South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Archives - Page 26 of 42

Florida anglers can improve harvest data from their phones

June 19, 2018 — Florida anglers can improve harvest data from their phones.

Anglers along Florida’s Gulf coast have been heading offshore over the past week to enjoy the start of Florida’s 40-day red snapper season, serving as a reminder of how important recreational fishing is to the state’s economy and heritage. While recreational fishermen as a group often have a wide range of opinions — such as what bait is best to use, what areas produce the best bites, or how big that fish really was — one area they’ve agreed upon is that the data federal fisheries managers have been using to regulate fishing is pretty lousy.

Fortunately, innovative new data collection approaches are being implemented this year that will allow anglers the opportunity to report their catch and help improve the data managers need to sustainably manage these fisheries. In other words, for anglers who have rightfully complained in the past about poor fisheries data, it’s put up or shut up time.

As the season begins, Florida’s more than three million licensed anglers have the opportunity to play a critical role in improving recreational harvest data by registering for the Gulf Reef Fish Survey, which is required for those targeting reef fish species, and by voluntarily recording their red snapper catches and trips on the iAngler Gulf Red Snapper smartphone app.

Data collected through the iAngler Gulf Red Snapper app, developed in partnership by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Snook and Gamefish Foundation (SGF), will help fish and wildlife officials make more informed decisions as they manage this Florida fishery. Anglers fishing in Gulf waters can use the free app to track trips, log their catches, and the condition of the fish when and if it was released. Florida anglers can also monitor the locations they made their catches, the time of day and the type of fish they caught, along with photos.

The app not only provides anglers with fishing regulations across the country, a 48-hour weather forecast, and a 4-day tide report right at their fingertips, it’s also a helpful tool for the state to manage fishing data, as well as providing a platform for anglers to revisit their past trips and discover patterns from good and not so good fishing days.

For anglers on Florida’s east coast, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) also partnered with the SGF to create MyFishCount.

Read the full opinion piece at the Pensacola News Journal

SAFMC Approves Management Changes for Atlantic Cobia

June 18, 2018 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Members of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council approved an amendment to remove Atlantic cobia from the current federal management plan and transfer management responsibility to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. The amendment is designed to prevent inconsistent regulations in state and federal waters and improve flexibility in the management of Atlantic cobia from Georgia northward to New York. Amendment 31 to the Coastal Migratory Pelagic Fishery Management Plan was approved by the Council during its meeting this week in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. If approved by the Secretary of Commerce, the amendment would allow for the fishery north of Florida to be managed solely by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), an interstate management body that manages shared migratory fisheries.

The majority of Atlantic cobia are harvested in state waters, within 3 miles of shore in North Carolina and Virginia. They can also be found offshore and are found more in federal waters off the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina as they migrate northward to spawn. Cobia harvested along the east coast of Florida are considered part of the Gulf of Mexico stock and are managed separately.

The recreational harvest of Atlantic cobia has increased in recent years. The recreational fishery closed in federal waters in June 2016 after landings estimates exceeded the annual catch limit the previous year and closed again in January 2017, as state landings were expected to exceed the federal catch limits. The recreational fishery is currently open in federal waters, but subject to closure by NOAA Fisheries should catch estimates exceed the annual catch limit currently in place. Fish harvested in state waters count against the annual catch limit.

The Council approved the amendment after members reviewed preliminary results from a recent Cobia Stock ID Workshop held in April and considered recommendations from its Mackerel Cobia Advisory Panel. The Council delayed a decision on the amendment during its March 2018 meeting in anticipation of the workshop results and advisory panel meeting held in April. The Council also requested more information on how the ASMFC intends to address regulations in federal waters prior to the amendment’s approval. Public comments on the amendment were also considered during the March and June Council meetings.

The current management boundary for Atlantic cobia adjacent to the Florida/Georgia state line was established following a 2013 cobia stock assessment, resulting in an annual catch limit of 620,000 pounds. Fishermen and others have expressed concerns about the boundary change since that time and requested the Cobia Stock ID Workshop be held as part of the upcoming stock assessment for Atlantic cobia. During the 3-day workshop that included scientists and fishermen, participants reviewed the cobia stock structure and considered whether changes were required. Several new data sources were considered including additional genetic studies, updated conventional tagging analyses, and new telemetry and satellite tagging data. Preliminary results from the Stock ID Workshop suggest that a change in the management boundary for cobia is not warranted. The benchmark stock assessment is scheduled for completion in late 2019.

