Saving Seafood

Reminder: SAFMC Seeks Advisors on Social and Economic Topics

May 1, 2020 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) is soliciting social scientists andeconomists interested in serving on its Socio-Economic Panel. Membership is open to qualified social scientists and economists, regardless of affiliation or geographic location. The Council will review applications at its June 2020 meeting. Applications received by May 8, 2020 will be submitted to the Council for consideration.

The South Atlantic Council is one of eight regional fishery management councils in the country. Each council has a Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) responsible for reviewing the scientific basis of council management plans, actions, and developing fishing level recommendations in accordance with national fisheries management guidelines. The South Atlantic Council’s SSC has a specific sub-group, known as the Socio-Economic Panel (SEP), that is made up of social scientists and economists who advise the SSC and the Council on social and economic topics that relate to fisheries management measures and analysis. The SEP typically meets once a year over a two-day period. The SEP members serve 3-year terms and may be appointed to multiple terms.

Anyone with expertise and experience in the areas of social science, economics, political science, anthropology, social and economic research and monitoring, and/or social and economic analyses of natural resources, especially as applied to fish species in the South Atlantic Region, is encouraged to apply by submitting a CV, cover letter, and completing the NMFS Financial Disclosure Statement (available HERE) . The cover letter should highlight qualifications and experience.

Questions and completed applications should be submitted to John Hadley at
john.hadley@safmc.net or (843) 302-8432.

A copy of this announcement is available from the Council’s website at: https://safmc.net/council-news/.

Reminder – Public Hearings Scheduled for Proposed Special Management Zones off NC and SC

April 30, 2020 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

At the request of state marine resource agencies in North Carolina and South Carolina, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is considering designating existing artificial reefs in federal waters as Special Management Zones (SMZs).

The designation, as proposed in Regulatory Amendment 34 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan would restrict allowable gear and limit harvest for species in the snapper grouper management complex. The measures are being considered in order to prohibit gear that has the potential to result in overexplortation of snapper grouper species at the artificial reefs. The SMZ designation will help optimize fishing opportunities and also define the areas as Essential Fish Habitat.

Proposed Measures

Regulatory Amendment 34 would:

  • Designate 30 artificial reefs in federal waters off NC as SMZs
    • Allow only hand-held fishing gear: handline, rod and reel and spear
    • Restrict harvest of snapper grouper species with spear to the recreational bag limit
  • Designate 4 artificial reefs in federal waters off SC as SMZs
    • Allow only hand-held fishing gear: handline, rod and reel and spear
    • All harvest of snapper grouper species would be limited to the recreational bag limit

Public Hearings and Comment

Public hearings will be held via webinar May 4 and 5, 2020. Hearings begin at 6:00 p.m. Webinar registration is required.

Additional information, including a public hearing document, presentation with detailed maps, and an online comment form is available at: https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/public-hearings-scoping-meetings/.

May 1st Triggers Opening of Shallow-Water Grouper and Other Species in the South Atlantic

April 29, 2020 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

If you are fortunate enough to be out on the water this spring, fishing can be a great way to ease stress while practicing social distancing and other safe measures to ensure public safety. Beginning May 1st, fishermen will have a few more species to target in South Atlantic federal waters (greater than 3 nautical miles off the coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and the east coast of Florida).

May 1st marks the beginning of the shallow-water grouper season, following the annual spawning season closure from January 1st through April 30th. The one exception is the Red Grouper season in federal waters off the coasts of North Carolina and South Carolina, which will open for harvest on June 1st.

Regulations also change for Greater Amberjack, Snowy Grouper, Hogfish and several other species.

Check out the latest blog for details.

SAFMC Reminder: Scientific and Statistical Committee Meeting Begins Today via Webinar

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

A meeting of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) begins this afternoon and is scheduled to continue each day through Thursday via webinar. The SSC will review stock assessments for King Mackerel, Greater Amberjack, and Red Porgy, and provide fishing level recommendations for the Council’s consideration.

