Saving Seafood

SAFMC Seeks Public Input on Proposed Management Measures for Dolphin and Wahoo

January 15, 2021 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Offshore fishermen and others interested in the management of Dolphin (mahi mahi) and Wahoo along the Atlantic coast are encouraged to provide comments on regulatory measures proposed for both fisheries. Members of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council are currently soliciting public comment on Amendment 10 to the Dolphin Wahoo Fishery Management Plan.

The management plan addresses measures for Dolphin and Wahoo in federal waters (ranging from than 3 to 200 nautical miles) along the east coast of the United States.

Dolphin Wahoo Amendment 10 includes actions to:

  • Update the Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) and revise Annual Catch Limits(ACL) for Dolphin and Wahoo largely based on updated recreational landings estimates.
  • Modify allocations between the recreational and commercial sectors for both species based on the new ABC and ACL values.
  • Revise recreational Accountability Measures to allow for temporary reductions in bag limits, vessel limits, and the season should the sector ACL be projected to be met for Dolphin, and temporarily reduce the bag limit, reduce the length of the season, or implement a vessel limit for Wahoo to prevent the sector ACL from being exceeded (post season).
  • Remove the Operator Card requirement for for-hire and commercial federal Dolphin Wahoo permit holders.
  • Allow possession of limited quantities of Dolphin or Wahoo onboard commercial vessels with trap, pot, or buoy gear onboard.
  • Reduce the recreational vessel limit for Dolphin
    • Current limit = 60 fish per vessel. Alternatives range from 30 to 54 fish per vessel with additional alternatives to have the reductions apply only off the east coast of Florida, off the coasts of NC, SC and GA, or along the entire Atlantic coast.
  • Reduce the bag limit for Wahoo to 1 fish per person and implement vessel limits ranging from 2 to 8 fish per vessel.
  • Allow filleting of Dolphin at sea north of the NC/VA line onboard for-hire vessels. This action comes at the request of the Mid-Atlantic Council and for-hire captains in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions.

Learn More and Submit Comments

A public hearing summary document, presentation and the draft amendment with details of the proposed actions and management alternatives are all now available from the Council’s website at: https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/public-hearings-scoping-meetings/.

Plan now to attend a public hearing via webinar to learn more and provide formal comment during the public hearings. An online public comment form is also available from the website. Provide written comments now and also see what others are saying.

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will review public comments as it continues to develop Dolphin Wahoo Amendment 10 during its March 1-5, 2021.

Reminder: New Year Brings Changes to Federal Fishing Regulations

December 28, 2020 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Fishermen are reminded that several changes to federal fishing regulations occur beginning January 1st as we ring in 2021 (and gladly bid 2020 farewell). The first day of January begins a new fishing year for some species in the snapper grouper management complex.

The South Atlantic regulation changes apply to federal waters ranging from 3 to 200 nautical miles offshore of NC, SC, GA, and the east coast of Florida.

For example, a spawning season closure for shallow-water grouper goes into place each year to help protect species such as Gag Grouper, Red Grouper, Scamp, Red Hind, Yellowmouth Grouper, and others. The shallow-water grouper season will reopen May 1, 2021 with the exception of Red Grouper off the coast of North Carolina and South Carolina, which reopens June 1st. Some other snapper grouper species will reopen for harvest January 1st.

See the Regulations Summary (click the image) available from the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council for changes effective January 1, 2021. To keep up with federal regulations and changes throughout the year (recreational and commercial), download the free FishRules mobile app.

Additional regulation information and other helpful resources are available from the Council’s website at: https://safmc.net/regulations/.

Best Wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Reminder of Upcoming Webinars for the New South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico For-Hire Electronic Reporting Requirements

December 14, 2020 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

Background

  • NOAA Fisheries and the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Councils are implementing the new Southeast For-Hire Electronic Reporting Program in January 2021.
  • The intent of the program is to provide more timely catch information by federally-permitted charter vessels, to enhance data collection, and provide accurate and reliable fisheries information about catch, effort, and discards to be used in future population assessments and management evaluations.

