Saving Seafood

Council Approves Proposed Changes to Snapper Grouper Fishery; Receives Red Snapper Notification

September 23, 2024 —

Members of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council approved two amendments to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan that, if approved by the Secretary of Commerce, would modify current federal regulations for species in the snapper grouper management complex. The Council considered input received during public comment and recommendations from its Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel and Scientific and Statistical Committee before taking action during its quarterly meeting in Charleston, South Carolina. The following amendments were approved:

Regulatory Amendment 36 – Gag and Black Grouper Recreational Vessel Limits and On-Demand Gear for Black Sea Bass Pot Fishery

The amendment would revise the recreational vessel limits for Gag and Black Grouper. To remain consistent with a bag limit of one Gag or Black Grouper, the amendment would change the aggregate private recreational vessel limit to two fish of either species per day. For-hire (charter and headboat) would have the same vessel limit per trip.

Gag are currently overfished and experiencing overfishing. Black Grouper are included in the amendment due to misidentification issues that occur in some areas within the region. The Council will address Black Grouper regulations again following the results of a management strategy evaluation underway for the species.

The amendment would also revise transit stowage requirements for commercial black sea bass pots with on-demand (ropeless) gear.

Amendment 55 – Scamp, Yellowmouth Grouper, and the Other Shallow Water Grouper Complex

Scamp and Yellowmouth Grouper are overfished, but overfishing is not occurring. A rebuilding plan is needed to address the overfished stock status. Measures proposed in Amendment 55 would establish a Scamp and Yellowmouth Grouper Complex. A rebuilding plan would be established for the new management complex along with catch levels, sector allocations, and accountability measures.

Updates would be made to the Other Shallow Water Grouper Complex (Rock Hind, Red Hind, Coney, Graysby, and Yellowfin Grouper), to remove Yellowmouth Grouper.

Red Snapper

During its meeting, the Council received a litigation briefing from NOAA General Counsel noting there are three Red Snapper cases currently under litigation. One lawsuit alleges that NOAA Fisheries violated the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act because it failed to address overfishing of Red Snapper. The settlement agreement for this case was approved on August 22, 2024, and includes NOAA Fisheries agreeing to complete and submit a Secretarial amendment to end overfishing of Red Snapper. The Final Rule for the amendment must be submitted to the Federal Register by June 6, 2025.

 

The Council will be able to comment on the Secretarial amendment, and there will be opportunities for public comment prior to implementation. For additional details, see the Fishery Bulletin from NOAA Fisheries.

 

Other Business

The Council continued discussion of management measures proposed for the Black Sea Bass fishery that will be addressed in Snapper Grouper Amendment 56. The amendment will also consider revised catch level recommendations and status determination reference points. The Scientific and Statistical Committee will discuss Black Sea Bass during its October 22-24, 2024 meeting and provide recommendations for the Council to consider when it meets again in December. Public scoping meetings on proposed measures are tentatively scheduled for early 2025.

 

The Council approved a motion to amend both the Coral and Shrimp Fishery Management Plans to establish a Shrimp Fishery Access Area along the eastern edge of the Northern Oculina Coral Habitat Area of Particular Concern, located off the central east coast of Florida. The designated area would allow access to historical fishing areas used by the rock shrimp fishery while minimizing impacts on deepwater coral.

 

A listening session hosted by the Marine Recreational Information Program, administered by NOAA Fisheries, was held during the meeting week. Fishery managers use data from the program to make management decisions affecting recreational fisheries. Council members received an update on a large-scale study being conducted to determine differences in recreational fishing effort estimates between different survey designs. The program is also re-evaluating approaches to data collection partnerships. Council members provided an extensive list of recommendations and members of the public also provided input.

 

New Chair and Vice-Chair

During the meeting the Council elected Trish Murphey, representative for the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries and former vice-chair as the new chair of the Council. She replaces Dr. Carolyn Belcher. Jessica McCawley, state representative for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission was elected vice chair. Both will serve two-year terms.

 

Additional information about the Council’s September meeting, including final committee reports, is available from the Council’s website at: https://safmc.net/events/september-2024-council-meeting/. The next meeting of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is scheduled for December 2-6, 2024, in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina.

Photo credit: SC Sea Grant; Return ‘Em Right

Port meetings to shape future of king and Spanish mackerel fisheries

September 11, 2024 –A series of port meetings continue in late September and October, providing a unique opportunity for fishermen and others interested in the king mackerel and Spanish mackerel fisheries to share their perspectives and vision for the future. The port meetings are being hosted by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and state partners along the Atlantic coast in 2024. Meetings were held in North Carolina in April, New England in May, New York in June, and Georgia in July.

“These port meetings are more than public comment opportunities,” explained Council Chair Dr. Carolyn Belcher. “They are designed to gain a better understanding of the impacts of things like climate change and shift in fisheries on communities, consider inter-jurisdictional management, and discuss ways to maintain the long-term sustainability of stocks for these important fisheries.”

