Saving Seafood

Fishing forecast: Decision looms on whether to shut down cobia fishing

May 19, 2016 — Yes, it is starting to sound like a broken record. But the stakes are too high to not talk about cobia before an incredibly important meeting Tuesday at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission in Newport News.

The commission that afternoon will decide whether or not it will comply with federally ordered rules that will shut down cobia fishing along the East Coast on June 20.

North Carolina’s fisheries managers meet today and Friday to decide whether that state will go non-compliant. Should Carolina do so, the feds most likely would make the coastal closing date earlier.

The thing is, cobia in the two states are almost exclusively caught in state waters inside three miles. In the past, state agencies usually have adopted federal water rules in fear of suffering paybacks from the feds. But not always.

Read the full story at the Virginian-Pilot

Hatchery Is Breeding Better Oysters To Boost North Carolina Aquaculture

May 16, 2016 — To feed a hungry world, it’s no longer enough to catch wild seafood. Many fisheries are in decline because of overfishing, environmental stresses or both, and human demand for protein has never been greater. That means aquaculture has to be a growing part of the world’s food supply. Here in North Carolina, it’s also an essential component in growing the economies of our coastal communities.

A case in point is the state’s oyster fishery, which once supplied much of the East Coast, but now can’t even meet demand from within North Carolina. Our state is working hard to emulate our neighbors to the north, who through state-sponsored shellfish research hatcheries have bred a better oyster, able to thrive in Chesapeake Bay and other Virginia waters.

In 2011, North Carolina began supporting a hatchery, right here on the CREST Research Park in Wilmington. UNC Wilmington faculty researchers and student workers are using selective breeding techniques, supplemented by some high-tech genetic research, to develop new strains of oysters to suit our state’s waters. The hatchery is also working with scallops, which are more challenging to grow but more lucrative to sell, as well as sunray Venus clams. But oysters are its primary product.

A recent comparison of oyster cultivation in North Carolina and Virginia, conducted by the N.C. Rural Economic Development Center, showed that in 2005, the two states were roughly even, each producing roughly a quarter-million dollars’ worth of farmed oysters. But while Virginia’s production exploded, reaching almost $10 million in just seven years, our state’s aquaculture operations barely doubled their output.

Read the full story at Wilmington Biz

Livelihoods on the line: The impact of the fishing industry on eastern North Carolina

May 13, 2016 — MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. — Everywhere you go in eastern North Carolina, you’ll see signs of fresh seafood and folks selling local catch at reasonable prices.

The question is, how hard is it for those fishermen whose lives depend on the waters of North Carolina?

“This community has always depended on the water and the fish for their livelihoods,” said Capt. Bill Dillon of Beagle Charters in Morehead City.

Eastern North Carolina is home to some of the largest seafood festivals, fishing tournament and tourism dollars in the state. Those who work in the fishing industry say their livelihoods are on the line.

“They’re not only on the line, I mean people’s livelihoods have changed and been shut down because of it,” said charter mate Michael Tickle.

Read and watch the full story at WNCT

Survey delay might hurt fish population research

May 12, 2016 — The following is an excerpt from a story published today by the Boston Globe.

NEWPORT, R.I. – Even before mechanics found deeply pitted bearings near crankshafts in its generators, problems that could have led to catastrophic engine failure, the Henry B. Bigelow was running more than a month behind.

Now, the government research vessel is embarking on its annual spring voyage later than ever before, a delay that could have serious consequences for scientists’ ability to assess the health of some of the 52 fish stocks they survey, from the waters off North Carolina to the eastern reaches of the Gulf of Maine.

Fish migrate and change their feeding patterns as waters warm, which might make it difficult for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scientists to compare this spring’s survey of fish populations with previous counts.

The prospect of skewed data could complicate efforts for policy makers to set proper quotas, potentially leading either to overfishing or unnecessarily strict catch limits.

“I worry that this will create statistical noise and more uncertainty,” said Gary Shepherd, a fishery biologist at NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center in Woods Hole, where he and other scientists recommend quotas based on what the Bigelow catches, along with other data.

As the waters warm, some of the fish, such as herring, migrate out of the survey area and into the region’s rivers. Other species, such as squid, which are short-lived, might not survive in representative numbers through June, when the Bigelow is now scheduled to finish its survey.

