Saving Seafood

NOAA Fisheries Announces Addition of Bullet Mackerel and Frigate Mackerel to the Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery Management Plan of the Atlantic as Ecosystem Component Species

May 10, 2021 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

Key Message:

NOAA Fisheries announces the final rule for Amendment 12 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery of the Atlantic (Dolphin Wahoo Amendment 12). The final rule adds bullet mackerel and frigate mackerel to the Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery Management Plan and designates them as ecosystem component species. Ecosystem component species are those that do not require conservation and management, but are deemed important to include in a fishery management plan to achieve ecosystem management objectives. Bullet mackerel and frigate mackerel are documented as important prey species particularly for wahoo, dolphin (to a lesser extent), blue marlin, and yellowfin tuna in the Atlantic Region.

When Rule Will Take Effect:

Regulations become effective June 9, 2021.

Summary of Changes:

  • The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council wants to consider ecosystem management approaches to fisheries management and advance ecosystem management objectives in the Dolphin Wahoo Fishery Management Plan.
  • Dolphin Wahoo Amendment 12 and the final rule could result in potential indirect benefits such as increased awareness among the fishing constituents, fishing communities, and fishery management agencies.
  • If landings for bullet mackerel and frigate mackerel were to greatly increase in the future to unsustainable levels, fisheries managers could be made aware of the changing stock status before the stocks are depleted which may have subsequent beneficial effects on populations of several economically important predatory fish species, including dolphin, wahoo, blue marlin, and yellowfin tuna.

Read the full release here

Recruitment Announcement – SAFMC Citizen Science Project Coordinator

May 10, 2021 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) is seeking a Citizen Science Project Coordinator that will support the Council’s Citizen Science Program and help coordinate individual citizen science projects. The Council, headquartered in North Charleston, SC, is responsible for the conservation and management of fish stocks within the federal 200-mile limit of the Atlantic off the coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and east Florida to Key West. The Council’s Citizen Science Program aims to work with fishermen and scientists to facilitate and support the development of projects to address Council specific research needs.

The Citizen Science Project Coordinator is a full-time, time-limited contract position that will work closely with the Citizen Science Program Manager. The position will primarily focus on coordinating the SAFMC Release project and the continued development of the SciFish customizable citizen science mobile application. The SAFMC Release project works with commercial, recreational, and for-hire fishermen to collect information on released fish via a mobile app. SciFish is being developed to serve as an umbrella mobile application that would support data collection for different fishery-related citizen science projects developed by partners along the Atlantic coast.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Serve as the primary coordinator for the SAFMC Release Project and assist in the continued development of the SciFish customizable application. Specific responsibilities include developing volunteer training, outreach, and promotional materials; updating and implementing project communication and volunteer engagement plans in collaboration with the Council’s outreach and citizen science teams; assisting with QA/QC of data and testing of mobile application; coordination of project planning meetings; and assisting in writing grant progress and final reports.

Other duties will vary throughout the year. In general, will provide staff support for the Citizen Science Program and other Council citizen science projects, as needed. Will assist in completion of the FISHstory pilot project which uses historic photos to document historic catch and length compositions in for-hire fisheries.

Prepare and give presentations on the Citizen Science Program and individual projects to a wide variety of audiences.

Participate as a member of the Council’s Outreach Team to develop and support citizen science and other Council outreach initiatives.

See the complete recruitment announcement available from the Council’s website for additional information and application instructions. Closing date is May 28, 2021.

South Atlantic Bite – Newsworthy Notes – April 28, 2021

April 28, 2021 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

SAFMC Seminar Series
Dolphin Wahoo Participatory Workshops – Profile of the fishery
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
1 PM until 2:30 PM via webinar

The Council’s Seminar Series continues in May with a presentation on recent participatory workshops held in North Carolina, Virginia and Florida to get input from fishermen to better describe the Dolphin Wahoo fishery. Staff from NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Center will provide an overview of the project. The Seminar Series features presentations on scientific studies relevant to fisheries in federal waters of the South Atlantic. Register now for the May 11th seminar and receive reminders as the date approaches!

Public Hearings Scheduled for Shrimp Fishery Access Area Along Northern Extension of the Oculina Bank
Coral Amendment 10
May 12 and 13, 2021 at 5 PM via webinar

The Council will hold public hearings for a proposed action to establish a Rock Shrimp Fishery Access Area along the eastern edge of the northern extension of the Oculina Coral Habitat Area of Particular Concern. The Coral HAPC is located off the east coast of Florida. Fishermen requested the eastern edge of the northern extension of the Oculina Bank be reviewed to determine if historic trawling areas could be reopened to rock shrimp fishing.