Read the full article at National Fisherman

South Atlantic Council to Hold King and Spanish Mackerel Port Meetings in New England and New York

May 9, 2024 — The following was released by South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council has scheduled several port meetingsto gather stakeholder perspectives on the future of the king and Spanish mackerel fisheries. Three New England-focused meetings will be held via webinar on May 14, 15, and 16, 2024. An in-person port meeting will be held on June 4, 2024 in conjunction with a meeting of the Mid-Atlantic Council in Riverhead, New York.

Background: The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council manages King and Spanish Mackerel along the Atlantic coast in federal waters from Florida through New York. Members of the South Atlantic Council’s Mackerel Cobia Advisory Panel requested the Council hold a series of port meetings to gather more information and take a focused look at the fisheries given changing environmental conditions that alter fishery dynamics. The informal port meetings allow stakeholders to share their insights and help determine the future of these fisheries.

Port Meeting Schedule

New England Port Meetings (via webinar) 

New England Meeting Flyer

  • Tuesday, May 14, 6:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, May 15, 6:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, May 16, 6:00 p.m.

Webinar registration is required. Visit the South Atlantic Council’s website for registration links and other information. 

New York Port Meeting (in person) 

New York Meeting Flyer

  • June 4, 2024, 6:00 p.m. (in conjunction with June 2024 Mid-Atlantic Council Meeting) – Atlantis Banquets and Events431 East Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901

Learn more about the King Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel Port Meetings by visiting the Council’s website.

Questions? Contact Christina Wiegand at Christina.Wiegand@safmc.net.

South Atlantic council mulling use of ropeless gear in black sea bass fishery

February 20, 2024 — The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) is mulling whether to include new regulations for on-demand or “ropeless” gear on black sea bass pots as a means of preventing adverse impacts on whales.

The black sea bass pot fishery uses pot traps that rest on the bottom and vertical line with a buoy attached for retrieval – similar to other pot fisheries like lobster or crab. The fishery has been experimentally using various types of on-demand gear since 2021, which can include a pot that releases a vertical line only when it gets a signal, or a pot that uses inflatables to rise to the surface for easy retrieval.

Read the full article at SeafoodSource

South Atlantic council mulling use of ropeless gear in black sea bass fishery

February 20, 2024 — The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) is mulling whether to include new regulations for on-demand or “ropeless” gear on black sea bass pots as a means of preventing adverse impacts on whales.

The black sea bass pot fishery uses pot traps that rest on the bottom and vertical line with a buoy attached for retrieval – similar to other pot fisheries like lobster or crab. The fishery has been experimentally using various types of on-demand gear since 2021, which can include a pot that releases a vertical line only when it gets a signal, or a pot that uses inflatables to rise to the surface for easy retrieval.

Read the full article at SeafoodSource

South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Seeks Scientific Advisors

November 1, 2023 — The following was released by South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) is soliciting scientists interested in serving on its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) the Socio-Economic Panel. Membership is open to any qualified scientist, regardless of affiliation or geographic location. The Council will review applications at its December 2023 meeting. Applications received by Monday, November 27, 2023 will be submitted to the Council for consideration.

The SAFMC 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 program.

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 analyses. The SEP typically meets once a year over a two-day period. The SEP members serve 5-year terms and may be appointed to multiple terms.

Scientific and Statistical Committee Applications

The Council appoints SSC members to 3-year terms. Membership terms are staggered so that approximately 1/3 of the membership is considered for reappointment each year, and there is no limitation on the number of terms a member may serve. 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 complete application that includes: (1) Cover Letter, (2) current Curriculum Vitae, and (3) NOAA Fisheries Financial Disclosure Form. The cover letter should highlight qualifications and experience and indicate receipt and acceptance of the SAFMC SSC job description. All applicants will be subject to a background check and required to review the SAFMC’s handbook and code of conduct policies.

Full duties and expectations of SSC members are described in the SAFMC SSC job description. This document along with additional information for the SSC including the financial disclosure form and peer review process, may be found at the SAFMC SSC homepage.

Complete applications should be emailed as a single PDF attachment to Dr. Judd Curtis, judd.curtis@safmc.net by Monday, November 27, 2023. Further details on the application process or questions may be obtained by email or by phone at (843) 302-8441.

Socio-Economic Panel Applications

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 NOAA Fisheries Financial Statement available from the Council website. The cover letter should highlight qualifications and experience. All applicants will be subject to a background check and required to review the SAFMC’s handbook and code of conduct policies

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

Reminder! Public Scoping Webinars Begin Tonight for Atlantic Spanish Mackerel Catch Level Changes

October 30, 2023 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is soliciting public input on proposed catch level changes for Atlantic Spanish Mackerel. The Council will hold two public scoping meetings via webinar this week, beginning tonight at 6 p.m. The second webinar will be held Wednesday, November 1st at 6 p.m. Register for webinar.

Atlantic migratory group Spanish Mackerel are managed in federal waters from the Miami/Dade County line in southeast Florida northward along the Atlantic coast to a line extending from the intersection point of New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. A popular nearshore species for both commercial and recreational fishermen, the stock is not overfished nor undergoing overfishing.