“If the survey had started at its normal time, it would have found squid on the continental shelf,” said Robert Vanasse, executive director of Saving Seafood, a Washington-based group that represents the fishing industry. “But now it won’t because the survey doesn’t sample Nantucket Sound.”

Read the full story at the Boston Globe

Changing Migration Patterns Upend East Coast Fishing Industry

May 11, 2016 — Summer flounder that once amassed in North Carolina have gradually shifted about 140 miles to New Jersey—one facet of the northward migration of fish species that is upending traditional fishing patterns.

The move north has sparked debate among regulators over how to respond to changing natural resources that could affect commercial fisheries across the eastern seaboard.

For the first time, a group of researchers backed by the federal government is trying to ascertain what the northward movement means for fishermen’s income and way of life.

“Some fisherman will end up losing out and some will win big,” said Malin Pinsky, an assistant professor of ecology and evolution at Rutgers University, who is part of a team of scientists from Rutgers, Princeton University and Yale University studying the phenomenon.

Funded through a piece of a $1.4 million National Science Foundation grant, the team of scientists is examining how shifting patterns of where fish congregate is affecting commercial anglers and how they are changing their practices. They are also studying what kind of regulations may be needed to adapt to these changing realities.

For Lund’s Fisheries, for example, the northward creep has forced the company’s boats to catch the flounder in New Jersey and then spend time traveling to North Carolina, where regulations allow them to bring them on shore in more abundant quantities. When the boats travel south, the fishery can’t catch sea bass, scup and other species they may have reeled in at the same time in waters off New Jersey.

“It does cause us to drive fish around the ocean longer than we have historically. That gets factored into the cost of doing business,” said Jeff Kaelin, an executive at the company, which has facilities in Cape May, N.J., and North Carolina.

Read the full story at the Wall Street Journal

Weakfish Stock Assessment Indicates Stock is Depleted and Overfishing Not Occurring

May 5, 2016 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Comission:

Alexandria, VA – The 2016 Weakfish Benchmark Stock Assessment and Peer Review Report indicate weakfish is depleted and has been for the past 13 years. Under the new reference points, the stock is considered depleted when the stock is below a spawning stock biomass (SSB) threshold of 30% (15.17 million pounds). In 2014, SSB was 5.62 million pounds.  While the assessment indicates some positive signs in the weakfish stock in the most recent years, with a slight increase in SSB and total abundance, the stock is still well below the SSB threshold.

The assessment indicates natural mortality (e.g., the rate at which fish die because of natural causes such as predation, disease, starvation) has been increasing since the mid-1990s, from approximately 0.16 in the early 1980s to an average of 0.93 from 2007-2014. Therefore, even though fishing mortality has been at low levels in recent years, the weakfish population has been experiencing very high levels of total mortality (which includes fishing mortality and natural mortality), preventing the stock from recovering.

To better address the issues impacting the weakfish resource, the Technical Committee recommends the use of total mortality (Z) benchmarks to prevent an increase in fishing pressure when natural mortality is high. The assessment proposes a total mortality target of 0.93 and threshold of 1.36. Total mortality in 2014 was 1.11, which is above the threshold but below the target, indicating that total mortality is still high but within acceptable limits. This is the first time in 13 years that Z has been below the threshold, and additional years of data are needed to determine whether estimates in Z in the most recent years will remain below the threshold.

Weakfish commercial landings have dramatically declined since the early 1980s, dropping from over 19 million pounds landed in 1982 to roughly 200,000 pounds in 2014. The majority of landings occur in North Carolina and Virginia and, since the early 1990s, the primary gear used has been gillnets. Discarding of weakfish by commercial fishermen is known to occur, especially in the mixed species trawl fishery, and the discard mortality is assumed to be 100%. Discards peaked in the 1990s but have since declined as the result of management measures and a decline in stock abundance.

Like the commercial sector, catch in the recreational fishery has declined from over 11 million pounds in 1983 to roughly 77,000 pounds in 2014. Recreational harvest has been dominated by New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. Recreational discard mortality, which is assumed to be 10%, has decreased with recreational catch.

