Saving Seafood

Habitat Restoration Projects Offer Protection from Flooding

April 8, 2021 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

Habitats like tidal marshes, coral reefs, and seagrass beds serve as natural infrastructure that can help protect our coastal communities from flooding, erosion, and storms. NOAA Fisheries works to restore habitat for coastal and marine species, and many of our restoration projects provide natural infrastructure benefits as well. Two NOAA Fisheries-supported habitat restoration projects that have helped reduce flooding are highlighted in a new resource from Engineering With Nature.

Almost half of the nation’s population lives near the coast. Many of these areas are at risk from flooding and rising sea levels. Natural infrastructure projects and other habitat restoration efforts offer communities a safe, effective, and affordable approach to coastal protection.

Engineering With Nature is an initiative of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It focuses on developing and implementing nature-based solutions for infrastructure, engineering, and water projects. “Engineering With Nature: An Atlas, Volume 2” is a new resource showcasing 62 projects from around the world. They illustrate how nature-based solutions can help reduce flooding while providing additional economic, environmental, and social benefits.

Two projects supported by NOAA Fisheries are highlighted in the atlas:

  • The Southern Flow Corridor project in Tillamook, Oregon
  • A series of dam removals on Mill River in Taunton, Massachusetts

Both of these efforts have provided flood protection benefits, in addition to benefiting fish and their habitats.

Read the full release here

New Slow Zone South of Martha’s Vineyard to Protect Right Whales

April 8, 2021 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

NOAA Fisheries announces a Slow Zone south of Martha’s Vineyard. On April 7, 2021 an aggregation of right whales was detected south of Martha’s Vineyard, MA by the NOAA North Atlantic Right Whale Sighting Survey. This right whale Slow Zone is in effect immediately through April 22, 2021.

Mariners are requested to route around this area or transit through it at 10 knots or less.

Slow Zone Coordinates:

South of Martha’s Vineyard, MA, April 7 – April 22, 2021 

40 42 N
40 02 N
070 45 W
071 34 W

See the coordinates for all the slow zones currently in effect.

Active Seasonal Management Areas 

Mandatory speed restrictions of 10 knots or less (50 CFR 224.105) are in effect in the following areas:

Cape Cod Bay, January 1 – May 15

Off Race Point, March 1 – April 30

Great South Channel, April 1 – July 31

November 1 – April 30

Block Island Sound 

Ports of New York/New Jersey

Entrance to the Delaware Bay
(Ports of Philadelphia and Wilmington)

Entrance to the Chesapeake Bay 
(Ports of Hampton Roads and Baltimore)

Ports of Morehead City and Beaufort, NC

Within a continuous area 20-nm from shore between Wilmington, North Carolina, to Brunswick, Georgia.

Find out more and get the coordinates for each mandatory slow speed zone.

Give Right Whales Room

North Atlantic right whales are on the move along the Atlantic coast of the U.S. NOAA is cautioning boaters and fishermen to give these endangered whales plenty of room. We are also asking all fishermen to be vigilant when maneuvering to avoid accidental collisions with whales and remove unused gear from the ocean to help avoid entanglements. Commercial fishermen should use vertical lines with required markings, weak links, and breaking strengths.

Right Whales in Trouble

North Atlantic right whales are protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Scientists estimate there are only about 400 remaining, making them one of the rarest marine mammals in the world.

North Atlantic right whales are NOAA Fisheries’ newest Species in the Spotlight. This initiative is a concerted, agency-wide effort to spotlight and save marine species that are among the most at risk of extinction in the near future. 

In August 2017, NOAA Fisheries declared the increase in right whale mortalities an “Unusual Mortality Event,” which helps the agency direct additional scientific and financial resources to investigating, understanding, and reducing the mortalities in partnership with the Marine Mammal Stranding Network, Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and outside experts from the scientific research community.

Read the full release here

Early Adopters: Positive Feedback from Commercial Fishermen Reporting Electronically

April 8, 2021 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

This fall, many commercial and all federally permitted for-hire fishermen will be required to report electronically rather than using paper logbooks. This will increase reporting efficiency, accuracy, and timeliness of the fisheries data we use to manage fish stocks in our region. Some fishermen have already begun to use electronic reporting and are finding it easy to use.

Captain Ryan Kelly, F/V Seaquestor II

Ryan Kelly is the owner/operator of the F/V Seaquestor II out of Barnegat Light, New Jersey. He has been reporting electronically on his iPhone for several years using our iOS Fish Online app.

