Saving Seafood

Red Snapper Special Session – SAFMC Meeting – September 11-15, 2017 in Charleston, SC

August 28, 2017 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Meeting Location:

Town and Country Inn

2008 Savannah Highway

Charleston, SC 29407      

Phone: Reservations: 843/571-1000

Agenda Highlights  

  • Full Council Session – Monday, September 11
    Harvest Options for Red Snapper 
    The Council will hold a special session from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm on Monday of the meeting week to specifically address measures to allow harvest of red snapper. The Council will review alternatives in Snapper Grouper Amendment 43 to determine an annual catch limit for red snapper and allow a limited season in 2018. The Council will also consider options to request that NOAA Fisheries take emergency action for a red snapper mini-season in October 2017.

    • Red Snapper Public Comment – Monday, September 11 at 10:15 am
      Public comment will be solicited on measures proposed in Amendment 43 to allow for a limited harvest of red snapper in 2018 and options for requesting emergency action for harvest in 2017.  The Council is scheduled to take action during Monday’s Full Council Session.  Can’t attend? Provide your comments online and register to attend via webinar as the meeting occurs (see below).
  • Snapper Grouper Committee The committee will continue to review measures proposed for both recreational (Regulatory Amendment 26) and commercial (Regulatory Amendment 27) sectors as identified through the Council’s 2016-2020 Vision Blueprint. Measures include reducing the recreational size limit for black sea bass, commercial split seasons and more.
  • Mackerel Cobia Committee The committee will receive an update on the development of an interstate fishery management plan for Atlantic cobia (Georgia through New York) by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. A public hearing will be held during the meeting week (see below). Options to modify the current commercial trip limit for king mackerel will also be reviewed.

Commercial and Recreational Closures for Hogfish in Federal Waters off the Florida Keys/East Florida Beginning August 24, 2017

August 22, 2017 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

CLARIFICATION:

  • The August 24, 2017, commercial closure for the Florida Keys/East Florida population of hogfish applies in both state and federal waters for vessels that have a federal commercial permit for South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper and/or Gulf Reef Fish.
  • The August 24, 2017, recreational closure for the Florida Keys/East Florida population of hogfish only applies to federal waters.

WHAT/WHEN:

  • The commercial and recreational harvest for the Florida Keys/East Florida population of hogfish in federal waters of the South Atlantic and part of the Gulf of Mexico will close at 12:01 a.m. on August 24, 2017. The boundaries of the Florida Keys/East Florida population are from the 25°09′ N. latitude line off the west coast of Florida (near Cape Sable, Florida), east around South Florida, to the Florida/Georgia border. During these closures, all sale, purchase, and possession of hogfish is prohibited.

WHY THIS CLOSURE IS HAPPENING:

  • The final rule for Amendment 37 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Amendment 37) published on July 25, 2017 (see Fishery Bulletin FB17-041, http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/fishery_bulletins/2017/041/FB17-041index.html), and is effective on August 24, 2017 (82 FR 34584).
  • The 2017 commercial catch limit for the Florida Keys/East Florida population of hogfish will be 3,510 pounds whole weight. Commercial landings are projected to have reached the new commercial catch limit by May 11, 2017.
  • The 2017 recreational catch limit for the Florida Keys/East Florida population of hogfish will be 15,689 fish. Recreational landings are projected to have reached the new recreational catch limit by May 4, 2017.
  • According to the accountability measures, commercial and recreational harvest should close to prevent the catch limits from being exceeded. The closures did not occur before August 24, 2017, because the final rule was not yet effective.
  • The final rule for Amendment 37 also implemented a closed recreational fishing season for the Florida Keys/East Florida population of hogfish in federal waters from January through April, and November through December each year.

AFTER THE CLOSURE:

  • The commercial closure for the Florida Keys/East Florida population of hogfish applies in both state and federal waters for vessels that have a federal commercial permit for South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper and/or Gulf Reef Fish.
  • The 2018 commercial fishing season for the Florida Keys/East Florida population of hogfish will open on January 1, 2018, with a commercial catch limit of 4,524 pounds whole weight. This catch limit will increase annually through 2027.
  • The 2018 recreational fishing season for the Florida Keys/East Florida population of hogfish will open on May 1, 2018, with a recreational catch limit of 18,617 fish. This catch limit will increase annually through 2027.

Please check with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for more information on recreational closures in Florida state waters.

Local red snapper might be back on the South Carolina plate

August 14, 2017 — The fresher the fish the better. And the savory red snapper is the fish they all want — the fire-up-the-grill catch for the weekend angler, the sought-after restaurant plate, the mainstay of seafood stores.

Lately the snapper on the plate isn’t local. It comes from the Gulf of Mexico.

But this fall, for the first time since 2014, South Carolina anglers might be able to catch red snappers offshore and keep them.

Federal fishery regulators are looking at a “mini season” of maybe a few weekends to allow anglers to harvest the fish they have been forced to throw back since 2014.

That’s when the harvest was closed off, to try to rebuild what was thought to be a depleted stock.

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council meets Sept. 11 in Charleston to decide. They also will look at allowing a season in July 2018, a measure that would go to public hearings later in the year.

