Panel

November 18-19, 2021
Outreach and Communications Advisory Panel

About the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, one of eight regional councils, conserves and manages fish stocks from three to 200 miles offshore of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and east Florida. For more information, visit: www.safmc.net.

 

Reminder: SAFMC Advisory Panel Seats Open for Applicants

April 27, 2021 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The deadline to apply for open seats on the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s advisory panels is rapidly approaching! The Council is soliciting applicants for several open seats on the Habitat Protection and Ecosystem-Based Management Advisory Panel as well as the Mackerel Cobia Advisory Panel, Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel and Law Enforcement Advisory Panel.

The Council’s advisory panels inform and guide the Council in developing federal fishery management plans and plan amendments. Management issues on the table for 2021 include climate vulnerability and impacts relative to fisheries, development of the Council’s Habitat Blueprint, King Mackerel catch levels and management adjustments, and modifications to management of Snowy Grouper, Yellowtail Snapper, Red Porgy, Red Snapper and several other species in the Snapper Grouper management complex. Members of the Council’s Law Enforcement Advisory Panel will provide recommendations specific to enforcement issues affecting these and other fisheries.

Applications are now being solicited for the following positions:

Habitat Protection and Ecosystem-Based Management Advisory Panel
(1) Florida Seat, (1) South Carolina Seat, (1) Georgia Seat, and (2) At-Large Seats

Law Enforcement Advisory Panel
(1) Recreational Seat and (1) Commercial Seat

Mackerel Cobia Advisory Panel
(6) Open Seats

Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel
(1) North Carolina Seat and (1) Florida Seat

The Council will consider applicants during its June 14-18, 2021 meeting scheduled via webinar. Additional details, including links to the online application forms are available from the Council’s website. Questions? Contact Kim Iverson at kim.iverson@safmc.net or 843/302-8440.

NORTH CAROLINA: Cobia recreation fishery opens May 1

April 15, 2021 — North Carolina Marine Fisheries Proclamation FF-25-2021 opens the recreational cobia fishery in coastal fishing waters effective May 1, 2021. The recreational season will remain open through Dec. 31, 2021.

The proclamation maintains the season for the commercial cobia fishery.

For the recreation fishery, the size limit is 36 inches fork length or greater with a possession limit of one per person per day.

Read the full story at The Coastland Times

Federal Fishery Advisory Panel Seats Open to Applicants

April 8, 2021 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Are you interested in federal fisheries management and want to become more involved? Apply now for open seats on the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s advisory panels. The Council is soliciting applicants for several open seats on the Habitat Protection and Ecosystem-Based Advisory Panel as well as the Mackerel Cobia Advisory Panel, Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel and Law Enforcement Advisory Panel.

The Council’s advisory panels inform and guide the Council in developing federal fishery management plans and plan amendments. Management issues on the table for 2021 include climate vulnerability and impacts relative to fisheries, development of the Council’s Habitat Blueprint, King Mackerel catch levels and management adjustments, and modifications to management of Snowy Grouper, Yellowtail Snapper, Red Porgy, Red Snapper and several other species in the Snapper Grouper management complex. Members of the Council’s Law Enforcement Advisory Panel will provide recommendations specific to enforcement issues affecting these and other fisheries.

Members of the Council’s advisory panels include recreational and commercial fishermen, seafood dealers and processors, scientists, representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as environmental groups and fishing organizations, and concerned citizens. Most of the seats on advisory panels are allotted by state and fishery sector, with others considered “at large” and open to any interested person. Advisory panel members are appointed by the Council to three-year terms and may be reappointed for two additional terms. The Council’s advisory panels generally meet once or twice each year and members are compensated for travel and per diem expenses.

Applications are now being solicited for the following positions:

Habitat Protection and Ecosystem-Based Management Advisory Panel
(1) Florida Seat, (1) South Carolina Seat, (1) Georgia Seat, and (2) At-Large Seats

Law Enforcement Advisory Panel
(1) Recreational Seat and (1) Commercial Seat

Mackerel Cobia Advisory Panel
(6) Open Seats

Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel
(1) North Carolina Seat and (1) Florida Seat

How to Apply

Detailed instructions on how to apply and application forms for individual advisory panels are available online from the Council’s website at: http://safmc.net/about-safmc/advisory-panels/. For questions please contact Kim Iverson, Public Information Officer, at Kim.Iverson@safmc.net or call 843/571-4366.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Council representatives from their area to discuss their interest in serving. Contact information for all Council members is available from the “About Us” section of the Council’s website at www.safmc.net. Applicants may provide letters of recommendation as part of their online application.

