Saving Seafood

News for the South Atlantic Region

SAFMC Recruitment Announcement for Meeting Coordinator/Office Assistant

January 8, 2020 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, headquartered in North Charleston, South Carolina, is currently soliciting applicants for a Meeting Coordinator/Office Assistant. The person in the position will be responsible for all aspects of on-site support of various types of meetings, ranging from public hearings to Council meetings. Significant travel is required. Additional responsibilities include report submission, workflow tracking, and general office support.

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council 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 is responsible for Coastal Migratory Pelagics from New York to Florida and for Dolphin/Wahoo from Maine to Florida.

Additional information including a list of Primary Duties and Responsibilities, Knowledge, Skills and Qualifications required, and how to apply for the position is available from the Council’s website at: https://safmc.net/council-news/. Please note the closing date for the position is January 20, 2020. Questions should be addressed to Kelly Klasnick, Administrative Officer, South Atlantic Fishery Management Council at kelly.klasnick@safmc.net or by calling the Council office at 843/571-4366.

Reminder – The New Year Brings Changes to South Atlantic Federal Fishing Regulations

December 30, 2019 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Fishermen are reminded that several changes in federal fishing regulations occur beginning January 1st as we ring in 2020 – and a new fishing year for some species in the snapper grouper management complex. The South Atlantic regulation changes apply to federal waters ranging from 3 to 200 nautical miles offshore of NC, SC, GA, and the east coast of Florida.

For example, a spawning season closure for shallow-water grouper goes into place to help protect species such as gag grouper, red grouper, scamp, red hind, yellowmouth grouper, and others. The season will reopen May 1st. Some other snapper grouper species will open for harvest January 1st.

See the Regulations Summary (click the image) available from the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council for changes effective January 1, 2020. To keep up with federal regulations and changes throughout the year (recreational and commercial), download the free FishRules mobile app.

Additional regulation information and other helpful resources are available from the Council’s website at: https://safmc.net/regulations/.

NOAA Issues Final Rule to Require Turtle Excluder Device Use for all Skimmer Trawl Vessels 40 Feet and Greater in Length

December 19, 2019 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

KEY MESSAGE:

In an effort to strengthen sea turtle conservation efforts, NOAA Fisheries published a final rule to require all skimmer trawl vessels 40 feet and greater in length to use turtle excluder devices (TEDs) in their nets. A TED is a device that allows sea turtles to escape from trawl nets. The purpose of the rule is to aid in the protection and recovery of listed sea turtle populations by reducing incidental bycatch and mortality of sea turtles in the southeastern U.S. shrimp fisheries.

WHEN RULE WILL TAKE EFFECT:

Skimmer trawl vessels 40 feet and greater in length that are rigged for fishing are required to install TEDs in their nets by April 1, 2021. For purposes of this rule, vessel length is the length specified on the vessel’s state vessel registration or U.S. Coast Guard vessel documentation required to be onboard the vessel while fishing.

NEW TED REQUIREMENTS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

  • Skimmer trawl vessels 40 feet and greater in length rigged for fishing will be required to install and use TEDs designed to exclude small turtles in their nets. Specifically, the space between the deflector bars of the new TEDs must not exceed 3 inches; escape openings must be oriented at the top of the net; and there are potential webbing restrictions on the escape opening flap depending on the type of TED grid and escape opening configuration. For purposes of this rule, vessel length is based on state fishery license or vessel registration information required to be onboard the vessel while fishing.
  • NOAA Fisheries originally published a proposed rule in December 2016 that would have required all skimmer trawl, pusher-head trawl, and wing net vessels to use TEDs in their nets. In response to public comment and further deliberation, however, the final rule was revised.
  • Additionally, NOAA Fisheries also amended the allowable tow time definition. The new definition requires all vessels operating under the allowable tow time limit (e.g., skimmer trawl vessels less than 40 feet in length, pusher-head trawl vessels, wing net vessels, live bait vessels, etc.) to remove and empty their catch on deck within the tow time limit (i.e., 55 or 75 minutes, depending on season). We believe the amended definition will improve the inspection of the net for potentially captured sea turtles and allow for their release unharmed.
  • The Gear Monitoring Team based out of the Southeast Fisheries Science Center Pascagoula Lab’s Harvesting Systems Branch will be conducting numerous workshops and training sessions for skimmer trawl fishers. Information on these sessions, as well as additional information (final rule, FEIS, FAQs) on the new TED requirements, will be posted on our website at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/bycatch/turtle-excluder-device-regulations.

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

NOTE: Please see the complete Fishery Bulletin from NOAA Fisheries for additional details, including Frequently Asked Questions and links to helpful documents.

North Atlantic right whale ‘moms,’ including Cape regular Harmonia, arrive off Florida

December 13, 2019 — The North Atlantic right whale migration southward is underway.

Since the first right whale report of the season — Harmonia, a right whale commonly seen in Cape Cod Bay — was spotted by fishermen Nov. 23 off Mayport, Fla., biologists have confirmed seeing four more potential right whale “moms.”

Only 409 North Atlantic right whales remain. Right whales travel along the Atlantic coast annually, spending time in warmer Georgia and Florida waters to calve and nurse. They spend late winter and early spring in and and around Cape Cod Bay to feed and socialize before heading northward to Canadian waters for the summer months.

The winter tracking of right whales that may be pregnant — typically off Georgia and Florida — is part of a U.S. and Canadian government effort to stop any further drop in their population, which is considered nearing possible extinction.