The ASMFC implemented an interstate management plan for Atlantic cobia that became effective in state waters from Georgia to New York in April 2018 and aligns with current federal regulations for Atlantic cobia. Under the ASMFC Interstate Plan, state-specific allocations are established based on the current federal annual catch limit, with North Carolina and Virginia receiving the majority of the allocation based on previous landings.

Individual states have submitted plans for Atlantic cobia (including regulations for a minimum size limit, vessel limit, and season) to the ASMFC based on those allocations. The state regulations are designed to keep harvest levels below the allocated state-specific pounds of Atlantic cobia. At their spring meeting, the ASMFC began work on Amendment 1 to their interstate management plan for Atlantic cobia, which will address management measures in federal waters.

Red Snapper

The Council received an update from NOAA Fisheries on the status of Amendment 43, approved by the Council last year with the intent to allow a red snapper season in 2018. The amendment is currently under review by NOAA Fisheries and public comment is being accepted on the proposed rule until June 18, 2018. Over 2,000 comments have been received thus far with the majority in support of opening the fishery. If approved by the Secretary of Commerce, NOAA Fisheries indicated the red snapper season could open in August, with a recreational bag limit of 1 fish per person/day, no minimum size limit, and a commercial trip limit of 75 pounds gutted weight. The Council discussed timing for announcing any opening and noted the need to allow more lead-time in announcing the opening of the recreational fishery versus the commercial fishery. Any announcement will come from NOAA Fisheries following the comment period.

Other Business

The Council approved several draft amendments for public scoping. Meetings/webinars will be scheduled for later this year and publicized as they are finalized. The amendments include options for modifications to for-hire charter permits, yellowtail snapper management, recreational permits and reporting, best fishing practices, and other measures.

The Council also received notification during the meeting week that an amendment requiring trip level weekly electronic reporting for federally permitted charter vessels was approved by the Secretary of Commerce. The implementation date for the new requirements will be announced later this year. The Council held an electronic reporting training session for charter captains during its meeting and will continue to offer training via webinar and in-person sessions in Florida this summer. Additional information is available at: http://safmc.net/electronic-reporting-projects/.

Final Committee Reports, a meeting Story Map, Meeting Report and other materials from this week’s Council meeting are available from the Council’s website at: http://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/council-meetings/. The next meeting of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is scheduled for September 17-21, 2018 in Charleston, SC.

Commercial Closure for Gray Triggerfish in South Atlantic Federal Waters on June 13, 2018

June 11, 2018 — The following was released by NOAA:

WHAT/WHEN:

The commercial harvest of gray triggerfish in South Atlantic federal waters will close at 12:01 A.M., LOCAL TIME, ON JUNE 13, 2018. During the commercial closure, harvest or possession of gray triggerfish in or from federal waters is limited to the recreational bag and possession limits when the recreational sector is open.

WHY THIS CLOSURE IS HAPPENING:

* The 2018 January through June commercial catch limit is 156,162 pounds whole weight. Commercial landings are projected to reach the January through June commercial catch limit on JUNE 13, 2018. According to the accountability measure, harvest must close to prevent the catch limit from being exceeded.

AFTER THE CLOSURE:

* The closure applies in both state and federal waters for vessels that have a federal commercial permit for South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper.

* The prohibition on sale or purchase during a closure for gray triggerfish does not apply to fish that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold prior to 12:01 A.M., LOCAL TIME, ON JUNE 13, 2018, and were held in cold storage by a dealer or processor.

* The commercial gray triggerfish July through December fishing season in the South Atlantic will open on July 1, 2018, with a catch limit of 156,162 pounds whole weight.

This bulletin provides only a summary of the existing regulations. Full regulations can be found in the Federal Register.

Reminder: SAFMC Meeting Next Week in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

June 6, 2018 — The following has been released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Meeting

June 10-15, 2018 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Unless otherwise indicated, members of the public are invited to attend all meetings.

