Saving Seafood

SAMFC: Proposed Changes to Sea Turtle Release Gear Types for For-Hire/Charter and Commercial Fishermen

April 23, 2018 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council: 

Written comments due by May 18, 2018

 The Council is soliciting public comment on options for changes to current sea turtle release gear types for use in handling and releasing incidentally caught sea turtles. Vessels with Commercial or For-Hire South Atlantic Snapper Grouper Federal Permits are required to follow the sea turtle release gear requirements.

The proposed changes provide additional options for approved gear. The new gear would require less space on vessels while still providing the necessary function. These new gear types are only additional options, and not the only gear that industry may use to satisfy the current regulatory requirements.

Learn More

Additional information, including the Amendment 42 Scoping Document, Overview, and Video Presentation is available from the Council’s website at: http://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/public-hearings-scoping-meetings/.

Comments may be submitted via the online public comment form available from the link above. Written comments are due by 5 p.m. on May 18, 2018.

See the Story Map for Amendment 42 for a quick overview of proposed options.

Scoping Meetings via Webinar Begin Today! 

In addition to the information available online, the Council is offering two public scoping webinars, each beginning at 6:00 PM. Registration is required.

Monday, April 23

Register

Tuesday, April 24

Register

During the scoping meetings, Council staff will present an overview of the proposed changes and will be available for informal discussions and to answer questions via webinar. Members of the public will have an opportunity to go on record to record their comments for consideration by the Council.

Learn more about the SAFMC by visiting their site here.

 

SAFMC Solicits Input on Proposed Changes to Sea Turtle Release Gear Requirements for For-Hire/Charter and Commercial Fishermen

April 20, 2018 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is soliciting public comment on options for changes to current turtle release gear requirements and protocol. Vessels with Commercial or For-Hire South Atlantic Snapper Grouper Federal Permits already have requirements for such gear.

The proposed changes in Amendment 42 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan provide additional options for approved gear. The new gear would require less space on vessels while still providing the necessary function.

Additional information, including the Amendment 42 Scoping Document, Overview, and Video Presentation is available from the Council’s website at: http://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/public-hearings-scoping-meetings/.

Comments may be submitted via an online public comment form available from the link above. Written comments are due by May 18, 2018.

Scoping Meetings via Webinar

In addition to the information available online, the Council will offer two public scoping webinars, each beginning at 6:00 PM. Registration is required.

Monday, April 23

Register

Tuesday, April 24

Register

During the scoping meetings, Council staff will present an overview of the proposed changes and will be available for informal discussions and to answer questions via webinar. Members of the public will have an opportunity to go on record to record their comments for consideration by the Council.

See the Story Map for Amendment 43 for a quick overview of proposed options. Contact Christina Wiegand at Christina.Wiegand@safmc.net or call the Council office at 843/224-7258 with any questions.

 

Texas Red Snapper Season Extended to 82 Days, Longest Since 2007

April 19, 2018 — After more than two decades of seeing opportunities to catch and retain red snapper from federally controlled waters of the Gulf of Mexico increasingly restricted even as the popular reef fishes’ once-struggling population soared, Texas’ long-suffering offshore recreational anglers this week saw that pendulum swing slightly but significantly the other direction.

In the wake of Monday’s federal approval of a two-year experimental program granting states bordering the Gulf of Mexico partial authority for managing and monitoring harvest of red snapper waters off their coasts, Texas fisheries officials announced they project an 82-day season during which anglers who fish from privately owned vessels will be able to take their two-fish daily limit of snapper from federally controlled waters.

That 82-day season, set to open June 1, is almost double 2017’s 43-day federal-water season for private-boat anglers, nearly eight times 2016’s 11-day season and the longest since a 194-day season in 2007.

“We believe this is a positive move that will benefit our anglers with more opportunity, benefit the resource and allow us to demonstrate that the states can very effectively manage this fishery,” Lance Robinson, deputy director of coastal fisheries for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, said of the two-year shift to each state setting snapper season lengths and dates for private-boat anglers. Previously, federal officials set a single season length and dates for the entire Gulf under federal authority.

Read the full story at the Houston Chronicle

 

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

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

KEY MESSAGE:

NOAA Fisheries requests comments on 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 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 in 2018 is neither expected to result in overfishing, nor prevent continued rebuilding of the population.

*Comment period begins on April 16, 2018, and comments are due by June 15, 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.
  • 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 on when the final rule for Amendment 43 is implemented, if approved.

HOW TO COMMENT ON THE NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY:

The comment period begins on April 16, 2018, and comments are due by June 15, 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.

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)

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

How would the proposed limited harvest 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 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.

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.
  • SEDAR 41 stated that recreational discards were one of the most important and uncertain sources of information used in the stock assessment during the harvest prohibition from 2010-2014.
  • 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 season would be one per person per day. This will potentially reduce the number of red snapper that are caught on one drop.
    • Use a dehooking device to remove the hook. Keep fish in the water if you plan to release them or return them as quickly as possible.
    • Use descending devices when releasing fish with signs of barotrauma.