Learn more about what is being proposed and register now to attend a public hearing. Webinar registration: Wednesday, May 12 and Thursday, May 13

Reminder! Apply Now for Open Seats on the Council’s Advisory Panels
Applications due by Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Applications are currently being accepted for open seats on the Council’s Habitat Protection and Ecosystem-Based Management Advisory Panel as well as the Mackerel Cobia Advisory Panel, Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel and Law Enforcement Advisory Panel. The Council will consider applications during its June 14-18, 2021 meeting via webinar. Learn more about the important roll of the advisory panels and how to apply for open seats. Don’t delay! Apply before the May 5, 2021 deadline.

NOAA Fisheries Publishes 2020 Marine Recreational Catch Estimates

Each year, NOAA Fisheries provides marine recreational catch estimates for the Atlantic Coast, Gulf Coast and Hawaii. While the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the survey that collects catch data from anglers, its overall impact on recreational fishing data collection was lower than first expected, and NOAA Fisheries was able to fill gaps in the 2020 catch data with data collected in 2018 and 2019.

The use of proxy, or replacement, catch data had minimal impact on the agency’s effort estimates, as the mail and telephone surveys that collect effort data continued largely uninterrupted. The estimates are available via the MRIP Query Tool. Estimates can also be found on the agency’s Recreational Fishing Data Downloads webpage.

Additional Snippets:

Mid-Atlantic Ocean Forum – Addressing ocean planning issues
The Mid-Atlantic Committee on the Ocean (MACO) will convene its Third Annual Mid-Atlantic Region Ocean Forum from May 3-6, 2021. This year’s all-virtual event will feature expert panel discussions on ocean planning issues including offshore wind energy in the Mid-Atlantic, climate-induced ocean changes, ocean justice, and emerging technologies for monitoring the ocean. The event will also feature opportunities for public participation, a virtual networking luncheon and a first-ever poster session highlighting the work of students and early career professionals.

SECOORA Funding Opportunity – K-12 online marine science curricula
The Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA) is soliciting proposals to develop online or online accessible K-12 marine science curricula and/or activities that can be implemented by parents, teachers and other educators. Proposals must demonstrate how they will increase participation of underrepresented communities in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics educational activities. The award value is $8,500. Proposals are due by 5 PM ET on May 21, 2021. Learn more and share the word!

Call for Presentations: Does your research rely on collaboration with anglers?
The 151st Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society is scheduled for November 5-10, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. A symposium “Growing fisheries research and management through angler engagement” is being organized as part of this year’s meeting. The unique symposium will bring anglers and researchers together to learn how research in collaboration with anglers is coordinated, what science emerges, and what is needed to make them thrive. If you are interested in participating or want to learn more, contact Sean Simmons at sean@anglersatlas.com or Julia Byrd at julia.byrd@safmc.net.

Mark Your Calendar
There are several meetings being scheduled via webinar as the spring approaches. Keep track of meetings scheduled by the Council from the website and register for meeting webinars as information becomes available.

April 27-29 and May 3, 2021
SAFMC Scientific and Statistical Committee Meeting
Webinar Registration

May 11, 2021
1 PM – 2:30 PM
SAFMC Webinar Series: Dolphin Wahoo Participatory Workshop Presentation
Webinar Registration

May 12 and 13, 2021
5 PM each day
Public Hearings: Coral Amendment 10
Shrimp Fishery Access Area along Northern Extension of Oculina Bank CHAPC
Webinar Registration – Wednesday, May 12
Webinar Registration – Thursday, May 13

May 19, 2021
SAFMC Citizen Science Operations Committee Meeting

Reminder: SAFMC Advisory Panel Seats Open for Applicants

April 27, 2021 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The deadline to apply for open seats on the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s advisory panels is rapidly approaching! The Council is soliciting applicants for several open seats on the Habitat Protection and Ecosystem-Based Management Advisory Panel as well as the Mackerel Cobia Advisory Panel, Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel and Law Enforcement Advisory Panel.

The Council’s advisory panels inform and guide the Council in developing federal fishery management plans and plan amendments. Management issues on the table for 2021 include climate vulnerability and impacts relative to fisheries, development of the Council’s Habitat Blueprint, King Mackerel catch levels and management adjustments, and modifications to management of Snowy Grouper, Yellowtail Snapper, Red Porgy, Red Snapper and several other species in the Snapper Grouper management complex. Members of the Council’s Law Enforcement Advisory Panel will provide recommendations specific to enforcement issues affecting these and other fisheries.

