Saving Seafood

NEFMC: Scallop Research Set-Aside Program to Support 14 New Projects; Several 2024 Announcements Include Multi-Year Awards

May 2, 2024 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The Atlantic Sea Scallop Research Set-Aside (RSA) Program will support 14 new projects that were selected from the 2024 RSA solicitation. Several awards will support multi-year research, including a four-year regional survey effort. The set-aside harvest is expected to generate $22 million in revenue. Of that total, $5 million will fund the targeted research and $17 million will compensate industry partners who harvest the set-aside scallops. To determine the award amounts, the price of sea scallops was projected to average $14 per pound of meats.

Council Priorities and Research Partners

Seven different institutions will lead the projects, partnering with fishermen, fishing businesses, and non-profit fishery research organizations. The new RSA projects address 2024-2025 research priorities identified by the New England Fishery Management Council in June 2023. At that meeting, the Council asked NOAA Fisheries to modify the Scallop RSA Program to allow for longer-term RSA awards for regional survey work, which the agency accommodated in this latest round of funding with a four-year award. Other Council priorities are listed here on page 1. RSA-funded scallop surveys have been a long-standing priority. They have become increasingly important in: (1) providing information that directly helps scientists determine the status and distribution of the resource; and (2) guiding the Council in making management decisions for this valuable resource.

The new awards were announced on May 2, 2024 by the Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (GARFO) of NOAA Fisheries. The Council and NOAA Fisheries work together to support the Scallop Research Set-Aside Program. While the Council sets the research priorities, NOAA Fisheries manages the RSA competition and administers the program.

Read the full release from the NEFMC

Groundfish: Council Begins Work on Amendment 25 to Add Four Atlantic Cod Assessment Units to Management Plan

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

The New England Fishery Management Council has agreed to develop a new amendment to the Northeast Multispecies (Groundfish) Fishery Management Plan (FMP) to incorporate four new Atlantic cod assessment units into the FMP.

This action, now designated as Amendment 25, was discussed during the Council’s April 16-18, 2024 meeting in Mystic, Connecticut. It is the first step in the Council’s work to adjust the way it manages Atlantic cod based on the new scientific understanding of the composition of this species.

The Council will receive a progress report on Amendment 25 during its June 2024 meeting in Freeport, Maine. It expects to take final action in September 2024 when it meets again in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

IMPORTANT: This amendment will NOT modify the current management units for cod. It is intended to be a simple action to add the new assessment units to the management plan. Currently, the FMP identifies two cod stocks: Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank. The amendment will modify the plan to instead identify:

• Eastern Gulf of Maine cod;
• Western Gulf of Maine cod, including winter and spring spawners;
• Georges Bank cod under new assessment boundaries; and
• Southern New England cod (see graphic below).

Northern Edge of Georges Bank: Council Narrows Range of Scallop Access Concept Areas for Further Analysis

April 20, 2024 — The following was released by New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council has narrowed the range of options to be further analyzed in a draft framework action to potentially allow scallop fishery access to the Northern Edge of Georges Bank. This potential access would occur inside the Habitat Management Area, which is currently off limits to scallop fishing.

During its April 16-18, 2024 meeting in Mystic, Connecticut, the Council reviewed extensive information related to four different “concept areas” initially developed for discussion. The Council then voted to remove Concept Area 1 and Concept Area 3 from the mix. The Council concluded that Areas 1 and 3 were inconsistent with the goal and objectives of the framework. The background information presented to the Council included:

  • Historic distribution of scallops in the Northern Edge region, scallop biomass estimates within each concept area, and the size of each area;
  • Dominant types of sediment in each area – sand, pebble, cobble, and/or boulder –to define high complexity bottom;
  • Estimates of habitat disturbance from scallop fishing activity based on the Fishing Effects Model and estimates of
    habitat recovery time under various fishing scenarios; and
  • Enforceability of concept area boundaries.

The Council also: (1) considered recommendations from its Scallop and Habitat Committees, Scallop and Habitat Advisory Panels, and Enforcement Committee; and (2) took into account the Scallop and Habitat Committees’ rationale for recommending removal of Concept Areas 1 and 3.

NEFMC: Last Call for Atlantic Herring Amendment 10 Scoping Comments

April 18, 2024 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council is wrapping up the scoping period for Amendment 10 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan. Amendment 10 is an action to: (1) minimize user conflicts, contribute to optimum yield, and support rebuilding of Atlantic herring; and (2) enhance river herring and shad avoidance and catch reduction.

Two opportunities remain to offer input on the potential range and direction of this amendment.