Applications must be received by Wednesday, May 5, 2021 for consideration by the Council during its June 14-18, 2021 meeting scheduled via webinar.

ASMFC November/December 2020 issue of Fisheries Focus Now Available

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

The November/December 2020 issue of ASMFC Fisheries Focus is now available at http://www.asmfc.org/uploads/file/5fe26519FishFocusNovDec2020.pdf.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Upcoming Meetings

page 2

From the Executive Director’s Desk
page 3

Species Profile

Atlantic Cobia

page 4 

ASMFC Seeks Proposals for Regional Pilot Projects in Support of Sustainable Aquaculture

page 6

ASMFC & MAFMC Maintain Status Quo Recreational Management Measures for 2021 

page 6

Science Highlight

Current and Future Distributions of Atlantic Cobia

page 8

On the Legislative Front

U.S. Congress Approves 2021 Omnibus Spending Bill, Second Round of Fisheries Disaster Assistance

page 11

The Latest from ACCSP

SAFIS eTRIPS  Modernization for the New Year

page 12

Employee of the Quarter

page 13

Happy Holidays!

page 14

Past issues of Fisheries Focus can be found at http://www.asmfc.org/search/%20/%20/Fishery-Focus

Commercial Harvest of Atlantic Group Cobia (Georgia through New York) Will Close in Federal Waters on November 6, 2020

November 3, 2020 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

WHAT/WHEN:

  • Commercial harvest of Atlantic group cobia (Georgia through New York) will close in federal waters at 12:01 a.m., local time, November 6, 2020. Commercial harvest will reopen in federal waters at 12:01 a.m., local time, on January 1, 2021.

WHY THIS CLOSURE IS HAPPENING:

  • The 2020 commercial quota is 50,000 pounds whole or gutted weight. NOAA Fisheries projects the 2020 Atlantic cobia quota for the commercial sector will be reached by November 6, 2020, based on reported landings to date and landings that are expected to be reported by dealers that do not have a federal dealer permit.
  • This closure is necessary to protect the Atlantic cobia resource by preventing the commercial quota from being exceeded.

DURING THE CLOSURE:

  • The sale or purchase of Atlantic migratory group cobia in or from federal waters during a closure is prohibited. The prohibition on sale and purchase does not apply to the sale or purchase of Atlantic cobia that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold prior to 12:01 a.m., local time, November 6, 2020, and were held in cold storage by a dealer or processor.

ASMFC South Atlantic Board Approves Atlantic Cobia Addendum I

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

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s South Atlantic States/Federal Fisheries Management Board approved Addendum I to Amendment 1 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Migratory Group Cobia. The Addendum modifies: (1) the allocation of the resource between the commercial and recreational sectors, (2) the methodology to calculate the commercial trigger for in-season closures; and (3) and commercial and recreational de minimis measures.

The Addendum changes the allocation of the resource between the recreational and commercial fisheries from 92% and 8% respectively to and 96% and 4% respectively. The change was primarily based on new recreational catch estimates that resulted from changes in survey methodology by the Marine Recreational Information Program. The new catch estimates were, on average, about two times higher than previously estimated, impacting the allocation between the two sectors. In considering the new allocation percentages, the Board took into account the increase in the recreational catch and the harvest levels of the commercial fishery in recent years. The new commercial allocation allows the fishery to operate at its current level with some room for landings to increase as the stock range expands further north.

The Addendum also modifies the calculation of the commercial trigger, which determines when an in-season coastwide commercial closure occurs. The approved trigger is set up to provide states with enough time to close the fishery via their administrative processes without exceeding the quota.

Changes to de minimis measures, which are applied to states with relatively small commercial or recreational harvest, include adjusting the commercial allocation set aside and recreational regulations. For de minimis measures, the Addendum establishes a commercial de minimis set aside of 4% of the commercial quota with a maximum cap of 5,000 pounds to account for potential landings in de minimis states not tracked in-season against the quota. States that are de minimis for their recreational fisheries may choose to match the recreational management measures implemented by an adjacent non-de minimis state (or the nearest non-de minimis state if none are adjacent), or limit its recreational fishery to 1 fish per vessel per trip with a minimum size of 33 inches fork length (or an equivalent total length of 37 inches).

