Saving Seafood

New England Council Seeks Contractor to Develop Groundfish ABC Control Rule Alternatives

February 19, 2020 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council is seeking the services of an independent contractor to develop alternatives for Northeast multispecies (groundfish) acceptable biological catch (ABC) control rules. This is a medium-term, temporary contractor role, commencing in late March 2020 and expected to be completed by November 2020. Letters of interest and supporting materials must be received by March 18, 2020.

WHY IS THIS HAPPENING: Thirteen groundfish species – some with separate geographic stocks – are managed under the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) is required by law to recommend ABCs for each stock based on an ABC control rule. The Council establishes control rules in consultation with the SSC. These control rules account for scientific uncertainty in the overfishing limit (OFL) and the Council’s risk policy. The current ABC control rules are contained in Amendment 16 to the FMP, which was implemented in 2010. Given developments over the past decade, these control rules may not reflect best practices, changes in policy, lessons learned from experience, and modifications to the law. Therefore, the Council is revisiting the control rules.

WHICH STOCKS ARE INVOLVED: This contract will focus on groundfish stocks with analytic assessments as of 2019, which are: Gulf of Maine cod, Gulf of Maine haddock, Georges Bank haddock, American plaice, pollock, Georges Bank winter flounder, white hake, Acadian redfish, Cape Cod/Gulf of Maine yellowtail flounder, Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic yellowtail flounder, and Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic winter flounder. The contract is limited to stocks with analytic assessments because a research track assessment in 2020 is expected to address stocks with empirical assessments.

WHAT’S EXPECTED: The contractor will work closely with representatives of the Council’s SSC, Groundfish Plan Development Team (PDT), and Groundfish Committee. Since the Council establishes ABC control rules in consultation with its SSC, the contractor will analyze and evaluate a suite of suitable control rules but not recommend a specific one. At present, standard ABC control rules are applied to groundfish stocks with analytic assessments – the rules are not tailored for each stock – and this should be the approach tested by the contractor.

  • The contractor will prepare a report that evaluates the performance of the control rules against a range of metrics that will be identified by Council representatives.
  • The contractor will be expected to identify possible ABC control rules and test their performance in a Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) framework. This should be a “desktop” MSE working closely with Council representatives.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS: The Council is looking for candidates that have familiarity with the U.S. federal fisheries management system, preferably in New England but this is not required. Additionally, among other skills, candidates should have: (1) extensive experience with analytic stock assessments and the use of simulation techniques to evaluate various ABC control rules and preferably be familiar with the stock assessment and projection models used for Northeast multispecies stocks; (2) a demonstrated ability to summarize complex policies and procedures in clear, easily read documents and through concise verbal discussions; (3) an advanced degree in a fisheries technical field, particularly in population dynamics, modeling, and stock assessment; and (4) a demonstrated ability to summarize conflicting information in an objective manner.

APPLICATION DETAILS: Interested professionals are encouraged to submit a letter of interest, current resume or curriculum vitae, examples of similar work completed for other organizations or publications, and a budget with expected expenses no later than March 18, 2020.

  • A complete list of desired experience and demonstrated skills can be found in the solicitation announcement, along with application mailing/email addresses and other information.
  • NOTE: Candidates employed by advocacy organizations or by organizations that are parties in fishery lawsuits will not be considered.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Interested candidates may want to review:

QUESTIONS: For more information, contact Executive Director Tom Nies at (978) 465-0492 ext. 113, tnies@asmfc.org.

MAFMC: Reminder: SSC Application Deadline January 24

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

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) is seeking four qualified candidates to serve on its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC). Successful candidates will serve a three-year appointment beginning in March of 2020. Applications must be received by 5:00 P.M. on Friday, January 24, 2020.

The SSC serves as the Council’s primary scientific/technical advisory body and provides independent scientific advice for fishery management decisions, including recommendations for acceptable biological catch and achieving rebuilding targets. The SSC also provides science advice and information on stock status, bycatch, habitat, social and economic impacts of management measures, and research priorities. The SSC typically meets 4-5 times per year, with meetings lasting from one to three days. In-person meetings are usually held in Baltimore, MD.

