Saving Seafood

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

South Atlantic Fishery Management Council October 1-5, 2018 Meeting Summary

October 12, 2018 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council held their regularly scheduled September meeting October 1-5, 2018 in Charleston, SC. The meeting was postponed due to Hurricane Florence. Below are highlights from the Council’s weeklong meeting. Additional information from the meeting is available from the Council’s website at: http://safmc.net/september-2018-council-meeting-details/, including a Meeting Report, Story Map, final committee reports, public comments, and briefing book materials.

Amendments Approved for Secretarial Review

The Council approved four amendments to fishery management plans for formal Secretarial review. NOAA Fisheries will solicit additional public input on the amendments as part of the review process. Regulatory actions in the amendments will be implemented following the review process, if approved by the Secretary of Commerce.

Spiny Lobster Amendment 13

The amendment includes actions to update federal regulations to align with the State of Florida and update the enhanced cooperative management procedure between the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and NOAA Fisheries. The new regulations would apply to commercial harvesters using bully net gear and include permit requirements, vessel markings, and prohibitions on the use of trap pullers or underwater breathing apparatus (excluding dive masks or snorkels) when commercial bully net fishing. The amendment would also establish a daily vessel limit of 250 lobsters per day/vessel for the commercial bully net fishery and for the commercial dive fishery, in specified areas.

Snapper Grouper Regulatory Amendment 27 (Commercial Visioning)

In response to input received as part of the Council’s Vision Blueprint for the Snapper Grouper Fishery addressing long-term management, the actions in this amendment are designed to address concerns over equitable access for commercial fishermen, minimize discards, and improve marketability. The amendment would: establish a commercial split season and modify trip limits for blueline tilefish, greater amberjack, and red porgy; establish a split season for snowy grouper, modify the trip limit for vermilion snapper; specify a minimum size limit for almaco jack and a trip limit for the Other Jacks Complex; remove the minimum size limit for queen snapper, silk snapper and blackfin snapper; and reduce the commercial minimum size limit for gray triggerfish in federal waters off east Florida.

Snapper Grouper Abbreviated Framework Amendment 2
(Vermilion Snapper and Black Sea Bass)
Based on results of the latest stock assessments, the framework amendment would adjust fishing levels for both vermilion snapper and black sea bass. Actions in the amendment would increase the overall annual catch limit (ACL) for vermilion snapper and decrease the annual catch limit for black sea bass. The ACL for vermilion snapper would increase from 1,269,000 pounds whole weight (ww) to 1,579,000 pounds (ww) beginning in 2019. For black sea bass, the ACL would be reduced from 1,756,450 pounds (ww) to 760,000 pounds beginning in 2019 with the recreational ACL effective at the start of the 2019/2020 fishing year (starting April 2019). The Council is considering the amendment an “interim adjustment” until new recreational estimates from the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) are incorporated into the assessment. The Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee will review the MRIP recalibrations and updated assessments using the new MRIP numbers for both species during its October 15-17, 2018 meeting and provide a report to the Council during its December 2018 meeting.

SCDNR Officer Hering Recognized as Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

October 9, 2018 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Law enforcement personnel have been working tirelessly along coastal Carolina as the floodwaters from Hurricane Florence continue to invade homes and property. Officer Randy Hering with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources’ Law Enforcement Division knows this all to well as he and his fellow officers have worked around the clock conducting rescues, patrolling flooded areas, and assisting state and federal agencies to secure threatened areas along the Pee Dee River basin in Horry and Georgetown Counties.

Officer Hering was given a brief reprieve from working the flooded area as he received the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award during the Council’s meeting this week in Charleston, SC. The award, established by the Council in 2010, recognizes distinctive service, professionalism, and dedication to enforcing fisheries regulations in the South Atlantic. Nominees for the annual award may be submitted from each of the southeastern state law enforcement agencies, the U.S. Coast Guard, and NOAA Fisheries.

“This year’s award is especially timely,” said Council Chair Jessica McCawley. “It is truly an honor to present this award to Officer Hering during our meeting here in South Carolina, and to have the opportunity to reflect on the work and dedication of enforcement personnel throughout the region during times of natural disasters.”

In addition to his willingness to work long hours when needed, Officer Hering is known for his positive working relationship with the commercial fishing industry and knowledge of federal fishing regulations. He works closely with federal enforcement efforts through the Joint Enforcement Agreement and has assisted in joint investigations resulting in 11 Federal Fisheries cases. One such case involved Officer Hering working a commercial offload in Georgetown, SC where he discovered the fisherman was over his legal limit of Cobia and operating without a commercial license, resulting in $3243.00 of product being seized. Other cases have involved illegal possession of undersized sharks, possession of grouper during the spawning season closure, and a dockside patrol that resulted in a federal charge for an undersize blue marlin and failure to possess a recreational permit for Highly Migratory Species.

