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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.

NEFMC Seeks Contractor to Help Plan and Convene 8th National Scientific Coordination Subcommittee Workshop

February 13, 2024 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council is looking for an independent contractor to assist with planning and convening a national workshop and preparing the workshop proceedings.

 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: The application deadline is 8:00 a.m. on Monday, March 11, 2024. This is a temporary contractor role, commencing on or about March 18, 2024. Work is expected to be completed by December 31, 2024.

 

WHAT IS THIS WORKSHOP ABOUT:  The Scientific Coordination Subcommittee (SCS) of the Council Coordination Committee is convening its 8th workshop, known as “SCS8.” The workshop is being organized by a steering committee that includes Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) members and staff from each of the eight U.S. Regional Fishery Management Councils and NOAA Fisheries. The workshop theme is: Applying ABC control rules in a changing environment.

 

WHEN AND WHERE: The New England Council is hosting this three-day public workshop August 26-28, 2024 at the Seaport Hotel in Boston, MA. About 70 people are expected to attend in person with additional participation through a listen-only webinar option.

 

WHAT IS THE CONTRACTOR’S ROLE: The contractor will: (1) assist with planning all phases of the workshop; (2) convene and attend the workshop in August 2024; and (3) draft a workshop proceedings report. The contractor will work closely with Dr. Rachel Feeney, coordinator of the New England Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee. Work will be conducted in collaboration with SSC Chair Dr. Lisa Kerr and Council staff.

 

  • Further details about the contractor’s responsibilities under the three distinct phases of this work are outlined in the request for proposals.

 

DESIRED EXPERIENCE AND DEMONSTRATED SKILLS: The Council is seeking applicants with, among other skills:

 

  • Demonstrated experience in event planning or meeting convening with the ability to manage logistics for conferences or meetings with over 20 attendees;
  • Strong writing and speaking skills;
  • A demonstrated ability to summarize complex topics and recommendations in clear, easily read documents;
  • Familiarity with the use of scientific information in the fishery management process; and
  • A general knowledge and understanding of federal fisheries management, stock assessment, and catch advice recommendations (preferred but not required).

 

WHY IS THE WORKSHOP THEME ABOUT ABC CONTROL RULES: The SCS8 theme is of interest to all eight U.S. Regional Fishery Management Councils, SSCs, and NOAA Fisheries. It’s an appropriate follow-up to the 7th SCS workshop on Adapting Fisheries Management to a Changing Ecosystem. 

 

A core function of each Council’s SSC is to provide recommendations for setting acceptable biological catch (ABC) consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Act and the ABC control rules established in fishery management plans. Applying ABC control rules in a manner that consistently achieves management goals has become increasingly difficult as climate change has influenced rapidly changing environments.

 

The SCS8 workshop will focus on exploring strategies to adapt ABC control rules given the highly variable and changing dynamics of climate, recruitment, and productivity.

 

APPLICATION SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS: Interested professionals are encouraged to submit a letter of interest, current resume or CV for all members who will work under the contract, and a proposed budget for this work.

 

Letters of interest and supporting materials should be addressed to Executive Director Cate O’Keefe, NEFMC, 50 Water Street, Mill 2, Newburyport, MA 01950. Email submissions should be sent to cokeefe@nefmc.org. Questions concerning this proposal should be directed to the same email address.

 

IMPORTANT REMINDER: All application materials must be received no later than 8:00 a.m. on March 11, 2024. Additional details are described in the request for proposals

NEFMC Seeks Candidates for Multiple Fishery Analyst and Fishery Specialist Staff Positions

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

The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) seeks candidates for multiple fishery analyst and fishery specialist positions, focusing on the management of Atlantic sea scallops, groundfish, and habitat, as well as climate-resilient fisheries management.

 
APPLICATION DEADLINE: The application deadline is Saturday, March 16, 2024. The anticipated hiring date is in April/May 2024.
 