  • Join the April 22, 2024 Webinar: This is a webinar-only meeting that begins at 6:00 p.m. Here’s the link to register for the webinar. Voice your positions and offer suggestions during this final scoping session.
  • Write a Letter: Let the Council know your thoughts by letter or email. All written comments must be received by the Council no later than 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Written comments should be addressed to Executive Director Cate O’Keefe and mailed or emailed to:

New England Fishery Management Council 50 Water Street, Mill #2
Newburyport, Massachusetts 01950
comments@nefmc.org
** Please label your letter or email as “Atlantic Herring Amendment 10 Scoping Comments.” **

Council Schedules Three Facilitated Workshops to Solicit Public Input on Atlantic Cod Management Transition Plan

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

The New England Fishery Management Council will host three in-person public workshops to identify challenges and begin discussing ideas for how to address Atlantic cod management considering that, moving forward, Atlantic cod will be assessed as four biological stock units instead of two.

The Council used to receive stock assessments for Gulf of Maine cod and Georges Bank cod. It now will receive stock assessments for: (1) Western Gulf of Maine cod; (2) Georges Bank cod under new stock boundaries; (3) Eastern Gulf of Maine cod; and (4) Southern New England cod.

As a result, the Council must deal with these new biological stock units on a management level. The three workshops will offer fishermen and other stakeholders an opportunity to weigh in before the Council begins formulating alternatives under Phase 2 of the Atlantic Cod Management Transition Plan.

NEFMC April 16-18, 2024 Meeting – Mystic, CT – Listen Live, View Documents

April 8, 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, April 16 through Thursday, April 18, 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:  Hilton Mystic in Mystic, Connecticut.

START TIME:  10:00 a.m. on Tuesday and 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday and Thursday.  The webinar will end shortly after the Council adjourns each day.

*** Please take note of the following highlighted items. ***

NORTHERN EDGE / SCALLOPS / HABITAT:  The Council has reserved a large block of time on Tuesday, April 16 for an afternoon-long discussion on: (1) the analysis of concept areas for potential scallop fishery access to the habitat closure area on the Northern Edge of Georges Bank; and (2) possible Council action or direction on next steps.  In advance of this agenda item, the Council will hear from its Enforcement Committee, which developed feedback on, among other issues, the enforceability of the Northern Edge concept areas.  Anyone with a stake or interest in the outcome of this discussion is encouraged to attend the meeting in person or join the webinar.

COUNCIL PUBLIC OUTREACH:  Join the Council on Tuesday, April 16, 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 in the restaurant/lobby area of the Hilton Mystic, right down the hall from the Council’s meeting room.  All are welcome.  Light snacks will be provided.

OFFSHORE WIND:  On Wednesday, April 17 at 1:45 p.m., the Council will receive short updatesfrom Ørsted, SouthCoast Wind, Avangrid, and Vineyard Wind about the status of their offshore wind projects, related surveys, fisheries mitigation programs, and other topics.

ATLANTIC HERRING AMENDMENT 10 SCOPING MEETING:  The Council will hold a public scoping meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17 on Amendment 10 to the Atlantic Fishery Management Plan.  The meeting will be held in person at the Hotel Mystic with a webinar option.  Visit the Amendment 10 webpage for more information.

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, April 11, 2024. 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
  1. By speaking during the open period for public comment.  Here are the Guidelines for Providing Public Comment.
  • OPEN PERIOD FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:  On Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.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.
  • 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 (562) 247-8422.  The access code is 837-291-781.  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 April 16-18, 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.

Forum to feature NEFMC talk on Atlantic cod and herring, Gulf of Maine scallops on Friday

February 29, 2024 — The New England Fishery Management Council will be taking part in seminars Friday on Atlantic herring, Gulf of Maine scallops and Atlantic cod at the 49th Maine Fishermen’s Forum.

Attendees on Friday can meet some council members and staff at sessions about Atlantic cod, the Northern Gulf of Maine scallop fishery and Atlantic herring, while taking part in an open forum with federal fishery management leaders on topics of interest to fishers, according to the Newburyport-based council.

The forum takes place in-person this year at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine. It started Feb. 29 and runs through Saturday, March 2.

Council Chair Eric Reid and Executive Director Cate O’Keefe are participating in the leadership session along with NOAA Fisheries officials.

Gloucester Fisheries Commission Executive Director Al Cottone, a commercial fisherman, is attending the meeting in Maine.

Read the full article at Gloucester Times

NEFMC Seeks Contractor to Facilitate Atlantic Cod Management Transition Workshops – Apply by March 15, 2024

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

The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is looking for an independent contractor to facilitate public workshops related to its Atlantic Cod Management Transition Plan.

APPLICATION DEADLINE – TIME SENSITIVE: The application deadline is March 15, 2024. This is a temporary position, commencing on or about April 1, 2024. Work is expected to be completed by June 30, 2024.

