Saving Seafood

New England scallopers face a tough 2025

December 18, 2024 — New England scallopers are looking at another tough year in 2025, as they prepare for a set of federal regulations to protect both their livelihoods and the Atlantic Ocean’s scallop populations.

If approved by NOAA Fisheries, the new rules, called Scallop Framework 39, will reduce the number of times that full-time vessels can go drag in some federally-managed scalloping grounds — called “access areas” — in the 2025 fishing year. But they will allow these vessels more time to scallop in the open ocean. The start of the access-area scalloping season will also be pushed back from April 1 to May 15, 2025. It will end on March 31, 2026.

These proposed regulations are meant to conserve the fishery resource as it goes through a period of low productivity, regional fisheries managers say. They were developed by the New England Fishery Management Council.

Surveys showed the overall weight of harvestable scallops in New England waters dropped from 2023 to 2024.

Local scallopers and industry representatives say the contents of Framework 39 are not a surprise. Landings have been shrinking over the past four years.

“We’re just tightening the belt, and taking a deep breath, and riding the storm out,” said New Bedford scallop vessel manager and owner Tony Alvernaz.

Read the full story at The New Bedford Light

New England scallop quotas cut by 28 percent for 2025

December 16, 2024 — The New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) has finalized Framework 39 for the 2025 scallop fishing season, marking a significant moment for one of the Northeast’s most valuable fisheries. The decision sets annual projected landings at 19.75 million pounds, a substantial drop of nearly 28 percent compared to the 27.4 million pounds projected for 2024.

The reduction comes in response to scientific surveys conducted in 2024, which revealed significant declines in scallop biomass across key fishing grounds. Seafood Source shared that these surveys, performed by institutions such as the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, UMass Dartmouth School for Marine Science and Technology, Maine Department of Marine Resources, and the Coonamessett Farm Foundation, confirmed a troubling downward trend in harvestable stocks.

According to a NEFMC press release, the catch for 2025 is expected to generate approximately $348.25 million—a reflection of the fishery’s high value despite reduced harvests. The current outlook follows a steady decline in scallop landings since a peak of over 60 million pounds in 2019. In subsequent years, landings fell to 47.5 million pounds in 2020, 43 million in 2021, 31.5 million in 2022, and 24 million in 2023.

Read the full article at National Fisherman

NEFMC moves forward with cod changes despite fishermen’s protest

December 13, 2024 — The New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) has moved forward with Framework Adjustment 69, approving changes to the region’s cod fishery that fishermen claim will cause dire circumstances for the industry.

The council selected a series of preferred alternatives for Framework 69 of the Northeast Multispecies (Groundfish) Fishery Management Plan, which governs the region’s groundfishing stocks, including cod, haddock, flounder, hake, and pollock. Part of that framework was Amendment 25, which will change how cod is managed in the region and institute four separate cod stocks instead of the current two.

Read the full article at SeafoodSource

NTAP: MAFMC and NEFMC Seek Industry Representatives for Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel

December 13, 2024 — The following was released New England Fishery Management Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and New England Fishery Management Council are seeking applications from fishing industry representatives to fill two open seats on the Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel (NTAP). Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.

 
NTAP is a joint advisory panel of the New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils. The primary purpose of the panel is to provide advice and direction on the conduct of trawl research in the northeast region, with a focus on the multispecies bottom trawl survey conducted by NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC). NTAP also discusses and recommends research priorities, and members frequently participate in recommended research projects. NTAP has guided multiple studies that have improved information used in stock assessments.
 
The twenty-member panel includes Mid-Atlantic and New England Council members, scientists and fishing industry representatives appointed by each Council, representatives of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and NEFSC staff. Applications are currently being sought to fill the following open seats:
 
  • One fishing industry representative appointed by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council
  • One fishing industry representative appointed by the New England Fishery Management Council
 
Individuals with expertise in gear design and construction, trawl gear efficiency, trawl mensuration, commercial trawl fisheries, or survey design are encouraged to apply.
 
Applications can be downloaded at https://www.mafmc.org/ntap. The completed application should be submitted tohhart@mafmc.org by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.
 
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Hannah Hart, Mid-Atlantic Council staff, athhart@mafmc.org or (302) 526-5263.