Captain Kelly operates multiple fishing vessels and believes that reporting electronically is more efficient than using paper reports. Two of the things he likes best:

  • The automatic function that sends his reports quickly to federal or state agencies
  • The “quick pick” buttons for frequently used information so he doesn’t have to enter the same things each time

This feature is especially helpful in rough weather. Captain Kelly’s experience with electronic reporting has been positive, and he is helping other fishermen learn how to do it themselves.

Captain Patrick Fehily, F/V Major Expense and F/V Market Price

In Point Pleasant, New Jersey, Patrick Fehily, F/V Major Expense and F/V Market Price, is new to electronic reporting but already recognizes its benefits. He appreciates that the Fish Online app ensures that all entries are complete and correct before a report can be submitted. That means he will not have to make corrections later. Also, the app prevents any handwriting or code issues. Captain Fehily says that it’s “actually one of the easiest apps I have ever used in my life, and it’s so easy to use as an operator that you can’t really make a mistake with it.”  He encourages other fishermen to start using it now and not wait until the last minute when NOAA Fisheries staff will be very busy assisting fishermen’s transition to electronic reporting.

How to Report Electronically

All fishermen can choose from several smart devices and web-based apps to report electronically. For more information and technical support, go to Vessel Trip Reporting or contact your local Port Agent.

NOAA awards contract to rebuild the agency’s Ketchikan, Alaska port facility

April 8, 2021 — The following was released by NOAA:

NOAA has awarded a contract to Ahtna Infrastructure & Technologies, LLC for a project to revitalize its port facility in Ketchikan, Alaska.

Under the terms of the $18,771,041 contract, the Alaska-based company will make major improvements, including the construction of a new office building, large floating pier, steel access trestle, and updated power and water utility systems for servicing visiting ships. The project will begin with the removal of the existing pier and related structures.

“This NOAA port revitalization project is a great example of building back better by investing in modern and sustainable infrastructure,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “The improvements to NOAA’s Ketchikan facility will enable the agency to support safe navigation and commerce in Alaska and the region more effectively than ever.”

Upon completion of this project, NOAA will have a fully functioning homeport in Alaska capable of supporting Ketchikan-based NOAA Ship Fairweather and other visiting NOAA and government vessels. NOAA expects the project to be completed by December 2022.

“We look forward to serving Alaska and the nation from this greatly improved facility,” said Rear Adm. Nancy Hann, deputy director of the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps and NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO). “This represents a major milestone in NOAA’s effort to recapitalize the agency’s fleet and supporting infrastructure.”

NOAA’s fleet of research and survey ships is operated, managed and maintained by OMAO, which is composed of civilians and officers with the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps, one of the nation’s eight uniformed services.

Read the full release here

Suit seeks to reverse Trump changes to sea turtle protection

April 7, 2021 — Conservation groups sued on Tuesday to reverse changes made under former President Donald Trump to rules protecting sea turtles, even though federal regulators said a week ago that they were reconsidering some of those changes.

The groups hope President Joe Biden’s administration will change the rules, but the possible revisions outlined recently may not go far enough, said Jaclyn Lopez of the Center for Biological Diversity, one of the three groups.

“We’re hopeful they will do something and do something soon, but we’re not going to sit back and wait,” she said. “This is decades in the making and our patience has run out.”

“We are aware of this filing and are reviewing it,” Allison Garrett, a spokeswoman for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s fisheries service, said in an email.

The current rule would hurt five endangered and threatened sea turtle species, especially Kemp’s ridleys, the smallest and most endangered, the groups’ news release said. Kemp’s ridleys swim throughout the Gulf and along the Atlantic Coast to New England, nesting in Mexico and along the Texas coast.

Read the full story from the Associated Press at ABC News

Alaskan fishing communities ask for seat at climate policy table

April 7, 2021 — Alaskan fishing organizations are urging the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden to listen to coastal communities and fishermen while crafting an ecosystem-based approach to climate change and fisheries policy.

The message from Alaska fishing communities came through recent public comments hearing by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on the new administration’s executive order on climate change.

Read the full story at Seafood Source

NOAA Fisheries Announces Gear and Harvest Limits at Artificial Reef Sites in the South Atlantic Region

April 7, 2021 — NOAA Fisheries announces the final rule for Regulatory Amendment 34 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region. The final rule will create 34 special management zones around artificial reefs off North Carolina and South Carolina.