The meeting is open to the public each day and webinar registration is required. Additional information, including the meeting agenda, overview, and briefing book materials is available from the Council’s website at:
https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/scientific-and-statistical-committee-meetings/

Webinar Registration

NOAA Fisheries – FB20-029: Waiver of Observer Requirement in HMS, South Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Extended – Waiver Now in Effect through May 4, 2020

April 22, 2020 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Dear Federal Permit Holders, Partners, and Stakeholders,

Providing seafood to the Country remains an essential function even in these extraordinary times. Adequately monitoring United States fisheries remains an essential part of that process. However, in recognition of numerous travel or social distancing restrictions or guidance, NOAA Fisheries continues to temporarily waive the requirement for federally-permitted vessels participating in the following federal fisheries to carry a fishery observer:

  • South Atlantic Penaeid Shrimp
  • South Atlantic Rock Shrimp
  • South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper
  • Southeast Gillnet
  • Gulf of Mexico Commercial Reef Fish
  • Gulf of Mexico Shrimp
  • Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Pelagic Longline
  • Shark Bottom Longline (Atlantic HMS)
  • Shark Gillnet (Atlantic HMS)

This waiver is in effect April 21 through May 4, 2020, after which time we will evaluate the need for another extension. This waiver does not apply to vessels that are currently at sea with an observer on board. In addition, this waiver applies only to human observer coverage and not to electronic monitoring requirements. Note, NOAA Fisheries is not issuing waivers for participants in the Atlantic HMS Shark Research Fishery. All other requirements, including reporting and pre-trip notification call-in requirements, remain in place.

This action is consistent with criteria in the agency’s emergency rule regarding issuing waivers from requirements to carry fishing observers during the COVID-19 pandemic (85 FR 17285, March 27, 2020). Specifically, the first criterion allows NOAA Fisheries to waive observer coverage if local, State, or national governments, or private companies or organizations that deploy observers pursuant to NOAA Fisheries regulations, restrict travel or otherwise issue COVID-19-related social control guidance, or requirement(s) addressing COVID-19-related concerns, such that it is inconsistent with the requirement(s) or not recommended to place an observer(s). At this time, State and local emergency requirements to shelter-in-place and otherwise restrict travel are hindering our ability to deploy observers.

NOAA Fisheries will continue to monitor and evaluate this situation. As we have done in other parts of the country, we will use this time to work with the observer service providers to implement adjustments to the logistics of deploying observers, ensuring qualified observers or at-sea monitors are available as soon as safely possible.

Observers and at-sea monitors are an essential component of commercial fishing operations and provide critical information that is necessary to keep fisheries open and to provide sustainable seafood to our nation during this time. We will continue to monitor all local public health notifications, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for updates. We are committed to protecting the public health and ensuring the safety of fishermen, observers, and others, while fulfilling our mission to maintain our nation’s seafood supply and conserving marine life.

Note, vessels permitted and authorized to participate in these federal fisheries are monitored in a number of ways in addition to the placement of at-sea observers. For example, HMS pelagic longline vessels must adhere to the electronic monitoring program for each trip. Additionally, there are vessel monitoring system requirements for various vessels in addition to logbook submissions. Therefore NOAA Fisheries maintains the ability to collect valuable information from these fleets even in the absence of at-sea observers due to the temporary waivers associated with COVID-19.

The Southeast Regional Office, the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Division within the Office of Sustainable Fisheries, and the Southeast Fisheries Science Center will evaluate the impacts of waivers on our fisheries and observer programs throughout this period by monitoring:

  • Fishing activity, in comparison to when observers have been deployed, to track continued compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Changes in the level of fishing effort and landings.
  • Changes in health and safety guidelines that may affect observer availability and ability to travel.
  • The status of the fisheries and/or protected species that were being observed or monitored to ensure that the relevant conservation and management goals are still being met.

