Saving Seafood

More groups weigh in on red snapper actions

May 30, 2018 — A commercial fishing group is the latest to express hope that a test program that gives states more control over recreational red snapper fishing will benefit the Gulf of Mexico fishery overall.

Louisiana’s season started Friday and will remain open until state figures show the federally approved quota of 743,000 pounds for sport fishermen has been met.

The action comes after the state Wildlife and Fisheries Department won federal approval last month to oversee fishing of the popular species in federal waters up to 200 miles offshore both this year and in 2019.

Under the Exempted Fishing Permit, or EFP, sport fishermen are limited to two red snapper a day at least 16 inches in length. The state will use its LA Creel program to monitor catch totals.

Sport fishing groups, in earlier comments, welcomed the action.

Last week, it drew qualified praise from the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Shareholders’ Alliance, which represents commercial red snapper fishermen.

Read the full story at the Daily Comet

 

Red snapper removed from ‘overfished’ list

May 29, 2018 — After several years of debate mixed with rancor, among a handful of marine biologists and well-funded environmental organizations, federal fisheries managers declared Gulf of Mexico’ red snapper stocks no longer fall into the “overfished” classification.

The news came earlier this month when the 2017 Status of U.S. Fisheries Report was sent to Congress.

Red snapper were among five species removed from the “overfished” list. Others were the gray triggerfish in the Gulf of Mexico, yelloweye rockfish and Pacific ocean perch along the Pacific Coast and winter flounder on the Georges Bank.

Bluefin tuna was also on that listing in the western Atlantic, but the report read, “… due to significant scientific uncertainty, the status of this stock cannot be determined following a 2017 assessment.”

The report drew praise from the recreational fishing community, which has insisted red snapper stocks, especially stocks in the western Gulf of Mexico should have been off the overfished list at least three years ago, but that stocks in the eastern gulf dragged down the overall red snappers Gulf-wide.

Six other species, including sailfish in the western Atlantic, were removed from the “overfishing” list.

Read the full story at the Acadiana Advocate 

 

2 Gulf States: Recreational Red Snapper Season Opens Friday

May 25, 2018 — BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Recreational red snapper seasons open Friday in state and federal waters off Louisiana and Mississippi. Openings are scheduled June 1 off Texas and Alabama and June 11 off of Florida‘s west coast for anglers after the popular sport and table fish.

The states announced those dates in April, after the federal government authorized two-year experimental permits to let states along the Gulf of Mexico manage recreational seasons for red snapper.

Read the full story from the Associated Press at U.S. News

Alabama anglers ready for expanded red snapper season

May 23, 2018 — Alabama’s recreational fishermen will be allowed to catch red snapper on weekends throughout the summer thanks to an experimental permit granted to the state from the federal government’s NOAA Fisheries.

Private anglers – fishermen who own boats and aren’t licensed by the state or federal government as charter boats – will be allowed to fish on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from June 1 through Sept. 3. The season will also include the entire week of July 4 and Monday, Sept. 3, Labor Day. Anglers are permitted two fish per day and the fish must be at least 16 inches in total length.

To fish for red snapper, anglers ages 16-64 must have a valid Alabama saltwater fishing license. Fishermen 65 and older and those younger than 16 are exempt from license requirements. They must sign up with the free Saltwater Angler’s Registry. It is available in the license section of www.outdooralabama.com.

The season for federally licensed charter boats runs straight through from June 1 through July 21.

Alabama Director of Marine Resources Scott Bannon explained that NOAA issues exempted permits to allow experimental programs outside the normal rules for the fishery.

Read the full story at the Alabama Newscenter

 

No longer ‘overfished,’ what’s next for red snapper?

May 21, 2018 — Red snapper was removed last week from the federal government’s “overfished” list, but whether that will lead to lessened catch restrictions for anglers remains uncertain.

The species, one of the most popular for Gulf of Mexico anglers, has been the subject of intense debate among regulators, environmentalists and sport fishermen.

Anglers complain that federal authorities have set overly restrictive catch limits and unnecessarily short seasons despite a rebound in the species’ numbers. Environmental and conservation groups counter that the shortened seasons are necessary to help the species meet federal targets for rebounding after years of severe overfishing.