Where can I find more information on the environmental assessment?

 

Proposed Rule Would Reduce Red Grouper ACLs in South Atlantic Fisheries by 82%

April 6, 2018 — SEAFOOD NEWS — In response to a 2017 assessment showing red grouper stock was overfished, undergoing overfishing and not making rebuilding progress, NMFS is proposing a dramatic reduction in the 2018 and 2019 annual catch limits for the stock.

Under the proposed rule, the total ACL for 2017 was 780,000 pounds, with 343,200 pounds allotted to the commercial sector. This year, those figures would drop to 139,00 pounds for the total ACL and 61,160 pounds for the commercial sector. The ACL in 2019 would increase slightly, to 150,000 pounds, with a corresponding commercial sector quota of 66,000 pounds. The ACL and sector amounts for 2020 would also increase slightly.

This is a cut of 82% vs. 2017.

NMFS is currently seeking comments on the proposed rule for Abbreviated Framework Amendment 1 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region, which addresses red grouper in the South Atlantic. Comments are due by May 3.

The proposed rule is based on actions taken by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council in June, September and December 2017. The reductions are based on a low-recruitment scenario. The expedited framework of this rule will adjust the ACLs for the next few years while the Council and NMFS finish development of Amendment 42 to the fishery management plan that is designed for comprehensive rebuilding of the red grouper stock.

Red grouper is typically a secondary species caught in association with targeted species such as snowy grouper, black sea bass, greater amberjack, snapper species and others, depending on the location. At the same time, red grouper landings have been declining in recent years.

In 2016, the commercial ACL was 343,200 pounds but fishermen landed only 13 percent, or 44,995 pounds. Landings in 2015 of 66,610 pounds were only 19 percent of the commercial ACL.

“The reduced level of observed landings is supported by anecdotal information received from commercial and recreational stakeholder who often state that red grouper are not being seen in large quantities in the South Atlantic,” documents for the April 2018 SAFMC meeting say. “A productivity regime shift and certain environmental factors could be driving the low observed numbers of fish, and the recent (since 2005) poor recruitment may or may not continue into the future … .”

The reductions are not expected to cause significant issues for the commercial sector since landings already have been dropping.

“With a large reduction in the ACL, commercial harvest of red grouper is expected to become primarily bycatch while fishermen target other snapper grouper species,” the Socio-Economic Profile of the Snapper Grouper Fishery in the South Atlantic Region document said. ” … While unlikely, a reduction in the red grouper ACLs could increase occurrences of regulatory discards if fishermen continue to encounter the species if the ACL is reached and possession and retention is prohibited.”

The Council documents also indicate an early closure of red grouper in 2018 is unlikely.

This story originally appeared on Seafoodnews.com, a subscription site. It is reprinted with permission.   

 

SAFMC Request for Comments: Proposed Rule to Revise Annual Catch Limits for South Atlantic Red Grouper

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

KEY MESSAGE:

NOAA Fisheries requests your comments on a proposed rule for Abbreviated Framework Amendment 1 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region, which addresses red grouper in the South Atlantic. This proposed rule would reduce the annual catch limits for South Atlantic red grouper in response to the results of the latest population assessment.Comments are due by May 3, 2018.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES: 

  • The proposed rule would reduce the total and sector annual catch limits (ACLs) for red grouper.
  • New ACLs (in pounds whole weight) are as follows:
  Total ACL Commercial ACL Recreational ACL
current 780,000 343,200 436,800
2018 139,000 61,160 77,840
2019 150,000 66,000 84,000
2020 until modified 162,000 71,280 90,720

HOW TO COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED RULE:

The comment period is open now through May 3, 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.

FORMAL FEDERAL REGISTER NAME/NUMBER: 

83 FR 14234, published April 3, 2018

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

  1. Go to www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2017-0162.
  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.

Abbreviated Framework Amendment 1 may be found online at the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office Web site at: http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_fisheries/s_atl/sg/2017/red_grouper_framework/index.html.

 

South Atlantic Council to Offer Training Opportunities in SC and GA on Proposed Electronic Reporting Requirements for Federally Permitted Charter Captains

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

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is offering hands-on training sessions for federally permitted charter captains in South Carolina and Georgia over the course of the next week.  Informational webinars are also being offered in April and May. (See training and webinar 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:

The training sessions will provide captains with an overview of the South Atlantic For-Hire Electronic Reporting Amendment that is under review by the Secretary of Commerce, proposed reporting requirements, the timeline for possible implementation, and how you can provide feedback on the proposed requirements during the anticipated 2018 public comment period.  Fishermen will also have the opportunity to try out some of the electronic reporting tools (website and tablet-based app) that may be used for submitting reports once the reporting requirements are implemented.

