South Atlantic Archives - Page 2 of 115

North Carolina: SAVE THE DATE/EVTR Questions Workshop/Legislative Update

November 5, 2021 — The following was released by the North Carolina Fisheries Association:

SAVE THE DATE

NCDMF MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION WILL MEET NOV. 17-19, 2021

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO GIVE PUBLIC COMMENT ON NOVEMBER 17 ATTEND IN PERSON FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON NOVEMBER 18, 2021 IF YOU CARE ABOUT NC SHRIMP AND SHRIMPING IN NC.

WE HAVE ATTACHED BELOW THE SHRIMP FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN AMENDMENT 2 DECISION DOCUMENT WHICH CONTAINS NCDMF RECOMMENDED MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR YOUR REVIEW

STAY TUNED FOR IMPORTANT UPDATES ON THIS ISSUE.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Marine Fisheries Commission to meet Nov. 17-19 in Emerald Isle

MOREHEAD CITY – The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission will meet in-person Nov. 17-19 at the Islander Hotel & Resort, 102 Islander Dr, Emerald Isle. The commission office will also livestream the meeting online.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 17; at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18; and at 9 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 19. In accordance with current guidance to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the chairman asks that everyone attending the meeting wear a mask at all times, except when giving public comment to the commission.

The commission will hold a public comment session at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17. The commission will also hold a 30-minute public comment period near the beginning of the meeting on Thursday, Nov. 18.

The following information pertains to in-person public comment:

· To accommodate as many speakers as possible, the chairman will limit each speaker to 3 minutes.

· Those making comments will be asked to speak only once, either Wednesday night or Thursday morning, but not during both public comment periods.

· Members of the public are encouraged to speak at the Wednesday night session, because the Thursday morning session is limited to 30 minutes (10 people).

· Preregistration by an online form is required to speak at the Thursday morning session. Registration will end once 10 people have signed up to speak.

· Preregistration is available, but not required, for the Wednesday night session. The online registration deadline for this session is 10 a.m. Wednesday; however, the public may also register to speak for the Wednesday night session in-person beginning at 4:30 p.m. There is no speaker limit for the Wednesday night session.

· Speaker registration will begin at noon on Nov. 3 and can be accessed through a link on the Marine Fisheries Commission Meeting webpage.

· Those who wish to submit handouts to the commission during a public comment period should bring at least 12 copies to the meeting.

· The commission will only hear from speakers attending the meeting in-person.

The public may also submit written comments:

· Written comments may be submitted through an online form accessible through the Marine Fisheries Commission Meeting webpage.

· Written comments may be mailed to November 2021 Marine Fisheries Commission Meeting Comments, P.O Box 769, Morehead City, N.C. 28557.

· Written comments may be dropped off at the Division of Marine Fisheries’ Morehead City Headquarters Office at 3441 Arendell St., Morehead City.

· Written comments must be posted online or received in the Division of Marine Fisheries Office by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 15.

· The Marine Fisheries Commission Office will not accept public comment for this meeting through email.

Due to space constraints, those who do not wish to speak at the meeting are encouraged to watch the meeting online. Links to the livestream will be posted on the Marine Fisheries Commission Meeting webpage. After the meeting, an audio recording will be posted online.

Agenda items include:

· Approving the draft Coastal Habitat Protection Plan 2021 Amendment.

· Selecting preferred management options for the Shrimp Fishery Management Plan Amendment 2 and sending the draft plan for departmental review.

· Reviewing the draft Southern Flounder Fishery Management Plan Amendment 3 and sending it out for public comment and advisory committee review.

· Approving the goals and objectives of the draft N.C Fishery Management Plan for Interjurisdictional Fisheries Amendment 2.

· Final approval of amendments and re-adoption of a slate of rules under a mandatory periodic review schedule (G.S. 150B-21.3A), including rules prohibiting the repacking of foreign crab meat in North Carolina.

· Discussion of additional labeling requirements for repacked foreign crab meat, including selection of preferred management option and approval of associated proposed language for rulemaking.

· Approving a slate of nominees for the North Carolina Obligatory Seat on the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council.

A full meeting agenda and briefing book materials will be posted on the Marine Fisheries Commission Meeting webpage as they become available.

WHO:

N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission

WHAT:

Quarterly Business Meeting

WHEN:

Nov. 17 at 6 p.m.
Nov. 18 at 9 a.m.
Nov. 19 at 9 a.m.