Applications are now being solicited for the following positions:

Habitat Protection and Ecosystem-Based Management Advisory Panel
(1) Florida Seat, (1) South Carolina Seat, (1) Georgia Seat, and (2) At-Large Seats

Law Enforcement Advisory Panel
(1) Recreational Seat and (1) Commercial Seat

Mackerel Cobia Advisory Panel
(6) Open Seats

Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel
(1) North Carolina Seat and (1) Florida Seat

The Council will consider applicants during its June 14-18, 2021 meeting scheduled via webinar. Additional details, including links to the online application forms are available from the Council’s website. Questions? Contact Kim Iverson at kim.iverson@safmc.net or 843/302-8440.

Multiple Fisheries Reopen May 1st in SA Federal Waters

April 26, 2021 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Spring fishing season is underway! If you plan to head offshore, fishermen are reminded that beginning May 1st each year there are 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 Council’s latest blog for details.

Fish Rules: Always Have the Latest Regulations With You

Before heading offshore, download the free Fish Rules mobile application. Then simply check for updates before your next fishing trip and you’ll have the information in your pocket, no matter where your fishing trip takes you. No signal? No problem. None required to access the correct information once the app has been updated.

Fish Rules Download:

iPhone or Android

Questions?

Contact Cameron Rhodes, Outreach Program Manager, cameron.rhodes@safmc.net or Kim Iverson, Public Information Officer, kim.iverson@safmc.net or call the Council office at 843/571-4366.

SAFMC Scientific and Statistical Committee Meeting April 27-29 and May 3, 2021

April 19, 2021 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee will hold a multi-day meeting via webinar later this month to review recent stock assessments for Red Snapper, Tilefish and Gag Grouper and provide recommendations for consideration by the Council. Each of the eight regional fishery management councils in the U.S. has a Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) responsible for developing fishing level recommendations and reviewing the scientific basis of council management plans and actions.

The latest stock assessment for South Atlantic Red Snapper was completed through the Southeast Data, Assessment and Review (SEDAR) stock assessment process and made available in March 2021. During its meeting, the SSC will review the assessment and consider whether the results are useful for providing management advice and developing fishing level recommendations for the Council.

An SSC may use the information from the Stock Assessment Report as the basis for providing fishing level recommendations or request additional analyses be conducted.

Fishing level recommendations include an Overfishing Limit and the Acceptable Biological Catch. An overview of the Red Snapper Stock Assessment will be provided to the SSC by NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Center on Tuesday, April 27th.

In addition to Red Snapper, the SSC will review stock assessments and provide fishing level recommendations for Tilefish (golden Tilefish) and Gag Grouper. The SSC will also provide guidance on the Council’s “Decision Tree” approach to allocations, the South Atlantic Research and Monitoring Plan and other agenda items.

Recommendations from the SSC will be provided to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council during its June 14-18, 2021 meeting scheduled via webinar.

The briefing book materials for the April 27-29 and May 3, 2021 SSC meeting, including the meeting agenda and overview, presentations, reports, webinar registration information and an online public comment form are now available from the Council’s website.

Click here to register now for the meeting via webinar and receive email reminders as the meeting dates approach.

Recruitment Announcement – SAFMC Quantitative Fisheries Scientist

April 12, 2021 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) is seeking a Quantitative Fisheries Scientist to provide data and analytical support to the Council’s Science and Statistics and Fisheries Management Programs. The Council is responsible for the conservation and management of fish stocks within the federal 200-mile limit along the Atlantic coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and east Florida to Key West.

This position is responsible for providing data summaries, assessment summaries, and analyses of management actions and alternatives for Fishery Management Plan (FMP) amendments; staffing the Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC); and participating in Southeast Data Assessment and Review (SEDAR) workshops. Completing these tasks requires working with a wide range of partners and participants including industry participants (recreational and commercial), NOAA Fisheries, non-governmental organizations, researchers, resource managers, state marine fisheries agencies, and universities.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Provide staff support to the SSC. This includes scheduling, organizing, and facilitating meetings of the SSC and SSC workgroups, compiling briefing materials, and producing summary reports.

Compile, analyze, and interpret biological, ecosystem, stock assessment, citizen science, and other technical data to support the Council and its advisors.

Serve on Interdisciplinary Plan Teams for preparing FMPs and amendments. Contribute data summaries, assessment summaries, and evaluations of management alternatives as needed and conduct technical review of analyses conducted by NMFS staff.

Attend SEDAR assessment project activities related to Council managed species.

Communicate and interpret results of stock assessments and other related analyses to Council members, other staff, Advisory Panel and SSC members, and the public.

Interact with the public, state and federal agencies, and other scientists on a wide variety of fisheries science and data and assessment issues.

Perform other duties as assigned.

See the complete recruitment announcement available from the Council’s website for additional information and application instructions. Closing date is April 26, 2021.