The Board accepted the stock assessment and peer review report for management use, including its proposed new reference points for both SSB and Z. Given the weakfish management program is already highly restrictive with a one fish recreational creel limit, 100 pound commercial trip limit, and 100 pound commercial bycatch limit, and the assessment showed a slight increase in SSB, the Board took no management action at this time. It directed the Technical Committee to prepare for an assessment update in two years, at which time the Board will review the results and consider possible management action.

A more detailed description of the stock assessment results is available on the Commission’s website at http://www.asmfc.org/uploads/file//572b74a22016WeakfishAssessmentOverview_Final.pdf. The final assessment and peer review report will be posted to the Commission website, www.asmfc.org, by mid-May on the weakfish webpage. For more information on the stock assessment, please contact Katie Drew, Senior Stock Assessment Scientist, at kdrew@asmfc.org; and for more information on weakfish management, please contact Megan Ware, FMP Coordinator, at mware@asmfc.org.

North Carolina Sees Big Returns in Coastal Habitat Programs

April 28, 2016 — RALEIGH, N.C. — Results of a study published Tuesday show that coastal habitat enhancement programs managed by the state fisheries agency provide $4 in benefits for every $1 invested in the coastal region.

The Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership contracted with RTI International to study the benefits and costs of three programs under the state Division of Marine Fisheries: the Shellfish Rehabilitation Program, Oyster Sanctuary Program and Artificial Reef Program. The study focused on how these programs benefit and contribute to communities in the region.

According to the report, the programs generate economic benefits in numerous categories. Between 2010 and 2015, with just over $20 million in government and private investments, North Carolina restoration and habitat enhancement activ­ities supported over 500 acres of habitat and provided benefits that included commercial fishing, shellfish harvesting, recreational fishing, water quality improvement and shoreline stabilization. Cost-benefit analysis showed returns that ranged from $2 to more than $12 for every dollar invested.

Read the full story at The Fishing Wire

NORTH CAROLINA: Fraught year plunges fishermen into politics

April 25, 2016 — WILMINGTON, NC — When he took the podium at an N.C. Recreational Fishing Alliance meeting last week in Wilmington, Rep. Jimmy Dixon, R-Duplin, was about the only person in a suit and tie. Outfitted in baseball caps and T-shirts emblazoned with leaping marlins and big-mouth bass, some in the audience, Dixon suspected, might be in unfamiliar waters.

“Some of you in here don’t even know the definition of politics, and here you are trying to get involved in politics,” he said. Before diving into a speech on fisheries, Dixon broke down that definition.

“‘Poli,’ which means many,” he explained. “‘Ticks’: blood-sucking parasites.”

The crowd roared with laughter, and after the past year in North Carolina fisheries management you’d be hard-pressed to find a fisherman in the room who disagreed. A fight over flounder catch restrictions pitted commercial and recreational fishermen against each other and pulled state legislators into the fray; state cuts to cobia catch roiled sports-fishermen again; and in February Division of Marine Fisheries Director Louis Daniel abruptly resigned and moved to shellfish sanitation.

Just last week, the state Department of Environmental Quality gave coastal management director Braxton Davis control of marine fisheries. A news release states the divisions will stay separate, but officials will “examine ways in which the two divisions can achieve efficiencies in operations.”

Months of turmoil have left local anglers concerned the state is ignoring possible overfishing of some species, especially in North Carolina’s delicate estuaries. At the RFA meeting, Dixon was joined by other leaders — Rep. Ted Davis Jr., R-New Hanover; Rep. John Bell, R-Craven; Rep. Billy Richardson, D-Cumberland; and aides to Congressman David Rouzer — who told fishermen that they’re listening.

Read the full story at Star News Online

North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update: April 18, 2016

April 19, 2016 — The following was released by the North Carolina Fisheries Association:

HOUSE COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS FISHERIES REFORM ACT:

The House Select Committee on Wildlife Resources, chaired by Rep. John Bell, has scheduled their next meeting on Wednesday, April 20th, in Raleigh. The meeting will be in Room 544 of the Legislative Office Building and the agenda will include a Fisheries Reform Act and marine fisheries overview. Jerry & David will be there and encourage others to attend.