Red snapper is among 35 fish stocks NOAA Fisheries said last week have rebounded sufficiently for removal from the “overfished” designation.

“Ending overfishing and rebuilding stocks provides two key benefits for the American people,” Chris Oliver, assistant administrator for NOAA Fisheries, said in a news release. “First, it strengthens the value of U.S. fisheries’ contribution to the economy, which in 2015 exceeded $208 billion. Second, it supports the communities and marine ecosystems that depend on healthy fisheries.”

The next step would be to declare the stock “rebuilt.” That would take more fish counts, or stock assessments, whose accuracy has also been debated.

Nonetheless, as the species rebounds, federal regulators, including the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, have more options that could lead to increased catch limits or longer seasons.

Read the full story at the Daily Comet

 

US says number of overfished fish stocks at all-time low

May 18, 2018 — PORTLAND, Maine — The number of American fish stocks that can be described as ‘‘overfished’’ has hit an all-time low, the U.S. government announced on Thursday.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration made the statement as part of its annual Status of Stocks Report to Congress. Six populations of fish are being removed from its list of overfished stocks, including the popular commercially fished stocks of Gulf of Mexico red snapper and Georges Bank winter flounder, the agency said.

Read the full story from the Associated Press at the Boston Globe

NOAA: Request for Comments on Limited Opening of Recreational and Commercial Red Snapper Fishery in South Atlantic Federal Waters

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

KEY MESSAGE:

NOAA Fisheries requests comments on a proposed rule for Amendment 43 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Amendment 43). The proposed actions would specify recreational and commercial annual catch limits for red snapper beginning in 2018.

  • Red snapper recreational and commercial seasons would open in South Atlantic federal waters for limited harvest beginning in 2018.
  • The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council approved Amendment 43 after recent scientific information indicated an increase in the red snapper population since 2014.
  • NOAA Fisheries determined the proposed limited harvest beginning in 2018 is neither expected to result in overfishing, nor prevent continued rebuilding of the population.

*The comment period on the proposed rule begins on May 17, 2018, and comments are due by June 18, 2018.*

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES FOR RED SNAPPER:

  • The total annual catch limit would be 42,510 fish.
  • The recreational annual catch limit would be 29,656 fish.
  • The recreational bag limit would be one red snapper per person per day. This applies to private and charterboat/headboat vessels (the captain and crew on for-hire vessels may retain the recreational bag limit).
  • The commercial annual catch limit would be 124,815 pounds whole weight (12,854 fish).
  • The commercial trip limit would be 75 pounds gutted weight.
  • There would be no minimum size limit for the recreational or commercial sectors.
  • The opening and closing of the recreational sector would be specified before the recreational season begins and would be weekends only (Friday, Saturday, Sunday).
  • The commercial sector would close when the commercial annual catch limit is projected to be met.
  • Amendment 43 specifies that the commercial sector would open the 2nd Monday in July and the recreational sector would open the 2nd Friday in July.  If the fishing seasons do not open exactly on these dates, they would open as close to these dates as possible.
  • NOAA Fisheries will announce the opening dates, if the amendment is approved, in a future Fishery Bulletin.

PLEASE NOTE: The timing of the 2018 season is contingent upon approval of Amendment 43 and when the final rule is implemented.

FORMAL FEDERAL REGISTER NAME/NUMBER: 83 FR 22938, published May 17, 2018, 2018

HOW TO COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED RULE:

The comment period on the proposed rule begins on May 17, 2018, and comments are due by June 18, 2018. 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. Comments are still being accepted on the notice of availability for Amendment 43 until June 15, 2018.

Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.

  1. Go to www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2017-0148.
  2. Click the “Comment Now!” icon, complete the required fields.
  3. Enter or attach your comments.

Mail: Submit written comments to Frank Helies, 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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

What would the regulations be for red snapper during these proposed seasons?

  • The recreational bag limit would be one red snapper per person per day.
  • The commercial trip limit would be 75 pounds gutted weight.
  • There would be no minimum size limit for either the recreational or commercial sector.

Why is limited harvest of South Atlantic red snapper being proposed to begin in 2018?