Southeast For-Hire Reporting Webinar Information and Registration

  • Please join us as we walk you through the reporting process and answer your questions. The webinars will be recorded and available to the public.
  • For Gulf of Mexico permit holders:
  • For South Atlantic permit holders:

Please Note: All permit holders should have received an informational toolkit with additional program information via US Postal Service.  These tool-kits and instructional videos are also available online at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/recreational-fishing-data/southeast-hire-electronic-reporting-program.  The website also provides information on the webinars including how to register and attend.

If you have any questions or did not receive a toolkit, please call our customer service hotline (available from 8:00-4:30, EST, Monday through Friday) at 1-833-707-1632 or email us at ser.electronicreporting@noaa.gov.

Management Measures for Dolphin and Wahoo Approved for Public Hearings

December 14, 2020 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Members of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council met via webinar last week and approved a list of proposed management measures for the Dolphin and Wahoo fisheries for public hearings. The hearings will be scheduled in early 2021. The measures, proposed in Amendment 10 to the Dolphin Wahoo Fishery Management Plan, would revise catch levels and annual catch limits for both Dolphin and Wahoo, modify allocations between recreational and commercial sectors, and modify accountability measures designed to help prevent exceeding annual catch limits. These measures are proposed in response to revised recreational data estimates from the NOAA Fisheries Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) and recalibration of numbers used to establish Acceptable Biological Catches for each species.

The amendment also includes management alternatives to reduce recreational bag limits and vessel limits for Dolphin and Wahoo, eliminate a requirement for Operator Cards in the for-hire and commercial fisheries, address retention of Dolphin and Wahoo onboard permitted commercial vessels with specified gear onboard, and allow filleting of Dolphin at sea on board charter or headboat vessels in waters north of the Virginia/North Carolina line.

Both Dolphin and Wahoo are economically important species, often targeted by private recreational anglers and charter captains. The annual catch limit for Dolphin is currently allocated 90% recreational and 10% commercial. The species are managed by the Council in federal waters (greater than 3 nautical miles) along the entire Atlantic coast of the U.S. through the Dolphin Wahoo Fishery Management Plan.

Council members have received comments, primarily from charter captains in the Florida Keys, expressing concerns about the Dolphin fishery in South Florida. Fishermen report catching fewer fish, particularly the larger “bull” Dolphin and have requested the Council consider reductions in recreational bag limits or vessel limits. Concerns have also been expressed about the commercial longline fishery for Dolphin and possible impacts to the stock. The Council agreed to consider an additional amendment to the Dolphin Wahoo Fishery Management Plan in 2021 to address the longline fishery.

Public hearings for Dolphin Wahoo Amendment 10 will be held in early 2021 via webinar. Written public comments will also be accepted. The Council will review the public comments during its March meeting and is currently scheduled to approve Amendment 10 when it meets again in June 2021.

Other Business:

The Council also approved three items for public scoping. Scoping is used to obtain stakeholder input early in the decision-making process and help guide the Council for actions to consider.

Shrimp Fishery Access Area

Coral Amendment 10 includes options to establish a shrimp fishery access area along the eastern boundary of the Oculina Bank Coral Habitat Area of Particular Concern. Located off the central east coast of Florida, the area is designated to help protect deepwater Oculina coral. The options are being considered at the request of fishermen involved in the commercial rock shrimp fishery. After considering input from its Coral Advisory Panel, Deepwater Shrimp Advisory Panel, and the Habitat and Ecosystem-Based Management Advisory Panel, the Council selected a preferred alternative for the proposed boundary area. Public scoping will occur in conjunction with the Council’s March 2021 meeting.

