Saving Seafood

House kills Rhode Island’s push to join Mid-Atlantic Fishery Council

July 12, 2018 — The House on Wednesday rejected a push from Rep. Jim Langevin to let his state join the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council, which regulates several species of fish that are caught mostly by fishermen from Langevin’s home state of Rhode Island.

The amendment would have added two seats on the 21-seat council for the state of Rhode Island. But after explaining why his state should join the group, the House rejected Langevin’s amendment in a voice vote, and Langevin, a Democrat, didn’t demand a recorded vote.

Langevin said on the floor that Rhode Island fishermen catch a large amount of fish that are regulated by the council, including 85 percent of all east coast butterfish, and also catch half of all squid landed on the east coast. Langevin has been pushing for legislation to add Rhode Island to the mid-Atlantic group for at least six years so a representative from his state can have a voice on the council on matters related to these and other kinds of fish.

MAFMC and NEFMC Launch Northeast Offshore Wind Webpage

July 11, 2018 — The following was released by the Mid Atlantic Fishery Management Council & New England Fishery Management Council:

On July 11, 2018, the New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils launched a new webpage that’s designed to serve as a repository for information relevant to offshore wind development activities in the Northeast Region. The Councils worked closely with NOAA Fisheries on this collaborative effort. The easy-to-navigate webpage provides one-stop-shopping for fishermen and other stakeholders who are searching for essential resources associated with offshore wind energy production. The page provides direct links to government agencies, offshore wind developers, fishery liaisons, Council-developed comments, and more.

Take a look at Offshore Wind in the Northeast

Fishermen in the region are highly interested in better understanding the impacts of offshore wind development on both commercial and recreational fisheries. The New England and Mid-Atlantic Councils want to ensure that any potential impacts on Council-managed species and the marine environment are fully considered. In light of these factors, the Councils developed the offshore wind webpage as a tool to: (1) help facilitate the exchange of information; and (2) provide quick access to available resources.

Here’s the Webpage Address: http://www.mafmc.org/northeast-offshore-wind

Webpage Information Includes Links to:

  • The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), along with BOEM’s Fishing Industry Communication and Engagement page, BOEM’s State Activities page, and BOEM’s email updates registry;
  • Northeast offshore wind developers;
  • Mid-Atlantic and New England Council policies and comment letters on offshore wind issues;
  • Project-specific information on fisheries and the marine environment relative to wind activities and other ocean uses;
  • Mappers for Essential Fish Habitat and Endangered and Protected Resources, Regional Ocean Data Portals; and more.

MAFMC: Vacancy Announcement: Assistant Plan Coordinator

July 11, 2018 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is seeking candidates for the position of Assistant Plan Coordinator. The Assistant Plan Coordinator will assist the Executive Director and other members of the Council staff in the identification and analysis of issues pertaining to the science and management of marine fisheries in the Mid-Atlantic region (New York through North Carolina). The candidate will also assist in the analysis of proposed fishery management measures and the development of Council documents that comply with the provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and other applicable statutes. Applications must be received or postmarked by August 10, 2018.

View the announcement linked below for complete details and application instructions.

Agencies addressing problematic black sea bass rule

June 29, 2018 — A joint action on a black sea bass transit zone between Block Island and the Rhode Island mainland is being considered by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC).

Under current regulations, when scup and black sea bass fisheries are closed in federal waters but open in state waters, vessels may not transit federal waters with scup or black sea bass caught in state waters. This has been problematic in Block Island Sound from Sep. 22 to Oct. 21 when black sea bass is closed in federal waters.

State waters in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York are open to black sea bass fishing during that time. Anglers fishing in state waters around Block Island must pass through federal waters to return to the mainland. If they retain any black sea bass, they are in violation of the federal regulations while they pass through federal waters, even if those fish were legally caught in state waters.

Federal waters regulations for summer flounder are waived under conservation equivalency and the scup season has been open year-round since 2012 so this has not been a problem with these species.

Also, commercial vessels with state-only permits face potential obstacles when transiting between Rhode Island state waters around Block Island and state waters along the mainland.

Read the full story at the Providence Journal

US Commerce Department appoints Regional Fishery Management Council members

June 29, 2018 — The U.S. Commerce Department announced on 27 June that is has made 30 appointments to the eight regional fishery management councils that partner with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminstration to manage fish stocks.

The councils, established by the Magnuson-Stevens Act, help prepare fishery management plans for each of the eight regions: New England, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, Western Pacific, Pacific, and North Pacific.

Of the councilors appointed, 29 are receiving three-year terms, starting on 11 August, that will run through to 10 August, 2021. One member, Michael K. Goto of Hawaii, is  filling a recently vacated at-large seat in the Western Pacific council and will serve out the remainder of that term through 10 August, 2020.

