Saving Seafood

Interstate fishery managers postpone action on allocations for multiple species

May 20, 2021 — Local recreational and commercial fishermen will have to wait until December to find out if interstate fisheries managers will make changes to allocations for several fish species.

During a joint webinar meeting May 8, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s summer flounder, scup and black sea bass board voted to postpone a final decision on potential changes to the allocations. The delay is intended to allow for further development of the recreational reform initiative before any decisions are made.

The council and board are now scheduled to take final action on the allocation amendment at a joint meeting in December. Summer flounder, scup and black sea bass are highly sought by commercial and recreational fishermen throughout the mid-Atlantic and southern New England regions, which includes the North Carolina coast.

The allocations for all three species are currently based on historical proportions of catch or landings. Recent changes in how recreational catch is estimated have resulted in a discrepancy between the current levels of estimated recreational harvest and the allocations to the same sector.

Read the full story at the Carteret County News-Times

NOAA Fisheries Reminder: Update your Fish Online Account by June 1

May 17, 2021 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

To increase your online security, NOAA Fisheries’ GARFO is changing the way that vessel owners and operators login to Fish Online. By June 1, vessel owners must create a Fish Online user account and vessel operators will also need to create an account to report electronically using a GARFO Fish Online app and to view their previously submitted eVTRs.

Soon-to-be Vacated Seat on Fisheries Council Should Be Held By A New Yorker, Lawmakers Say

May 14, 2021 — A seat on an interstate fisheries council that manages fish allocations among mid-Atlantic states will be vacated this summer, and top New York lawmakers are urging the federal government to keep a New Yorker in the post, Newsday has learned.

In a May 7 letter, Sen. Chuck Schumer told Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo it was “crucial” that she appoint a New Yorker to soon-to-be vacated seat on the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. The at-large seat is currently occupied by veteran sports fisherman and longtime council member Anthony DiLernia, whose term expires in August. Schumer, the Senate majority leader, said keeping a New Yorker in that seat is important because of “historically inequitable [council] rulings based on flawed science that have disproportionately harmed New York.”

Read the full story at Seafood News

MAFMC Webinar Meeting: June 7-10, 2021

May 13, 2021 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s June 2021 Meeting will be held via webinar Monday, June 7 – Thursday, June 10, 2021. The meeting will begin with a closed Executive Committee session on June 7 to discuss advisory panel appointment recommendations. The public portion of the meeting will begin on June 8 at 9:00 a.m. Part of the meeting will be conducted jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Bluefish Management Board and ISFMP Policy Board. Briefing documents and presentations will be posted on the June 2021 Council Meeting Page as they become available.

Agenda: A detailed agenda is available here. Topics to be addressed during the meeting include:

  • 2020 MRIP Estimation Methodology Presentation
  • Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment – Final Action
  • Recreational Reform Initiative Update
  • Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog 2022 Specifications Review
  • Longfin Squid and Butterfish 2022 Specifications Review
  • Illex Squid 2021-2022 Specifications
  • Unmanaged Commercial Landings Report
  • Habitat Update
  • Offshore Wind Updates
  • ASMFC Policy Board Remand of Black Sea Bass Commercial State Allocations – Council Discussion

Public Comments: Written comments may be submitted using the online comment form linked below or via email, mail, or fax (see this page for details). Written comments must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 to be included in the briefing book. Comments submitted after this date but before 5:00 p.m. on June 3, 2021 will be posted as supplemental materials. Comments submitted after June 3 may only be submitted using the form below.

Webinar: Webinar connection instructions will be posted on the June 2021 Meeting Page at least two weeks prior to the meeting.

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

NOAA Fisheries Announces 2021 Recreational Rules for Summer Flounder

May 5, 2021 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

We are finalizing “conservation equivalency” for the recreational summer flounder fishery as recommended by Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. Under conservation equivalency the combination of state or regional measures must be “equivalent,” in terms of conservation (i.e., not expected to exceed the recreational harvest limit), to a set of “non-preferred coastwide measures,” which are recommended by the Council and the Commission each year.

For the 2021 fishing year we have waived the federal recreational bag limit, minimum fish size, and fishing season for summer flounder, and fishermen are subject to regulations in the state where they land. Please contact your state for information on summer flounder recreational rules.

Read the final rule as filed in the Federal Register today.

Read the full release here

Northeast squid: Recovery slow, but Rhode Island harvesters welcome restaurants’ return

May 4, 2021 — More than half of all squid landings in the Northeast come from Rhode Island. But last year, as a result of the pandemic, some Rhode Island fleets saw earnings dip by 30 percent.

