Saving Seafood

New England and Mid-Atlantic Councils and Partners Launch Habitat Data Explorer; One-Stop Tool Ready for Use

August 26, 2022 — The following article was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

What began five years ago as a commitment to improve fish habitat science has resulted in the creation of a revolutionary tool that allows users to explore information on fish distribution and survey abundance, species life history, essential fish habitat (EFH), fish vulnerability to climate change, and much more – all on one website. Welcome to the Northeast Regional Habitat Assessment Data Explorer.

The Data Explorer was developed as part of the Northeast Regional Marine Fish Habitat Assessment (NRHA), a collaborative, multi-disciplinary effort to describe and characterize estuarine, coastal, and offshore fish habitat distribution, abundance, and quality in the Northeast. Based on a plan approved by NRHA’s Steering Committee, a work team spent three years collecting and analyzing data and populating the Data Explorer with information for more than 65 finfish and shellfish species through 2019. New data will be added over time.

Who Should Use the Data Explorer?

Everyone! While stock assessment scientists, researchers, and fishery managers will be the primary users of this comprehensive collection of information, commercial and recreational fishermen will be able to call up maps showing key information about the species they catch. Other stakeholder groups interested in habitat issues, seasonal ocean conditions such as salinity, and fish survey information also should find the site helpful. For example, offshore wind and aquaculture developers can use the tool to identify habitat types and fish distribution within areas being considered for development.

Read the full release here

NEFMC SSC – Listen Live – Thursday, August 25, 2022 – Groundfish Issues

August 19, 2022 —  The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will meet to discuss issues related to groundfish.  The public is invited to listen live.  Here are the details.

 
 
START TIME:  9:00 a.m.
 
LOCATION:  This is a hybrid meeting that will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn at Boston Logan Airport with a webinar option.
 
WEBINAR REGISTRATION:  Online access to the meeting is available at Listen Live.  There is no charge to access the meeting through this webinar.  The Remote Participation Guide is posted here.
 
CALL-IN OPTION:  To listen by telephone, dial +1 (562) 247-8422.  The access code is 845-519-294.  Please be aware that if you dial in using this number without joining the webinar at the link above, you will be unable to speak during opportunities for public comment.  This is a listen-only telephone option.  Your regular phone charges will apply.
 
AGENDA:  The SSC will meet to:
 
  • Review recent stock assessment information from the U.S./Canada Transboundary Resources Assessment Committee (TRAC) and information provided by the Council’s Groundfish Plan Development Team;
 
  • Recommend the overfishing limit (OFL) and acceptable biological catch (ABC) for Georges Bank yellowtail flounder for the fishing years 2023 and 2024;
 
  • Review stock assessment information from the September 2021 Georges Bank Cod Management Track Assessment and information provided by the Council’s Groundfish Plan Development Team;
 
  • Recommend the OFLs and ABCs for Georges Bank cod for fishing years 2023 and 2024;
 
  • Review results from the recent Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic Winter Flounder Management Track Stock Assessment and information provided by the Council’s Groundfish Plan Development Team;
 
  • Using the Council’s ABC control rules, recommend the OFLs and the ABCs for Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic winter flounder for fishing years 2023, 2024, and 2025; and,
 
  • Consider other business, as necessary.
 
COMMENTS:  The deadline for submitting written comments for consideration at this meeting is 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 23, 2022.  Address comments to Council Chair Eric Reid or Executive Director Tom Nies and email them to comments@nefmc.org.  Additional information is available in the meeting notice.
 
MATERIALS:  All documents for this meeting will be posted on the SSC August 25, 2022 meeting webpage.
 
QUESTIONS:  Contact Joan O’Leary at (978) 465-0492, ext. 101, joleary@nefmc.org or Janice Plante at (607) 592-4817, jplante@nefmc.org. 

