Saving Seafood

Snapper season could get even longer in 2019

December 7, 2018 — After a decade of enduring ever shrinking opportunities to enjoy catching, keeping and eating red snapper caught from Gulf of Mexico waters under federal jurisdiction, Texas recreational anglers in 2018 welcomed a modest loosening of restrictions that had choked much of the life from what long has been the state’s most popular offshore fishing activity.

Those fishing for snapper from private boats saw the length of the federal-water snapper season almost double, to 82 days. It was their longest season since 2007.

More positive developments could be on the way for the coming year, including a possible increase in the annual quota of red snapper allowed to be taken from the Gulf, a possibly longer federal-water snapper season, and changes to the dates of the 2019 open season for anglers in private boats targeting snapper in federally controlled water.

For the first time in a decade, Texas offshore anglers in 2019 could see a federal water snapper season that opens on a date other than June 1, or splits the limited open-season days across the calendar instead of opening June 1 and running continuously for however many days fisheries managers estimate it will take to land the annual quota. And Texas anglers will have opportunity to play an important role in deciding when those 2019 open-season days will fall, Texas fisheries officials said.

Read the full story at The Houston Chronicle

While still rebuilding, red snapper fishermen are seeing good returns

December 5, 2018 —  “It’s been another productive year for sure,” said Buddy Guindon, a fisherman and owner of Katie’s Seafood in Galveston, Texas.

Although technically still in a “rebuilding” status, the gulf red snapper population has come a long way since stock lows in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

“We’re seeing more and more snapper in the eastern gulf, more than in the past 15 years,” said Jason DeLaCruz, a fisherman and owner of Wild Seafood Co. in Madeira Beach, Fla. “Our catches are doing a flip. They used to be so grouper-heavy and now they’re snapper-heavy,” he said.

For at least the past several years, gulf vessels on both coasts have brought to dock nearly 100 percent of quota.

According to numbers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the average ex-vessel price for red snapper in 2018 in the state was $3.94.

But both Guindon on the west Gulf Coast and DeLaCruz on the east say red snapper in their area has fetched $5 or more a pound for several years.

“I think we got up to an ex-vessel price of about $5 a pound about four or five years ago, and since then it has crept up to anywhere from $5.20 to $6,” said Guindon.

Read the full story at National Fisherman

NOAA Fisheries, Gulf States Prioritize Integrating, Calibrating Recreational Red Snapper Data

November 28, 2018 — The following was released by NOAA:

The Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) partnership took another step toward delivering more timely and precise estimates of Gulf of Mexico recreational red snapper catch and effort. At a September workshop co-hosted by MRIP and the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, scientists and managers from state agencies, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, NOAA Fisheries, and independent statistical consultants sought to identify the best way to use data collected by specialized and general state-federal surveys to monitor recreational catches of Gulf red snapper, as needed to support stock assessments and fishery management.

The Red Snapper Survey Designs Workshop IV was the latest in a series, dating back to 2014, focused on finding ways to better monitor catches during short federal and state fishing seasons for one of the Gulf’s most popular fish. NOAA Fisheries and its Gulf state and regional partners have spent the past several years working closely to develop survey designs that address federal and state management needs for more timely and statistically precise catch statistics.

Since last December, NOAA Fisheries has certified designs for three surveys in the Gulf of Mexico: Louisiana’s all species, general survey, LA Creel; Mississippi’s red snapper-specific Tails n’ Scales; and Alabama’s red snapper-specific Snapper Check. Florida’s Gulf Reef Fish Survey, which supplements MRIP’s general surveys for a limited group of reef fish species, is expected to be certified later this year. Each survey uses a different methodology to gather data and produce estimates based on the unique characteristics of the state’s fishery.

“This is all part of a comprehensive, collaborative, and rigorous process to ensure sound and effective science and management of Gulf red snapper,” said Gregg Bray, GulfFIN program coordinator for the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. “It’s so important to have the leadership and local knowledge of the states, the collaborative strength of GulfFIN, and the financial and technical resources of NOAA Fisheries. That’s the real value of the MRIP partnership.”

The MRIP state surveys are designed to improve regional monitoring of the recreational red snapper catch and effort. Estimates from these surveys can be used for federal scientific stock assessments and fishery management once there is a transition plan that describes how to integrate state and general data, and how to calibrate new and historical catch and effort estimates.

Read the full release here

Commercial Red Snapper Harvest Closes in South Atlantic Today

November 7, 2018 — The following bulletin was published by the Fishing Wire:

WHAT/WHEN:

  • The commercial harvest of red snapper in federal waters of the South Atlantic will close at 12:01 a.m., local time, on November 7, 2018, and unless specified otherwise, will open on July 8, 2019, for the 2019 commercial fishing season. During the commercial closure, all sale or purchase of red snapper is prohibited.
  • All harvest or possession of red snapper in or from federal waters is now prohibited, as the recreational fishing season is also closed for 2018.