Membership is comprised of state and federal employees, academia, and independent experts with scientific and technical expertise in biology, statistics, economics, social science, and other relevant disciplines. The Council recently completed a comprehensive review of SSC membership in order to align new membership expertise with the future needs of the Council. Based on that review, the Council is seeking four candidates in the following areas:

  • One additional member with quantitative stock assessment expertise
  • One fisheries biologist/ecologist with experience and expertise in ecosystem science and approaches
  • One economist/social scientist with experience and expertise in ecosystem science and approaches
  • One economist and/or social scientist to help support Council priorities and actions that will have socioeconomic implications

Individuals interested in applying for nomination to the SSC must submit a current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume and a brief letter describing qualifications and relevant experience in priority areas identified above. All applications received will be reviewed by the Council and will require a nomination by a Council member in order to be considered for appointment.

Applications and materials may be submitted by email to Dr. Chris Moore, Executive Director, at cmoore@mafmc.org. All applications must be received by 5:00 P.M. on Friday, January 24, 2020. If you have any questions or need further information about the process, please contact Brandon Muffley at bmuffley@mafmc.org; 302-526-5260.

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PFMC: STT and the SSC’s Salmon Subcommittee to Hold Joint Meeting January 22 via Webinar

January 7, 2020 — The following was released by the Pacific Fishery Management Council:

The Pacific Fishery Management Council’s (Pacific Council) Salmon Technical Team (STT) and Scientific and Statistical Committee’s Salmon Subcommittee (SSCSC) will hold a joint meeting via webinar on Wednesday, January 22, 2020, which is open to the public.  The webinar will begin at 10:30 a.m. and will continue until 12 p.m., or when business for the day has been completed.

Please see the STT and SSC’s Salmon Subcommittee January 22, 2020 webinar notice on the Council’s website for participation details.

For further information:

  • Please contact Pacific Fishery Management Council staff officer Ms. Robin Ehlke  at 503-820-2410; toll-free 1-866-806-7204.

NEFMC SSC – Listen Live – January 10, 2020 – Groundfish Related

January 6, 2020 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will meet on Friday, January 10, 2020.  The public is invited to listen live via webinar or telephone.  Here are the details.

 
START TIME:  9:30 a.m. on Friday, January 10, 2020.
 
WEBINAR REGISTRATION:  Online access to the meeting is available at Listen Live.  There is no charge to access the meeting through this webinar.
 
CALL-IN OPTION:  To listen by telephone, dial +1 (562) 247-8422.  The access code is 279-391-516.  Please be aware that if you dial in, your regular phone charges will apply.
 
AGENDA:  The SSC will meet to:
  • Consider the New England Fishery Management Council’s remand of the SSC’s acceptable biological catch (ABC) recommendations for American plaice, Gulf of Maine haddock, Georges Bank haddock, and Atlantic pollock for fishing years 2020-2022;
  • Discuss any issues concerning ABC control rules for groundfish and the lack of fish stock status determination criteria; and
  • Discuss other business as necessary.
COMMENTS:  The deadline for submitting written comments for consideration at this meeting is 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 8, 2020.  Address comments to Council Chairman Dr. John Quinn or Executive Director Tom Nies and email them to comments@nefmc.org.  The address for mailing comments is:  New England Fishery Management Council, 50 Water Street, Mill #2, Newburyport, MA 01950.
 
MATERIALS:  Meeting materials will be posted on the Council’s website at SSC January 10, 2020 documents.
 
QUESTIONS:  Contact Joan O’Leary at (978) 465-0492 ext. 101, joleary@nefmc.org or Janice Plante at (607) 592-4817, jplante@nefmc.org.

MAFMC Seeks SSC Nominations

January 2, 2020 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) is seeking four qualified candidates to serve on its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC). Successful candidates will serve a three-year appointment beginning in March of 2020. Applications must be received by 5:00 P.M. on Friday, January 24, 2020.

