Saving Seafood

Commercial Closure in Federal Waters for Atlantic Migratory Group Spanish Mackerel Northern Zone on November 4, 2018

November 5, 2018 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

WHAT/WHEN:

The commercial harvest of Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel northern zone in federal waters will close at 12:01 a.m., local time, on November 4, 2018, and will re-open on March 1, 2019. The northern zone for Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel includes federal waters from North Carolina through New York. During the commercial closure, harvest or possession of Spanish mackerel in or from the northern zone federal waters is limited to the recreational bag and possession limits while the recreational sector is open, but those fish may not be sold.

WHY THIS CLOSURE IS HAPPENING:

Commercial landings are projected to reach the commercial quota for Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel northern zone. According to the accountability measure, harvest must close to prevent the quota from being exceeded.

DURING THE CLOSURE:

  • The prohibition on sale or purchase during a closure for Spanish mackerel does not apply to fish that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold prior to 12:01 a.m., local time, November 4, 2018, and were held in cold storage by a dealer or processor.
  • During the closure, a person on board a vessel that has been issued a valid Federal commercial or charter vessel/headboat permit for coastal migratory pelagic fish may continue to retain Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel in the northern zone under the recreational bag and possession limits, as long as the recreational sector for Atlantic migratory group Spanish mackerel is open.

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/retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=38b00fbc079181f330b3d8428a1d8fea&mc=true&n=pt50.12.622&r=PART&ty=HTML#sp50.12.622.q.

NOAA releases data on illegal striped bass poaching ring

November 5, 2018 — Over the last couple years, news came out of North Carolina of arrests of fishermen involved in an illegal striped bass poaching ring.

Thirty co-conspirators were part of the illicit activity, but only 12 subjects were charged and sentenced in connection to this case, which saw 52 charges in 13 indictments.

This week the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released data on the results of the investigation and court proceedings.

Read the full story at the Asbury Park Press

SAFMC Recruitment Announcement for Grants & Meeting Coordinator/Office Assistant

November 5, 2018 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

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

The Grants and Meeting Coordinator and Office Assistantisresponsiblefor all aspects of on-site support of various types of meetings, from public hearings to Council Meetings. Additionally, responsibilities include submission of grants and reports via the Federal Grants on-line system, assisting with the Council’s website, and general office support. 

Assists the Administrative Officer and Technical Staff with support including, but not limited to:

Selects, stages, loads, and transports recording and AV equipment to various meetings within our geographical area.

Sets up and operates the recording and AV equipment and troubleshoots as necessary. Takes roll of meeting participants for the record and ensures that Council Committee Chairs sign the certification pages of minutes.

Provides liaison between the meeting attendees and the hotel as necessary regarding billing.

Submits grant reports to the regional office via Grants On-line. Coordinates our four states with the submission and proper documentation for payments under their annual contracts and provides documentation to the executive director for certification.

Coordinates the maintenance of all equipment with appropriate vendors, to include the copiers, postage machines, and recording and AV equipment. Responsible for sending the landlord trouble tickets for repairs to the office as necessary.

Updates the Council website under the instruction of the Outreach Specialist.

Assists with running meetings via webinar.

Formats and tracks verbatim Council minutes to ensure that certification is documented.

Orders, tracks, and reconciles invoices and inventories for all purchases for the office.

Is available to travel an average of fourteen weeks per year to meetings in support of Council and SEDAR activities.

Performs other general office duties, such as distributing mail, answering and directing phones calls, copying, and filing.

Prepares and distributes official office correspondence.

Performs other duties as assigned by the Administrative Officer.

Knowledge, Ability, and Skills Required:

This position requires an AA degree or higher. Dependability, resourcefulness, and a work ethic dedicated to providing support to the Council and staff. The individual must have the ability to travel and operate independently. An excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook) is a must. The individual must have the ability to communicate with and successfully work with staff, Council members, and the public concerning support of the Council’s mission. This requires experience in supporting various constituencies in a fast-paced environment. The successful individual must have the ability to learn new things and successfully implement instructions. Additional requirements include a clean DMV report and the ability to lift 40 lbs.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None.

Supervision Received:

Works under the supervision of the Administrative Officer.

Starting Salary Range (ZA II -01): $41,365-55,175 negotiable depending on education and experience.

This is a permanent, non-federal position with benefits. Non-U.S. nationals are welcome to apply.

Closing Date: Open until filled

Send Cover Letter, Resume and 3 References to: 

Kelly Klasnick

Administrative Officer

South Atlantic Fishery Management Council

4055 Faber Place Drive, Suite 201

North Charleston, SC 29405

kelly.klasnick@safmc.net

 

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 Council to Offer Training for Federally Permitted Charter Captains on Upcoming Electronic Reporting Requirements

November 1, 2018 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is continuing its series of hands-on training sessions for federally permitted charter captains.
TRAINING LOCATIONS: The next stop in the series is in South Florida with trainings in Key West through Miami over the course of next week. These trainings were originally scheduled for September but were postponed due to the threat of Hurricane Florence.  See the detailed schedule below.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND: 
Charter captains with South Atlantic federal, for-hire permits (Snapper Grouper, Dolphin Wahoo, and/or Coastal Migratory Pelagic fisheries).
TRAINING TOPICS:
  • Overview of the South Atlantic For-Hire Electronic Reporting Amendment and rulemaking process;
  • Proposed reporting requirements;
  • Timeline for possible implementation;
  • Hands-on training to learn how to use web-based and tablet reporting tools

Check the webpage for the latest schedule.