“Officer Hering shows compassion and understanding while enforcing fisheries regulations,” said Kevin Mitchell, Field Officer with NOAA Fisheries Enforcement. “He has developed a rapport with fishermen in the area, is extremely knowledgeable about federal fisheries regulations, and is proficient at enforcing these regulations.” Mitchell noted Officer Hering’s willingness to go the extra mile in working cases, often driving long hours to assist when needed, and collecting evidence such as fish fillets for DNA testing for successful prosecution.

In his four years as a conservation officer, Hering has become the “go to guy” for questions regarding federal regulations for both commercial and recreational fisheries and is known for sharing his knowledge with other officers. “Randy has been instrumental in the last year with training of new officers in all aspects of federal fisheries enforcement including navigating offshore, boarding shrimp trawlers, and fish identification,” explained Sgt. Ryan Williams with SCDNR Law Enforcement.

“Randy Hering is an outstanding officer and very deserving of recognition. He is quick to learn and always willing to go the extra mile,” said Captain Henry Stackhouse with SDCNR Law Enforcement and in attendance at the Law Enforcement of the Year presentation. “It is a joy to have an officer this young acknowledged for his work and we are honored on behalf of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division to be here today.”

“I love my job and enjoy working the various aspects of being a law enforcement officer with SCDNR,” said Officer Hering after receiving the award. “This award means more to me than I can put into words, but I couldn’t do my job without the help and guidance of my fellow officers. We all share in this honor.”

Officer Hering lives in Georgetown, SC with his wife Taylor, daughter Harper, another baby on the way, and two Golden Retrievers – Dillon and Dayne.

Scoping Meetings Cancelled – SAFMC Votes to Discontinue Development of Options to Modify Federal For-Hire Snapper Grouper Permits

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

Public scoping meetings scheduled to gather input on options for modifying the Federal South Atlantic Charter/Headboat for Snapper Grouper Permit will not be held. The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council decided to stop work on the draft Amendment 47 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan during its meeting this week. The amendment included options for a moratorium on the federal permit, modifying current permit conditions that prohibit harvest of snapper grouper species in state waters when the species is closed to harvest in federal waters, issuing a for-hire permit for an individual rather than a vessel, and issuing an ID number for for-hire permits.

A Story Map for the Council meeting is available from the Council’s website at www.safmc.net. Additional information about the meeting, including a meeting summary will be available tomorrow from the Council’s website.

Note: A For-Hire Electronic Reporting Information Session scheduled for October 30, 2018 in Mt. Pleasant, SC will be held as planned. See below for details.

SAFMC Scientific and Statistical Committee Meeting – October 15-17, 2018

October 4, 2018 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold a meeting of its Scientific and Statistical Committee October 15-17, 2018 in Charleston, SC. The SSC assists the Council in the development, collection, evaluation, and peer review of information relevant to fishery management plans and amendments. The meetings are open to the public and may also be access remotely via webinar.

Meeting Dates: October 15-17, 2018

Meeting Location:
Town & Country Inn, 2008 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29401

Agenda Highlights

  • Review of changes to the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) data
  • Review of stock assessment revisions using the newly calibrated MRIP numbers for Blueline Tilefish, Black Sea Bass, Red Grouper, and Vermilion Snapper
  • Review of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission’s Red Snapper Gear Selectivity Study

Additional Information:

Council Seeks Input on Options to Modify Federal For-Hire Permits for the Snapper Grouper Fishery

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

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is soliciting public comment for measures proposed in draft Amendment 47 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan. The amendment would modify the Federal South Atlantic Charter/Headboat for Snapper Grouper Permit (For-Hire Permit). Public scoping occurs early in the amendment development process and the Council is seeking input on proposed options at this time.

Options in Amendment 47:
  • A moratorium on Federal South Atlantic Charter/Headboat for Snapper Grouper Permits;
  • Options for the start date of a moratorium, exceptions for eligibility, and transferability of for-hire permits;
  • Options to allow new entrants, establishing a for-hire permits pool, creating multiple for-hire permit types, and time limits/sunset provisions for a moratorium; 
  • Options are also being considered for modifying current permit conditions prohibiting harvest of snapper grouper species in state waters when the species is closed to harvest in federal waters, issuing a for-hire permit for an individual rather than a vessel, and issuing an ID number for for-hire permits similar to limited entry permits.
Learn More and Provide Comments:
  • Information is available from the Council’s website including the 
    • Amendment 47 Public Scoping Document
    • Scoping Overview Powerpoint and Video Presentation
    • Story Map
  • Council staff will provide an overview of the options being proposed at the beginning of each in-person public scoping meeting and answer questions.
  • The Council is requesting that public comments be submitted using the online public comment form now available. You may also read what others are posting. Public comment will be accepted until November 9, 2018.

