Saving Seafood

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.

Request for Comments: Proposed Rule to Modify the Requirements for Federally-Permitted For-Hire Vessels Multi-Day Trip Possession Limits in the Gulf of Mexico

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

KEY MESSAGE:

  • NOAA Fisheries requests your comments on a proposed rule that would modify the on-board multi-day possession limit of fish species on for-hire trips by federally-permitted vessels in the Gulf of Mexico.
  • The rule would increase the required trip duration to greater than 30 hours, but would allow anglers to retain the second daily bag limit at any time after the federally-permitted for-hire vessel leaves the dock.
  • The rule would also require that the receipt issued to passengers specify the date and time of both the departure and return of the trip, and would clarify that the entire trip must occur on days when the harvest and possession of the applicable reef fish species are allowed.
  • Comments are due by August 27, 2020.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES:

  • In response to concerns by some for-hire captains, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council developed an amendment to modify the requirements to retain the possession limit of fish species on for-hire trips by federally-permitted vessels in the Gulf of Mexico.
  • Current regulations allow anglers to retain two bag limits of most reef fish or coastal migratory pelagic (CMP) species on multi-day trips, but prohibit anglers from possessing the second bag limit until 24 hours of the trip have passed. CMP species to which this possession limit applies are king mackerel and Spanish mackerel.
  • The possession of Gulf of Mexico cobia is limited to two per person per day regardless of the duration of a trip and this proposed rule would not revise the cobia possession limits.
  • Speckled hind and warsaw grouper have daily bag limits of one fish per vessel per day; therefore, the possession limit is two vessel limits, or two fish per vessel.
  • The rule would require a multi-day trip duration be greater than 30 hours in length to allow anglers to retain the possession limit, but would allow the retention of the possession limit any time during the trip, versus having to wait until the first 24 hours have passed after the federal for-hire vessel leaves the dock.
  • The existing requirements would remain the same for the vessel to have two licensed operators aboard, and each passenger issued and have in possession a receipt issued on behalf of the vessel that verifies the length of the trip. However, the receipt would need to specify the date, time of departure, and length of trip.
  • For the purpose of the possession limit, the entire trip duration must coincide with an open fishing season for the applicable species.
    • For example: if anglers on a federal for-hire vessel intend to retain the possession limit of red snapper, which has an open season beginning on June 1, the vessel cannot depart before 12:01 AM on June 1.
  • The rule is expected to promote efficiency in the utilization of the reef fish and CMP resources and a potential decrease in regulatory discards by providing the owners and operators of federally-permitted for-hire vessels greater flexibility in determining when to allow passengers to retain the possession limit on multi-day trips.

HOW TO COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED RULE:

The comment period is open now through August 27, 2020.  You may submit comments by electronic submission or by postal mail.  Comments sent by any other method (such as e-mail), to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NOAA Fisheries.

FORMAL FEDERAL REGISTER NAME/NUMBER: 85 FR 45363, published July 28, 2020.

Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.

  1. Go to https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=NOAA_FRDOC_0001-5568
  2. Click the “Comment Now!” icon, complete the required fields.
  3. Enter or attach your comments.

Mail: Submit written comments to Rich Malinowski, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

  • Contact NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office

By Mail: 

Rich Malinowski
NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office
Sustainable Fisheries Division
263 13th Avenue South
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-5505

By FAX: (727) 824-5308

By Phone: (727) 824-5305

Federal Fishery Council Seeks Applicants for Advisory Panel

July 9, 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 currently scheduled for Charleston. South Carolina.

Study: Ocean fish farming in tropics and sub-tropics most impacted by climate change

February 13, 2020 — Diners may soon find more farmed oysters and fewer Atlantic salmon on their plates as climate change warms Canada’s Pacific coast.

In a study published in Global Change Biology, researchers at the University of British Columbia looked at how  could impact 85  of fish and mollusks that are most commonly farmed in seawater. They found that certain species like Atlantic salmon, European seabass and cobia, and certain areas like the tropics and the Arctic, could be particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Take Canada’s Pacific coast: by the mid-21st century, the region is projected to lose between 60 to 84 percent of area currently suitable for Atlantic salmon farming under a strong mitigation, low greenhouse gas emissions, and no mitigation, high emissions scenarios, respectively.

In contrast, the region would gain 46 percent more area for Pacific cupped oyster farming under the high emissions scenario by the 2050s, while Norway and Sweden could respectively see gains between 48 and 100 percent in areas suitable for Atlantic salmon farming.

Read the full story at PHYS.org

Atlantic Cobia Benchmark Stock Assessment Finds Resource Not Overfished Nor Experiencing Overfishing: South Atlantic Board Sets Harvest Specifications & Initiates Addendum

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

The Commission’s South Atlantic State/Federal Fisheries Management Board accepted the Atlantic Cobia Benchmark Stock Assessment and Peer Review Report, including new reference points, for management use. The assessment, which was conducted through the Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) process, evaluated the Atlantic stock of cobia, which extends from the Georgia/Florida border north. Assessment results indicate the stock is not overfished and overfishing is not occurring.

Spawning stock biomass (SSB) has been above the overfished threshold throughout the timeframe (1986-2017), indicating the coastwide stock is not overfished. SSB has shown several large increases following years of high recruitment, the most recent following the 2011 recruitment peak, with the largest SSB in the time series occurring in 2013. These peaks in SSB have been followed by declines when recruitment moves back towards its average. While SSB has undergone a steep decline since the 2013 peak, SSB remains above the overfished threshold.

