Saving Seafood

NOAA Fisheries Cancels Three Research Surveys

July 10, 2020 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

Due to the uncertainties created by the COVID-19 pandemic and the unique challenges those are creating for NOAA Fisheries, we are cancelling three research surveys off the Northeast United States. The cancelled surveys include those for sea scallop, Atlantic surfclam/ocean quahog, and an advanced technology survey investigating the ocean’s mesopelagic layer—the “twilight zone.”

These are difficult decisions for the agency as we strive to balance our need to maintain core mission responsibilities with the realities and impacts of the current health crisis.

Since March, we have been rigorously analyzing various options for conducting cruises this year and are taking a survey-by-survey, risk-based approach. After much deliberation, we determined that there was no way to move forward with these surveys while effectively minimizing risk and meeting core survey objectives.

Read the full release here

Near-Infrared Technology Identifies Fish Species from Otoliths

July 7, 2020 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

Aim a beam of near-infrared light at an otolith, and it reflects a literal spectrum of information on the biological and environmental history of a fish.

NOAA Fisheries scientists are developing ways to use near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) analysis of otoliths (fish ear stones) to provide accurate information for sustainable fisheries management faster. NIRS has already proven its value as a time- and cost-effective method to determine the age of fish.

Now, for the first time, scientists have used NIRS analysis of otoliths to identify fish species and populations. The new technique successfully differentiated 13 marine fish species from four large marine ecosystems around the country.

“Our study shows the potential of NIRS as a fast and reliable method of identifying fish species and populations,” said Irina Benson, Alaska Fisheries Science Center biologist. She led the study with Age and Growth Program colleague Thomas Helser and Beverly Barnett of the Southeast Fisheries Science Center. “This technology could provide information for stock assessment and management faster than traditional methods. It expands the possibilities for collecting data to support ecological studies. It is a big step forward for NOAA Fisheries’ strategic initiative to develop NIRS technology for fisheries science.” 

Read the full release here

DeFazio Urges NOAA to Reinstate Observer Waiver for West Coast Seafood Industry

July 7, 2020 — Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., last week sent a letter to NOAA Fisheries, blasting its decision to reinstate the waiver for observer and catch monitor requirements for the Greater Atlantic Region without reinstating it for the West Coast Region.

“I am appalled that NOAA Fisheries seems to believe that those in the Pacific Coast fishing industry deserve less protection from COVID-19 than their New England counterparts,” DeFazio said in a press release. “The pandemic is far from over, and the economic and health risk of having additional personnel on board fishing vessels during this public health crisis outweighs the limited and temporary loss of data from waiving the observer requirements. I urge NOAA to reverse this wrong-headed decision and work to put proper preventative measures in place in the West Coast region to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

Read the full story at Seafood News

FB20-040: Request for Comments: Proposed Rule to Revise the Annual Catch Limit for Gray Snapper in the Gulf of Mexico

July 6, 2020 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

KEY MESSAGE:

NOAA Fisheries requests your comments on a proposed rule implementing regulations from Amendment 51 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico (Amendment 51). The proposed rule would reduce the annual catch limit for Gulf of Mexico gray snapper. This rule would not change any existing gray snapper bag limits or size limits. Amendment 51 established or revised overfished and overfishing thresholds. Overfishing is when too many fish are being caught and overfished is when the number of fish in a population is too low.

Comments are due by August 5, 2020.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES:

The proposed rule would reduce the annual catch limit from 2.42 million pounds whole weight (mp ww) to 2.24 mp ww for the 2020 fishing year, and 2.23 mp ww for 2021 and subsequent fishing years.

HOW TO COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED RULE:

The comment period is open now through August 5, 2020. You may submit comments by electronic submission or by postal mail. Comments sent by any other method (such as e-mail), to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NOAA Fisheries.

Read the full release here

Ocean-Going Robots Poised to Enter Bering Sea to Start Unconventional Fisheries Survey

July 2, 2020 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

Three saildrones left Alameda, California in May and have arrived at Unimak Pass in Alaska’s remote Aleutian Islands. The ocean drones have sailed nearly 2,700 miles at a walking pace, about 2.5 miles per hour (2 knots), which is just about the distance from Seattle to Miami. Once they navigate through the pass, the drones will enter the Bering Sea. This is where they will conduct a two month-long acoustic survey of walleye pollock. They are expected to reach their first survey station in about a week.