Wreckfish ITQ Modernization

The Council will continue to solicit input on measures proposed to modernize the current Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) program used in the commercial fishery for Wreckfish, a deepwater grouper harvested by a limited number of vessels. Wreckfish shareholders and wholesale dealers met in October to provide guidance to the Council on recommended improvements to the program, including electronic reporting. The Council will hold a scoping meeting for proposed measures during its March 2021 meeting.

Red Porgy

In response to a recent stock assessment for Red Porgy, the Council is developing Amendment 50 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan to address overfishing, rebuild the stock and revise allocations. Despite having rebuilding plans in place for decades, the Red Porgy stock has not improved in the region. Under the Magnuson-Stevens Act the Council must implement measures to revise the rebuilding plan and end overfishing within the next two years. Proposed measures include reductions in commercial trip limits, recreational bag limits and seasonal closures. The Council reviewed input from its Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel and acknowledged that declining abundance and poor recruitment may be due to factors other than fishing. Public scoping will take place in early 2021 via webinar.

Additional information about the December Council meeting, including a meeting Story Map, final committee reports, and briefing book materials is available from the Council’s website at: https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/council-meetings/. The next meeting of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is scheduled for March 1-5, 2021.

Reminder: SAFMC Meeting Begins Next Week via Webinar

December 2, 2020 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The quarterly meeting of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council begins this Monday, December 7th via webinar and is scheduled to conclude on Thursday, December 10, 2020. Meeting materials, including agendas, overviews, and documents are available for the upcoming meeting. Unless otherwise indicated, the meeting is open to the public as it occurs. Register now and receive email reminders for the meeting.

Council members will address management measures affecting fisheries in federal waters, including proposed actions for Red Porgy, Greater Amberjack, King and Spanish Mackerel, Dolphin and Wahoo. Agenda items also include modifications to the Wreckfish Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) program, deepwater shrimp closed areas, the Council’s Fishery Ecosystem Plan and its Citizen Science Program.

Public Comment and Additional Details

An online public comment form is available for persons wishing to provide input on items included on meeting agenda. Written comments submitted online may be viewed from the meeting website at: https://safmc.net/december-2020-council-meeting-details/.

A formal public comment session will be held via webinar on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 beginning at 4:00 p.m. Register now to provide comment during the formal public comment session.

Additional meeting details including agenda highlights, items scheduled for approval for public scoping and public hearing, and schedule-at-a-glance are also available from the website.

Questions? Contact Kim Iverson, Public Information Officer at kim.iverson@safmc.net or 843/302-8440.

MyFishCount Electronic Reporting Program Moves to Angler Action Foundation

December 1, 2020 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

MyFishCount, an electronic reporting pilot project for recreational anglers, is taking another step in its development by transitioning operations to the Angler Action Foundation in December 2020. The pilot project, now in its third year, allows recreational anglers in the South Atlantic region the opportunity to submit information about their fishing trips and catches through an electronic platform. The pilot project consists of a website and mobile app co-created by the Angler Action Foundation and the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council through a grant from NOAA Fisheries.

“We’re excited about this transition and extend a warm welcome to recreational anglers using MyFishCount,” said Brett Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Angler Action Foundation. “Working with anglers, fishery managers and scientists in the development of MyFishCount has been a rewarding experience. Other than a slight change in the logo, users of MyFishCount should not notice any changes in appearances or performance of the mobile app or website.” The Angler Action Foundation is dedicated to improving angler access, fisheries science and marine habitat through collaborative research, education and conservation programs. Formerly the Snook and Gamefish Foundation, the organization has been involved in the development of electronic reporting platforms, including iAngler, to help improve the quality of fisheries data and supplement existing monitoring efforts.

The launch of MyFishCount coincided with the opening of the recreational Red Snapper season in late fall of 2017. Since that time, the project has expanded to allow year-round reporting of multiple species, both saltwater and freshwater. With input from MyFishCount users, the mobile app became more user-friendly with the addition of requested enhancements including a tally feature and marine weather information. MyFishCount can also be used as a personal fishing log, recording details of each fishing trip.