States are required to implement the new measures by January 1, 2021. For more information, please contact Savannah Lewis, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at slewis@asmfc.org or 703.842.0740.

ASMFC South Atlantic Board Releases Atlantic Cobia Draft Addendum I for Public Comment

September 4, 2020 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s South Atlantic States/Federal Fisheries Management Board has approved for public comment Draft Addendum I to Amendment 1 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Migratory Group Cobia. The Draft Addendum was initiated in response to the 2020 quota, which is based on the results of the 2020 Atlantic cobia benchmark stock assessment. The benchmark assessment incorporated new recreational catch estimates, which were about two times higher than those previously used. The Draft Addendum considers options to change the allocation between commercial and recreational sectors, taking into consideration the change in recreational estimates. Currently 92% of the total quota is allocated to the recreational fishery, and 8% is allocated to the commercial fishery under Amendment 1.

The Commission and its member states from Maryland to Georgia will be conducting a series of public hearings to gather public input on Draft Addendum I. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic all hearings will be conducted via webinar, with some hearings state-specific and others regionally-focused. Webinar links and call-in information are below. Please note that in order to comment during the hearings you will need to use your computer or download the GoToWebinar app for your phone (the phone numbers provided below are for listening only). Additional details on participating in the webinar can be found later in this release; this information is particularly important for those that have not used the GoToWebinar platform before.

Virginia Maine Resources Commission

Regional Hearing 1 – Delaware Department of Natural and Environmental Control,
Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Potomac River Fisheries Commission

Regional Hearing 2 – South Carolina and Georgia Departments of Natural Resources
North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries 

* Please note: Those joining by phone only, will be limited to listening to the presentation but will not be able to provide input during the hearing. In those cases, you can send your comments to staff via email, US mail, or fax at any time during the public comment period.

The Draft Addendum proposes strategies that could reduce commercial percent allocations, without reducing the commercial quota below its 2019 level (50,000 pounds). Options for lower commercial allocations were proposed because of a large increase in the 2020-2022 total quota, which resulted in a larger commercial quota (as 8% of the total). The higher overall quota is due, in part, to the increase in recreational catch estimates that resulted from the 2018 calibration of recreational data to the new, mail-based Fishing Effort Survey conducted by the Marine Recreational Information Program. The updated recreational data were incorporated into the 2020 assessment, which estimated a greater abundance of fish than the previous assessment and provided the basis for the 2020-2022 total quota.

The Draft Addendum additionally proposes changes to the calculation of the commercial trigger (determines whether an in-season coastwide commercial closure occurs) and de minimis measures (applied to states with relatively small commercial or recreational harvest). The current trigger calculation method is dependent on recent harvests meeting the current or upcoming quota. Proposed changes to the commercial trigger would allow this trigger to be calculated based on harvests in the most recent 5 years, regardless of the size of the harvests relative to a quota. Proposed changes to de minimis measures include consideration of a cap on the amount of the commercial quota that can be set aside to account for harvest in commercial de minimis states as well as increasing the alternative recreational minimum size limit, which can be adopted by recreational de minimis states that choose not to adopt the measures of a neighboring or nearest non-de minimis state.

Webinar Instructions

You can join the webinar from your computer, tablet or smartphone. If you are new to GoToWebinar, you can download the software (click here) or via the App store under GoToWebinar.  We recommend you register for the hearing well in advance of the hearing since GoToWebinar will provide you with a link to test your device’s compatibility with the webinar. If you find your device is not compatible, please contact the Commission at info@asmfc.org (subject line: GoToWebinar help) and we will try to get you connected. We also strongly encourage participants to use the computer voice over internet (VoIP)so you can ask questions and provide input at the hearing. Those joining by phone only, will be limited to listening to the presentation but will not be able to provide input during the hearing. In those cases, you can send your comments to staff via email, US mail, or fax at any time during the public comment period.

The Commission will also post a recording of the hearing presentation on the Commission’s YouTube page so that stakeholders may watch the presentation and submit comment at any time during the comment process.  This recording will be available mid-September; a subsequent press release will announce the availability of the recording.