Jason Didden, a fishery management specialist at the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, says that so far in 2021, total longfin landing are off to a slow start at less than 5 million pounds landed, compared to this time last year when around 11 million pounds had been landed. Illex season typically gets started in May and 2021 squid quotas are the same as 2020: 23,400 metric tons for longfin and 30,000 metric tons for illex. (The illex quota was expected to be reviewed in May.)

Coming off a troubling year has taken great effort. Kat Smith, Director of marketing and communications at Town Dock, a large processor distributor based in Narragansett, R.I., says “at this point, things are still not back to normal — although we’re glad that the light at the end of the tunnel gets closer every day. There continues to be a global shipping container shortage, covid-related disruptions, and now, the Suez Canal issue, all of which have supply chain impacts for seafood and many other industries.” 

Two Town Dock products, says Smith, Rhode Island calamari (longfin inshore squid) and premium domestic calamari (northern shortfin squid), which are both caught in Rhode Island and are Marine Stewardship Council certified sustainable, are always popular.

“When we look at our foodservice offerings, we are certainly better than this time last year — restaurants are ramping up with states’ reopening plans, and more people are vaccinated and excited to go out to eat. Calamari — and seafood, in general — has also enjoyed year-over-year growth in retail and grocery stores. The demand is very good; once the supply chain has sorted itself out, we are excited for the opportunities ahead.”

Read the full story at National Fisherman

MAFMC News Roundup – 4/22/21

April 22, 2021 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

April Council Meeting Summary: The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council met via webinar April 6-8, 2021. Check out the April 2021 Council Meeting Summary for all the details, or watch the meeting recordings on YouTube. During this meeting, the Council:

  • Postponed final action on the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Commercial/Recreational Allocation Amendment during a joint meeting with the ASMFC Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Board
  • Adopted status quo specifications for the Mid-Atlantic blueline tilefish fishery for 2022-2024
  • Reviewed a preliminary range of alternatives for the Tilefish Multi-Year Specifications Framework
  • Provided comments on E.O 14008 on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad
  • Received an update regarding several ongoing activities in support of the Council’s EAFM guidance document
  • Reviewed the 2021 Mid-Atlantic State of the Ecosystem Report and EAFM Risk Assessment
  • Received an update on the East Coast Climate Change Scenario Planning Initiative
  • Received a presentation on Climate Change Science Efforts Underway at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center

June Council Meeting to be Conducted by Webinar: The next Council meeting, scheduled for June 8-10, will be held virtually. Topics to be addressed in June include final action on the Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment; review of previously approved 2022 specifications for longfin squid, butterfish, Atlantic surfclam, and ocean quahog; approval of 2022 Illex squid specifications; review of the Illex incidental trip limit and butterfish mesh regulations; habitat updates; and more. An agenda will be available in early May.

Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment: Tomorrow, April 23, is the last day to submit comments on the Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment. Learn more and submit comments here.

Advisory Panel Application Deadline: Tomorrow is also the deadline to apply for the Council’s advisory panels. All current advisors must reapply to be considered for reappointment. Apply here.

May SSC Meeting: The Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will meet via webinar May 11-12, 2021. During this meeting the SSC will review and consider changes to the 2021 Illex squid ABC, recommend a 2022 Illex ABC, and review the previously recommended ABCs for butterfish, longfin squid, Atlantic surfclam, and ocean quahog. The SSC will also discuss topics related to the Mid-Atlantic State of the Ecosystem Report and provide feedback on possible 2026 Research Track Assessment Priorities.

Mid-Atlantic Ocean Forum: The Mid-Atlantic Committee on the Ocean (MACO) will convene its Third Annual Mid-Atlantic Region Ocean Forum from May 3-6, 2021. This year’s all-virtual event will feature expert panel discussions on ocean planning issues including offshore wind energy in the Mid-Atlantic, climate-induced ocean changes, ocean justice, and emerging technologies for monitoring the ocean. The event will also feature opportunities for public participation, a virtual networking luncheon and a first-ever poster session highlighting the work of students and early career professionals.

For-Hire and Recreational Tilefish Reporting: As a reminder, for-hire vessels with permits for MAFMC-managed species are required to submit their Vessel Trip Reports (VTRs) electronically within 48 hours of completing their trip. All recreational vessels targeting or retaining golden or blueline tilefish from Virginia to Maine are required to obtain a recreational tilefish permit and must submit an electronic VTR within 24 hours of completing a trip where tilefish were targeted and/or retained.

Commercial Electronic Reporting: Beginning November 10, 2021, commercial and some recreational fishermen in the Greater Atlantic Region will be required to start submitting VTRs electronically. Learn more about the reporting requirements and software options.

Offshore Wind Updates: The Council periodically sends out updates on offshore wind activities in the Mid-Atlantic region. Read the latest update sent on 4/13/21. Sign up to receive wind updates here. Recent notices to mariners and comment opportunities are also listed on our Offshore Wind Notices page.