“Under the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s leadership, MyFishCount has been a huge step forward for recreational data collection,” said Kellie Ralston, Southeast Fisheries Policy Director for the American Sportfishing Association. “This advanced electronic reporting platform allows anglers to provide valuable catch data to help inform fisheries management decisions,” explained Ralston. “We look forward to continued advances as the program transitions from the Council to the Angler Action Foundation.”

Information provided through MyFishCount will continue to be housed and made available to fishery managers and researchers through the Atlantic Coastal Cooperative Statistics Program (ACCSP), a data warehouse involving both state and federal partners. Storage of MyFishCount data within ACCSP will help ensure data are available with other data sources used for fishery management purposes. “MyFishCount provides valuable insight into electronic reporting as the Council continues to explore options for improving recreational fisheries data,” said Mel Bell, Chair of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council.

“We are grateful to the Angler Action Foundation, NOAA Fisheries, Elemental Methods, ACCSP, Council staff, and others involved in the MyFishCount pilot project. We are most grateful for the dedicated users of MyFishCount and continue to encourage recreational fishermen to do their part in making their fish count by downloading and using the mobile app today.”

For additional information, visit myfishcount.com.

New South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico For-Hire Electronic Reporting Requirements Begin January 2021

November 24, 2020 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

Educational materials are on their way to all permit holders and are available online

NOAA Fisheries and the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Councils are implementing the new Southeast For-Hire Electronic Reporting Program in January 2021.  The intent of the program is to provide more timely catch information by federally-permitted charter vessels, to enhance data collection for better fisheries management and science, and to provide accurate and reliable fisheries information about catch, effort, and discards to be used in future stock assessments and management evaluations.

South Atlantic – Start Date for reporting is January 4, 2021

Federal Charter/Headboat Permit Holders for South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper, Atlantic Coastal Migratory Pelagics, or Atlantic Dolphin Wahoo are required to begin submitting weekly reports on January 4, 2021.

Gulf of Mexico – Start Date for reporting is January 5, 2021

Federal Charter/Headboat Permit Holders for Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) Reef Fish or Gulf Coastal Migratory Pelagics are required to begin reporting on January 5, 2021.  The owner or operator of a vessel with a federal Gulf Charter/Headboat Permit will be required to submit an electronic fishing report for each trip prior to offloading fish, or within 30 minutes after the end of the trip, if no fish are landed.  Also, the owner or operator of a vessel with the permit must electronically declare (hail-out) a trip before departing for a trip.  Additionally, at a later date that NOAA Fisheries has not yet determined, vessel owners or operators must install NOAA Fisheries approved hardware/software with location tracking capabilities that, at a minimum, archives vessel position data and transmits data to NOAA Fisheries.

Helpful Tools and Materials

To help you prepare for the upcoming reporting requirements, NOAA Fisheries and the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Councils have developed the following outreach tools:

  • Information tool-kit: Informational packet describing the requirements with a step-by-step guide on how to sign-up for an account, download reporting applications, and begin reporting. The tool-kit will be mailed to all charter/headboat permit holders in the beginning of December 2020.
  • Instructional videos: Short videos describing the requirements and how to report.
  • Webinars: Hands-on training to answer your questions and walk you through the reporting process. The webinars will be recorded and made available to the public.
    • Gulf of Mexico federal for-hire permit holder webinars:
      • December 15, 2020 at 10:00 AM–12:00 PM, EST
      • December 15, 2020 at 6:00–8:00 PM, EST
    • South Atlantic and Atlantic federal for-hire permit holder webinars:
      • December 16, 2020 at 10:00 AM–12:00 PM, EST
      • December 16, 2020 at 6:00–8:00 PM, EST
    • Southeast For-Hire Electronic Reporting Website: This website will contain all the informational materials and host the most up-to-date information on vendors, landings locations, reimbursements, and more.