  • Recent studies show red snapper abundance has increased in the South Atlantic since 2014, and was highest in 2017.
  • These fisheries independent studies are available online at:
    • Southeast Reef Fish Survey Program:

http://safmc.net/download/Briefing%20Book%20Council%20Mtg%20Dec%2020 17/Late%20Documents/TAB07_Snapper%20Grouper/TAB07_2017%20Red%20 Snapper%20update%20-%20SAFMC%20Dec%202017%20V2.pdf.

    • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission:

http://safmc.net/download/Briefing%20Book%20Sept%202017/Late%20Materials/TAB01/Tab01_A1_FWRI_SA_Red_Snapper_OverviewREVISEDSep17.pdf

  •  The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission study also shows a greater number of large red snapper and a broader range of ages in recent years suggesting the red snapper population is rebuilding despite the limited harvest allowed in 2012, 2013, and 2014.
  • The proposed total annual catch limit equals the landings of red snapper when harvest occurred in 2014, the highest observed landings during the limited openings in 2012-2014.
  • The harvest prohibitions of red snapper since 2010 have resulted in adverse socio-economic effects to fishermen and fishing communities such as loss of additional revenue and recreational opportunities, as well as indirect benefits to businesses that provide supplies for fishing trips.
  • There is also a need for red snapper fishery dependent data. Federal and state personnel would collect information, including catch data and biological samples during the proposed open seasons beginning in 2018, which would inform future population assessments for red snapper.

How would the proposed limited harvest beginning in 2018 affect the overfishing and overfished status of red snapper?  

  • NOAA Fisheries has determined that the proposed limited harvest beginning in 2018 is not expected to result in overfishing and would not prevent the continued rebuilding of the red snapper population.

What is the history of South Atlantic red snapper harvest and prohibitions since 2010?  

  • Harvest of red snapper from South Atlantic federal waters was prohibited in 2010 when the population was determined to be severely overfished and undergoing overfishing (See 2008 population assessment – Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review [SEDAR] 15).
  •  Amendment 28 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region established a process that allowed harvest if total removals (landings plus dead discards) were below the acceptable biological catch in the previous year.
  • Limited harvest of red snapper was allowed in 2012, 2013, and 2014.
  • The estimated total removals of red snapper exceeded the acceptable biological catch in 2014, 2015, and 2016, resulting in no allowable harvest since 2014.
  • NOAA Fisheries temporarily allowed limited harvest of red snapper beginning November 2, 2017, by a temporary rule through emergency action. The temporary rule was effective through December 31, 2017.

What is the current status of the red snapper population in the South Atlantic Region?  

  • The latest population assessment (SEDAR 41) was completed in 2016 and revised in 2017. It indicated the South Atlantic red snapper population is overfished and undergoing overfishing; however, the population is rebuilding.
  • The red snapper overfishing determination in the assessment came from 2012-2014 when only a small amount of harvest was allowed to occur. However, discards during this time period were high due to fishermen targeting other species that co-occur with red snapper, which likely contributed to the overfishing determination.
  • Recent results from fishery-independent studies suggest that the relative abundance of red snapper has increased since 2014.

What are some Best Fishing Practices while fishing for red snapper?  

  • The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council identified the following best practices to reduce release mortality and further protect the population as it rebuilds:
    • Avoid areas likely to have red snapper if you already have met your recreational bag limit. If you are approaching your commercial vessel limit, move to a different area.
    • When red snapper are out of season, avoid areas where they are common.
    • Use single hook rigs since the recreational bag limit for red snapper during the proposed limited fishing seasons would be one per person per day. This will potentially reduce the number of red snapper that are caught on one drop.
    • Use non-offset circle hooks while fishing in areas where red snapper are common.
    • Use a dehooking device to remove the hook. Keep fish in the water if you plan to release them or return them to the water as quickly as possible.
    • Use descending devices when releasing fish with signs of barotrauma.

Where can I find more information on the environmental assessment?