Federal Fishery Advisory Panel Seats Open to Applicants

April 8, 2021 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Are you interested in federal fisheries management and want to become more involved? Apply now for open seats on the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s advisory panels. The Council is soliciting applicants for several open seats on the Habitat Protection and Ecosystem-Based Advisory Panel as well as the Mackerel Cobia Advisory Panel, Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel and Law Enforcement Advisory Panel.

The Council’s advisory panels inform and guide the Council in developing federal fishery management plans and plan amendments. Management issues on the table for 2021 include climate vulnerability and impacts relative to fisheries, development of the Council’s Habitat Blueprint, King Mackerel catch levels and management adjustments, and modifications to management of Snowy Grouper, Yellowtail Snapper, Red Porgy, Red Snapper and several other species in the Snapper Grouper management complex. Members of the Council’s Law Enforcement Advisory Panel will provide recommendations specific to enforcement issues affecting these and other fisheries.

Members of the Council’s advisory panels include recreational and commercial fishermen, seafood dealers and processors, scientists, representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as environmental groups and fishing organizations, and concerned citizens. Most of the seats on advisory panels are allotted by state and fishery sector, with others considered “at large” and open to any interested person. Advisory panel members are appointed by the Council to three-year terms and may be reappointed for two additional terms. The Council’s advisory panels generally meet once or twice each year and members are compensated for travel and per diem expenses.

Applications are now being solicited for the following positions:

Habitat Protection and Ecosystem-Based Management Advisory Panel
(1) Florida Seat, (1) South Carolina Seat, (1) Georgia Seat, and (2) At-Large Seats

Law Enforcement Advisory Panel
(1) Recreational Seat and (1) Commercial Seat

Mackerel Cobia Advisory Panel
(6) Open Seats

Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel
(1) North Carolina Seat and (1) Florida Seat

How to Apply

Detailed instructions on how to apply and application forms for individual advisory panels are available online from the Council’s website at: http://safmc.net/about-safmc/advisory-panels/. For questions please contact Kim Iverson, Public Information Officer, at Kim.Iverson@safmc.net or call 843/571-4366.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Council representatives from their area to discuss their interest in serving. Contact information for all Council members is available from the “About Us” section of the Council’s website at www.safmc.net. Applicants may provide letters of recommendation as part of their online application.

Applications must be received by Wednesday, May 5, 2021 for consideration by the Council during its June 14-18, 2021 meeting scheduled via webinar.

South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Seeks Scientific Advisors

April 7, 2021 — The following was released by the 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). Membership is open to any qualified scientist, regardless of affiliation or geographic location. The SAFMC will review applications during its June 14-18, 2021 meeting via webinar. Applications received by April 30, 2021 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 SAFMC’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. SAFMC 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 cover letter. The cover letter should highlight qualifications and experience and indicate receipt and acceptance of the SAFMC SSC job description.

Application materials including the required financial disclosure form and SAFMC SSC job description and details on the application process may be obtained by contacting Chip Collier at the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council: chip.collier@safmc.net or (843) 302-8444.

SAFMC: South Atlantic Bite – Newsworthy Notes

March 17, 2021 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Gut Check: What is DNA Barcoding Telling Us about What Red Snapper Are Really Eating?
Tuesday, March 30, 2021
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. via webinar

  • Join in as the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council hosts a presentation from Kevin Spanik with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources on recent diet analysis of Red Snapper conducted in the South Atlantic region. This seminar is open to the public. Register now.

Sea Change: Using Citizen Science to Inform Fisheries Management

  • A new article published in BioScience highlights the development of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Citizen Science Program and the use of citizen science in marine fisheries. Check out the article and see the amazing work done by a variety of teams and advisors from across the world! The article shares best practices, support resources, and recommendations compiled to create this unique Citizen Science Program. Learn more

USDA Seeks Comments, Will Host Listening Sessions on Support for Seafood Producers

  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture is soliciting input from seafood producers and processors impacted by COVID-19. A Listening Session for those impacted in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico will be held March 18, 2021from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Registration is required the day before the session to provide oral comments. Written comments are being accepted until March 31, 2021 at AMSCOVIDStimulus@usda.gov. Questions should also be sent to the same email address.

Executive Order on Tackling Climate Change

  • NOAA Fisheries is seeking public input on how to make fisheries and protected resources more resilient to climate change. The agency is taking this step in response to Section 216(c) of President Biden’s Executive Order issued on January 27, 2021 titled Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad. Stakeholders nationwide are invited to join conference calls on March 23 and April 1 to provide suggestions. March 25 is for state and tribal governments. Comment deadline is April 2, 2021.