Council Makes Spiny Dogfish Recommendation; Adopts 2025 Priorities; Receives Updates on Climate, Enforcement, More

December 12, 2024 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council met December 3-5, 2024 in Newport, Rhode Island and covered a wide range of topics. Here are some of the meeting highlights.

SPINY DOGFISH: The Council voted to recommend that NOAA Fisheries set the spiny dogfish acceptable biological catch (ABC) equal to the overfishing limit (OFL) for the 2025 fishing year. This is the highest limit allowed under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act’s (MSA) National Standard 1 Guidelines, which stipulate that ABC cannot exceed OFL.

On December 10, 2024, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council also voted to set the ABC at the overfishing limit. The resulting specifications package, if implemented by NOAA Fisheries, would result in a commercial quota of roughly 9.3 million pounds (see table at right). Spiny dogfish is managed jointly by the Mid-Atlantic and New England Councils. The Mid-Atlantic Council has the administrative lead for the fishery. In 2023, the two Councils developed specifications for the 2024-2026 fishing years for spiny dogfish.

However, in September 2024, the Mid-Atlantic Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) lowered its 2025-2026 ABC recommendations for spiny dogfish in response to updated projections using revised catch information. The SSC’s revised ABC recommendations were intended to keep in line with the MidAtlantic Council’s risk policy, which specifies a 46% chance of overfishing for a stock that’s just above its biomass target like spiny dogfish. Setting ABC at OFL would result in a 50% chance of overfishing, which is higher than generated under the Mid-Atlantic Council’s standard risk policy.

 

Groundfish: NEFMC Takes Final Action on Framework 69 With Catch Limits for Four New Atlantic Cod Stock Units

December 10, 2024 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council took final action on Framework Adjustment 69 to the Northeast Multispecies (Groundfish) Fishery Management Plan when it met in Newport, Rhode Island December 3-5, 2024. The framework contains catch limits and management measures for the 2025 fishing year and beyond.

The Council received three reports before beginning its decision-making on Framework 69:

  • The Northeast Fisheries Science Center presented the peer-reviewed results of 2024 Management Track Stock Assessments for American plaice, pollock, witch flounder, Atlantic halibut, Georges Bank haddock, and Gulf of Maine haddock;
  • The Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) presented overfishing limit (OFL) and acceptable biological catch (ABC) recommendations for each of those newly assessed stocks; and
  • The Transboundary Management Guidance Committee (TMGC) presented recommendations for U.S./Canada shared groundfish resources on Georges Bank.

Read the full release from the New England Fishery Management Council

Council advances plan to cut Northeast US scallop quota 28 percent

December 6, 2024 — The New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) voted to enact Framework 39 for the 2025 scallop fishing season – which includes a significant drop in the scallop allowable catch.

The Fisheries Survival Fund – which was established to advocate for the long-term sustainability of the Northeast U.S. scallop stock – supported the council’s decision and advocated for it to select Framework 39 before the council meeting. The organization said the allocations “reflect the need for pragmatic balancing” of fishing effort in the region to ensure the continued success of the fishery.

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell also wrote to the council in support of Framework 39. New Bedford, Massachusetts is consistently ranked among one of the top ports by value in the U.S. – in part thanks to the high value of the scallop fishery.

“The scallop industry is a cornerstone of New Bedford’s economy, supporting not only fishermen and their families, but also the numerous shoreside businesses that rely on its success,” Mitchell wrote.

Read the full story at Seafood Source

Scallops: NEFMC Signs Off on Framework 39 with Measures for Fishing Year 2025; May 15th Delayed Opening for Access Areas

December 5, 2024 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council took final action on Framework Adjustment 39 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan when it met December 3-5, 2024 in Newport, Rhode Island. The framework contains specifications and measures to guide the 2025 scallop fishing year, which begins on April 1. The action also includes default measures for fishing year 2026.

The framework must be reviewed, approved, and implemented by NOAA Fisheries before taking effect. Here are the Council’s recommended measures.

FULL-TIME LIMITED ACCESS VESSELS: The Council supported allocating full-time permit holders two access area trips in 2025 – one trip to Scallop Access Area I and the other trip to Scallop Access Area II. The Council endorsed a 12,000-pound trip limit, equating to 24,000 pounds total per vessel, as well as 24 open-area days-at-sea for this component of the scallop fishery.

