Saving Seafood

North Carolina Angler Catches Back-to-Back Giant State-Record Catfish

December 22, 2015 — Ever catch a state record fish? How about doing it twice in two days?

North Carolina angler Zakk Royce accomplished a legendary feat while catfishing on Lake Gaston in North Carolina this past Sunday and Monday. Not only did he break the existing blue catfish record of 89 pounds by hooking a 91-pounder on Sunday, but after he got the cat certified and released it alive back into the waters, he turned around Monday and shattered his less-than-one-day-old state mark by hauling in a 105-pound blue catfish!

“I was fishing alone with the 91-pounder,” says Royce. “I dropped a chunk of bluegill on a Carolina rig and he hit. I got him to boatside, but couldn’t fit him into the net and control him with the rod at the same time. He pulled off 40 yards of line and I got him back to boatside where I got the tip of his head inside the net and his pectoral fins got stuck in the mesh, but I still couldn’t lift him.” Royce then called his buddy Mike on a nearby kayak 2 miles away who paddled over to help him lift the net over the side.

Read the full story from Outdoor Life

Reps. Walter Jones, Patrick Murphy ‘Ask for Answers’ on Red Snapper

WASHINGTON (Saving Seafood) — December 3, 2015 — Last week, Congressman Walter Jones (R-NC) and Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-FL) wrote to Dr. Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator of NOAA’s Southeast Regional Office, requesting the Agency explain its decision to close the commercial and recreational red snapper fisheries for 2015.

The Congressmen question the data used by the Agency to close the red snapper fishery, noting that NOAA’s estimate for red snapper landings in an abbreviated 2014 fishing season was “nearly 3 times the estimate for a full fishing year in 2013; and similar to the average annual catch estimate for the period 1992 to 2009 when fishing occurred year-round.”

The letter raised several questions about the quality of scientific data available for fish stocks in the South Atlantic. It asked why the Agency has not conducted a stock assessment for red snapper since 2010, and why, despite the “controversial closure” of the fishery following that assessment, no follow-up has yet been conducted. Among other data issues, the letter also inquired on why most stocks in the South Atlantic are considered to be “data-poor,” and why requests for cooperative research with the regional fishing industry “have largely fallen on deaf ears.”

The Congressmen’s letter, and its requests for answers regarding the quality of scientific data on red snapper, was praised by regional fishery advocates.

“We are very pleased that Congressmen Jones and Murphy wrote the letter to Dr. Crabtree,” said Jerry Schill, President of the North Carolina Fisheries Association. “While their words address a huge concern with the red snapper fishery, it highlights the much larger issue of science in all of fisheries management. Industry knows the importance of basing fishery management decisions on science; however, with the lack of confidence in regulatory agencies to provide adequate science, including stock assessments, we are constantly faced with draconian measures due to these uncertainties. The negative effects are on fishermen and their communities. The cause, however, lies with the failure of the regulators to do their part, which is to provide adequate science and stock assessments.”

Bob Jones, Executive Director of the Southeastern Fisheries Association, was similarly positive about the letter.

“Congressmen Walter Jones Jr. and Patrick Murphy have been steadfast in their efforts to protect fisheries in Florida, North Carolina, and the entire Southeast for all users. They have worked to make certain the seafood industry is treated with respect and equity, and we are proud to support their efforts here.”

Read the letter to Regional Administrator Crabtree here

Read a release from Congressman Walter Jones regarding the letter here

NOAA announces $4 million in funding to build coastal resilience

December 1, 2015 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

As part of its efforts to provide communities and businesses with products, tools, services, and funding to better address weather- and climate-related threats, today NOAA announced $4 million in recommended funding for six habitat restoration projects across the United States.

The projects recommended for funding, under NOAA’s 2015 Coastal Ecosystem Resiliency Grants Program, focus on dam removal in New England, creation of living shorelines in North Carolina, and reconnection of rivers to floodplains and flood protection in Washington, Florida, Massachusetts and California.