ASMFC At-Sea Monitoring RFP: The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, in cooperation with the National Marine Fisheries Service’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center, has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to conduct components of the At-Sea Monitoring Training Program for the NEFSC.

ROSA Fisheries Resource Data Project RFP: The Responsible Offshore Science Alliance (ROSA) is seeking a qualified contractor to conduct research and prepare a report with recommendations for standardizing and sharing fisheries resource data to support better understanding of the impacts of offshore wind development on ecosystems. Read the RFP for more details. Proposals are due May 11, 2021.

Upcoming Meetings

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

Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment Public Comment Deadline – Friday, April 23

April 19, 2021 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The deadline to submit written comments on the Bluefish Allocation and Rebuilding Amendment is this Friday, April 23, 2021. The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission are developing this joint amendment to address a wide range of issues related to management of the Atlantic Bluefish fishery. The amendment contains alternatives to:

  • Revise the fishery management plan (FMP) goals and objectives;
  • Modify the bluefish allocations between the commercial and recreational sectors;
  • Modify the commercial allocations to the states;
  • Initiate a rebuilding plan;
  • Revise the quota transfer processes;
  • Revise how the FMP accounts for management uncertainty; and
  • Revise the de minimis provisions in the Commission’s FMP.

Submit Comments Here

Details about the management alternatives being considered in this amendment are available at the following links:

Written Comments

Written comments may be submitted through April 23, 2021 by any of the following methods:

  1. ONLINE: Online Comment Form (recommended)
  2. EMAIL: mseeley@mafmc.org
  3. MAIL: Dr. Christopher Moore, Executive Director
    Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council
    800 North State Street, Suite 201
    Dover, DE 19901
  4. FAX: 302-674-5399

Please include “Bluefish Amendment” in the subject line if using email or fax, or on the outside of the envelope if submitting written comments.

Tips for Providing Public Comment

We value your input. To be most effective, we request that your comment include specific details as to why you support or oppose a particular alternative. Specifically, please address the following:

  • Which proposed alternative(s) do you support, and which do you oppose?
  • Why do you support or oppose the alternative(s)?
  • Is there any additional information you think should be considered?

Contacts

If you have any questions, please contact:

  • Matthew Seeley, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, mseeley@mafmc.org, 302-526-5262
  • Dustin Colson Leaning, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, dleaning@asmfc.org, 703-842-0714

MAFMC Advisory Panel Applications Due This Friday, April 23

April 19, 2021 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The deadline to apply for the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s advisory panels is this Friday, April 23. All current advisory panel members must reapply to be considered for reappointment.

Apply Here

The Council is accepting applications for the following advisory panels:

  • Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass
  • Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish
  • Surfclam and Ocean Quahog
  • Tilefish
  • Bluefish
  • Ecosystem and Ocean Planning
  • River Herring and Shad
  • Dogfish (jointly managed with New England Council)
  • Communication and Outreach (NEW!)

How to Apply

Anyone interested in serving on an advisory panel may apply online or download an application at www.mafmc.org/advisory-panel-application. Applications can also be obtained by calling (302) 518-1143 or emailing msabo@mafmc.org.

Completed applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 23, 2021.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Mary Sabo at (302) 518-1143, msabo@mafmc.org.

About Advisory Panels

Advisory panels provide information and recommendations to the Council during the development of fishery management plans, amendments, specifications, and other initiatives. One of the chief responsibilities of advisory panels is the development of annual Fishery Performance Reports. These reports provide the Council and SSC with information about the factors that influenced fishing effort and catch within each fishery during the previous year. Learn more about advisory panels here.

Advisory panels are composed of individuals with diverse experience and interest in Mid-Atlantic fisheries. Members include commercial fishermen, recreational anglers, for-hire operators, commercial dealers, scientists, environmentalists, and other members of the interested public. Most advisory panels meet 1-2 times per year. Members are compensated for travel and per diem expenses for all meetings. Individuals who are appointed to advisory panels serve for three-year terms.

For-hire Vessels and Tilefish Anglers: Reporting Requirements Reminder

April 14, 2021 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

As the recreational fishing season gets going, we remind all GARFO permitted vessel operators about the current reporting requirements:

  • For-hire (party and charter) vessels that hold federal permits for species managed by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council must submit their Vessel Trip Reports (VTR) electronically.

  • Vessels issued only a Northeast multispecies (groundfish) charter/party permit may report on paper or electronic VTRs, until later this fall when e-VTRs will be required. You are encouraged to start reporting electronically as soon as possible.

  • Tilefish anglers on private vessels must submit their VTRs electronically for trips targeting or catching golden and blueline tilefish.

All fishermen can choose from several smart devices and web-based apps to report electronically.

Read the full release here