This assessment used recalibrated recreational catch data from the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP). Landings of Atlantic cobia have generally increased since the 1980s, primarily driven by the recreational fishery, which accounts for about 96% of the total landings. Fishing mortality showed some increase in the most recent years, but did not approach the overfishing threshold, indicating the coastwide stock has not undergone overfishing during the assessment timeframe.

Read the full release here

Reminder – SAFMC Meeting December 2-6, 2019 in Wilmington, NC

November 25, 2019 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Join members of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council for their December 2-6, 2019 meeting at the Hotel Ballast, 301 N. Water Street, Wilmington, NC 28401. The meeting week includes a series of committee meetings and concludes with a meeting of the Full Council.

The meeting briefing book materials, including agendas, overviews, and discussion documents, are available from the Council’s website. Members of the public are welcome to attend the meetings in person or listen in via webinar. The public comment period is open and webinar links are provided below.

Agenda Highlights:

  • Red Snapper – The Council is considering actions to eliminate the current three-day minimum number of fishing days required for the red snapper seasons (recreational or commercial) to open, and to change the start date of the commercial fishing season to May 1st from the current 2nd Monday in July. The Council is scheduled to approve the measures in Snapper Grouper Regulatory Amendment 33 at this meeting.
  • Mackerel Cobia – The Council is scheduled to approve measures affecting king mackerel commercial trip limits in season two (Framework Amendment 8). The Mackerel Cobia Committee will also discuss accountability measures for the Spanish mackerel fishery.
  • Citizen Science – The Council’s Citizen Science Committee will receive updates on the pilot projects SAFMC Scamp Release and FISHstory, review research priorities, discuss program evaluation, and more.
  • Dolphin Wahoo – The Dolphin Wahoo Committee will continue to discuss management options for both dolphin and wahoo to include in draft Amendment 10 to the Dolphin Wahoo Fishery Management Plan.

Additional Information:

  • Wednesday, December 4 – Formal Public Comment 4:00 PM
  • Online Public Comment
    • Members of the public may provide written comments on agenda items via the Council’s Online Comment Form. Comments may also be viewed online as they are posted. Additional details are available from the December Council Meeting page.
  • Meeting via Webinar – Listen to the meeting and view presentations via webinar each day as the meeting occurs. Registration required. Click the links below to register ahead for each day and receive an email reminder.

Mark Your Calendar – SAFMC Meeting December 2-6, 2019

November 7, 2019 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold its next meeting December 2-6, 2019 at the Hotel Ballast (Hilton Riverside), 301 North Water Street, Wilmington, North Carolina, 28401. The meeting week begins on Monday at 1:30 p.m. with a series of committee meetings and concludes with a meeting of the Full Council on Friday.

A formal public comment session will be held on Wednesday, December 4th beginning at 4:00 PM. An online comment form will be available for written comments, and the meeting will be available via webinar as it occurs.

Agenda Highlights:

  • Red Snapper – The Council is considering actions to eliminate the current three-day minimum number of fishing days required for the red snapper seasons (recreational or commercial) to open, and to change the start date of the commercial fishing season to May 1st from the current 2nd Monday in July. The Council is scheduled to approve the measures in Snapper Grouper Regulatory Amendment 33 at this meeting.
  • Mackerel Cobia – The Council is scheduled to approve measures affecting king mackerel commercial trip limits in season two (Framework Amendment 8). The Mackerel Cobia Committee will also discuss accountability measures for the Spanish mackerel fishery.
  • Citizen Science – The Council’s Citizen Science Committee will receive updates on the pilot projects SAFMC Scamp Release and FISHstory, review research priorities, discuss program evaluation, and more.
  • Dolphin Wahoo – The Dolphin Wahoo Committee will continue to discuss management actions and alternatives for both dolphin and wahoo in draft Amendment 10 to the Dolphin Wahoo Fishery Management Plan.

Additional Information:

Additional meeting information will be available from the Council’s website at: http://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/council-meetings/ as it becomes available. Briefing book materials, including the meeting agenda, committee agendas/overviews, and the public comment form will be available on November 15, 2019.

Reminder! Seats Open on Federal Fishery Advisory Panels

October 31, 2019 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is currently seeking applicants for open seats on its advisory panels. Advisory panel members provide information and guidance in the development and implementation of federal fishery management plans. Members include recreational and commercial fishermen, seafood dealers and processors, industry representatives, scientists, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as environmental groups, fishing organizations, etc.

Advisory panel members are appointed by the Council and serve for a three-year period, based on the frequency of meetings. The advisory panels generally meet no more than once or twice each year and are compensated for travel and per diem expenses for all meetings.

Seats are currently open on the Dolphin Wahoo Advisory Panel, Habitat and Ecosystem-Based Management Advisory Panel, Information & EducationAdvisory Panel, and the Mackerel Cobia Advisory Panel. Details are available from the News Release.

Learn more about the advisory panels and access the online application from the Council’s website at: https://safmc.net/about-safmc/advisory-panels/. For questions, please contact Kim Iverson, Public Information Officer, at kim.iverson@safmc.net or at 843/302-8440.