“Funding these innovative habitat restoration projects supports our mission of fostering resilient coastal communities and sustainable marine resources, and that’s a priority for us,” said Eileen Sobeck, assistant NOAA administrator for fisheries. “These on-the-ground restoration projects, along with the other restoration projects we support, will enhance ecosystem resilience against extreme weather and changing environmental conditions, provide habitat to support sustainable fisheries, and help recover protected species.”

Habitat restoration experts from around the country selected these projects based on rigorous reviews and a highly competitive process. Recommended projects have been approved by their state’s Governor’s offices. At least $2 million in the federal grants will be matched by applicants, and the projects must begin within 12 months of funding.

NOAA is taking a multifaceted approach to building coastal resilience through two grant programs. NOAA Fisheries’ Coastal Ecosystem Resiliency Grants program is dedicated to the development of healthy and sustainable coastal ecosystems through habitat restoration. A complementary NOAA National Ocean Service grant program, the Regional Coastal Resilience Grants, focuses on regional-scale projects that enhance the resilience of coastal communities and economies to effects of extreme weather, climate hazards, and changing ocean conditions. Activities may include improving coastal risk assessment and communication, promoting collaborative approaches to resilience planning, and better informing science based decision making.

The National Ocean Service plans to announce the results of that grant competition in early 2016.

Application approval and funding is not yet final. Divisions of NOAA and the Department of Commerce must still give final approval for the projects. 

New nationwide coalition seeking to unify commercial fishing interests

November 16, 2015 — NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — A Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit group with strong New Bedford ties is creating a national coalition of commercial fishing interests to boost outreach and communication for the industry, which supporters claim often can be overmatched by unified environmental groups that promote competing interests.

“America’s fishing communities and seafood industry have been maligned by special interest groups working in collusion, who have slandered hard-working Americans with outrageous claims and misrepresentations,” Bob Vanasse, a New Bedford native and executive director of Saving Seafood, said in a Monday news release. “We’re aiming to bring the entire supply chain of fishermen, shoreside businesses, processors, markets and restaurants together to join this effort to move the national conversation in a positive direction.”

The Saving Seafood release said the nonprofit, formed in 2009, is conducting a membership drive for its new National Coalition of Fishing Communities (NCFC). Vanasse said the coalition, so far, has about 60 members across the country, including New Bedford’s Harbor Development Commission.

The NCFC will formally launch in Washington in January, during the next U.S. Conference of Mayors event. Vanasse said New Bedford Mayor Mitchell will be chairman of the coalition’s mayors’ group, reaching out to municipal leaders in Seattle, Honolulu, Atlantic City and other cities with strong commercial fishing ties. Coalition members already include commercial fishing associations from Hawaii, Oregon, North Carolina, New Jersey and more.

“I believe there needs to be a stronger voice for fishing communities in the halls of Congress,” Mitchell said.

Read the full story at the New Bedford Standard -Times

 

NORTH CAROLINA: Controversial flounder decision on MFC agenda

November 17, 2015 — A controversial issue over the future of southern flounder regulations is back on the agenda for this week’s meeting of the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission.

After postponing action in August, the commission is scheduled to approve management measures for Supplement A to the Southern Flounder Fishery Management Plan Amendment 1. The meeting is set for Nov. 18-20 at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, with a public comment period Wednesday night and the business meeting on Thursday and Friday.

On the table for consideration are six options to reduce the catch of southern flounder up to 60 percent, with the proposals having a range of impacts, such as season closures and size limits, to restrictions on different types of gear.

Commercial fishermen could see the biggest hit if a possible ban of anchored large-mesh gill nets in internal waters is approved.

While there has been significant debate over the options, there has been equal division over the process.

Coastal Conservation Association of North Carolina, which has a membership primarily of recreational fishermen, has favored the supplement process to make the management changes as soon as possible.

Read the full story from the Jacksonville Daily News

NORTH CAROLINA: MFC to take action on southern flounder supplement

November 11, 2015 — NAGS HEAD, N.C. — State fishery managers are scheduled to take action on a controversial southern flounder management supplement next week.

