Saving Seafood

NOAA Fisheries Announces Changes to Management of Red Grouper in Federal Waters of the South Atlantic Region

February 6, 2020 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

KEY MESSAGE:

NOAA Fisheries announces the final rule for Regulatory Amendment 30 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Regulatory Amendment 30). This final rule revises the rebuilding schedule for red grouper based on the most recent population assessment, extends protections to red grouper during spawning season in federal waters off North Carolina and South Carolina, and establishes a commercial trip limit.

WHEN RULE WILL TAKE EFFECT:

Regulations will be effective March 9, 2020.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES FOR RED GROUPER:

  • The final rule revises the rebuilding schedule for red grouper to 10 years, which is equal the maximum time period allowed to rebuild. The rebuilding schedule begins in 2019 and ends in 2028.
  • The final rule extends both the commercial and recreational red grouper spawning season closures (January through April) through the month of May, in federal waters off North Carolina and South Carolina.
  • The final rule establishes a commercial trip limit for red grouper harvested in the South Atlantic federal waters of 200 pounds gutted weight.

FORMAL FEDERAL REGISTER NAME/NUMBER: 85 FR 6825, published February 6, 2020.

NOAA Fisheries Announces Changes to Commercial Regulations for Snapper-Grouper Species in Federal Waters of the South Atlantic Region

January 28, 2020 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

KEY MESSAGES:

NOAA Fisheries announces the final rule for Vision Blueprint Commercial Regulatory Amendment 27 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region. The final rule will:

  • Modify commercial regulations for blueline tilefish, snowy grouper, greater amberjack, red porgy, vermilion snapper, almaco jack, Other Jacks Complex (lesser amberjack, almaco jack, and banded rudderfish), queen snapper, silk snapper, blackfin snapper, and gray triggerfish.
  • Modify commercial fishing seasons, trip limits, and minimum size limits.

WHEN RULE WILL TAKE EFFECT:

Regulations will be effective February 26, 2020.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES FOR COMMERCIAL SNAPPER-GROUPER SPECIES:

Blueline Tilefish

  • The final rule reduces the commercial trip limit from 300 to 100 pounds gutted weight from January 1 through April 30; and
    Retains the commercial trip limit of 300 pound gutted weight from May 1 through December 31.

Snowy Grouper

  • The final rule establishes two commercial fishing seasons of January 1 through June 30 (Season 1) and July 1 through December 31 (Season 2); and
  • Allocates 70% of the commercial catch limit to Season 1 and 30% to Season 2, and transfer any remaining quota from Season 1 to Season 2.

Greater Amberjack

  • The final rule establishes two commercial fishing seasons of March 1 through August 31 (Season 1) and September 1 through the end of February (Season 2);
  • Allocates 60% of the commercial catch limit to Season 1 and 40% to Season 2, and transfer any remaining quota from Season 1 to Season 2;
  • Retains the commercial trip limit of 1,200 pounds whole weight or gutted weight for Season 1;
  • Retains the commercial sale and purchase prohibition during April, and the harvest and possession limit is one per person per day or one per person per trip, whichever is more restrictive; and
  • Reduces the commercial trip limit from 1,200 to 1,000 pounds whole weight or gutted weight for Season 2.

Red Porgy

  • The final rule establishes two commercial fishing seasons of January 1 through April 30 (Season 1) and May 1 through December 31 (Season 2);
  • Allocates 30% of the commercial catch limit to Season 1 and 70% to Season 2, and transfer any remaining quota from Season 1 to Season 2;
  • Removes the sale and purchase prohibition and the possession limit of three fish per person per day or three fish per person per trip during January 1 through April 30 each year;
  • Establishes a commercial trip limit of 60 fish in Season 1; and
  • Retains the 120 fish commercial trip limit in Season 2.

Vermilion Snapper

  • The final rule retains the 50% split quotas of the commercial catch limits between January 1 through June 30 (Season 1) and July 1 through December 31 (Season 2);
  • Retains the commercial trip limit of 1,000 pound gutted weight; and
  • Removes the 500 pound gutted weight commercial trip limit when 75% of the seasonal quotas are met or projected to be met.

Other Jacks Complex (lesser amberjack, almaco jack, and banded rudderfish)

  • The final rule establishes a commercial trip limit of 500 pounds gutted weight.