Changes to catch levels are being considered based on Acceptable Biological Catch levels set by the Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee. The Council is seeking input before moving forward with catch level changes through Framework Amendment 13 to the Coastal Migratory Pelagics Fishery Management Plan.

Additional Information

During the scoping webinars Council staff will review the actions being considered in Framework Amendment 13, answer questions, and a Council member will take comments. Register now.

The Public Scoping Summary and CMP Framework Amendment 13 Scoping Presentation is available from the Council’s website: https://safmc.net/events/oct-nov-2023-public-scoping-cmp-framework-amendment-13/.

An online public comment form for written comments is also available from the website.

Scientific and Statistical Committee Meeting Scheduled for October 24-26, 2023

October 12, 2023 — The following was released by South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold a meeting of its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) October 24-26, 2023 in Charleston, SC. The meeting is open to the public and available via webinar as it occurs. Registration is required.

The SSC is responsible for reviewing the scientific basis of Council management plans and actions to develop fishing level recommendations in accordance with national fisheries management guidelines. SSC members also play a key role in developing stock assessments for Council managed resources through participation in the Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) Program. 

Agenda Topics

During the three day meeting, the SSC will address a broad range of topics relative to federal fisheries. These include:

  • A review of the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) Fishing Effort Survey Pilot Study and evaluating measurement error in the MRIP Fishing Effort Survey
  • Black Sea Bass – A presentation on the SEDAR 76 assessment
  • Modeling discards in fisheries and Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) determinations
  • Vermilion Snapper – an interim analysis report
  • BSIA (Best Scientific Information Available) National Standard 2 Regional Framework
  • Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) for the Snapper Grouper Fishery
  • South Atlantic Deepwater Longline Survey overview and workgroup report
  • Florida Hogfish – SEDAR 94 assessment Terms of Reference and participants
  • Yellowtail Snapper – Overfishing Limits and ABC considerations
  • Climate Change Scenario Planning Review

Additional Information

The briefing book materials, including the meeting agenda, overview, and presentations, are now available from the Council’s website:https://safmc.net/events/oct-2023-ssc-meeting/

An online public comment form for written comments is also available. Register now to attend the meeting via webinar and receive email reminders as the meeting date approaches. Learn more about the Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee. 

Advisory Panel Meetings

The Council will continue to hold meetings of its advisory panels in Charleston, SC in November. AP meetings are open to the public and also available via webinar. Details for upcoming advisory panel meetings are available at: https://safmc.net/advisory-panel-meetings/. 

Habitat and Ecosystem Advisory Panel

November 1-3, 2023

Charleston Marriott

Webinar registration

Dolphin Wahoo Advisory Panel

November 6-7, 2023

Town and Country Inn

Webinar registration

Mackerel Cobia Advisory Panel

November 7-8, 2023

Town and Country Inn

Webinar registration

Interested in serving on an advisory panel? See the latest announcement for open AP seats and apply now! The Council will consider applicants for various advisory panels during its December 4-8, 2023 meeting in Beaufort, SC. Learn more about the Council’s advisory panels at: https://safmc.net/about/advisory-panels/. 

South Atlantic council opens door to ‘ropeless’ fish trap gear

September 18, 2023 — Developing on-demand or ‘ropeless’ fish trap gear could allow more fishermen to keep working in the black sea bass fishery from the Carolinas to Florida, even with seasonal closures to protect endangered North Atlantic right whales from gear entanglement.

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council has begun moving toward making pop-up fish pot gear allowable at all times, after three years of testing under an experimental fishery permit from the council.

In 2017 the fishery was tasked with two seasonal closures from December to March and November to April to protect migrating right whales. Adapting the pot fishery to use on-demand gear – without vertical lines, and buoys that can be summoned by signal from fishermen to pop up for retrieval ­– underwent testing under the council’s EFP.

Read the full article at the National Fisherman

Reminder! SAFMC Meeting September 11-15, 2023 in Charleston, SC

September 5, 2023 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will meet September 11-15, 2023 in Charleston, SC to address federal fishery management issues. The meeting begins on Monday, September 11th and continues through noon on Friday at the Town and Country Inn, 2008 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407.

The meeting is open to the public and also available via webinar each day as it occurs. Register now to attend the meeting via webinar and receive email reminders, or review the week-long meeting agenda and plan to attend in person.

The Council will meet in Full Session at the beginning and end of the meeting week, and hold meetings of its Mackerel Cobia Committee, Habitat Protection and Ecosystem-based Management Committee, SEDAR Committee, and Snapper Grouper Committee throughout the week. 

Meeting materials, including individual committee agendas and overviews, documents, and presentations are available from the Council’s website at: https://safmc.net/events/september-2023-council-meeting/. 

Public Comment

A public comment session will be held Wednesday, September 13, 2023beginning at 4 p.m., allowing for both in-person and remote (via webinar) verbal public comment. Details are available from the website. An online public comment form for written comments is also available, with comments posted for both Council members and the public to view via the website.