Training Session Schedule – South Carolina

All Meetings Begin at 6:00 PM 

March 28

SCDNR – Ft. Johnson

(training will be held in the

indoor classroom in the lab building)

217 Fort Johnson Rd

Charleston, SC 29412

 Click here to RSVP

 March 29

Hilton Head Boathouse,

405 Squire Pope Rd,

Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

Click here to RSVP

Training Session Schedule – Georgia

All Meetings Begin at 6:00 PM 

April 2

GADNR Coastal Resources Headquarters,

Susan Shipman Environmental

Learning Center,

One Conservation Way

Brunswick, GA 31520

Click here to RSVP

 April 3

Armstrong Campus (GSU),

University Hall, Room 111,

11935 Abercorn Street

Savannah, GA 31419

 Click here to RSVP 

(Note: Click here for campus map/directions; After parking, come directly to Rm. 111 to receive your parking pass.)

*Note: Additional training sessions will be scheduled for 

Florida in June and July 2018 and for North Carolina in the Fall 2018.

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:

Learn more about the SAFMC by visiting their site here.

 

NOAA: Commercial Closure for the Golden Tilefish Longline Component in South Atlantic Federal Waters on March 25, 2018

March 19, 2018 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

WHAT/WHEN:

The commercial longline component for golden tilefish in federal waters of the South Atlantic will close at 12:01 a.m., local time, on March 25, 2018. The closure applies to longline endorsement holders for golden tilefish.

WHY THIS CLOSURE IS HAPPENING:

  • On January 2, 2018, a final temporary rule implemented interim measures to temporarily reduce the total catch limit for golden tilefish from 558,036 to 323,000 pounds gutted weight. The total catch limit applies to hook-and-line and longline components for the commercial sector as well as the recreational sector.
  • The interim measures are effective through July 1, 2018, and NOAA Fisheries is evaluating extending the interim measures for up to an additional 186 days.
  • The 2018 commercial catch limit for the golden tilefish longlinecomponent is now 234,982 pounds gutted weight. Commercial landings information indicates that the commercial catch limit for the longline component will be met by at 12:01 a.m., local time, on March 25, 2018, and harvest therefore should be closed.

DURING AND AFTER THE CLOSURE:

  • The commercial longline component closure applies in both state and federal waters for vessels that have longline endorsement for golden tilefish.
  • During the closure, vessels with a golden tilefish longline endorsement are not eligible to commercially harvest golden tilefish using hook-and line gear and are limited to the recreational bag and possession limits when the recreational sector is open.
  • Vessels that do not have longline endorsements, but have South Atlantic snapper-grouper unlimited permits, may harvest golden tilefish commercially until the hook-and-line quota is reached.

The prohibition on sale or purchase during the closure does not apply to fish that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold prior to 12:01 a.m., local time, on March 25, 2018, and were held in cold storage by a dealer or processor.

Read the regulations in their entirety here.

 

Louisiana: Red snapper season delayed

March 13, 2018 — NEW ORLEANS — There’s good news and bad news when it comes to red snapper season in Louisiana.

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission has asked the feds to allow the commission to delay the start of red snapper season, which was slated to open March 24. Instead, the commission will announce at its May meeting the dates of red snapper season.

But unlike previous years, the state season will likely be concurrent with the federal red snapper season, eliminating confusion for anglers, according to Wildlife and Fisheries.

The application for the federal waiver asks that red snapper season open the Friday, May 25, the Friday before Memorial Day, in both state and federal waters.

But the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission will make the final determination for season opening date and daily creel limit per angler.

Read the full story at WGNO

 

SAFMC: South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Meeting March 5-9, 2018 in Jekyll Island, GA

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

Agenda Highlights:

Mackerel Cobia Committee

The committee will review public hearing comments and provide recommendations for any management jurisdictional changes for Atlantic cobia (GA to NY). The committee will also discuss possible changes to commercial trip limits for king mackerel. The Council will take public scoping comments during the meeting on options for changes to king mackerel trip limits.

Citizen Science Committee

Development of the Council’s Citizen Science Program continues as the committee receives recommendations from the 5 Action Teams: Communication/Outreach/Education; Finance & Infrastructure; Data Management; Projects/Topics Management; and Volunteers.

Snapper Grouper Committee

The committee will continue to discuss the Visioning Amendments (both recreational and commercial) and the Council could potentially approve them for public hearings. The committee will also continue work on Amendment 46 addressing recreational reporting and permitting. Options for a For-Hire Permit Moratorium will also be discussed. Dr. Kari MacLauchlin will give a presentation on the Socio-Economic profile of the South Atlantic snapper grouper commercial fishery.

 

Exempted Fishing Permit

The Council will review a request for an Exempted Fishing Permit to conduct research and evaluate pelagic longline catch rates in a portion of the East Florida Coast pelagic longline closed area and provide recommendations. Learn more

Additional Meeting Information 

Watch the meeting live via webinar at it occurs! Webinar registration is required for each day of the meeting. Registration information – along with meeting materials including committee agendas, overviews, presentations, and documents – is available from the March 2018 Council Meeting page.

Public Q& A and Comment Sessions  

For more information about the meeting visit the SAFMC at their site here.