The SSC serves as the Council’s primary scientific/technical advisory body and provides independent scientific advice for fishery management decisions, including recommendations for acceptable biological catch and achieving rebuilding targets. The SSC also provides science advice and information on stock status, bycatch, habitat, social and economic impacts of management measures, and research priorities. The SSC typically meets 4-5 times per year, with meetings lasting from one to three days. In-person meetings are usually held in Baltimore, MD.

Membership is comprised of state and federal employees, academia, and independent experts with scientific and technical expertise in biology, statistics, economics, social science, and other relevant disciplines. The Council recently completed a comprehensive review of SSC membership in order to align new membership expertise with the future needs of the Council. Based on that review, the Council is seeking four candidates in the following areas:

  • One additional member with quantitative stock assessment expertise
  • One fisheries biologist/ecologist with experience and expertise in ecosystem science and approaches
  • One economist/social scientist with experience and expertise in ecosystem science and approaches
  • One economist and/or social scientist to help support Council priorities and actions that will have socioeconomic implications

Individuals interested in applying for nomination to the SSC must submit a current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume and a brief letter describing qualifications and relevant experience in priority areas identified above. All applications received will be reviewed by the Council and will require a nomination by a Council member in order to be considered for appointment.

Applications and materials may be submitted by email to Dr. Chris Moore, Executive Director, at cmoore@mafmc.org. All applications must be received by 5:00 P.M. on Friday, January 24, 2020. If you have any questions or need further information about the process, please contact Brandon Muffley at bmuffley@mafmc.org; 302-526-5260.

New England Council Seeks Scientific and Statistical Committee Nominees

October 15, 2019 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council is seeking qualified candidates to serve on its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC).  The three-year appointments begin January 1, 2020 and run through December 31, 2022.  Individuals may nominate themselves or be nominated by others.  All application materials must be received by 8 a.m. on December 20, 2019.

QUALIFICATION CRITERIA:  The Council is seeking to fill several upcoming vacancies on the committee.  In general, SSC nominees should have expertise in statistics, fisheries biology, marine ecology, economics, sociology, anthropology, or other social sciences as they apply to fisheries management.

SSC RESPONSIBILITIES:  SSC members are expected to provide independent, scientific advice to the Council.  The purpose of the SSC is to assist the Council in the development, collection, and evaluation of statistical, biological, economic, social, and other scientific information relevant to the development of fishery management plans.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  More information about SSC responsibilities, current committee composition, and upcoming/past meetings can be found at SSC activities.  The notice requesting nominations, which contains application details, is available on that page under “Related News” or at announcement.  Members with expiring terms who wish to continue serving on the SSC are encouraged to resubmit their curriculum vitae (CV) or resume with a letter expressing continued interest in remaining on the committee.

QUESTIONS:  For more information contact Council Deputy Director Chris Kellogg at (978) 465-0492, ext. 112; ckellogg@nefmc.org.

PFMC: Request for Nominations for Two At-Large Vacancies on SSC

September 24, 2019 — The following was released by the Pacific Fishery Management Council:

The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) is seeking qualified candidates to consider for two At-Large positions on its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC). The successful candidates will serve out the remainder of the 2019-2021 Council advisory body term.

The Council relies on its SSC for independent, objective advice and analysis about verifiable scientific evidence and theoretical methodologies regarding west coast fishery management approaches and practices.  The successful candidate should have knowledge of west coast fisheries and strong scientific expertise in statistics, biology, ecosystem dynamics, economics, fisheries management, population dynamics, fishery-related social science, or other related fields. At this time the Council is particularly, but not exclusively, interested in candidates experienced in the assessment of stocks in the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan and candidates with expertise with stocks and fisheries under the Fishery Management Plan for U.S. West Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species.

To ensure consideration, nominations should be received at the Council office no later than 5 pm, Pacific Time, Thursday, October 17, 2019.

The Council is committed to the principle of diversity and is particularly interested in receiving nominations from a broad spectrum of people. Eligibility or selection for these positions will not be based on race, color, national origin, handicap, age, religion, or sexual orientation.

If you have further questions, please contact Mr. Mike Burner at 503-820-2280; toll free 1-866-806-7204.