Vacancy Announcement: NEFMC Seeks Fishery Specialist; Apply by August 23, 2022

August 3, 2022 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council

The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) seeks candidates for the position of Fishery Specialist. This is a highly visible, demanding position. The specialist will assist in the preparation of fishery management plans, which requires a broad range of technical and communications skills.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  The application deadline for this position is Tuesday, August 23, 2022.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assist in the preparation of documents, including Environmental Impact Statements for fishery management plans/amendments and other related documents.
  • Compile and objectively analyze fisheries, environmental, biological, socio-economic, or other technical data using appropriate database and statistical analysis software.
  • Prepare meeting summaries and assist in the conduct of public meetings.
  • Develop analyses of fishery management alternatives.
  • Communicate management concepts effectively to decision-makers and the public.
  • Work collaboratively with other fisheries scientists, economists, and social scientists.
  • Conduct other tasks as assigned.

IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTES FOR THE POSITION

  • Positivity
  • Leadership
  • Integrity
  • Ability to maintain healthy, positive working relationships with colleagues during times of pressure
  • Flexibility in dealing with unanticipated challenges
  • Ability to help manage multiple work streams simultaneously
  • Ability to continuously foster team cohesion and collaboration

Further details about the work environment, professional qualifications, minimum educational requirements, analytical skills, communication skills, and the application process are available in the Vacancy Announcement.

Council Seeks Applicants for All 2023-2025 Advisory Panels; Wide Range of Monkfish, Groundfish, Rec Fishermen Needed

July 25, 2022 — The following was released by New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council is accepting applications from commercial and recreational fishermen, as well as other stakeholders, to serve on its advisory panels (APs) for the next three years. The term runs from January 2023 through December 2025. The application deadline is August 31, 2022.

The Council currently has nine active advisory panels that cover issues related to groundfish, recreational fishing for groundfish, Atlantic sea scallops, Atlantic herring, monkfish, habitat, skates, whiting, and enforcement.

The Council jointly manages monkfish and spiny dogfish with the Mid-Atlantic Council. The Mid-Atlantic Council has the administrative lead for spiny dogfish and handles the advisory panel solicitation for that fishery, while the New England Council has the administrative lead for monkfish and conducts the Monkfish AP solicitation.

The Council strives to populate its advisory panels with members who: (1) have different areas of expertise; (2) use different gear types; (3) come from the full geographic range of the fishery; and (4) have varied social and economic perspectives.

Read the full release here

Scallops: Council Initiates New Framework; Approves 2023-2024 Research-Set Aside Program Priorities

July 1, 2022 — During its June 28-30, 2022 hybrid meeting in Portland, ME, the New England Fishery Management Council initiated a new framework adjustment to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan. The framework will include specifications for the 2023 scallop fishing year, default specifications for 2024, and other measures. Work on this action – Framework 36 – will continue throughout the summer and fall and address recommendations from the final report on the evaluation of rotational management. The Council will receive an update on Framework 35 in September, and final action is scheduled for December.

RSA PRIORITIES: The Council also approved 2023-2024 priorities for the Scallop Research Set-Aside (RSA) Program. Once again, the Council selected scallop resource surveys as its highest priority. These industry- based surveys provide important data on scallop length frequencies, abundance, and biomass that directly feed into the Scallop Plan Development Team’s work to develop annual specifications for the fishery. RSA surveys primarily support the fishery’s annual management and science needs.

The Council adopted six “medium priority” research categories – all of which were equally ranked – and two additional priorities under “general research” that also were equally ranked.

Read the full release from the NEFMC

A Story About Whales & Scallops in Maine

June 29, 2022 — The number of whales entangled in fishing gear has declined recently, but the issue remains a critical threat to rare species.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, reports that there are only 340 North Atlantic right whales in the entire world right now.

So getting tangled and trapped in fishing nets, or collisions with ships in the ocean is not good.

NOAA says the decline in entanglements could be due to fewer fishing activities due to the pandemic.

Priced Scallops lately? Two years ago they were sold for about $20 a pound. Now, $25 a pound. An increase of 25%.

Blame supply and demand.

Supply is down significantly over the past few years according to the New England Fishery Management Council.

Read the full story at Q106.5

Port of New Bedford Applauds Appointment of Eric Hansen to New England Fishery Management Council

June 28, 2022 — The following was released yesterday by the Port of New Bedford:

The Port of New Bedford applauds today’s appointment of Eric Hansen, a New Bedford scalloper and president of the Fisheries Survival Fund, to a seat on the New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC). Hansen’s appointment will help ensure the concerns of New Bedford’s vital fishing community are represented at the Council level. New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, chairman of the New Bedford Port Authority, recommended Hansen for the seat in a February letter to Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker.