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission, the state’s marine fisheries rulemaking body, will hold its regular meeting Wednesday through Friday, Nov. 18-20, at Jennette’s Pier. According to a release from the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, the state agency that enforces marine fisheries rules and conducts fisheries research, the MFC is scheduled to select and approve management measures for supplement A to the southern flounder fishery management plan (FMP) Amendment 1.

The proposed supplement, and the MFC’s use of the supplement process, has drawn both support and opposition. A recent release from the N.C. Fisheries Association, a nonprofit supporting the seafood industry, criticizes the proposed supplement.

The current supplement draft includes management options to reduce southern flounder catch (both harvested flounder and dead discards) by 25-60 percent. The supplement has six management options, which include measures such as trip limits, size limits, closures and prohibiting large mesh gill nets from internal state waters.

These proposals, particularly the net ban, have been part of the reason for debate among fisheries managers, fishermen, environmentalists and legislators.

According to the NCFA release, the General Assembly has stated in law that the MFC has the duty to provide fair regulation of fishing groups in the interest of the public.

The association said the DMF is the state agency that is charged to offer scientific support to the commission and carry out the regulations adopted by the commission. The total economic impact of the southern flounder fishery averages $17 million per year to North Carolina, just for those fish caught commercially.

According to the NCFA, since the commission started the process of debating the issue of southern flounder management over nine months ago, the DMF has not offered any recommended actions to reduce the catch of southern flounder.

“Currently, only one of the nine MFC members has a scientific background in fisheries, and even that experience is not based on saltwater fisheries,” the association said. “Yet, the DMF, who has the expertise on staff that could assist the commissioners, has not made any formal recommendations on the options being considered by the commission or offered any options of their own.”

Brent Fulcher, NCFA chairman and owner of Beaufort Inlet Seafood, said the association wonders “why the division exists, if not to offer assistance and make recommendations to the members of the Marine Fisheries Commission in carrying out their conservation responsibilities.”

Read the full story at Carteret County News-Times

NORTH CAROLINA: Rains keeping shellfishing waters closed

November 9, 2015 — SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — For 61 years parishioners of Dixon Chapel United Methodist Church in Varnamtown have gathered for an oyster roast on the first Saturday in November. But the 62nd roast won’t happen until after the holidays, thanks to heavy rains that have closed local waters to shellfish harvest.

For much of the last month, nearby Lockwoods Folly Inlet has been closed indefinitely — a post on the church’s Facebook page tells members that the roast might be rescheduled around the end of oyster season early next year. Even before the season opened Oct. 15, the threat of pollution from heavy rains has kept shellfish harvesters waiting throughout Southeastern North Carolina.

As soaking rains wash stormwater runoff into the Cape Fear River and Intracoastal Waterway, the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries issues the closures as a precautionary measure. An oyster filters about 50 gallons of water per day, and if that water is contaminated with fecal matter or pollutants from roadways, it’s likely to end up in the shellfish.

Closures are still in effect for some waters from the state line to Wrightsville Beach, and Patti Fowler, chief of the division’s Shellfish Sanitation and Water Quality section, said more rain in the forecast means its unclear how soon fishermen can get back to the oyster beds.

Read the full story at StarNews

ASMFC Presents Willard Cole Prestigious Captain David H. Hart Award

November 4, 2015 — ST. AUGUSTINE, Fl. – The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission presented Willard “Bill” Cole, formerly with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Captain David H. Hart Award, its highest annual award, at the Commission’s 74th Annual Meeting in St. Augustine, FL.  

Throughout his nearly 40-year career as a state, university, and federal fishery manager and scientist, Bill Cole worked to protect, restore, and conserve fisheries resources and their habitats along the Atlantic coast.  Bill graduated from North Carolina State University in 1966, and moved to Lake City, Florida, where he began his career with the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission.  Shortly after, he joined the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), where he stayed for the remainder of his career. At USFWS, Bill served in different capacities and numerous offices from North Carolina, to New York, DC, Texas and even New Mexico. In each place he left an indelible mark; serving on review teams for the first Everglades study, developing the Navigable Waters Handbook; protecting riverine, wetland, and coastal habitats in Long Island Sound, the Hudson River and St. Lawrence Seaway; and establishing what ultimately would become the USFWS South Atlantic Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office. While with the South Atlantic Office, he worked closely with the State of North Carolina to restore anadromous fishery resources throughout the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds, once the site of the largest commercial American shad and river herring fisheries on the entire East Coast.  