NOAA Fisheries: Southeast Region Permit Office Update and Availability

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

KEY MESSAGE:

The Southeast Region (SERO) Permit Office is still open, but due to the COVID-19 virus pandemic our operating processes have changed.

Office Phone Call Center – Due to limited staff in the office, we have suspended the live phone call center. Our main number now goes directly to voicemail. If you leave a message and contact information, someone from our office will call you back as soon as possible.

Submitting Your Application – We are experiencing up to a week delay with receiving applications, documents, and correspondence by mail. There is no delay in receiving applications via the Southeast Fisheries Permit System. We strongly encourage all eligible applicants to submit their renewal application, supporting document(s), and application fee via the online system. Permits can be renewed starting 60 days prior to their expiration date. We recommend starting the renewal process as soon as your permits are eligible.

Pending Applications – Due to the delay in receiving mail through the USPS, if you have an application pending due to deficiencies, we recommend using the online system for online applications to upload missing documents, or our fax (727-551-5747), if you submitted a paper application to transmit the missing information back to us. Be advised, we do not accept the following documents via fax:

  1. An entire application to renew, transfer, or request new permits.
  2. Original permits (for transfer applications).
  3. Payment (i.e. copy of check, money order, or credit card number).
  4. Reporting requirements – All logbooks are submitted to the Logbook Office at the Southeast Fisheries Science Center in Miami, FL. (877-376-4877 – Option 2).
  5. Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) requirements (i.e. power down exemptions) – All VMS related questions need to be asked to the Office of Law Enforcement – VMS Office. (877-376-4877 – Option 3).

Check Application Status – To check if we received your vessel or dealer application, visit our Application Status website. This website will also tell you the date we are currently processing applications on. If your application was received after this date, we have not started processing it yet.

MORE INFORMATION:

If you have further questions regarding this matter, please contact the SERO Permit Office by telephone at (877) 376-4877, weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., excluding federal holidays and leave a message.

SAFMC Seeks Advisors on Social and Economic Topics

April 8, 2020 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) is soliciting social scientists andeconomists interested in serving on its Socio-Economic Panel. Membership is open to qualified social scientists and economists, regardless of affiliation or geographic location. The Council will review applications at its June 2020 meeting. Applications received by May 8, 2020 will be submitted to the Council for consideration.

The South Atlantic Council is one of eight regional fishery management councils in the country. Each council has a Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) responsible for reviewing the scientific basis of council management plans, actions, and developing fishing level recommendations in accordance with national fisheries management guidelines. The South Atlantic Council’s SSC has a specific sub-group, known as the Socio-Economic Panel (SEP), that is made up of social scientists and economists who advise the SSC and the Council on social and economic topics that relate to fisheries management measures and analysis. The SEP typically meets once a year over a two-day period. The SEP members serve 3-year terms and may be appointed to multiple terms.

Anyone with expertise and experience in the areas of social science, economics, political science, anthropology, social and economic research and monitoring, and/or social and economic analyses of natural resources, especially as applied to fish species in the South Atlantic Region, is encouraged to apply by submitting a CV, cover letter, and completing the NMFS Financial Disclosure Statement (available HERE) . The cover letter should highlight qualifications and experience.

Questions and completed applications should be submitted to John Hadley at john.hadley@safmc.net or (843) 302-8432.

A copy of this announcement is available from the Council’s website at: https://safmc.net/council-news/.

Snapper Grouper AP Meeting Postponed; Reminder for Upcoming Meetings via Webinar

April 1, 2020 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will postpone the scheduled April 15-16, 2020 meeting of its Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel due to concerns over the ongoing impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on the AP members. “Advisory panel members provide grass-roots level recommendations to the Council and are a key part of the decision-making process,” said Executive Director John Carmichael. “Snapper Grouper AP members include commercial fishermen, charter captains, seafood dealers, private anglers and others currently dealing with impacts to their businesses and their lives. We want to be sensitive to our constituents’ needs and ensure their involvement in the Council process,” explained Carmichael. The Council is currently collecting input from several of its advisory panels as the impacts of COVID-19 continue.