The council members come from diverse backgrounds, including commercial fisheries, recreational fisheries, environmental organizations, and academic institutions. Appointments take place each year, when the U.S. Secretary of Commerce appoints roughly one-third of the 72 total council members from the eight councils. Appointments are made based on nominations from the governors of the fishing states, territories, and tribal governments.

Read the full story at Seafood Source

Atlantic City charter boat captain reappointed to fisheries council

June 29, 2018 — Atlantic City charter boat Captain Adam Nowalsky has been reappointed for his second, three-year term on the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council.

Nowalsky has more than 20 years of saltwater fishing experience and is captain of the Karen Ann II, a 35-foot charter fishing vessel.

The Mid-Atlantic council is one of eight regional councils that work with the National Ocean Atmospheric Administration to manage ocean fish stocks, determining both fishing limits, and how allowable harvests are split between recreational and commercial fishermen and between states. Appointments are made by the U.S. Commerce Department.

The Mid-Atlantic council includes members from Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Read the full story at the Press of Atlantic City

Interstate fishery managers seek input on bluefish regulations

June 21, 2018 — There’s still time to provide comments on bluefish allocation to interstate fishery managers considering changes to the bluefish fishery management plan.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, two interstate fishery management agencies with jurisdiction in the federal waters 3-200 miles offshore in North Carolina, have scheduled a series of scoping hearings to gather public input on the range of issues and information to be considered in the Bluefish Allocation Amendment. Hearings are being held through Monday, July 16, in nine coastal states.

In North Carolina, a hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday at the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries Central District Office at 5285 Highway 70 West in Morehead City. An internet webinar will also be held at 6 p.m., July 16. Connection information is available at the website www.mafmc.org.

All comments, submitted either through public hearings or in writing, will be presented to the council and commission. Written comments will be accepted until Monday, July 30. In addition to providing comments at any of the scheduled scoping hearings, anyone interested may submit written comments online at the website www.mafmc.org/comments/bluefish-allocation-amendment.

Written comments may also be sent by email to mseeley@mafmc.org or by regular mail to Chris Moore, Ph.D, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, North State Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901.

Anyone interested in commenting should include “Bluefish Amendment Scoping Comments” in the subject line if using email or on the outside of the envelope if submitting written comments by mail.

Read the full story at the Carteret County News-Times

Public hearings scheduled on proposed bluefish management changes

June 18, 2018 — Fisheries agencies are considering changes to the Bluefish Fishery Management Plan and will hold public hearings this month to hear from recreational and commercial fishing interests.

The amendments are being considered by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council.

They would change commercial and recreational allotments, fishery management plan goals and objectives, commercial allocations among states and the commercial quota transfer process.

Public hearings in New Jersey will be held 6 to 8 p.m. June 27 at the Ocean City Library, 1735 Simpson Ave., Ocean City; and 6 to 8 p.m. June 28 at the Ocean County Administration Building, 101 Hopper Ave., Toms River.

Currently, the allocation is 83 percent for recreational and 17 percent for commercial fisheries, but transfers from the recreational to commercial sector have happened every year since 2001, the agencies said.

Read the full story at the Press of Atlantic City

MAFMC and ASMFC to Hold Scoping Hearings for Bluefish Allocation Amendment

June 14, 2018 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) have scheduled a series of scoping hearings to gather public input on the range of issues and information to be considered in the Bluefish Allocation Amendment. Hearings will be held June 20 – July 16 in nine coastal states from Massachusetts to Florida. The last four hearings will be joint hearings of the Council and Commission.  All comments, submitted either through public hearings or in writing, will be presented to the Council and Commission.  Written comments will be accepted until July 30, 2018.

The amendment will involve a comprehensive review of the Bluefish Fishery Management Plan’s (FMP) sector-based allocations, commercial allocations to the states, transfer processes, and goals and objectives. Specifically, the Council and Commission will consider whether modifications to the FMP’s goals, objectives, and allocation strategies for bluefish are needed.

Scoping is the first and best opportunity for members of the public to raise concerns related to the scope of issues that will be considered. The public is encouraged to submit comments regarding the range of potential issues to be addressed in the amendment. In addition to comments on allocation and transfer processes, the Council and Commission are interested in comments on the following topics:

· Fishery productivity
· Ecosystem considerations
· Changes in the fishery
· Changes in distribution of bait fish
· Average fish size
· Changes in availability, effort, and marketability
· Impacts of changes observed over time

Learn More:

The Scoping Document contains background information on bluefish management and on issues that may be addressed in the amendment, as well as a description of the amendment process and timeline. Additional information and updates will be posted at http://www.mafmc.org/actions/bluefish-allocation-amendment.