Several key standard manned-vessel surveys were cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The data the drones collect will help to fill in the gap for fisheries stock assessment scientists who monitor the changes in pollock populations to advise fisheries management. The sonar measurements made by the ocean drones will provide valuable insights on pollock abundance and distribution in 2020.

Stay tuned. We will share more when ocean drones reach their destination.

Read the full release here

In Career Protecting Fish, No Such Thing as a “No Win”

July 2, 2020 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

In 2007 Ken Phippen watched the removal of Savage Rapids Dam get underway on Oregon’s Rogue River. It reopened more than 150 miles of habitat to protected salmon and steelhead. It was a monumental achievement for salmon conservation on the Rogue. Many hoped it would be only the first of several dams to come out.

The NOAA Fisheries Oregon Branch Chief turned to a colleague and said there was more work to do. Phippen also had his sights set on another outdated Rogue River Dam that impeded fish passage: Gold Ray.

“You’re dreaming, Ken,” his colleague said.

Maybe so, but by 2010 Gold Ray had come down too. In a matter of three years, four main Rogue River dams had come out. That largely returned the signature southern Oregon river to its wild state. It gave its prized Chinook and coho salmon—as well as other fish runs—free reign across more than 500 miles of their historic habitat.

It was the biggest series of dam removals in the western United States at that point. This was before the removal of even larger dams on the Elwha River in Washington shortly afterwards.

Rogue River salmon responded. Within a few weeks they were spawning again in gravel that had long been submerged behind a dam. Their numbers boomed, rejuvenating fisheries as well as the ecosystem of the legendary river.

Phippen is quick to give much of the credit to a strong coalition of conservation groups that also pressed for dam removal. He also credits colleagues in NOAA Fisheries’ Oregon Coast Branch based in Roseburg. Still, the success reflects Phippen’s attitude towards large, ambitious, and often bold undertakings: where there is a will, there is a way.

Read the full release here

Department of Commerce Announces 2020 Appointments to the Regional Fishery Management Councils

July 2, 2020 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

The U.S. Department of Commerce today announced the appointment of 22 members to the regional fishery management councils that partner with NOAA Fisheries to manage marine fishery resources.

Established by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, councils are responsible for developing region-specific fishery management plans that safeguard and enhance the nation’s fisheries resources. Council members represent diverse groups, including commercial and recreational fishing industries, environmental organizations, and academia. They are vital to fulfilling the act’s requirements to end overfishing, rebuild fish stocks, and manage them sustainably.

NOAA Fisheries works closely with the councils through the process of developing fishery management plans. We also review, approve, and implement the plans.

Each year, the Secretary of Commerce appoints approximately one-third of the total 72 appointed members to the eight regional councils. The Secretary selects members from nominations submitted by the governors of fishing states, territories and tribal governments.

Council members are appointed to both state-specific and regional seats—also known as obligatory and at-large seats, respectively.  Council members serve a three-year term and may be reappointed to serve three consecutive terms.

Read the full release here

Fishermen Reminded of New Regulations as July Red Snapper Opening Approaches

July 1, 2020 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Offshore fishing has proven to be a popular way to practice social distancing this summer while bringing some fish back to the table. To provide released fish a better chance of surviving, new regulations encouraging the use of descending devices and additional hook specifications designed to reduce release mortality are being implemented by NOAA Fisheries.

Effective July 15, 2020, a descending device must be on board and readily available for use (attached to minimum of 60-feet of line with at least a 16-ounce weight) when targeting snapper grouper species in federal waters in the South Atlantic. Descending devices help reduce the effects of barotrauma, a condition that occurs when a fish is rapidly reeled up from depth. Changes in pressure cause the fish’s swim bladder to expand, filling the body cavity with air and preventing the fish from swimming back down. Signs of barotrauma include protrusion of the stomach from the fish’s mouth, bulging eyes, anal prolapse and bubbling scales. A descending device can quickly be used to transport the fish back to depth, greatly improving its chances of survival.