Read the full story at the Post and Courier

Reminder: Cobia Scoping via Webinar Tomorrow; Advisory Panel Applications Due Wednesday

August 14, 2017 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Reminder!

Atlantic Cobia Scoping Meeting via Webinar

Tomorrow Beginning at 6 PM

Advisory Panel Application Deadline is Wednesday, August 16th

Atlantic Cobia

– Public Scoping via Webinar

Amendment 31 to the Coastal Migratory Pelagics Fishery Management Plan

  • August 15th – Public Scoping via Webinar at 6:00 PM*
*A second presentation and comment opportunity will be repeated at 7:00 PM or later, depending on the end time of the first comment session.

The Council is soliciting public input on options for the management of Atlantic cobia (GA to NY). The recreational fishery for Atlantic cobia was closed in federal waters earlier this year after NOAA Fisheries determined the annual catch limit would be met. Options currently in the amendment include continuing efforts to develop a complementary plan with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) or the complete transfer of Atlantic cobia management to the ASMFC. The Council is considering options to allow additional flexibility for managing the fishery.

Note that webinar registration is required. Written comments are also be accepted. Additional information, including webinar registration, online public comment forms, comment deadlines, and scoping documents are available on the Council’s website at: http://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/public-hearing-and-scoping-meeting-schedule/.

Advisory Panel Applications Due Wednesday, August 16th

Seats open on Snapper Grouper, Dolphin Wahoo, Mackerel Cobia and More

The Council is soliciting applicants for seats on several advisory panels. Advisory panel members include recreational, commercial, and for-hire fishermen as well as others knowledgeable about fisheries and fisheries management issues. Learn more about seats that are currently open and access the online application form. Apply Now! Read more

Reminder: Recreational Sector for Atlantic Cobia (Georgia Through New York) in Federal Waters Remains Closed Through 2017

August 10, 2017 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

KEY MESSAGE:

Recreational:

NOAA Fisheries reminds the public that the 2017 Atlantic cobia season for the recreational sector remains closed in federal waters as announced on January 25, 2017 (FB17-004). The recreational Atlantic cobia season is scheduled to re-open on January 1, 2018, at which time the new regulations outlined in the bulletin released on August 4, 2017 (FB17-044), will become effective. NOAA Fisheries will announce any changes to the 2018 season through a Fishery Bulletin.

Commercial:

In addition, the 2017 commercial Atlantic cobia season remains open in federal waters. The regulations for the commercial sector outlined in bulletin number FB17-044 are effective on September 5, 2017.

Where can I find more information on Atlantic cobia regulations?

  • Contact NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office

By Mail: Karla Gore
NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office
Sustainable Fisheries Division
263 13th Avenue South
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-5505
By FAX: (727) 824-5308
By Phone: (727) 824-5305

Additional information on management of cobia in the South Atlantic may be found at: http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_fisheries/gulf_sa/cmp/index.html.

Final Rule to Modify the Commercial Permit Restrictions for King and Spanish Mackerel in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Federal Waters

August 3, 2017 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

KEY MESSAGE:

NOAA Fisheries announces a final rule to allow fishing for and retaining the recreational bag and possession limits of king and Spanish mackerel in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf), South Atlantic, and Mid-Atlantic on a vessel with a federal commercial permit for king or Spanish mackerel when commercial harvest of king or Spanish mackerel in that zone or region is closed.

WHEN RULE WILL TAKE EFFECT:

  • The final rule will be effective on August 31, 2017.

WHAT THIS MEANS: 

  • Previous regulations prohibited a person aboard a vessel with a federal commercial permit for king or Spanish mackerel from recreationally fishing for king or Spanish mackerel in federal waters if commercial harvest for the species is closed.
    • An exception allowed a person aboard a vessel with both a valid coastal migratory pelagic charter vessel/headboat permit and a valid federal commercial permit for king mackerel or Spanish mackerel to recreationally fish when the commercial season is closed, if the vessel is operating as a for-hire vessel.
  • No such restriction exists for any other species in the Gulf or South Atlantic.
  • This rule removes the restriction entirely, allowing vessels with commercial king or Spanish mackerel permits to fish recreationally for king or Spanish mackerel when the commercial season is closed, regardless of whether they are fishing in a private or for-hire capacity.

FORMAL FEDERAL REGISTER NAME/NUMBER:

82 FR 35658, published August 1, 2017

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Additional information about Framework Amendment 5 including Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and a copy of the complete Fishery Bulletin is available from the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office website.  Information on management of king and Spanish mackerel is also available from the website.

Commercial Closure for Almaco Jack, Banded Rudderfish, and Lesser Amberjack in South Atlantic Federal Waters on August 4, 2017

August 1, 2017 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

WHAT/WHEN:

  • The commercial harvest of the Other Jacks Complex (almaco jack, banded rudderfish, and lesser amberjack) in federal waters of the South Atlantic will close at 12:01 a.m. on August 4, 2017.  During the commercial closure, all sale or purchase of species in this complex is prohibited, and harvest or possession of species in the Other Jacks Complex in or from federal waters is limited to the recreational bag and possession limits while the recreational fishery is open.