WHERE:

The Islander Hotel & Resort
102 Islander Dr, Emerald Isle

Livestream:
Click here for links

The South Atlantic Bite – Newsworthy Notes – November 3, 2021

November 4, 2021 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Proposed Changes to Atlantic King Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel Management

There was good news for Atlantic migratory group King Mackerel as the most recent stock assessment update (SEDAR 38) shows the stock continues to not be overfished or undergoing overfishing. Atlantic group King Mackerel are managed in federal waters from the Miami-Dade/Monroe County line in Florida north to the New York/Connecticut/Rhode Island state line.

Based on the latest assessment update, annual catch limits, optimum yield, and allocations for Atlantic King Mackerel must be revised and these additional measures are being considered through Amendment 34 to the Coastal Migratory Pelagics Fishery Management Plan:

•Increase the daily Atlantic King Mackerel bag limit in federal waters off the east coast of Florida to 3 fish per person (currently 2 fish to match FL state regulations)

•Decrease the minimum size limit for Atlantic King Mackerel for both recreational and commercial sectors from 24-inches fork length to 22-inches fork length

•Modify the recreational requirement for Atlantic King and Spanish Mackerel to be landed with heads and fins in tact (options to allow retention of cut/damaged fish due to shark predation)

Public hearing documents, including a video presentation and an online public comment form are available from the Council’s website at: https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/public-hearings-scoping-meetings/.

•Monday, November 15, 2021 at 6 PM

•Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at 6 PM

Written comments are due by 5 p.m. on November 17th.

Reminder! Apply Now for Open Seats on the Council’s Advisory Panels and System Management Plan Workgroup

Applications due November 12th

The South Atlantic Council is currently seeking applicants for open seats on several of its advisory panels or to serve as a fishing representative on the System Management Plan (SMP) Workgroup. The SMP Workgroup addresses the needs of managed areas in federal waters in the South Atlantic. Advisory panel members provide recommendations for the Council’s consideration at the grassroots level. They provide advice on trends in fisheries, environmental concerns relative to fishery ecosystems, enforcement issues, and management impacts on fishermen and fishing communities.

See the news release for details, including a list of open seats. Application forms are available online and due by Friday, November 12, 2021 for consideration by the Council during its December meeting.

SAFMC Seminar Series

Red Porgy Distribution

The Council’s seminar series continues this month with a presentation scheduled for Tuesday, November 9th from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. on Red Porgy and changes in distribution of the stock. The presentation will be given by staff from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and is part of an ongoing seminar series hosted by the Council, featuring scientific studies relevant to fisheries in federal waters of the South Atlantic.

The seminars are open to the public and a Q&A session will be held following the presentation. The presentations are for informational purposes only and no management actions will be taken. Registration is required.

New Review of the Atlantic Shark Fishery Includes Section on Depredation

Webinar for the Atlantic Shark Fishery Review (SHARE) scheduled for December 8, 2021.

Does this photo look familiar? Take note: NOAA Fisheries Highly Migratory Species Division (HMS), the agency responsible for shark management in the U.S., recently released a draft of their Atlantic Shark Fishery Review (SHARE). While there are no proposed changes to current regulations or management measures associated with SHARE, the document does include a section on shark depredation. Concerns about shark depredation have continued to increase from fishermen along the Atlantic coast and members of the South Atlantic Council have provided letters to NOAA Fisheries outlining those concerns in the past.

NOAA Fisheries HMS Division has scheduled a webinar and conference on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. to review SHARE and allow public comment. “We encourage anyone affected or otherwise interested in the general management of the Atlantic shark fishery to review the draft document,” said Karyl Brewster-Geisz, HMS Coordinator with NOAA Fisheries.

Additional information, including webinar registration information, a copy of the draft document, and instructions for providing written comment is available from the NOAA Fisheries website. Written comments are being accepted until January 3, 2022. Questions? Contact Karyl Brewster-Geisz at (301) 427-8503.

Additional Snippets:

How Does Catching Fish Support Fisheries Science?

AFS Symposium offers unique opportunity for fishermen to tune in

Anglers play an important role in providing scientists and managers with valuable data about the state of our fisheries. As new forms of electronic reporting come online, providing high resolution data that could barely have been imagined just a few decades ago, anglers are becoming ever more important to fisheries research.

See how anglers are making a difference in fisheries across the U.S. and Canada by joining a symposium on Sunday, November 7, 2021 for a live-stream event highlighting projects ranging from Florida’s Trophy Catch program to how anglers have been contributing for over 20 years to the management of sturgeon on the Fraser River in British Columbia. The live-stream event is open to the public and anglers are encouraged to participate. Register now. The Symposium is part of the American Fisheries Society’s annual conference taking place in Baltimore, MD November 6-10, 2021. For more information about the symposium contact Sean Simmons at 250-613-7727 or email sean@anglersatlas.com.

Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful – NOAA Soliciting Public Comment

Public comment sessions scheduled for November 8th and 16th

President Biden has challenged Americans to join together in an inclusive and locally led effort to conserve at least 30 percent of our lands and waters by 2030. On May 6, 2021, the U.S. Departments of the Interior, Agriculture and Commerce, and the White House Council on Environmental Quality released a preliminary report on Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful. Learn more about the report and NOAA’s efforts to gather public input on this initiative, including links to virtual listening sessions scheduled for Monday, November 8th from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and Tuesday, November 16th from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. https://www.noaa.gov/america-the-beautiful.

Heavy Lift Barge Departs Golden Ray Site After Yearlong Wreck Removal

For those of you following the saga of the 656-foot Golden Ray cargo vessel salvage, after more than two years of salvage work, the port community of Brunswick, Georgia has finally recovered its scenic seaside view! The giant heavy lift barge used as part of the salvage effort departed St. Simons Sound earlier this week, bringing its long tenure at the wreck site of the Golden Ray to an end. Read more from the Maritime Executive newsletter. See how GA DNR’s Coastal Resources Division used parts of the salvaged ship, including the propeller, to enhance artificial reefs off the coast of Georgia.

The Queen of Kings…King Mackerel That Is

Today, more and more women are becoming a part of the competitive landscape. The world of fishing is no exception. See how 65-year-old Brenda Cooper of Topsail Island, NC is breaking stereotypes as part of the Back-Lash Fishing Team in this recent article by Captain Tim Wilson with Saltwater Angler online.

Mark Your Calendar

Keep track of meetings scheduled by the Council from the website and register for meeting webinars as information becomes available. Register early and receive email reminders as the meeting date(s) approach!

November 9, 2021

SAFMC Seminar Series – Red Porgy Distribution
1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Webinar Registration

November 15 and 16, 2021 at 6 p.m.

King Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel Public Scoping Meetings
(Coastal Migratory Pelagics Amendment 34)
Monday, November 15 – Webinar Registration
Tuesday, November 16 – Webinar Registration

November 18-19, 2021

Outreach and Communications Advisory Panel Meeting
Webinar Registration

December 6-10, 2021

SAFMC Meeting
Beaufort Hotel
Beaufort, NC

Interior takes major steps on offshore wind in Atlantic, Gulf

November 1, 2021 — The Biden administration is planning to extend the fledgling offshore wind sector’s footprint deeper into the southern Atlantic and into the Gulf of Mexico, Interior Department officials announced yesterday.

In addition to taking the first steps to offering lease sales off the coasts of North Carolina, Louisiana and Texas, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will begin the environmental review of a Massachusetts offshore wind project, the 11th proposed wind array advanced by the administration this year.

“These milestones represent great potential for addressing climate change through a clean, reliable, domestic energy resource while providing good-paying jobs,” said Interior Secretary Deb Haaland in a statement, adding a promise to “responsibly and sustainably” move on the administration’s offshore wind goals.

Read the full story at E&E News

Commercial Reopening for Red Snapper in South Atlantic Federal Waters on November 2, 2021, for Four Days

October 28, 2021 — The following was release by NOAA Fisheries:

Commercial Reopening for Red Snapper in South Atlantic Federal Waters on November 2, 2021, for Four Days

What/When:

•The commercial harvest of red snapper in South Atlantic federal waters will reopen at 12:01 a.m., local time, on November 2, 2021, and close at 12:01 a.m., local time, on November 6, 2021. During the four-day reopening, the commercial trip limit for red snapper is 75 pounds gutted weight.

Why This Reopening Is Happening:

•The 2021 commercial catch limit for red snapper is 124,815 pounds whole weight. On September 14, 2021, the commercial catch limit for the 2021 season was projected to be met, and NOAA Fisheries closed commercial harvest. However, new information indicates that the red snapper commercial catch limit was not met.

•As a reminder, recreational harvest is closed. Therefore, the recreational bag and possession limit for red snapper in or from South Atlantic federal waters is zero.

After The Reopening:

•The 2022 fishing season for the red snapper commercial sector opens at 12:01 a.m., local time, on July 11, 2022, unless otherwise specified.

•The 2022 recreational season, which consists of weekends only (Friday, Saturday, Sunday), begins on the 2nd Friday in July, unless otherwise specified.