ADDITION TO THE HALF PERCENT PROGRAM:

Quality Seafood Company of Elizabeth City and their fishermen will be a welcome addition to our “Half Percent” program! The company has been a longtime supporter of NCFA but recently decided to increase their support through the program that deducts one half of one percent of the boat’s net when they pack out. Quality will then match that and forward to NCFA. Each fisherman is a member by participating.

The program was the idea of the late William Ellis Smith of Luther Smith & Son in Atlantic, NC. It was his vision and advocacy of the program that has been the reason for our organization to expand beyond a one person office. William Ellis was killed in an accident in Wanchese in 1991 and is sorely missed, but remembered for his love for commercial fishing in general and NCFA in particular.

Many thanks to Billy & Russell Barclift, Quality Seafood Company and the fishermen who pack with them for participating in the half percent program!

We encourage others to do likewise, so if you would like more information about it, call us. If you would like details on how easy it is to set it up, give Aundrea O’Neal of Beaufort Inlet Seafood a call and she’ll fill you in. Her number is: (252) 503-8302.

ATLANTIC STRIPED BASS ADVISORY PANEL CONFERENCE CALL:

The Atlantic Striped Bass Advisory Panel will be meeting via conference call Thursday, April

21, at 10:00 am to review current status of H.R.3070 regarding the opening of the Block Island

Transit Zone to recreational striped bass fishing, to discuss the Atlantic squid resource as it

relates to striped bass management, to elect an Advisory Panel Chairman and Vice Chairman

and to discuss any other pertinent current events.

For questions, please contact Max Appelman, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at mappelman@asmfc.org or 1-703-842-0740.

Dial 1-888-394-8197 and enter Passcode: 815277 to join conference call.

Note from NCFA: Although the primary item of this is recreational striped bass fishing, it should be of interest to listen to the discussion about “the Atlantic squid resource as it relates to striped bass management…”.

COBIA MEETING:

The South Atlantic & Mid Atlantic Councils will hold a meeting to discuss cobia on Monday, May 9th, from 6:00 – 8:00pm at the Hilton in Kill Devil Hills. To participate in the webinar, register here:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2733536913517393923

ON THE ROAD:

Jerry & David attended several meetings last week, and will provide a synopsis via a special update later this week. David attended the weeklong Mid Atlantic Fishery Management Council in Montauk, NY. Jerry attended several meetings in Morehead City and Washington: Oyster Advisory Committee, NMFS Skimmer Trawl meeting, Finfish Committee (cobia), and the Shellfish/Crustacean Committee. He also participated in a conference call concerning the H2B labor issues for the crab processors.

SOUTHERN FLOUNDER:

Thanks to those of you who have contributed to our Southern Flounder Fund. Those funds will be used exclusively for issues related to southern flounder, either legally or other avenues to address the situation.

If you have not yet contributed, please do so ASAP!

Send your donations to:

NCFA

2807 Neuse Blvd; Suite 11

New Bern, NC 28562

Please make your check out to NCFA/Southern Flounder Fund or to the NC Fisheries Association and be sure to put Southern Flounder Fund in the memo.

 

CALENDAR

Apr. 20; 2:00pm: House Select Cmte on Wildlife Resources; 544 LOB; Raleigh

Apr 25; North Carolina General Assembly convenes for the Short Session

May 2; Noon; NCFA Board meeting; Civic Center, Washington NC

May 2-5; ASMFC Spring Meeting; Westin; Alexandria, VA

May 10; 5:30 – 7:30pm; Legislative Reception; Raleigh NC

May 18-20; MFC meeting; Civic Center; Morehead City

June 13-17; SAFMC meeting; Cocoa Beach, FL

June 14-16; MAFMC meeting; Newark, DE

Councils to Hold Cobia Management Meetings in N.C.

April 19, 2016 — SAVE THE DATE – May 9, 2016!
Councils to Hold a Q&A Public Meeting on Cobia Management

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, in conjunction with the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, will hold a Q&A Public Meeting in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina to address cobia management issues.

DATE: May 9, 2016

TIME: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

LOCATION: The meeting is being held in Kitty Hawk, NC and is also being broadcast via webinar. Registration for the webinar only is required – see below for registration link.

Read the full story at The Fishing Wire