PART-TIME LIMITED ACCESS VESSELS: Part-time permit holders would be allocated one access area trip into either Scallop Access Area I or Scallop Access Area II with a 9,600- pound trip limit, as well as 9.6 open-area days-at-sea.

Read the full release from the New England Fishery Management Council

NEFMC December 3-5, 2024 Meeting – Newport, RI – Listen Live, View Documents

November 26, 2024 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council will hold a three-day meeting from Tuesday, December 3 through Thursday, December 5, 2024.  This will be an in-person meeting coupled with a webinar option for individuals who cannot or prefer not to attend in person.  Please participate remotely if you do not feel well.

LOCATION:  Hotel Viking, Newport, Rhode Island.

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

COUNCIL PUBLIC OUTREACH:  Join the Council on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. for an informational exchange to foster open lines of communication among Council members, staff, industry, and meeting attendees.  The event will be held at the Hotel Viking just outside of the Council meeting room.  All are welcome.  Light snacks will be provided.

SEPARATE SPECIAL EVENT – NOAA WORKSHOP:  After the Council adjourns on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, the Northeast Fisheries Science Center and NOAA Office of Law Enforcement will conduct a workshop at roughly 6:00 p.m. titled “Ensuring a Safe Work Environment for Observers.”  This workshop will be held in person at the Hotel Viking with a webinar option.  More information is posted here.  The New England Council is not involved in the workshop, but NOAA Fisheries scheduled the event at the same hotel to facilitate participation by fishermen and others who are attending the Council meeting.

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 Wednesday, November 27, 2024. Please note that written comments must address 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 Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 1:45 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.
  • We have a Help Desk in case you get stuck joining the webinar or have trouble along the way.  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 (914) 614-3221.  The access code is 457-670-203.  Please be aware that if you dial in, your regular phone charges will apply.  This phone number provides a “listen-only” option without the webinar component.  You will not be able to speak if you do not first join the webinar.

AGENDA:  All meeting materials and the agenda are available on the Council’s website at NEFMC December 3-5, 2024 meeting webpage.  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.

Vacancy Announcement: NEFMC Seeks Candidates for Public Affairs Officer

October 28, 2024 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) seeks candidates for the position of Public Affairs Officer (PAO). This is a highly visible, dynamic position. The PAO is responsible for managing communications with the public and media. These responsibilities include developing working relationships with media representatives, coordinating communications with other fisheries management and government agencies, keeping the Council informed on pertinent issues, and leading the Council’s social media outlets.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 15, 2024

PUBIC AFFAIRS OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Serve as the first point of contact for the public and press and respond to inquiries appropriately;
  • Serve as the primary source of information about the Council process;
  • Develop and distribute Council communications, including press releases, general announcements, news updates, requests for proposals, vacancy solicitations, and reminders for upcoming meetings;
  • Develop and manage the Council’s social media outlets;
  • Maintain communications with NOAA Fisheries, partner agencies, and other management bodies;
  • Serve on regional and national communications groups and participate in group projects and communications tasking;
  • Support content on the Council website in coordination with the Council’s Webmaster;
  • Develop Council meeting agendas with input from staff and external presenters;
  • Collaborate with outside presenters on materials and logistics for Council meetings;
  • Monitor news coverage involving issues of relevance to the Council and staff;
  • Assist the Council’s technical staff as needed;
  • Support the Council’s administrative staff with Council meeting preparations;
  • Report directly to the Council’s Executive Director and conduct assigned tasks.

QUALIFICATIONS: A complete list of educational requirements, professional requirements, and needed analytical skills is available in the vacancy announcement.

HIRING DATE: The anticipated hiring date is January 2025.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applications must include a cover letter, at least two writing examples, and a resume detailing education and experiences. Address the submission package to Council Executive Director Cate O’Keefe and submit it by November 15, 2024:

  • Via email (preferred) to sgoutier@nefmc.org; or
  • Via U.S. mail to the New England Fishery Management Council, 50 Water Street, Mill 2, Newburyport, MA 01950

SPECIAL CONDITIONS: This is a non-federal position. Upon hiring, the selected applicant will enter an initial probationary period of one year during which performance will be evaluated by the Executive Director.