POSITION DESCRIPTION: These are highly visible positions that provide an opportunity to further develop professional skills and support fishery management actions to be implemented by federal agencies. Selected candidates will work closely with Council members, as well as other professionals from states and federal government, members of the fishing industry, stakeholder groups, and academic institutions.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ANALYST / SPECIALIST:
 
  • Lead/Support the development of fishery management actions by the Council;
  • Lead/Assist in the preparation of documents, including National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) documentation, technical reports, meeting summaries, and public presentations;
  • Compile and analyze fisheries, environmental, biological, social, economic, or other technical data using databases and statistical analysis software;
  • Communicate technical concepts effectively to decision-makers and the public;
  • Work collaboratively with members of the fishing industry and fisheries and social scientists;
  • Assist in the preparation for and conduct of public meetings; and
  • Conduct other tasks as assigned.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ANALYST:
 
In addition to listed items above, fishery analysts will:
 
  • Participate in regional stock assessment and scientific processes as a representative of the Council staff;
  • Convene and facilitate public meetings and workshops related to climate-resilient fisheries management;
  • Prepare technical reports on the Council’s advancements of climate-resilient management actions; and
  • Assist in development of a 5-year holistic strategic plan for the Council.
 
HOW TO APPLY: Applications will be accepted via email (preferred) to sgoutier@nefmc.org or by U.S. mail until the closing date of March 16, 2024.
 
Please send a cover letter indicating the position you are applying for (analyst or specialist), an example of your writing, and a resume or CV detailing education and experiences.
 
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.

NEFMC Receives Update on Joint Action to Reduce Sturgeon Bycatch in Monkfish and Spiny Dogfish Gillnet Fisheries

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

The New England Fishery Management Council received a progress report during its January 2024 meeting on an action that’s being developed to reduce the bycatch of Atlantic sturgeon in the large-mesh gillnet fisheries for monkfish and spiny dogfish.

The New England Council is working on the measures with the Mid-Atlantic Council because the two Councils jointly manage both fisheries. The Councils are expected to take final action during their respective April Council meetings.

The proposed alternatives focus on time/area closures and/or gear modifications, which include soak time limitations for dogfish gillnets and net modifications for monkfish gillnets. The measures would apply only to the commercial fishery. Here is the draft document.

Once finalized by the Councils in April, the measures will be submitted to NOAA Fisheries for review and implementation as:

• Framework Adjustment 15 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan, which the New England Council has the lead for; and

• Framework Adjustment 6 to the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan, which the MidAtlantic Council has the lead for.

NEFMC January 30-February 1, 2024 Meeting – Portsmouth, NH – Listen Live

January 22, 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, January 30 through Thursday, February 1, 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:  The Venue at Portwalk Place, Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

START TIME:  9:00 a.m. all three days.  The Council will meet briefly in closed session on Tuesday morning.  The webinar will end shortly after the Council adjourns each day.

COUNCIL PUBLIC OUTREACH:  Join the Council on Tuesday, January 30 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 on the lobby level of the AC Hotel, 299 Vaughan Street, which is a four-minute walk from the Council meeting room at The Venue at Portwalk Place.  All are welcome.  Light snacks will be provided.

OFFSHORE WIND:  After the Council concludes its business on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, fisheries liaisons from several offshore wind energy development companies will host an informational meet-and-greet event at Hampton Inn & Suites.  The hotel is across the alley from the Council’s meeting venue.  All are welcome to attend.

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, January 25, 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
  1. By speaking during the open period for public comment.  Here are the Guidelines for Providing Public Comment.
  • OPEN PERIOD FOR PUBLIC COMMENT:  On Tuesday, January 30, 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.

  • 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 (415) 655-0052.  The access code is 607-102-343.  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 atNEFMC January 30-February 1, 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.

US scallop fishery granted higher quota in 2024, but market remains hard to predict

January 9, 2024 — The New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) officially granted a quota increase and established new rules for the upcoming 2024 scallop fishing season in the Northeast U.S.

The fishery – one of the most valuable in the U.S. – has experienced decreasing quotas for the past four years after a historically high harvest in 2019 saw the fishery land over 60 million pounds. This year, the council predicts the fishery will catch roughly 27.4 million pounds in the upcoming fishing season, with roughly 24.2 million pounds of that coming from the limited access component of the fishery.

Read the full article at SeafoodSource