Almaco Jack

  • The final rule establishes a commercial minimum size limit of 20 inches fork length.

Deep-water Species (queen snapper, silk snapper, and blackfin snapper)

  • The final rule removes the 12-inch total length commercial minimum size limit for queen snapper, silk snapper, and blackfin snapper.

Gray Triggerfish

  • The final rule reduces the commercial minimum size limit in the exclusive economic zone off the east coast of Florida from 14 inches to 12 inches fork length; and
  • Retains the commercial minimum size limit of 12 inches fork length off North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

FORMAL FEDERAL REGISTER NAME/NUMBER: 85 FR 4588, January 27, 2020.

Reminder: Public Hearings to AddressTransit Provisions for Shrimp Fishery

January 28, 2020 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

At the request of penaeid shrimp fishermen, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is considering measures to modify current transit provisions for cold-weather closed areas. The Council will hold a joint meeting of its advisory panels as well as public hearings to get input on proposed changes.

Public Hearings

  • Amendment 11 to the Shrimp Fishery Management Plan (via webinar)
  • Wednesday, February 5, 2020
  • Thursday, February 6, 2020
  • Hearings begin at 6:00 p.m. Additional details, including a public hearing summary document and overview are now available at: https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/public-hearings-scoping-meetings/. Links for the webinar registration are also available.

The Council created the cold-weather closures and associated transit provisions to protect over-wintering white shrimp if the abundance of white shrimp decreases by 80% or water temperatures dip below 48 degrees Fahrenheit for at least one week. The current provisions, implemented in 1994, require that trawl gear be stowed below deck when transiting the closed areas. Fishermen have expressed concerns that changes to vessel design over the years make it more difficult to store the gear.

Council members will review recommendations from its advisory panels and input from the public hearings before considering final approval of Shrimp Amendment 11 during their March 2-6, 2020 meeting in Jekyll Island, GA.

NOAA Fisheries – FB20-002: Atlantic Spanish Mackerel Southern Zone Commercial Trip Limit Reduction to 500 Pounds on January 29, 2020

January 27, 2020 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

WHAT/WHEN:

  • The daily trip limit for the commercial harvest of Atlantic Spanish mackerel in the southern zone is reduced from 1,500 to 500 pounds, effective at 6:00 a.m., local time, on January 29, 2020.
  • The southern zone includes federal waters off the states of South Carolina, Georgia, and the east coast of Florida. The boundary for the southern zone is the North Carolina/South Carolina border and the Monroe/Miami-Dade Counties, Florida, border.

WHY THIS TRIP LIMIT REDUCTION IS HAPPENING:

  • When landings of Atlantic Spanish mackerel in the southern zone reach or are projected to reach 100 percent of the adjusted commercial quota, the daily trip limit is reduced to 500 pounds.
  • The trip limit reduction is necessary to slow the rate of commercial harvest to avoid exceeding the commercial quota.

AFTER THE TRIP LIMIT REDUCTION:

  • The 500 pound trip limit will remain in effect until the end of the current fishing season on February 29, 2020, or when 100 percent of the commercial quota is reached or projected to be reached, whichever occurs first. If 100 percent of the quota is reached or projected to be reached, NOAA Fisheries will close the fishery.

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/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=76c2b80788a139f1549b85d3764437b0&mc=true&n=pt50.12.622&r=PART&ty=HTML#sp50.12.622.q.

Marine Recreational Information Program Updates Implementation Plan

January 22, 2020 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

Since the Marine Recreational Information Program’s inaugural implementation plan was published in 2008, annual reports have tracked its efforts to provide the high-quality recreational fishing statistics needed to assess and manage U.S. fish stocks. In 2020, the state-regional-federal partnership will prioritize the tactics that will help its partners implement the recreational fishing survey designs that meet their science and management needs, while providing national guidance around survey and estimation methods.

Program Accomplishments for Fiscal Year 2019

We advanced the use of electronic reporting in recreational fisheries data collection by adopting a tablet-based data collection program along the Atlantic coast, evaluating the uses and limitations of opt-in angler reporting apps, and co-hosting a workshop to explore the essential elements of an electronic logbook-based for-hire reporting program.