Scoping Hearings Scheduled for Bluefish Allocation Amendment

June 8, 2018 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) have scheduled a series of scoping hearings to gather public input on the range of issues and information to be considered in the Bluefish Allocation Amendment. Hearings will be held June 20 – July 16 in nine coastal states from Massachusetts to Florida. The last four hearings will be joint hearings of the Council and Commission. All comments, submitted either through public hearings or in writing, will be presented to the Council and Commission. Written comments will be accepted until July 30, 2018.

The amendment will involve a comprehensive review of the Bluefish Fishery Management Plan’s (FMP) sector-based allocations, commercial allocations to the states, transfer processes, and goals and objectives. Specifically, the Council and Commission will consider whether modifications to the FMP’s goals, objectives, and allocation strategies for bluefish are needed.

Scoping is the first and best opportunity for members of the public to raise concerns related to the scope of issues that will be considered. The public is encouraged to submit comments regarding the range of potential issues to be addressed in the amendment. In addition to comments on allocation and transfer processes, the Council and Commission are interested in comments on the following topics:

  • Fishery productivity
  • Ecosystem considerations
  • Changes in the fishery
  • Changes in distribution of bait fish
  • Average fish size
  • Changes in availability, effort, and marketability
  • Impacts of changes observed over time

Learn More
The Scoping Document contains background information on bluefish management and on issues that may be addressed in the amendment, as well as a description of the amendment process and timeline.

Additional information and updates will be posted at http://www.mafmc.org/actions/bluefish-allocation-amendment.

Contacts

Hearing Schedule

  1. Wednesday, June 20, 2018, 6:00 PM – Dare County Commissioners Office, 954 Marshall Collins Drive, Room 168, Manteo, North Carolina 27954; Contact: Chris Batsavage, 252.808.8013
  2. Thursday, June 21, 2018, 6:00 PM – NC Division of Marine Fisheries Central District Office, 5285 Highway 70 West, Morehead City, North Carolina; Contact: Chris Batsavage, 252.808.8013
  3. Thursday, June 21, 2018, 6:00 PM – DNREC Auditorium, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, Delaware 19901; Contact: John Clark, 302.739.9914
  4. Tuesday, June 26, 2018, 6:00 PM – Ocean City Municipal Airport, 12724 Airport Road, Berlin, Maryland 21811; Contact: Eric Durrell, 410.260.8308
  5. Tuesday, June 26, 2018, 6:30 PM – NYSDEC Division of Marine Resources, 205 North Belle Mead Road, Suite 1, East Setauket, New York 11733; Contact: Maureen Davidson, 631.444.0483
  6. Wednesday, June 27, 2018, 6:00 PM – Ocean City Library, 735 Simpson Avenue, Ocean City, New Jersey 08226; Contact: Mike Celestino, 609.748.2040
  7. Thursday, June 28, 2018, 6:00 PM – Ocean County Administration Building, 101 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, New Jersey 08753; Contact: Mike Celestino, 609.748.2040
  8. Thursday, June 28, 2018, 6:00 PM – Brevard County Government Center North, “Brevard Room”, 518 South Palm Ave., Titusville, Florida 32780; Contact: Jim Estes, 850.617.9622
  9. Tuesday, July 10, 2018, 7:00 PM – CT DEEP Boating Education Center, 333 Ferry Road, Old Lyme, Connecticut 06371; Contact: Peter Aarrestad, 860.424.4171
  10. Wednesday, July 11, 2018, 6:00 PM – Plymouth Public Library, Otto Fehlow Room, 132 South Street, Plymouth, Massachusetts; Contact: Dan McKiernan, 617.626.1536
  11. Thursday, July 12, 2018, 6:00 PM – URI Narragansett Bay Campus, Corless Auditorium, South Ferry Road, Narragansett, Rhode Island; Contact: Julia Livermore, 401.423.1937
  12. Monday, July 16, 2018, 6:00 PM – Internet webinar: Connection information to be available at http://www.mafmc.org/council-events/ or by contacting the Council; Contact: Matthew Seeley, 302.526.5262

Written Comments
Given the joint nature of this management effort and to streamline the public comment process, comments should be directed to Council contact information below. In addition to providing comments at any of the scheduled scoping hearings, you may submit written comments by 11:59 PM, Eastern Daylight Time, on July 30, 2018. Written comments may be sent by any of the following methods:

ONLINE: http://www.mafmc.org/comments/bluefish-allocation-amendment
EMAIL TO mseeley@mafmc.org
MAIL TO Chris Moore, Ph.D., Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, North State Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901
Please include “Bluefish Amendment Scoping Comments” in the subject line if using email or on the outside of the envelope if submitting written comments by mail.

All comments, regardless of submission method, will be compiled into a single document for review and consideration by both the Council and Commission. Please do not send separate comments to the Council and Commission.