The Port thanks Gov. Baker, who nominated Hansen to the Council, and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, who made the appointment. The Port also thanks NOAA Assistant Administrator Janet Coit and NOAA Greater Atlantic Regional Administrator Michael Pentony.

For the past 21 years, New Bedford has been the most valuable fishing port in the country, with $451 million worth of seafood landed in 2020. In addition to species like surf clams and ocean quahog, a major share of the Port’s success is due to the value of New England’s scallop fishery, one of the most valuable fisheries in the country.

Prior to Hansen’s appointment, there was no representative from New Bedford on the NEFMC. Having a voice on the Council who understands the needs of our fishermen and our fishing community is critical to preserving the economic and cultural future of the Port.

“As the most valuable commercial fishing port in the nation, New Bedford deserves a seat at the table where management decisions are made, and we appreciate Secretary Raimondo’s recognition of that fact,” Mayor Mitchell said. “Eric’s extensive knowledge and experience, and his solid reputation in the industry, will enable him to serve with distinction.”

Hansen brings years of fisheries management experience to his new role on the NEFMC. He has previously served on the Council’s Scallop and Monkfish Advisory panels. In his role as president of the Fisheries Survival Fund, he has effectively advocated for the scallop fishery as it has become one of the most sustainable and effectively managed species in the country.

NEFMC June 28-30, 2022 Hybrid Meeting – Listen Live, View Documents

June 21, 2022 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council will hold a three-day hybrid meeting from Tuesday, June 28 through Thursday, June 30, 2022.  This will be an in-person meeting in Portland, ME, coupled with a webinar option for individuals who cannot or prefer not to attend in person.

COVID PROTOCOLS:  The Council continues to follow all public safety measures related to COVID-19 and intends to do so for this meeting.  Please participate remotely if you are experiencing COVID symptoms or do not feel well.  Updates will be posted on the meeting webpage as needed.

START TIME:  9:00 a.m. each day.  The webinar will end shortly after the Council adjourns each day.

HUDSON CANYON:  Under Other Business on Thursday, June 30, 2022, the Council will receive a presentation from the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries on NOAA’s initiation of the scoping process to consider designating a national marine sanctuary in the Hudson Canyon area.  The Council will discuss and approve scoping comments, which are due August 8, 2022.

PUBLIC COMMENT OPPORTUNITIES:  The Council wants to hear from you.  Here’s how you can let the Council know what you think.

  • WRITE A LETTER:  The deadline for submitting written comments for consideration at this meeting is 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 23, 2022.  Please note that written comments mustaddress items listed on the agenda for this meeting.
  • TALK TO THE COUNCIL:  You’ll be able to address the Council directly through two different avenues:
  1. By commenting on motions at the discretion of the Council chair (if commenting remotely, raise your hand on the webinar and unmute yourself when called upon); and
  2. By speaking during the open period for public comment.  Here are the Guidelines for Providing Public Comment.
  • OPEN PERIOD FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:  On Thursday, June 30, 2022 at 2:45 p.m., the Council will offer the public an opportunity to provide comments on issues relevant to Council business but not listed on this agenda.  Given the Council’s busy meeting schedule, we ask that you limit remarks to 3-5 minutes.
    • SIGN UP:  Interested in speaking?  If attending in person, fill out the sign-up sheet on the table at the entrance to the Council meeting room.  To speak remotely, email Janice Plante at jplante@nefmc.org to get on the list.

WEBINAR REGISTRATION:  Online access to the meeting is available at Listen Live.  There is no charge to access the meeting through this webinar.

  • Here are instructions in the Remote Participation Guide for successfully joining and participating in the webinar.
  • THIS IS KEY!  If you want to speak during opportunities for public comment, you need to: (1) register for the webinar; and (2) actually “join” the webinar.  People who call in by telephone without joining the webinar will be in listen-only mode.  Those who take both steps – register and then join the webinar – will see the meeting screen and be able to click on a “raise hand” button, which will let the meeting organizer know you want to be unmuted to speak.
  • We have a Help Desk in case you get stuck joining the webinar or have trouble along the way.  Phone numbers are listed on the Help Desk Poster, or just email helpdesk@nefmc.org and we’ll get right back to you.