We supported the deliberate transition toward regional implementation by reviewing design alternatives to the Hawaii Marine Recreational Fishing Survey, certifying the design of Florida’s Gulf Reef Fish Survey, and publishing a process to facilitate the smooth implementation of new survey designs.

We increased stakeholder understanding of the program by participating in a multi-day Fishing Effort Survey workshop with the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, increasing our involvement in regional fishing shows and Marine Resource Education Programs, and publishing a new program brochure.

We achieved transparency in program operations with the detailed documentation of current and former recreational fishing surveys, estimation methods, and internal operating procedures.

Read the full release here

SAFMC Seeks Input on Proposed Changes to Commercial Spanish Mackerel Trip Limits

January 16, 2020 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is currently seeking input on proposed commercial trip limit reductions for Spanish mackerel in the Atlantic Northern Zone (federal waters from the North Carolina/South Carolina line northward to the New York/Rhode Island/Connecticut line). The reductions are proposed to help extend the commercial season.

Public Hearings via webinar

(Coastal Migratory Pelagic Framework Amendment 9)

Wednesday, January 22 (register for webinar)

Thursday, January 23 (register for webinar)

Hearings begin at 6:00 p.m.

Additional details, including a public hearing summary document, video presentation, and online public comment form are available at:  https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/public-hearings-scoping-meetings/. During the hearings Council staff will provide an overview of Framework Amendment 9, answer any questions, and accept formal comments.

Online Public Comment

In addition to the public hearings, members of the public may also provide comment via an online public comment form (available at the above link) until 5:00 p.m. on February 7, 2020.

The Council will review public comments during their March 2-6, 2020 meeting in Jekyll Island, Georgia and consider approval of Framework Amendment 9 for Secretarial Review.

SAFMC Recruitment Announcement for Meeting Coordinator/Office Assistant

January 8, 2020 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, headquartered in North Charleston, South Carolina, is currently soliciting applicants for a Meeting Coordinator/Office Assistant. The person in the position will be responsible for all aspects of on-site support of various types of meetings, ranging from public hearings to Council meetings. Significant travel is required. Additional responsibilities include report submission, workflow tracking, and general office support.

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is responsible for the conservation and management of fish stocks within the federal 200-mile limit of the Atlantic off the coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and east Florida to Key West. The Council is responsible for Coastal Migratory Pelagics from New York to Florida and for Dolphin/Wahoo from Maine to Florida.

Additional information including a list of Primary Duties and Responsibilities, Knowledge, Skills and Qualifications required, and how to apply for the position is available from the Council’s website at: https://safmc.net/council-news/. Please note the closing date for the position is January 20, 2020. Questions should be addressed to Kelly Klasnick, Administrative Officer, South Atlantic Fishery Management Council at kelly.klasnick@safmc.net or by calling the Council office at 843/571-4366.

Reminder – The New Year Brings Changes to South Atlantic Federal Fishing Regulations

December 30, 2019 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Fishermen are reminded that several changes in federal fishing regulations occur beginning January 1st as we ring in 2020 – and a new fishing year for some species in the snapper grouper management complex. The South Atlantic regulation changes apply to federal waters ranging from 3 to 200 nautical miles offshore of NC, SC, GA, and the east coast of Florida.

For example, a spawning season closure for shallow-water grouper goes into place to help protect species such as gag grouper, red grouper, scamp, red hind, yellowmouth grouper, and others. The season will reopen May 1st. Some other snapper grouper species will open for harvest January 1st.

See the Regulations Summary (click the image) available from the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council for changes effective January 1, 2020. To keep up with federal regulations and changes throughout the year (recreational and commercial), download the free FishRules mobile app.

Additional regulation information and other helpful resources are available from the Council’s website at: https://safmc.net/regulations/.

NOAA Issues Final Rule to Require Turtle Excluder Device Use for all Skimmer Trawl Vessels 40 Feet and Greater in Length

December 19, 2019 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

KEY MESSAGE:

In an effort to strengthen sea turtle conservation efforts, NOAA Fisheries published a final rule to require all skimmer trawl vessels 40 feet and greater in length to use turtle excluder devices (TEDs) in their nets. A TED is a device that allows sea turtles to escape from trawl nets. The purpose of the rule is to aid in the protection and recovery of listed sea turtle populations by reducing incidental bycatch and mortality of sea turtles in the southeastern U.S. shrimp fisheries.