Meeting materials, including agendas, overviews, presentations, and documents are now available via the Council’s website.

Meeting Location:

Bahia Mar Doubletree by Hilton

801 Seabreeze Boulevard

Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Phone: 855/610-8733

Reminder! SAFMC Meeting – June 10-15, 2018 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

May 25, 2018 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Meeting

June 10-15, 2018 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Unless otherwise indicated, members of the public are invited to attend all meetings.

Meeting materials, including agendas, overviews, presentations, and documents are now available via the Council’s website.

Meeting Location:

Bahia Mar Doubletree by Hilton

801 Seabreeze Boulevard

Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Phone: 855/610-8733

SAFMC Update: Spring 2018 Newsletter Now Available

May 21, 2018 — The following was released by the South Atlantic fishery Management Council:

South Atlantic Update Spring 2018 Newsletter

Inside this issue:

Collecting Recreational Data

This issue focuses on how recreational information is collected – and recent changes that reflect an increase in recreational effort.

Red Snapper Season 2018?

Will there be a red snapper season this year? Find out the latest as NOAA Fisheries continues to review Amendment 43…

Electronic Reporting for Charter Vessels

Proposed mandatory weekly trip-level reporting aims to improve recreational data; sign up now for introductory webinars to be held in the coming weeks or attend a training class…

MyFishCount.com

The recreational reporting pilot project is moving forward with efforts to collect recreational data via mobile application; new app available this June ….

Learn more about the SAFMC by visiting their site here.

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

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

KEY MESSAGE:

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

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

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

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES FOR RED SNAPPER:

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

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

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

HOW TO COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED RULE:

The comment period on the proposed rule begins on May 17, 2018, and comments are due by June 18, 2018. You may submit comments by electronic submission or by postal mail.Comments sent by any other method (such as e-mail), to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NOAA Fisheries. Comments are still being accepted on the notice of availability for Amendment 43 until June 15, 2018.

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

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

Mail: Submit written comments to Frank Helies, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

This bulletin serves as a Small Entity Compliance Guide, complying with section 212 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

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

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

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

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

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

- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where can I find more information on the environmental assessment?

Contact NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office

By Mail: Frank Helies

NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office

Sustainable Fisheries Division

263 13th Avenue South

St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-5505

By Phone: (727) 824-5305

By FAX: (727) 824-5308

The environmental assessment 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/am43/index.html.
Additional information on management of red snapper in the South Atlantic may be found at: http://safmc.net/regulations/regulations-by-species/red-snapper/.

NOAA Fisheries: Sea Turtle Safe Handling and Release Gear Workshops

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

WHAT/WHEN:

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

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

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

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

May 1, 2018 — The following was release by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Spring is in the air – and that means fishing! Beginning tomorrow, May 1st, fishermen will have a few more species to target in federal waters in the South Atlantic region (greater than 3 miles off the coasts of NC, SC, GA and the East Coast of FL). May 1st marks the beginning of the shallow-water grouper season, with an annual spawning season closure in effect from January 1st through April 30th. Regulations also change for red porgy, greater amberjack, snowy grouper, and several other species.

Check out the latest blog for more details.

Always Have the Latest Regulations with You!

Before heading offshore, download the Fish Rulesmobile application. Then simply check for updates before your next fishing trip and you’ll have the information with you no matter how far your spring fishing takes you offshore. No signal? No problem. None required to access the correct information once the app is updated.

Fish Rules Download:

iPhone or Android

Note: Beginning May 7, 2018 commercial regulation information will also be available via Fish Rules. Learn more in the FAQ section available from the Council’s website page.

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

April 30, 2018 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold a meeting of its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) this week, beginning tomorrow and running through Thursday, May 3rd. The SSC is responsible for reviewing the scientific basis of Council management plans and actions, and developing fishing level recommendations in accordance with national fisheries management guidelines.

Agenda Highlights

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

Meeting Materials and Webinar Registration:

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

Tuesday, May 1

Wednesday, May 2

Thursday, May 3

Meeting Location:

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

Learn more about the SAFMC here.