In addition to requiring descending devices to help reduce release mortality, beginning July 15, 2020 , non-offset, non-stainless-steel circle hooks are required when fishing for snapper grouper species with hook-and-line gear with natural baits north of 28 degrees N. latitude (approximately 25 miles south of Cape Canaveral, Florida). The new regulations also require that all hooks must be non-stainless steel when fishing for snapper grouper species with such gear in federal waters in the South Atlantic. The new requirements for descending devices and hooks apply to recreational fishermen as well as federally permitted for-hire and commercial snapper grouper vessels.

“We’ve consistently heard concerns from both commercial and recreational fishermen about the number of fish that must be released as catch limits are met and seasons closed,” said Mel Bell, Vice Chair of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. “It is difficult to avoid some of the co-occurring snapper grouper species such as Vermilion Snapper, Mutton Snapper, and Red Snapper. These new requirements are designed to increase awareness of best fishing practices and help reduce the number of fish that float away on any given fishing trip, a sight that no one wants to see,” explained Bell. The new descending device and hook requirements were implemented through Regulatory Amendment 29 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan. “The Council purposely crafted the definition of a descending device in a manner that gives fishermen the flexibility to create their own devices, likely using some items they have on hand,” explained Bell. “There are also several options available for purchase. I encourage people to visit the Council’s website to get additional information on requirements. The goal is to get fishermen accustomed to using the devices and reduce release mortality.”

Fishermen are encouraged to begin using descending devices and specified hooks prior to the opening of this year’s Red Snapper season. Beginning July 10, 11 and 12 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) and again Friday, July 17, 2020 recreational fishermen will have the opportunity to add a Red Snapper to table fare as the 4-day recreational season opens. Fishermen are limited to one fish per person per day with no minimum size limit. The commercial season will open July 13, 2020 with a 75-pound trip limit and no minimum size limit.

Join us on July 9 for a Saltonstall-Kennedy Grant Competition Webinar

July 1, 2020 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

Please join NOAA Fisheries on Thursday, July 9 from 4 to 5 pm ET for an informational webinar outlining the process for applying to the 2021 Saltonstall-Kennedy Grant Competition.  A Q&A session will follow immediately after the webinar presentation.

Webinar Information
Event: FY21 S-K Grant Competition
Meeting Information Link: https://noaanmfs-meets.webex.com/noaanmfs-meets/onstage/g.php?MTID=e543334d93fbb784c9d079bbb98c7f37b
Date and time: Thursday, July 9, 2020 4:00 pm
Event number: 199 412 8905
Audio conference: US Toll +1-415-527-5035
Access code: 199 412 8905

Thank you for your continued interest in the Saltonstall-Kennedy Grant Program.

Read the full release here

Northeast Fisheries Observer Waiver – Extension Through July 31, 2020

June 30, 2020 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

Although NOAA Fisheries had announced plans to resume observer deployments on July 1, we recognize the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve and as such, has required us to re-evaluate and adapt to changing circumstances. In response, NOAA Fisheries is extending the waiver granted to vessels with Greater Atlantic Region fishing permits to carry human observers or at-sea monitors through July 31, 2020.

This action is authorized by 50 CFR 648.11, which provides the Greater Atlantic Regional Administrator authority to waive observer requirements, and is also consistent with the criteria described in the agency’s emergency rule on observer waivers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We intend to begin redeploying observers and at-sea monitors on vessels fishing in northeast fisheries on August 1.  During the month of July, we will continue to work with regional observer and at-sea monitoring service providers to finalize their observer redeployment plans, conduct outreach with industry, and finalize our internal programs and policies that will support the safe and effective redeployment of observers and at-sea monitors in the region.

Observers and at-sea monitors are an essential component of commercial fishing operations and provide critical information that is necessary to keep fisheries open and to provide sustainable seafood to our nation during this time. We will continue to monitor all local public health notifications, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for updates. We are committed to protecting the public health and ensuring the safety of fishermen, observers, and others, while fulfilling our mission to maintain our nation’s seafood supply and conserving marine life.

As has been done throughout the rest of the country, it is the intent of NOAA Fisheries to begin redeploying observers as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.  While we intend to begin redeploying observers on August 1, we recognize that this public health crisis continues to evolve and changing conditions may warrant re-evaluating these plans.  Should our plans regarding re-deploying observers and at-sea monitors change, we will announce any changes as soon as practicable.