This bulletin provides only a summary of the existing regulations. Full regulations can be found in the Federal Register or at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=383bc195ccbeab4fd6bec1c24905df34&node=sp50.12.622.i&rgn=div6#_top.

Sign Up for Text Message Alerts

NOAA’s Text Message Alert Program allows you to receive important fishery related alerts via text message (SMS). Standard message and data rates may apply. You may opt-out at any time. Text alerts you may receive include immediate fishery openings and closures and any significant changes to fishing regulations that happen quickly.

•Gulf of Mexico Recreational: Text GULFRECFISH

•Gulf of Mexico Commercial: Text GULFCOMMFISH

•South Atlantic Recreational: Text SATLRECFISH

•South Atlantic Commercial: Text SATLCOMMFISH

•Caribbean: Text CARIBFISH

Other Contacts

Media: Kim Amendola (727) 551-5705, Allison Garrett (727) 551-5750

Reminder! In-Person Public Hearings for Cobia Management Begin Next Week in Florida

October 15, 2021 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold a series of four in-person public hearings along the east coast of Florida next week to gather input on proposed measures for the Gulf Migratory Group Cobia fishery in federal waters. Written public comment is also being accepted (see below).

Measures are being proposed to modify catch limits, revise the sector allocation for the Florida East Coast Zone, modify size and possession limits, and change Framework procedures. The measures are proposed through Amendment 32 to the Coastal Migratory Pelagics Fishery Management Plan for the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region.

Public Hearing Schedule

Coastal Migratory Pelagics Amendment 32
All hearings begin at 6 p.m.

Monday, October 18
Harvey Governmental Center
Key West, FL

Tuesday, October 19
The River Center at Burt Reynolds Park
Jupiter, FL

Wednesday, October 20
Hilton Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach, FL

Thursday, October 21
Mudville Grill
Jacksonville, FL

During the in-person public hearings Council staff will provide an overview of proposed actions and answer questions. Council representatives will also be present and formal public comment accepted.

Additional information, including public hearing documents, a video presentation, and an online public comment form is available from the Council’s website at: https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/public-hearings-scoping-meetings/.

Public comments are due by October 21, 2021 at 5 p.m. The South Atlantic Council will address Amendment 32 during its December 6-10, 2021 meeting.

Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming SAFMC Meetings

The following meetings will be held via webinar

October 19-21, 2021
Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel
Briefing book materials and additional meeting information available online
Webinar Registration

October 27-29, 2021
Scientific and Statistical Committee
Briefing book materials and additional meeting information now available online
Webinar Registration

November 2 and 3, 2021
Public Scoping Meetings – Yellowtail Snapper
Starting at 6 p.m.
Snapper Grouper Amendment 44 – Proposed changes to catch levels and allocations
Scoping meeting materials will be posted online as they become available
Webinar Registration:
Tuesday, November 2
Wednesday, November 3

November 3-4, 2021
Habitat Protection and Ecosystem-Based Management Advisory Panel

November 18-19, 2021
Outreach and Communications Advisory Panel

About the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, one of eight regional councils, conserves and manages fish stocks from three to 200 miles offshore of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and east Florida. For more information, visit: www.safmc.net.

SAMFC Seeks Applicants for Federal Fishery Advisory Panels and Workgroup

October 14, 2021 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

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 or to serve as a fishing representative on the System Management Plan (SMP) Workgroup.

The SMP Workgroup addresses the needs of managed areas in federal waters in the South Atlantic. The Workgroup includes ecologists, coral scientists, mapping specialists, researchers, law enforcement and outreach representatives, and commercial and recreational fishermen. The Council’s advisory panels inform and guide the Council in developing and implementing federal fishery management plans. Upcoming issues to be addressed by advisory panel members in 2022 include reducing release mortality and increasing landed yield across the entire snapper grouper fishery, proposed modifications to Atlantic King Mackerel bag limits and minimum size limits, changes to Cobia regulations along the east coast of Florida, development of the Council’s Habitat Blueprint, and input on law enforcement issues affecting several fisheries.

Members of the Council’s advisory panels include recreational and commercial fishermen, seafood dealers and processors, scientists, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as environmental groups and fishing organizations and concerned citizens. Seats on advisory panels may be 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:

System Management Plan Workgroup
(1) NC Recreational and (1) SC Commercial Representative

Golden Crab Advisory Panel
(1) Open Seat

Habitat Protection and Ecosystem-Based Management Advisory Panel
(1) NC Open Seat and (1) FL Open Seat

Law Enforcement Advisory Panel
(1) Open Seat

Mackerel Cobia Advisory Panel
(6) Open Seats

Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel
(1) NGO Seat, (3) NC Seats, (1) GA Seat and (2) FL Seats

Deepwater Shrimp Advisory Panel
(1) Open Seat

How to Apply

Detailed instructions on how to apply and application forms for individual advisory panels and the System Management Plan Workgroup 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.