  • Contact NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office

By Mail: Frank Helies

NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office

Sustainable Fisheries Division

263 13th Avenue South

St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-5505

By Phone: (727) 824-5305

By FAX: (727) 824-5308

 

NOAA Fisheries: Sea Turtle Safe Handling and Release Gear Workshops

May 3, 2018 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

WHAT/WHEN:

  • NOAA Fisheries requires sea turtle safe handling and release gear be onboard federally-permitted commercial and for-hire vessels in the South Atlantic snapper-grouper fishery to increase fisherman and sea turtle safety if incidentally captured; there are also sea turtle handling protocols that describe the proper techniques for removing fishing gear.
  • NOAA Fisheries will be holding workshops and dockside outreach in the locations listed below.
  • During the outreach opportunities, NOAA Fisheries personnel will review the gear requirements and handling protocols.
  • For more information, contact Charlie Bergmann at (228) 238-4109 or charles.bergmann@noaa.gov.
  • Additional information on sea turtle safe handling and release gear and protocols are available at the following:

http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_fisheries/gulf_sa/turtle_sawfish_release/index.html.

Note: Workshops will take place May 7-15, 2018 in Florida. See the complete Fishery Bulletin from NOAA Fisheries for a list of dates, times, and locations for the workshops.

 

South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee Meeting Begins Tomorrow

April 30, 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 (SSC) this week, beginning tomorrow and running through Thursday, May 3rd.  The SSC is responsible for reviewing the scientific basis of Council management plans and actions, and developing fishing level recommendations in accordance with national fisheries management guidelines.

Agenda Highlights

  • Fishing level recommendations for black sea bass and vermilion snapper based on the most recent stock assessments;
  • A review of recommended methods for setting an Allowable Biological Catch (ABC) for red snapper in the South Atlantic;
  • Evaluation of latest fishing projections for golden tilefish and possible revision of the ABC for the fishery;
  • Recommendations for setting an ABC for blueline tilefish from Cape Hatteras north to the VA border;
  • Recommendations for stock assessment priorities for 2020 and beyond

Meeting Materials and Webinar Registration:

A complete meeting agenda, overview, and briefing book materials are available from the Council’s website at: http://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/scientific-and-statistical-committee-meetings/. The meeting is also available to the public via webinar. Registration is required.

Tuesday, May 1 

Register 

Wednesday, May 2 

Register

Thursday, May 3

Register

Meeting Location:   

The SSC meeting will be held at the Town & Country Inn, 2008 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29401. The meeting is open to the public and public comment will be taken as part of the meeting agenda.

Learn more about the SAFMC here.

 

NOAA Pilot Program Extends Snapper Season In Gulf of Mexico

April 27, 2018 — SEAFOOD NEWS — The fisheries management folks have finally thrown a bone to recreational anglers targeting American red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. The Feds at NOAA Fisheries has granted the Gulf states a two-year pilot management option allowing state management agencies the leeway to establish their own harvest guidelines in both state and federal zones.

The program, aka the “exempted fishing permit” gives Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission the right to manage the whole snapper enchilada for two years and they have established a 40-day recreational harvest to begin on June 11 and run through July 21. After years of ridiculously short open seasons, this is really a big deal for recreational anglers to get their fair share of the pie. It also shows that the feds have finally owned up to the fact that in some areas of the Gulf states, American reds are not a factor in state waters, the Gulf Coast south of the big bend, including the Suncoast, being one of them.

The exempted fishing permit does not apply to commercial harvesters or for-hire (charter) operations with valid federal reef permits. Those for-hire vessels have a separate harvest season that roughly runs concurrently with the new recreational regulation.

2018 Lionfish Challenge

The 2018 Lionfish Challenge kicks off on May 19 and will continue through to Sept. 3. The opener coincides with Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day on May 19. Both spear fishers and hook-and-liners can register to participate by going to MyFWC.com/Lionfish.

This year there will be tagged lionfish released that when brought in can garner participants up to $5,000 in cash prizes. Many non-cash prizes such as GoPro Cams, Engel Cooler products, Turtle Skin Gloves and more, are up for grabs.

The non-native and invasive lionfish have become a huge problem in Florida waters as they feed primarily on the fry of our most valued reef species as groupers and snappers. Any effort to cut down on this gluttonous invader should be encouraged. Their extremely good table value should help but must be handled with caution due to venomous spines. The venom is not life threatening but if you get stuck you would wish you hadn’t woke up that morning.

This story originally appeared on Seafood News, it is republished with permission.