Reminder for Upcoming Meetings

Meanwhile, meetings noted below will be held as scheduled via webinar. The meetings are open to the public and webinar registration is required. Additional information, including meeting agendas, overviews, and briefing book materials will be posted on the Council’s website two weeks prior to each meeting. Online comment forms will also be available.

Please note the meeting dates listed below and mark your calendars!

Advisory Panel Meetings
https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/current-advisory-panel-meetings/

Information and Education Advisory Panel
April 14-15, 2020

Habitat Protection and Ecosystem-Based Management Advisory Panel
April 22, 2020

Scientific and Statistical Committee
https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/scientific-and-statistical-committee-meetings/

SSC Socio-Economic Panel Meeting
April 8-9, 2020

Scientific and Statistical Committee Meeting
April 28-April 30, 2020

Council members and staff will continue to monitor advisories. We encourage you to stay involved with fisheries management issues via webinars and utilize the meeting materials available online, including the public comment forms. Please reach out with any questions you may have. Stay safe, support local businesses when possible, and keep washing your hands!

SAFMC Seeks Applicants for Scientific Advisors

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

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is soliciting scientists interested in serving on its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC). Membership is open to any qualified scientist, regardless of affiliation or geographic location. The Council will review applications at its June meeting. Applications received by April 27, 2020 will be submitted to the Council for consideration.

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional fishery management councils in the country. Each council has an SSC responsible for reviewing the scientific basis of council management plans and actions, and developing fishing level recommendations in accordance with national fisheries management guidelines. The South Atlantic Council’s SSC meets at least twice a year to address a broad range of topics, including stock assessments, management action evaluations, social and economic analyses, habitat evaluations and ecosystem management issues. SSC members also play a key role in developing and reviewing stock assessments through participation in SEDAR, the Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review stock assessment program. The Council’s SSC members serve 3-year terms and may be appointed to multiple terms.

Anyone with expertise and experience in the areas of fisheries biology, population dynamics, fisheries research and monitoring, and social and economic analyses of natural resources, especially as applied to fish species in the South Atlantic, is encouraged to apply by submitting a CV, NMFS Financial Disclosure Statement, and a cover letter. The cover letter should highlight qualifications and experience, and indicate receipt and acceptance of the Council’s SSC job description.

Application materials including the required financial disclosure form, SSC job description, and details on the application process, may be obtained by contacting Mike Errigo at Mike.Errigo@safmc.net or (843) 302-8441.

A copy of this announcement is available from the Council’s website at: https://safmc.net/council-news/.

SAFMC Notice of Upcoming Meetings via Webinar

March 20, 2020 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Due to recommendations to avoid in-person gatherings, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold upcoming meetings of its advisory panels and the Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee and Socio-Economic Panel via webinar. Council staff continue to work on the Council’s business through telecommuting, conference calls, and webinars to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The meetings via webinar are open to the public and registration is required. Additional information, including meeting agendas, overviews, and briefing book materials will be posted on the Council’s website two weeks prior to each meeting. Online comment forms will also available.

Please note the meeting dates listed below and mark your calendars!

Advisory Panel Meetings
https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/current-advisory-panel-meetings/

Information and Education Advisory Panel
April 14-15, 2020

Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel
April 15-17, 2020

Habitat Protection and Ecosystem-Based Management Advisory Panel
April 22, 2020

Scientific and Statistical Committee
https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/scientific-and-statistical-committee-meetings/

SSC Socio-Economic Panel Meeting
April 8-9, 2020

Scientific and Statistical Committee Meeting
April 29 – May 1, 2020

Council members and staff will monitor advisories and we will do our best to continue operations though this unprecedented situation. We encourage you to stay involved with fisheries management issues via webinars and the online comment forms, and to reach out with any questions you may have. Stay safe, support local businesses when possible, and keep washing your hands!