WHAT IS THE CONTRACTOR’S ROLE: The contractor will assist with: (1) planning and facilitating three public workshops; and (2) preparing a report summarizing the outcomes of the workshops. More specifically, the contractor will work with a representative of the Council and the Groundfish Plan Development Team to, among other duties:

  • Assist in developing a workshop agenda, format, and scope to be applied at all three workshops;
  • Prepare workshop materials and organize workshop logistics;
  • Serve as the lead facilitator at the workshops, a role that includes moderating discussions, ensuring meeting norms, and encouraging stakeholder engagement;
  • Prepare a brief summary of each workshop that includes: (a) participant information, (b) a list of identified challenges, opportunities, and questions, and (c) a summary of recommendations, all to be delivered within one week of each workshop’s completion; and
  • Prepare a workshop report collating information from the three workshops. A draft report should be submitted by June 10, 2024, and the final report should be submitted by June 30, 2024.

WHY IS THE COUNCIL HOLDING THESE WORKSHOPS: Atlantic cod historically has been assessed as two biological units – Gulf of Maine cod and Georges Bank cod. However, based on the conclusions of an interdisciplinary working group and a new Atlantic Cod Research Track Stock Assessment, Atlantic cod will be assessed as four biological units going forward, beginning with the June 2024 Management Track Stock Assessments.

To address this profound change on the science side, the Council embarked on a multiyear effort to develop a transition plan to determine how best to manage Atlantic cod under the new stock structure. In order to ensure stakeholder engagement through the Atlantic cod management transition planning efforts, the Council made it a priority to conduct at least one focused workshop in the first half of 2024 to “identify challenges and develop alternatives for addressing Atlantic cod management considering the new biological units.”

THREE WORKSHOPS: The Council decided to hold three workshops to cover a broad geographic range of stakeholders.  The workshops will take place in April and May 2024 with one in Portland, Maine, one in Gloucester, Massachusetts, and one in the Providence, Rhode Island area. All workshops will be held in-person. The same agenda and format will be applied at all workshops with flexibility to adjust to meet specific regional needs.

WHAT WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE WORKSHOPS: The Atlantic Cod Management Transition Plan will be carried out through two phases. Phase I will address measures to be implemented for the 2025 groundfish fishing year.  Phase II will focus on long-term management measures for Atlantic cod.

Workshop attendees will:

  • Consider changes in allocation of quota among fishery participants across the commercial and recreational sectors;
  • Address potential measures to enhance cod productivity by protecting spawning cod; and
  • Consider future changes in stock distribution under climate drivers.

CONTRACTOR SKILLS AND APPLICATION SUBMISSION INFORMATION: A full description of the desired experience and demonstrated skills from the contractor can be found in the request for proposals (RFP). Application submission information also can be found in the RFP.  Remember, the application deadline March 15, 2024.

Atlantic Herring: Council Updates Amendment 10 Problem Statement; Approves Scoping Document and Meeting Schedule

February 20, 2024 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council will hold six scoping meetings in March and April 2024 to solicit input on the range of alternatives to be considered under Amendment 10 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan. Amendment 10 is an action to minimize user conflicts, contribute to optimum yield, and support rebuilding of Atlantic herring. This action also will enhance river herring and shad avoidance and catch reduction. The deadline for submitting written comments is 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 30, 2024

The Council approved the scoping meeting schedule and scoping document for Amendment 10 when it met January 30- February 1, 2024 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Both files are posted on the Amendment 10 webpage.

During that meeting, the Council also revised the problem statement for this action to include consideration of river herring and shad avoidance and catch reduction alternatives (see next page for full description).

Come Join Us at the 49th Maine Fishermen’s Forum to Talk About Atlantic Cod, Atlantic Herring, Gulf of Maine Scallops

February 20, 2024 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council will be participating in four seminars at this year’s in-person Maine Fishermen’s Forum, which is taking place February 29-March 2, 2024 at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine.

Come meet some of our Council members and staff at sessions about:  (1) Atlantic cod; (2) the Northern Gulf of Maine scallop fishery; (3) Atlantic herring; and (4) an open forum with federal fishery management leaders on topics of interest to fishermen. Council Chair Eric Reid and Executive Director Cate O’Keefe are participating in the leadership session along with NOAA Fisheries officials.

NOTE: All four of the Council-related seminars are scheduled for Friday, March 1, 2024 (see poster at right). Detailed descriptions can be found here. An all-day offshore wind seminar will be held on Thursday, February 29, 2024. Atlantic Cod Management Transition Planning: Learn about the Council’s work to address management questions associated with the new scientific understanding that Atlantic cod is made up of four biological units instead of two.

Northern Gulf of Maine (NGOM) Scallops: This session will provide information about: (1) recent surveys in the NGOM Management Area; (2) the 2024 fishery in the federal waters portion of the NGOM area; (3) scallops on Stellwagen Bank; and (4) a proposed increase in vessel monitoring system ping rates, plus more.

Atlantic Herring Scoping Meeting: The Council will be conducting an official scoping meeting on Amendment 10 to the Atlantic herring plan. This action is intended to minimize user conflicts, support Atlantic herring rebuilding, address river herring/shad avoidance, and more. The Council is looking for early-stage public input.