WHY IS THIS CLOSURE HAPPENING:

  • The 2017 commercial catch limit is 189,422 pounds whole weight.  Commercial landings are projected to reach the commercial catch limit by August 4, 2017.  According to the accountability measure, harvest should close to prevent the catch limit from being exceeded.  This closure date will provide sufficient notice to fishermen to make preparations for the closure, while minimizing the chance that harvest will exceed the commercial catch limit.

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 2018 commercial fishing season for the Other Jacks Complex in the South Atlantic will open on January 1, 2018, with a commercial catch limit of 189,422 pounds whole weight.

Reminder: Red Snapper Q&A Thursday at 6 PM via webinar; Public Hearings Scheduled

August 1, 2017 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Join members of the Council’s staff this Thursday, August 3rd at 6:00 PM for an informal Question and Answer session to discuss proposed changes to the annual catch limit for red snapper in the South Atlantic. Council staff will provide an overview of alternatives in Amendment 43 and then answer questions from the public via webinar.

 NOTE: Formal public comment will not be taken during the Q&A session. Public comment will be accepted during the public hearings via webinar. The Council is also accepting written comments until August 15, 2017. An online comment form is available (see below).

Red Snapper – Q&A and Public Hearings via Webinar

Amendment 43 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan

This amendment would modify the current annual catch limit for red snapper in the South Atlantic. The Council proposes the modification in order to allow options for a limited harvest of red snapper in federal waters in 2018.

Webinar Schedule:

  • August 3rd – Informal Question & Answer Session at 6:00 PM
  • August 8th – Public Hearing at 6:00 PM
  • August 10th – Public Hearings at 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM

Learn More

Access the Amendment 43 Public Hearing Story Map to quickly get an idea of what is being proposed and how it may affect red snapper fishing in the future. Watch a video presentation of the proposed changes, review the public hearing document, and sign up for any or all of the webinars from the Council’s website. Note that webinar registration is required.

Submit your own comments online and read what others are saying about Amendment 43! Additional information, including the online public comment form, comment summary table, and links for webinar registration is available at: http://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/public-hearing-and-scoping-meeting-schedule/.

Federal Scientists, Fishermen Question Shark Fin Ban

July 27, 2017 — The following is an excerpt from a report, by Jim Strickland of WSB-TV in Atlanta, about a new bill, co-sponsored by Georgia Congressmen David Scott and Buddy Carter, that would outlaw the sale of all shark fins, including legally caught ones, in the United States:

The new bill, which would create the Shark Fin Trade Elimination Act, has stirred a fight over whether dealing in shark fins should be made illegal.

Videos of “finning,” where foreign fishing fleets cut the fins off live sharks then throw the fish back to slowly die, pepper YouTube.

“You shouldn’t do it and that’s all there is to it. Not to mention it’s cruel,” said licensed Georgia shark fisherman Charlie Phillips. As vice chair of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, Phillips advises the government on seafood policy.

Finning live sharks has been outlawed in the U.S. since 2000. Here, fins must be harvested on land, after the fish is caught and killed at sea. Violators risk fines and banishment from the industry.

“I don’t let anyone do anything illegal on my boat,” said commercial shark fisherman Dave Campo.

“They’re impacting the American fisherman for what may be happening in other places, that we’ll never control,” Campo said.

It’s not just the fishermen saying so. So does the director of the nation’s official shark research lab, Dr. Bob Hueter of Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota.

“They’ll have to throw the fins in the dumpsters which is wasteful and it doesn’t make any sense for the fishery,” Dr. Hueter said.

According to Dr. Hueter, a ban will wipe out responsible shark fishing here, while countries that still allow live finning will fill the void.

“By doing this we’re essentially punishing the wrong people,” Dr. Hueter told Strickland.

Read and watch the full story at WSB-TV

Final Rule for Hogfish Management in South Atlantic Federal Waters

July 27, 2017 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

KEY MESSAGE:

NOAA Fisheries announces a final rule for Amendment 37 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Amendment 37).  Hogfish in the South Atlantic will be managed as two populations: Georgia through North Carolina and Florida Keys/East Florida.  A population assessment determined that the Florida Keys/East Florida population is undergoing overfishing (rate of removal is too high) and is overfished (population abundance is too low) and, therefore, in need of a rebuilding plan.  The overfishing and overfished status of the Georgia/North Carolina population is unknown.

WHEN RULE WILL TAKE EFFECT:

  • Regulations will be effective August 24, 2017.

WHAT THIS MEANS:

The final rule for Amendment 37 will implement the following management measures in addition to specifying commercial and recreational annual catch limits and accountability measures:

Management Measures Georgia-North Carolina Florida Keys/East Florida
Minimum size limit

(for both commercial and recreational sectors)

 17 inches fork length 16 inches fork length
Commercial trip limit 500 pounds whole weight 25 pounds whole weight
Recreational bag limit 2 fish per person per day 1 fish per person per day
Recreational fishing season Open year-round Open – May through October

Closed- January through April; November through December

FORMAL FEDERAL REGISTER NAME/NUMBER:

82 FR 34584, published July 25, 2017.

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