Informational Webinars

Can’t attend an in-person training? Council staff will also host informational webinars twice a month for federal for-hire permit holders to provide information about electronic reporting, the proposed amendment, and upcoming training sessions. Registration is required.
Below is the current schedule for informational webinars:

Comments Requested: 2019 Exempted Fishing Permits and Other Related Permits for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species

October 31, 2018 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

NOAA Fisheries will consider issuing exempted fishing permits, scientific research permits, display permits, letters of acknowledgment, and shark research fishery permits for the research and collection of Atlantic highly migratory species in 2019.

In general, exempted fishing and related permits authorize the collection of a limited number of tunas, swordfish, billfishes, and sharks from federal waters in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. The purpose of these collections is scientific data, bycatch research, public display, and to evaluate the efficacy of environmental clean-up efforts, among other things. Letters of acknowledgment will document that scientific research activity is being conducted aboard scientific research vessels. The shark research fishery assists NOAA Fisheries in collecting valuable shark life history and other scientific data required in shark stock assessments.

Generally, NOAA Fisheries receives fewer than 50 applications with most relating to scientific sampling and tagging of Atlantic highly migratory species. This will be the only public comment opportunity before NOAA Fisheries issues this type permits. We will provide additional opportunity for public comment for applications outside of this scope.

Comments:
Comments must be received on or before November 30, 2018.

Electronic submissions: nmfs.hms.efp2019@noaa.gov

U.S. Mail: Craig Cockrell, Highly Migratory Species Management Division (F/SF1), NOAA Fisheries, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

Permit applications and copies of the regulations pertaining to exempted fishing permits, scientific research permits, display permits, and letters of acknowledgment may also be requested from this address. Shark research fishery permit applications can be received via information found in the request for applications, expected to publish shortly.

Webinar Information:

NOAA Fisheries will host a webinar on November 14, 2018, from 2 to 4 p.m. EDT. Applicants and other interested members of the public will see a general overview of the exempt fishing permit program and have an opportunity to ask questions.

Call-in: 1-888-942-8612; passcode 6276326. We encourage you to log/dial in 15 minutes prior to the meeting.

Log-in:

https://noaaevents2.webex.com/noaaevents2/onstage/g.php?MTID=ee7c953be8b128d064d6557dbb5e5423b

password: NOAA

Requests for language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Craig Cockrell at 301-427-8503 at least 7 days prior to the meeting.

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:

Commerce Department Announces Appointments to 3 Regional Fishery Management Councils

October 18, 2018 — The following was released by NOAA:

The U.S. Commerce Department today announced the reappointment of one and appointment of two new members to three regional fishery management councils. The new members will fill at-large seats that were recently vacated on the Western Pacific and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils. These seats became vacant in July 2018. The new members will serve through August 10, 2020. For the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the tribal member will fill an obligatory seat that was made vacant after the expiration of the term on August 11, 2018. The reappointed member will serve through August 10, 2021.

The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act established the councils as stewards of the nation’s fisheries resources through the preparation of fishery management plans for their regions. NOAA Fisheries works closely with the councils through this process and then reviews, approves, and implements the plans. Council members represent diverse groups, including commercial and recreational fishing industries, environmental organizations and academia. They are vital to fulfilling the Act’s requirements to end overfishing, rebuild fish stocks, and manage them sustainably.

The Secretary selects members from nominations submitted by the governors of fishing states, territories, and tribal governments. Council members are appointed to both obligatory (state-specific) and at-large (regional) seats. Council members may be reappointed to serve three consecutive terms.

*Asterisks preceding a member’s name indicate a reappointment.
South Atlantic Council

The South Atlantic Council includes members from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The appointee will a vacant at-large seat.

At-Large seat:

Joseph D. Whitaker (South Carolina)

Pacific Council

The Pacific Council includes members from California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The Pacific Council also includes one Tribal seat. The appointee will fill a vacant Tribal seat.

Obligatory seat:

Joseph Y. Oatman* (Tribal)

Western Pacific Council

The Western Pacific Council includes members from American Samoa, Guam, Hawaii, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The appointee will fill a vacant at-large seat.

At-Large seat:

Frederick McGrew Rice (Hawaii)

Read the full release here

NOAA Announces Out of Cycle Fisheries Council Appointments

October 17, 2018 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

Today, NOAA Fisheries announced the appointment of three new members to the South Atlantic (SAFMC), Western Pacific (WPFMC) and Pacific (PFMC) regional fishery management councils that partner with NOAA Fisheries to manage ocean fish stocks. The newly appointed members on the WPFMC and SAFMC are filling at-large seats made vacant this July, and these members will serve through August 10, 2020. The other appointed member is filling the vacant Tribal seat on the PFMC. That member will serve until August 10, 2021.

View the list of of appointees here.