Read more here

Reminder – Council Meeting September 30 – October 5, 2018

September 28, 2018 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The September meeting of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council was postponed earlier as Hurricane Florence threatened the Carolina coastline. Our thoughts are with those impacted by the hurricane and subsequent flooding. The rescheduled Council meeting will begin this Sunday with a Recreational Workshop and continue throughout the week here in Charleston. During the meeting the Council will address federal fishery management measures affecting offshore fisheries including snapper grouper, king and Spanish mackerel, spiny lobster, and habitat protection and ecosystem-based management. The meeting is open to the public unless otherwise specified, and public comment is now being accepted on agenda items.

Agendas, Overviews, and Briefing Materials:
The agenda for the week long meeting as well as individual committee agendas and helpful overviews are available from the Council meeting website. Documents, summaries, presentations, and other briefing materials for the meeting are also available.

Attend the Meeting via Webinar:
The meeting may be accessed via webinar each day as it occurs. Registration for each day is required. Register now and receive email reminders for the upcoming sessions.
– Monday, October 1 2:30 pm – 5 pm
– Tuesday, October 2 8:30 am – 5 pm
– Wednesday, October 3 8:30 am – 6 pm
– Thursday, October 4 8:30 am – 5 pm
– Friday, October 5 8:30 am – 12:00 pm

Public Comment:
Comments on agenda items may be submitted using the online comment form. The form allows Council members immediate access to all comments and gives others the opportunity to read comments as they are posted. The Council will also solicit public comment during the meeting beginning at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, October 3, 2018.

Agenda Highlights:
Final Approval: The Council is scheduled to approve four amendments for review by the Secretary of Commerce during the meeting. The amendments address vermilion snapper and black sea bass fishing levels, commercial king mackerel trip limits, use of bully nets in the spiny lobster fishery, and commercial measures as outlined in the Council’s Vision Blueprint for the Snapper Grouper Fishery.

Additional information is available online. Access all of the meeting information, submit comments, and listen live as the meeting occurs.

Request for Comments: Proposed Changes to Golden Tilefish Regulations in Federal Waters of the South Atlantic Region

September 28, 2018 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

KEY MESSAGE:

NOAA Fisheries requests your comments on a proposed rule for golden tilefish. The proposed actions would reduce golden tilefish catch limits based on the most recent population assessment. The purpose of the action is to end overfishing (rate of removal is too high) of golden tilefish in the South Atlantic.

Comments are due by October 12, 2018

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES:

  • The proposed rule would set the total catch limit at 342,000 pounds gutted weight (lbs gw).
  • This proposed rule would also specify the commercial and recreational sector catch limits and component commercial quotas using the existing sector allocations.
  • The commercial catch limit would be 331,740 lbs gw. The commercial quota for the hook-and-line component would be 82,935 lbs gw, and the commercial quota for the longline component would be 248,805 lbs gw. The recreational catch limit would be 2,316 fish.

HOW TO COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED RULE:

The 15 day comment period associated with this proposed rule will end on October 12, 2018. We will address all comments specifically directed to the proposed rule in the final rule. You may submit comments by electronic submission or by postal mail. Comments sent by any other method (such as e-mail), to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NOAA Fisheries.

FORMAL FEDERAL REGISTER NAME/NUMBER: 83 FR 48788, published September 27, 2018

Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.
1. Go to https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=NOAA-NMFS-2018-0091.
2. Click the “Comment Now!” icon, complete the required fields.
3. Enter or attach your comments.

Mail: Submit written comments to Karla Gore, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

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

The September 16-21, 2018 meeting of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council has been postponed due to Hurricane Florence

September 11, 2018 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will postpone its quarterly meeting originally scheduled for September 16 – 21, 2018 in Charleston, SC due to the threat of Hurricane Florence. The rescheduled Council meeting will be held September 30 – October 5, 2018 at the originally planned location: Town and Country Inn at 2008 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC.
A Recreational Fishing Workshop originally scheduled prior to the Council meeting has also been rescheduled for Sunday, September 30 and Monday, October 1, 2018 at the Town and Country Inn.

Council meeting information, including briefing book materials for the September Council meeting is available from the Council’s website at: http://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/council-meetings/.

NOTICE OF CANCELLATION: September 10-13 Trainings for Federally Permitted Charter Captains in South Florida to be rescheduled

September 10, 2018 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council was scheduled to hold a series of hands-on training sessions for federally permitted charter captains September 10-13, 2018. However, the Council office is located in Charleston, SC which is currently under a State of Emergency due to the impending threat of Hurricane Florence. To allow staff to make hurricane preparations, the trainings scheduled in Key West, Marathon, Islamorada, and Miami for this week are CANCELLED and will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

New dates for South Florida trainings will be posted as soon as possible. Check the following website for up-to-date training dates and webinars: http://safmc.net/satl-federal-for-hire-electronic-reporting-outreach/