To access the tool-kits and instructional videos go to: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/recreational-fishing-data/southeast-hire-electronic-reporting-program.  The website also provides information on the webinars including how to register and attend.

If you have any questions, please call our customer service hotline (available from 8:00-4:30, EST) at 1-833-707-1632 or email us at ser.electronicreporting@noaa.gov.

Please know that NOAA Fisheries is here to help, and we respect your time and business operations.  We look forward to working with you during the implementation phase of this new program.  Our goals are to provide each fisherman with excellent customer service, improve for-hire data collection, and reduce the amount of time you spend reporting so you can focus more time on your customers.

SAFMC Meeting Scheduled via Webinar for December 7-10, 2020

November 23, 2020 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Meeting materials, including agendas, overviews, and documents are now available for the upcoming meeting of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council scheduled December 7-10, 2020 via webinar. Unless otherwise indicated, the meeting is open to the public as it occurs. Register now and receive email reminders as the meeting dates approach.

During the meeting Council members will address management measures affecting fisheries in federal waters, including proposed actions for Red Porgy, Greater Amberjack, King and Spanish Mackerel, Dolphin and Wahoo. Agenda items also include modifications to the Wreckfish Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) program, deepwater shrimp closed areas, the Council’s Fishery Ecosystem Plan and its Citizen Science Program.

Public Comment and Additional Details

An online public comment form is now available for items on the the Council meeting agenda. Members of the public are encouraged to provide comments using the online comment form prior to the meeting. Written comments submitted online may also be viewed from the meeting website at: https://safmc.net/december-2020-council-meeting-details/.

A formal public comment session will be held via webinar on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 beginning at 4:00 p.m. Register now to provide comment during the formal public comment session.

Additional meeting details including agenda highlights, items scheduled for approval for public scoping and public hearing, and schedule-at-a-glance are also now available from the website.

Questions? Contact Kim Iverson, Public Information Officer at kim.iverson@safmc.net or 843/302-8440.

SAFMC Meeting Scheduled via Webinar for December 7-10, 2020

November 16, 2020 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Members of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will meet December 7-10, 2020 to address management measures affecting Dolphin and Wahoo, Red Porgy, Greater Amberjack, King and Spanish Mackerel, and Yellowtail Snapper in federal waters.

The meeting agenda also includes discussion of modifications to deepwater shrimp closed areas, presentations relative to the Council’s Fishery Ecosystem Plan, and reports from its advisory panels. Council members will also discuss the Council’s Citizen Science Program and ongoing projects. The meeting, originally scheduled for Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, will be held via webinar due to health concerns and the coronavirus pandemic.

The meeting begins on Monday morning, December 7, 2020 with a Closed Session to review advisory panel applicants and policy issues. Open sessions begin Monday afternoon and meetings of the Council’s committees and Full Council will continue through Thursday, December 10th.

A public comment session will be held via webinar on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Unless otherwise indicated, the meeting is open to the public via webinar. Registration is required. Register now and receive reminders as the meeting date approaches. Meeting materials and the public comment form will be posted to the Council’s website two weeks prior to the meeting at: https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/council-meetings/.

SAFMC seeks applicants for advisory panels

November 5, 2020 — Carteret County residents with experience in fisheries have an opportunity to apply for an advisory position with an interstate fishery management council.

 The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, an interstate fishery management agency with jurisdiction in the federal waters 3-200 miles offshore of the southeastern states, including North Carolina, is soliciting applicants for several open seats on its dolphin wahoo advisory panel, as well as the outreach and communications advisory panel and a commercial representative on the law enforcement advisory panel. The council’s advisory panels inform and guide the council in developing and implementing federal fishery management plans.

Instructions on how to apply and application forms are available online from the council’s website, safmc.net/about-safmc/advisory-panels/.  Anyone with questions may contact SAFMC public information officer Kim Iverson by email at Kim.Iverson@safmc.net or by calling 843-571-4366.

Read the full story at the Carteret County News-Times