WHEN RULE WILL TAKE EFFECT:

Skimmer trawl vessels 40 feet and greater in length that are rigged for fishing are required to install TEDs in their nets by April 1, 2021. For purposes of this rule, vessel length is the length specified on the vessel’s state vessel registration or U.S. Coast Guard vessel documentation required to be onboard the vessel while fishing.

NEW TED REQUIREMENTS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

  • Skimmer trawl vessels 40 feet and greater in length rigged for fishing will be required to install and use TEDs designed to exclude small turtles in their nets. Specifically, the space between the deflector bars of the new TEDs must not exceed 3 inches; escape openings must be oriented at the top of the net; and there are potential webbing restrictions on the escape opening flap depending on the type of TED grid and escape opening configuration. For purposes of this rule, vessel length is based on state fishery license or vessel registration information required to be onboard the vessel while fishing.
  • NOAA Fisheries originally published a proposed rule in December 2016 that would have required all skimmer trawl, pusher-head trawl, and wing net vessels to use TEDs in their nets. In response to public comment and further deliberation, however, the final rule was revised.
  • Additionally, NOAA Fisheries also amended the allowable tow time definition. The new definition requires all vessels operating under the allowable tow time limit (e.g., skimmer trawl vessels less than 40 feet in length, pusher-head trawl vessels, wing net vessels, live bait vessels, etc.) to remove and empty their catch on deck within the tow time limit (i.e., 55 or 75 minutes, depending on season). We believe the amended definition will improve the inspection of the net for potentially captured sea turtles and allow for their release unharmed.
  • The Gear Monitoring Team based out of the Southeast Fisheries Science Center Pascagoula Lab’s Harvesting Systems Branch will be conducting numerous workshops and training sessions for skimmer trawl fishers. Information on these sessions, as well as additional information (final rule, FEIS, FAQs) on the new TED requirements, will be posted on our website at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/bycatch/turtle-excluder-device-regulations.

This bulletin serves as a Small Entity Compliance Guide, complying with section 212 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996.

NOTE: Please see the complete Fishery Bulletin from NOAA Fisheries for additional details, including Frequently Asked Questions and links to helpful documents.

NOAA Fisheries Announces New Modifications to Sea Turtle Release Gear for the South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery

December 10, 2019 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

KEY MESSAGE:

NOAA Fisheries announces new modifications to sea turtle release gear for the snapper-grouper fishery in the South Atlantic. These modifications include three newly approved sea turtle release devices, and clarification to regulations to specify exactly which release gear is required and approved for use, including dimensions where appropriate.

WHEN RULE WILL TAKE EFFECT:

Regulations will be effective January 8, 2020.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES:

  • A collapsible hoop net and small turtle hoist are approved as alternatives to the dip net requirement.
  • A new squeeze handle dehooker is approved to fulfill the requirement for a short-handled dehooker for external hooks.
  • The use of 316L and 304L grade stainless steel for internal and external device construction are approved for other short-handled and long-handled dehookers.
  • There is no longer a requirement for the end coverings on canine mouth gags.
    The minimum blade length for the monofilament line cutters is 1 inch with a minimum total length of 6 inches.
  • The minimum total length for the long-nose, needle-nose pliers is 11 inches.
  • The minimum blade length for the bolt cutters is 4 inches with a minimum total length of 14 inches.
  • The specific length for the hank of rope, used as a mouth opener/gag, has been removed.
  • The block of hard wood, used as a mouth opener/gag, dimensions must be 10 inch x ¾ inch x ¾ inch.
  • The requirement for a sea turtle cushion or support device was updated to specify a dedicated cushion for the turtle must be on board, which cannot be also used as a personal floatation device.

An electronic version of the document entitled “Careful Release Protocols for Sea Turtle Release with Minimal Injury” kept on an electronic device is now allowed on board a vessel instead of a written copy.

This bulletin serves as a Small Entity Compliance Guide, complying with section 212 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996.

NOTE: Please see the complete Fishery Bulletin from NOAA Fisheries for additional details, including Frequently Asked Questions and links to helpful documents.