Draft Addendum I is available at http://www.asmfc.org/files/PublicInput/CobiaDraftAddI_PublicComment_September2020.pdf or via the Commission’s website at http://www.asmfc.org/about-us/public-input. Recreational anglers, members of the commercial fishing industry, and other stakeholders are encouraged to provide input on Draft Addendum I either by participating in the public hearing webinars or providing written comment. Public comment will be accepted until 5 PM (EST) on October 6, 2020 and should be sent to Savannah Lewis, FMP Coordinator, at 1050 N. Highland St., Suite 200 A-N, Arlington, Virginia 22201; 703.842.0741 (fax) or at comments@asmfc.org (Subject line: Cobia Draft Addendum I). For more information, please contact Toni Kerns at tkerns@asmfc.org or 703.842.0740.

Reminder – Advisory Panel Seats Open

August 3, 2020 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is soliciting applicants for open advisory panel seats. The Council’s advisory panels inform and guide the Council in developing and implementing federal fishery management plans. Members include recreational and commercial fishermen, seafood dealers and processors, scientists, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as environmental groups and fishing organizations, and concerned citizens.

Most of the seats on advisory panels are allotted by state and fishery sector, with others considered “at large” and open to any interested person. Advisory panel members are appointed by the Council to three-year terms and may be reappointed for two additional terms. The Council’s advisory panels generally meet once or twice each year and members are compensated for travel and per diem expenses.

Applications are now being solicited for the following positions:

  • Habitat Protection and Ecosystem-Based Management Advisory Panel
    (1) NC Recreational Seat, (1) SC Recreational Seat, and
    (1) At-Large Research Scientist Seat
  • Law Enforcement Advisory Panel
    (1) Commercial Seat and (1) Recreational Seat
  • Mackerel Cobia Advisory Panel
    (1) NGO Seat and (2) Open Seats
  • Outreach and Communication Advisory Panel
    (1) Open Seat, (1) Recreational Seat, and (1) Media Seat
  • Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel
    (3) NC Seats, (3) SC Seats, (1) GA Seat, and (6) FL Seats

How to Apply
Detailed instructions on how to apply and application forms for individual advisory panels are available online from the Council’s website at: http://safmc.net/about-safmc/advisory-panels/. For questions please contact Kim Iverson, Public Information Officer, at Kim.Iverson@safmc.net or call 843/571-4366.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact area Council representatives to discuss their interest in serving. Contact information for all Council members is available from the Council’s website at safmc.net/council-members/ or through the Council office.

Applications must be received by August 10, 2020 for consideration by the Council during its September 14-18, 2020 meeting scheduled via webinar.

ASMFC 2020 Summer Meeting Supplemental Materials Now Available

July 30, 2020 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

Supplemental materials for the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s 2020 Summer Meeting Webinar are now available at http://www.asmfc.org/home/2020-summer-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 (with the exception of the Atlantic Menhaden Board supplemental materials) have been combined into one PDF – http://www.asmfc.org/files/Meetings/2020SummerMeeting/SupplementalMaterialCombined_August2020.pdf.

Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board – Draft FMP Review; Work Group Report on Issues to be Considered in the Next Management Action; Public Comment

ACCSP Coordinating Council – Governance Survey Results; Committee Status Summary; Program Updates; 2020 Action Plan

South Atlantic State/Federal Fisheries Management Board –  Memo on Upcoming Scheduling Considerations for Atlantic Cobia, Atlantic Croaker, and Spot

Shad & River Herring Management Board –  Revised Agenda and Meeting Overview; Advisory Panel Comments on State Proposals

Atlantic Menhaden Management Board – Public Comment

Executive Committee – Revised Agenda; Memo on Potential Division of the South Atlantic Board

ISFMP Policy Board – Revised Agenda and Meeting Overview

Bluefish Management Board & MAFMC – Bluefish FMAT/PDT Webinar Meeting Summary

Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Management Board & MAFMC – Revised Agenda and Meeting Overview; Draft Addendum XXIII for Public Comment; Recreational Management Reform Initiative

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.

Live-Steaming

Board proceedings will be broadcast daily via webinar; please register athttps://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 here.

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, 2020 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.