CALL-IN OPTION:  To listen by telephone without joining the webinar, dial +1 (562) 247-8422.  The access code is 308-632-643.  Please be aware that if you dial in, your regular phone charges will apply.  Remember, you will not be able to speak if you do not first join the webinar as described above.  This phone number provides a “listen-only” option without the webinar component.

AGENDA:  All meeting materials and the agenda are available on the Council’s website at NEFMC June 28-30, 2022 meeting.  Additional documents will be posted as they become available.

THREE MEETING OUTLOOK:  A copy of the New England Council’s Three Meeting Outlook is available HERE.

COUNCIL MEETING QUESTIONS:  Anyone with questions prior to or during the Council meeting should contact Janice Plante at (607) 592-4817, jplante@nefmc.org.

NEFMC SSC – Listen Live – Tuesday, June 7, 2022 – Research Priorities, Monkfish, Groundfish ABC Control Rules, Climate Plan

June 3, 2022 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee will meet by webinar to discuss the Council’s 2022-2026 Research Priorities and several other important issues.  The public is invited to listen live.  Here are the details.

WHEN:  Tuesday, June 7, 2022

START TIME:  1:00 p.m.

WEBINAR REGISTRATION:  Online access to the meeting is available at Listen Live.  There is no charge to access the meeting through this webinar.  The Remote Participation Guide is posted here.

CALL-IN OPTION:  To listen by telephone, dial +1 (631) 992-3221.  The access code is 827-025-783.  Please be aware that if you dial in using this number without joining the webinar at the link above, you will be unable to speak during opportunities for public comment.  Your regular phone charges will apply.

AGENDA:  The SSC will meet to:

  • Review the draft list of 2022-2026 Council Research Priorities and Data Needs and provide feedback;
  • Review the draft 2022 Monkfish Fishery Performance Report and provide comments;
  • Receive an update on the development of acceptable biological catch (ABC) control rule alternatives under consideration for the Northeast Multispecies (Groundfish) Fishery Management Plan;
  • Receive a presentation and provide comments on the NOAA Fisheries Northeast Climate Regional Action Plan; and
  • Consider other business as necessary.

MATERIALS:  All documents for this meeting are posted on the SSC June 7, 2022 meeting webpage.

QUESTIONS:  Contact Joan O’Leary at (978) 465-0492, ext. 101, joleary@nefmc.org or Janice Plante at (607) 592-4817, jplante@nefmc.org.

MASSACHUSETTS: Mayor Mitchell: Adopting scallop leasing proposal like opening Pandora’s Box. ‘Let’s not go there’

May 26, 2022 — A majority of scallopers, fishing industry stakeholders and elected officials again expressed vehement opposition to a leasing proposal on Wednesday, with New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell warning “don’t open Pandora’s box.”

More than 80 people attended the meeting before a regional fishery management council, about half the turnout of the first meeting. But more supporters provided public comment during the second meeting than did during the first, including Ronald Enoksen and Roy Enoksen of Eastern Fisheries, the world’s largest scallop company according to its website.

At certain points, the supporters’ comments drew booing or interjections from those against it, prompting a representative of the New England Fishery Management Council to remind them to remain respectful.

“I got nothing against anybody and apparently they have something against me. I’ve worked hard all my life. I’m not asking for handouts,” said Tony Alvernaz, who owns five vessels and supports leasing. As he started speaking, another vessel owner asked how much private equity is invested in his vessels.

Ronald Enoksen of Eastern Fisheries prefaced his comments by stating he is very much involved in the business and puts in 12- to 15-hour days, despite working for a corporation.

“We have problems right now. Things are going good, but we don’t know how much longer,” he said. “The water temperature, the pH is changing… the recruitment is not the same as historically it has been… we’re going to lose more bottom to the wind farms,” he said. “We need more, better operational flexibility.”

Read the full story at the New Bedford Light