Applications must be received by Friday, November 12, 2021, for consideration by the Council during its December 6-10, 2021 meeting currently scheduled for Beaufort, NC.

Please Join the Discussion: NOAA’s Southeast For-Hire Electronic Reporting Program in the South Atlantic

October 8, 2021 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

What:

NOAA Fisheries newly appointed Southeast Regional Administrator, Andy Strelcheck will provide an update and take questions about the agency’s Southeast For-Hire Electronic Reporting Program. The call is moderated by an operator with callers being placed into a queue to ask questions after a few opening remarks.

When:

Thursday, October 14, from 12-2pm EST

Where:

Dial 1-888-282-0362

Passcode: 8210831

Get Involved:

The next South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Meeting will be December 6-10 at the Beaufort Hotel in Beaufort, NC

https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/council-meetings/

NC Coalition Forms To Advocate For Offshore Wind Energy Projects

September 27, 2021 — A group of 10 advocacy groups has formed the Offshore Wind for North Carolina coalition, or OSW4NC, to lobby for funding, legislation and anything else that will get wind turbines turning off the North Carolina coast.

The move comes as North Carolina, the U.S. and the rest of the world race to get global warming under control by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. To get there, President Joe Biden’s administration and North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper are pushing for more renewable energy development, including offshore wind energy.

Members of the new offshore wind coalition include Audubon North Carolina, Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy, Environmental Defense Fund, Environmental Entrepreneurs, North Carolina Coastal Federation, North Carolina Conservation Network, North Carolina League of Conservation Voters, North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association, Sierra Club North Carolina and Southeastern Wind Coalition.

Read the full story at Blue Ridge Public Radio

Some sharks are more likely to die after ‘catch and release,’ study finds. Here’s why

September 24, 2021 — Longlining, a commercial fishing technique that drags a main line with baited hooks through the water, is convenient when catching massive amounts of swordfish and tuna, but it also traps what experts call “bycatch” — unintended victims that may face dark fates after release back into the ocean.

Sharks are often attracted to and caught on these baited longlines; it’s one of the many culprits behind declining shark populations. Certain rules called “no-take regulations” require fishermen to release some species when accidentally hooked, but a new study of over 300 sharks found that some are much more likely to die after “catch and release” than others. The study was published Sept. 15 in the journal PLOS One.

“The assumption behind no-take regulations is that the shark will swim away and live out its normal life after it’s released, but we know that for some sharks, that’s not true,” study lead author Dr. Nick Whitney, senior scientist at the New England Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life in Massachusetts, said in a news release.

After five years of longline fishing that targeted five of the seven most commonly caught species in the Gulf of Mexico and Florida Keys, the researchers learned as many as 42% to 71% of blacktip and spinner sharks will die after being caught and released alive. Others, such as sandbar and tiger sharks, were more resilient; only 3% or fewer died after release. Bull sharks were also one of the more hardy species. The animals were caught near Madeira Beach, Key West and Naples, Florida.

The team learned 90% of the post-release deaths occurred within five hours of returning to the water, and 59% occurred within just two hours. Blood samples and tracking data revealed the stress of the capture process, or injuries acquired during it, leads to the unnecessary and disproportionate demise of some sharks.

Read the full story at the Miami Herald

NORTH CAROLINA: Panel with stakes in clean water adds to coastal habitat plan

September 21, 2021 — Natural solutions, voluntary, incentivize — these are some of the ways suggested by a stakeholder workgroup to enhance and protect North Carolina’s coastal waters.

In all, 10 recommendations in Appendix A from the workgroup have been tacked on to the Coastal Habitat Protection Plan approved for public review by the three regulatory commissions with oversight on coastal issues.

“The goal was to identify and make recommendations on actionable nonregulatory strategies for improving and protecting water quality to safeguard fishery habitats,” said Leda Cunningham, The Pew Charitable Trusts officer.

The proposal of a workgroup was born out of the Jan. 21 meeting of the CHPP Steering Committee when committee chair Martin Posey raised the idea to form a group that would come up with recommendations with a focus on water quality-related issues that could quickly be accomplished, according to the minutes of that meeting.

Read the full story at CoastalReview.org

News for the South Atlantic Region