There will be additional gear and harvest restrictions within the proposed special management zones. The purpose of the gear restrictions is to reduce adverse effects to federally managed species at these sites.

WHEN THIS RULE WILL TAKE EFFECT:

Regulations will be effective May 3, 2021.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES:

  • The final rule will create special management zones around select artificial reef sites off North Carolina (30) and off South Carolina (4).
  • The zones range in size from 0.041 to 1.01 square miles.
  • Harvest of snapper-grouper species will only be allowed with handline, rod and reel, and spear in these zones. Therefore, this action will prohibit the use of bandit reel, powerhead, pot, and longline gear at these sites.
  • In the special management zones off North Carolina, harvest of snapper-grouper species by spear will be limited to the applicable recreational bag limit.
  • In the special management zones off South Carolina, harvest of snapper-grouper species with all gear types will be limited to the applicable recreational bag limit.

Read the full story at the Island Free Press

Pacific waters off the West Coast showed improved productivity, says NOAA

April 6, 2021 — Ocean waters off the West Coast showed signs of improved productivity in 2020 after several years of warm water and poor fisheries conditions, according to the most recent California Current Ecosystem status report released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The transition last year from an El Nino to La Nina climate pattern, paired with a strong upwelling of cold water from the deep ocean, created ideal conditions for nutrient-rich plankton to proliferate, according to the report. These tiny organisms provided food for larger marine animals, and their abundance helped grow populations of fish, birds, and mammals such as sea lions higher up the food chain.

“It does look like there was better upwelling on average than we’ve seen in several years,” said Chris Harvey, a researcher with NOAA and co-editor of the report released in March. “We saw more plankton, and the plankton we saw were the cool-water varieties that have more stored fat — more food and better-quality food.”

The report was compiled by NOAA researchers and presented on March 10 to the Pacific Fishery Management Council, which manages commercial, tribal, and recreational fishing in federal waters off the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington. The council will use the report to better understand conditions within the whole ecosystem when making management decisions and recommendations in the future.

Read the full story at The East Bay Times

NEFMC April 13-15, 2021 – By Webinar – Listen Live, View Documents

April 6, 2021 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council will hold a three-day meeting by webinar from Tuesday, April 13 through Thursday, April 15, 2021.  The public is invited to listen live and provide input during designated opportunities for public comment.  The Council still cannot hold a large, in-person meeting due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

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 Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 8:00 a.m.
  • TALK TO THE COUNCIL:  You’ll be able to address the Council directly through two different avenues – by commenting on motions at the discretion of the Council chair (raise your hand on the webinar and unmute yourself when called upon) and 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 15 at 11:00 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 NOW:  Interested in speaking?  Email Janice Plante at jplante@nefmc.org to get on the list.

TIME:  12:00 p.m. start on Tuesday, April 13.  Then, 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 14 and 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 15.  The webinar will end shortly after the Council adjourns each day.

NOAA LISTENING SESSION ON EXECUTIVE ORDER:  At 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13, NOAA Fisheries will hold a listening session on Executive Order 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad.  The discussion will focus on Section 216(c), making fisheries and protected resources more resilient to climate change.  NOAA Fisheries will be seeking recommendations and comments from the Council and public on this specific section of the Executive Order during the listening session.

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.  We’ll get right back to you.

WEBINAR CALL-IN OPTION:  To listen by telephone, dial +1 (562) 247-8422.  The access code is 948-987-138.  Please be aware that if you dial in, your regular phone charges will apply.

AGENDA:  All meeting materials and the agenda are available on the Council’s website at NEFMC April 13-15, 2021 Webinar 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.

NOAA Fisheries Seeks Comments on Proposed 2021 Recreational Rules for Summer Flounder

April 6, 2021 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

NOAA Fisheries is seeking comments on proposed 2021 summer flounder recreational fishery management measures.

We propose to continue the conservation equivalency approach for the summer flounder recreational fishery, in which states or regions develop minimum sizes, possession limits, and fishing seasons that will achieve the necessary level of conservation. Both the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission recommended continuing conservation equivalency in 2021.

The proposed rule contains additional details on conservation equivalency, including what measures would be put in place if the Commission does not ultimately recommend conservation equivalency.

More Information

Read the proposed rule  as published in the Federal Register today. The comment period is open through April 21, 2021. Submit your comments through the e-rulemaking portal.

Questions?

Fishermen: Contact Emily Keiley, Sustainable Fisheries Division, 978-281-9116
Media: Contact Allison Ferreira, Regional Office, 978-281-9103