Scientific and Statistical Committee Meeting Scheduled August 19-21, 2019

August 8, 2019 — 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 to discuss the use of recreational fishing data collected through NOAA Fisheries’ Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP). The meeting will be held August 19-21, 2019 at the Town and Country Inn, 2008 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407. The meeting is open to the public.

Data collected through MRIP are used for stock assessments for species managed by the Council and subsequently in management decisions. The data collection program has transitioned from use of a Coastal Household Telephone Survey to using a Fishing Effort Survey by mail in recent years, due in part to the shift in phone usage from landline-based home phones to mobile phones. The transition to the Fishing Effort Survey by mail has resulted in some disparity for estimates between the two survey methods. The SSC will address this disparity for selected species and also establish approaches for the use of the Fishing Effort Survey estimates for unassessed species managed by the Council.

Additional information about the meeting is available from the Council’s website at: https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/scientific-and-statistical-committee-meetings/. The briefing book materials for the meeting, including the agenda and overview are posted along with public comment forms. The meeting will be available via webinar each day as it occurs. Registration is required and links are available from the website.

PFMC: SSC’s Economics Subcommittee to Hold Webinar Tuesday, June 4, 2019

May 28, 2019 — The following was released by the Pacific Fishery Management Council:

The Pacific Fishery Management Council’s (Council) Scientific and Statistical Committee’s Economics Subcommittee (Economics Subcommittee) will hold a webinar on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, which is open to the public. The webinar will begin at 1 p.m. (Pacific Daylight Time) and is expected to end at 4 p.m. or when business for the day is complete.
Please see the June 4, 2019 SSC Economics Subcommittee webinar notice on the Council’s website for the purpose of the webinar and participation details.

A listening stations will also be provided at the following location:

Pacific Fishery Management Council
7700 NE Ambassador Place, Suite 101
Portland, OR 97220-1384
503-820-2280
Driving Directions

For further information:

  • Please contact the Pacific Fishery Management Council staff officer for SSC matters, Mr. John DeVore at 503-820-2413; toll-free 1-866-806-7204.
  • See the Council’s SSC webpage for information about the SSC and a listing of SSC Ecosystem Subcommittee members

NEFMC SSC – Listen Live – April 24-25, 2019, Groundfish Monitoring

April 19, 2019 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

A sub-panel of the New England Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will meet on Wednesday, April 24 and Thursday, April 25, 2019 to discuss groundfish monitoring issues. The public is invited to listen live via webinar or telephone. Here are the details.

LOCATION: The meeting will be held at the Hotel Providence in Providence, RI.

START TIME: 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 24 and 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 25.

WEBINAR REGISTRATION: Online access to the meeting will be available at Listen Live. There is no charge to access the meeting through this webinar.

CALL-IN OPTION: To listen by telephone, dial +1 (415) 655-0060. The access code is 376-622-502. Please be aware that if you dial in, your regular phone charges will apply.

AGENDA: The SSC sub-panel will review the scientific validity of information and analyses concerning groundfish monitoring issues. The sub-panel’s report will be considered by the Council in evaluating management alternatives for improving monitoring of catch under the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan.

  • Wednesday, April 24, 2019 – The sub-panel will: (1) receive documents and presentations containing information and analyses concerning groundfish monitoring issues and evaluate the scientific validity of the information, along with any recommendations provided; and (2) listen to public comments.
  • Thursday, April 25, 2019 – The sub-panel will develop a written report for the Council. During this day of the meeting, which is a sub-panel work session, the public will not have an opportunity to comment unless requested by the chair.

COMMENTS: The deadline for submitting written comments for consideration at this meeting is 8 a.m. on Monday, April 22, 2019. Address comments to Council Chairman Dr. John Quinn or Executive Director Tom Nies and email them to comments@nefmc.org. The address for mailing comments via the U.S. Postal Service is: New England Fishery Management Council, 50 Water Street, Mill #2, Newburyport, MA 01950.

MATERIALS: Meeting materials will be posted on the Council’s website at SSC April 24-25, 2019 documents.

QUESTIONS: Contact Joan O’Leary at (978) 465-0492 ext. 106, joleary@nefmc.org or Janice Plante at (607) 592-4817, jplante@nefmc.org.