WHY THIS CLOSURE IS HAPPENING:

  • The 2018 commercial catch limit is 124,815 pounds whole weight. Commercial landings are projected to reach the commercial catch limit. According to the accountability measure, harvest should close to prevent the annual catch limit from being exceeded.

AFTER THE CLOSURE:

  • The closure applies in both state and federal waters for vessels that have a federal commercial permit for South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper.
  • The prohibition on sale or purchase during a closure for red snapper does not apply to fish that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold prior to 12:01 a.m. on November 7, 2018, and were held in cold storage by a dealer or processor.

 

Louisiana inside red snapper limit; Florida, Alabama go over

November 5, 2018 — If Chad Courville didn’t physically show how upset he is with recent catch data posted for each of the five Gulf states, his words certainly did during Thursday’s Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission monthly meeting in Baton Rouge.

Courville, one of the commission’s seven, took note of a report indicating Florida’s recreational fishermen caught 113.5 percent of its allowed red snapper catch during its 40-day season. Alabama’s report was 100.2 percent.

“The MRIP numbers are insane,” Courville said, mentioning the federal Marine Resources Information Program data showing Alabama might have taken as much as four million pounds of snapper and its state agency reported on pounds of red snapper during the recreational season.

Meanwhile, Louisiana, using its highly accredited and federally approved LA Creel system, showed its state anglers took 99.2 percent of its allowed 700,000-pound-plus red snapper allowed limit. Mississippi reported at 95.6 percent while Texas’ numbers are not final because the Lone Star State continues to hold its state waters open to red snapper catches.

Read the full story at The Advocate

 

Commercial Closure for Gray Triggerfish in South Atlantic Federal Waters on November 6, 2018

November 2, 2018 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

WHAT/WHEN:
  • The commercial harvest of gray triggerfish in South Atlantic federal waters will close at 12:01 a.m., local time, on November 6, 2018, andwill open on January 1, 2019, for the 2019 January through June fishing season. During the commercial closure, harvest or possession of gray triggerfish in or from federal waters is limited to the recreational bag and possession limits when the recreational sector is open.
WHY THIS CLOSURE IS HAPPENING:
  • The 2018 July-December commercial catch limit is 156,162 pounds whole weight. Commercial landings are projected to reach the 2018 July-December commercial catch limit on November 6, 2018.  According to the accountability measure, harvest must close to prevent the catch limit from being exceeded.
AFTER THE CLOSURE:
  • The closure and prohibition on sale applies in both state and federal waters for vessels that have a federal commercial permit for South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper.
  • The prohibition on sale or purchase during a closure for gray triggerfish does not apply to fish that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold prior to 12:01 a.m., local time, on November 6, 2018,and were held in cold storage by a dealer or processor.
This bulletin provides only a summary of the existing regulations. Full regulations can be found in the Federal Register or at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=383bc195ccbeab4fd6bec1c24905df34&node=sp50.12.622.i&rgn=div6#se50.12.622_1190.

Commercial Closure for Red Snapper in South Atlantic Federal Waters on November 7, 2018

November 2, 2018 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

WHAT/WHEN:
  • The commercial harvest of red snapper in federal waters of the South Atlantic will close at 12:01 a.m., local time, on November 7, 2018, and unless specified otherwise, will open on July 8, 2019, for the 2019 commercial fishing season. During the commercial closure, all sale or purchase of red snapper is prohibited.
  • All harvest or possession of red snapper in or from federal waters is now prohibited, as the recreational fishing season is also closed for 2018.
WHY THIS CLOSURE IS HAPPENING:
  • The 2018 commercial catch limit is 124,815 pounds whole weight. Commercial landings are projected to reach the commercial catch limit. According to the accountability measure, harvest should close to prevent the annual catch limit from being exceeded.
AFTER THE CLOSURE:
  • The closure applies in both state and federal waters for vessels that have a federal commercial permit for South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper.
  • The prohibition on sale or purchase during a closure for red snapper does not apply to fish that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold prior to 12:01 a.m. on November 7, 2018,and were held in cold storage by a dealer or processor.
This bulletin provides only a summary of the existing regulations.  Full regulations can be found in the Federal Register or at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=383bc195ccbeab4fd6bec1c24905df34&node=sp50.12.622.i&rgn=div6#se50.12.622_1193.