With his customary vision, Bill understood early on that management of fishery resources in North Carolina required participation in regional fishery management institutions as well. As such, he became involved with both the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Commission, as the Southeast Regional Director’s designee for both institutions.  He served in that capacity continuously for 19 years.  Bill served on numerous committees and management boards for both groups, and prior to his retirement served as Chair of the Commission’s South Atlantic State-Federal Fisheries Management Board. 

Along with several colleagues, Bill conceived the Cooperative Winter Tagging Cruise off North Carolina and Virginia.  The Cruise was designed to tag striped bass in a mixed stock of migratory fish wintering off the North Carolina Outer Banks and southern Virginia as a part of the Commission’s Atlantic migratory striped bass management program.  The Cruise began in 1988 and has been conducted annually with  few interruptions.  It is one of the longest time series of any such coastal tagging program, as well as one of the most effective federal, state, and academic partnerships.  Bill served as Chief Scientist on all but two of the cruises during an 18 year period, and annually coordinated scheduling, equipment acquisition, and recruitment of all Scientific Party members.  Through the years, tagging of additional ASMFC- and Council-managed species was added to the Cruise protocol.  To date, the Cruise has tagged 252 Atlantic sturgeon and over 47,000 striped bass, with a tag return rate approaching 20 percent.   

Bill is a charter member of the Atlantic Coastal Cooperative Statistics Program Operations Committee, and has been an ardent supporter of the Program since its inception, providing staff to serve as the initial Program Coordinator, and working tirelessly with federal and state partners to move the program forward.  

Finally, during his last year with USFWS, Bill was detailed to the National Marine Fisheries Service, where he served as Special Assistant to the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, Dr. William Hogarth.  Bill was a key element in the planning of several national-level meetings that brought together fisheries professionals from Regional Fishery Management Councils and Interstate Fisheries Management Commissions to consider the future directions of fisheries management.

Bill has characterized himself as a “biopolitician,” but his contribution to the management of U.S. East Coast fisheries goes well beyond his many notable accomplishments.  Bill has been a true friend and mentor to many in our fisheries management family and we are deeply indebted to him.  Since Bill was unable to attend the Hart Award ceremony, Dr. Wilson Laney, a longtime colleague and friend, accepted the award on Bill’s behalf.

The Commission instituted the Award in 1991 to recognize individuals who have made outstanding efforts to improve Atlantic coast marine fisheries. The Hart Award is named for one of the Commission’s longest serving members, who dedicated himself to the advancement and protection of marine fishery resources.                                                                                                                                                                                                                

NORTH CAROLINA: Sea Turtle Interactions Trigger Immediate Area B Closure

November 4, 2015 — The following was released by the North Carolina Fisheries Association:

DMF staff observed nine sea turtle interactions in large mesh gill nets in Management Unit B this morning.  A proclamation closing large mesh gill nets in this management unit will be issued later today, effective at one hour after sunrise tomorrow.  The estimated takes are getting close to the allowed takes for Management Unit B, so we’re not sure if we’ll be able to reopen later in the fishing year (Sept. 1, 2015-Aug. 31, 2016).  This is the most sea turtle interactions the division has observed in November since the settlement agreement management measures were implemented in 2010.  

Megalodon teeth washing up along North Carolina beaches

November 2, 2015 — These days, we humans tend to freak out if a little ol’ great white shark gets too close to one of our beaches. Imagine being alive millions of years ago, and having to contend with megalodons, giant sharks that were longer than any of the ships Columbus took across the Atlantic.

Beachcombers along the North Carolina coast are getting a good idea of the size of these prehistoric fish that ruled the oceans between 2 million and 15 million years ago. Recent strong currents have unearthed fossilized megalodon teeth, and washed them up on the sand in North Topsail Beach and Surf City, according to local NBC affiliate WITN.

Read the full story at The Times-Picayune New Orleans