South Atlantic Electronic For-Hire Reporting Informational Sessions Scheduled for 2018

October 30, 2018 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

KEY MESSAGE:

  • NOAA Fisheries is developing an electronic reporting program for permit holders who have a South Atlantic Federal charter/headboat for-hire permit for snapper-grouper, dolphin wahoo, or coastal migratory pelagics fisheries.
  • The final rule for the program has not published but these requirements are expected to be effective in 2019.
  • Once implemented, this electronic reporting program will require the owners and operators of all charter vessels issued South Atlantic Federal permits to report information about their trips and catch on a weekly basis.
  • NOAA Fisheries will be holding informational sessions on the electronic reporting program in the locations listed below.
  • During these informational sessions, NOAA Fisheries and South Atlantic Fishery Management Council staff will review the electronic reporting program requirements, including how to submit reports electronically, and where to report if you hold Federal for-hire permits in different regions.
  • All informational sessions begin at 6:00 pm with a presentation from staff. After the presentation, there will be time for questions about the program.
  • These informational sessions are not mandatory but will provide useful information about the upcoming electronic reporting program.
  • For more information about the Electronic Reporting Program, please  visit: www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/et or, contact Karla Gore at (727) 824-5305 or karla.gore@noaa.gov.
Date
Location
October 30, 2018  Haddrells Point and Tackle, 885 Ben Sawyer Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
November 1, 2018 Armstrong Science Center, Biology Classroom 1109, Library Dr, Savannah, GA 31419
November 13, 2018 Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Ave, Key West, FL 33040
November 15, 2018 North East Florida Marlin Association, 30 harbor Dr.  St Augustine, FL 32084
December 13, 2018 Dare County Office Rm 168 954 Marshall C. Collins Dr Manteo, NC 27954
If you cannot attend an informational session in person, webinars are scheduled for November 27, 2018, and December 13, 2018, from 6:00-7:00 pm. The links to register for the webinar can be found here:

South Atlantic Vermilion Snapper Commercial Trip Limit Reduced to 555 Pounds Whole Weight on October 26, 2018

October 23, 2018 — The following was released by NOAA:

WHAT/WHEN:
  • The daily trip limit for the commercial harvest of vermilion snapper in federal waters of the South Atlantic is reduced from 1,110 to 555 pounds whole weight, or from 1,000 to 500 pounds gutted weight, effective 12:01 a.m., local time, on October 26, 2018.  
WHY THIS TRIP LIMIT REDUCTION IS HAPPENING:
  • When commercial landings of South Atlantic vermilion snapper reach or are projected to reach 75 percent of the quota, regulations are in place to reduce the daily trip limit.
  • The trip limit reduction is necessary to slow the rate of commercial harvest to avoid exceeding the quota.
AFTER THE TRIP LIMIT REDUCTION:
  • The 555-pound whole weight or 500-pound gutted weight trip limit will remain in effect until the end of the current fishing season on December 31, 2018, or when 100 percent of the quota is reached or projected to be reached, whichever occurs first.  The 2019 January through June vermilion snapper fishing season in the South Atlantic will open at 12:01 a.m., local time, on January 1, 2019, with a 1,110-pound whole weight or 1,000-pound gutted weight trip limit.

This bulletin provides only a summary of the existing regulations.  Full regulations can be found in the Federal Register or at http://www.ecfr.gov.

Federal Fishery Advisors Scheduled to Meet

October 17, 2018 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council has scheduled meetings of its Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel, System Management Plan Workgroup, and its Habitat and Ecosystem-Based Management Advisory Panel. These groups provide recommendations on a variety of federal fisheries issues for consideration by the Council as it develops fishery management plans and amendments.

Meetings are open to the public and available via webinar. Registration for the webinars is required.The Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel will meet to review amendments currently under development by the Council including those affecting red grouper rebuilding, yellowtail snapper accountability measures, and best practices. The AP will also receive updates on the Council’s Citizen Science efforts and provide input on Fishery Performance Reports for yellowtail snapper and golden tilefish. The meeting agenda, briefing book materials and webinar registration is available at: http://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/current-advisory-panel-meetings/

System Management Plan (SMP) Work Group

The System Management Plan Workgroup, consisting of fishery scientists, agency personnel, and representatives from commercial and recreational sectors, was established by the Council in March 2018 to aid in the management and evaluations of protected areas recommended by the Council. The Workgroup will review the Council’s System Management Plan, with the focus on Spawning Special Management Zones implemented in July 2017. The Workgroup meeting agenda, briefing book material, and webinar registration information is available at: http://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/other-meetings

Habitat and Ecosystem-Based Management Advisory Panel Meeting

The Council’s largest advisory panel will meet for three days to cover a long list of agenda items relative to fisheries including: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s energy development activities; predator/prey relationships supporting the dolphin wahoo fishery; updates on fishery independent research programs; and mapping and characterization of deepwater ecosystems by NOAA’s R/V Okeanos Explorer. The meeting will also include break-out sessions to address information and regional partnerships affecting Essential Fish Habitat. A complete agenda and overview, briefing book materials and registration information for this meeting will be available October 24th from the Council’s website at: http://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/current-advisory-panel-meetings