Deaths, mainly from ship strikes and entanglement in fishing rope, have outpaced births of these bus-sized creatures recently. Biologists have recorded 30 right whale deaths over the last three years and only 12 births.

“We’re going backwards here,” said Barb Zoodsma, right whale biologist for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries’ Southeast region.

Read the full story at Wicked Local

FLORIDA: FWC approves draft for changes to 2020 red snapper season

December 13, 2019 — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission approved draft proposals on Thursday to extend red snapper season and its authority to manage it.

Regarding the 2020 red snapper season, the commissioners were presented two options; June 11-July 25 and June 1-July 13.

In 2019, the Gulf red snapper season ran from June 1 to July 12.

The staff recommended the June 11-July 25 option because it will be a low risk of exceeding Florida’s quota for 2020, which is 1,913,451 lbs. That is slightly higher than 2018 and 2019 quotas.

“There’s a lot of varying opinions on what people want,” Amanda Nalley of Marine Fisheries Management said. “Some people want weekends only seasons, some people want seasons that start earlier, and we consider all of that.”

Read the full story at The Destin Log

NOAA Fisheries Announces New Modifications to Sea Turtle Release Gear for the South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper Fishery

December 10, 2019 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

KEY MESSAGE:

NOAA Fisheries announces new modifications to sea turtle release gear for the snapper-grouper fishery in the South Atlantic. These modifications include three newly approved sea turtle release devices, and clarification to regulations to specify exactly which release gear is required and approved for use, including dimensions where appropriate.

WHEN RULE WILL TAKE EFFECT:

Regulations will be effective January 8, 2020.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES:

  • A collapsible hoop net and small turtle hoist are approved as alternatives to the dip net requirement.
  • A new squeeze handle dehooker is approved to fulfill the requirement for a short-handled dehooker for external hooks.
  • The use of 316L and 304L grade stainless steel for internal and external device construction are approved for other short-handled and long-handled dehookers.
  • There is no longer a requirement for the end coverings on canine mouth gags.
    The minimum blade length for the monofilament line cutters is 1 inch with a minimum total length of 6 inches.
  • The minimum total length for the long-nose, needle-nose pliers is 11 inches.
  • The minimum blade length for the bolt cutters is 4 inches with a minimum total length of 14 inches.
  • The specific length for the hank of rope, used as a mouth opener/gag, has been removed.
  • The block of hard wood, used as a mouth opener/gag, dimensions must be 10 inch x ¾ inch x ¾ inch.
  • The requirement for a sea turtle cushion or support device was updated to specify a dedicated cushion for the turtle must be on board, which cannot be also used as a personal floatation device.

An electronic version of the document entitled “Careful Release Protocols for Sea Turtle Release with Minimal Injury” kept on an electronic device is now allowed on board a vessel instead of a written copy.

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

NOTE: Please see the complete Fishery Bulletin from NOAA Fisheries for additional details, including Frequently Asked Questions and links to helpful documents.

Some of Earth’s oldest creatures thrive in the dark off coasts of Carolinas, Virginia

December 9, 2019 — Some of the oldest living things on the planet are centuries-old corals growing in perpetual darkness along Mid Atlantic states like Virginia and the Carolinas, according to NOAA’s Office of Exploration and Research.

Photos of the most bizarre of the corals were shared this week on Facebook, revealing them to be bony looking, brightly colored and filled with legions of cowering shrimp.

“Some individual corals live for several hundred years and reefs can be several thousands of years old,” NOAA officials wrote.

A video shows the coral’s growth is dense enough in some spots to form “a wall of coral” that fish can’t penetrate.

“Look at the size of that. I am in awe now,” one NOAA researcher says in the video. “These organisms have been growing down here in the deep sea for longer than our country probably has been a country… It is astounding.”

Read the full story at The State

Federal Fishery Managers Approve Measures for Red Snapper, Mackerel, Blueline Tilefish

December 6, 2019 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Members of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council met this week in Wilmington, North Carolina and approved management measures, that if approved by the Secretary of Commerce, will provide flexibility for red snapper seasons, increase trip limits for the commercial king mackerel fishery, and allow additional harvest of blueline tilefish.

Each year, NOAA Fisheries determines if a season for red snapper can occur in federal waters in the South Atlantic. Under current regulations, if the number of days is less than three, the fishery will not open. This applies to both recreational and commercial sectors. The Council approved Regulatory Amendment 33 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan for formal review by the Secretary of Commerce that would eliminate that requirement, providing more flexibility should a shortened season be allowed. After much discussion, the Council decided not to move forward with an action to change the opening date of the commercial red snapper season within the regulatory amendment.

While Council members are well-aware that fishermen are anxious to have additional days added to the red snapper season as the stock continues to rebuild, the Council must abide by annual catch limits until a stock assessment is completed. The Council has approved measures that will help shorten the time required for a new red snapper stock assessment through the Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) stock assessment program. The new assessment is scheduled to begin in 2021.

Mackerel

The Council also approved measures to increase the commercial king mackerel trip limit in the Atlantic Southern Zone, south of the Flagler/Volusia County line in Florida during season two. Framework Amendment 8 to the Coastal Migratory Pelagic Fishery Management Plan would set the trip limit at 100 fish throughout season two, with no step-up during the month of February. Earlier this year, the Council requested NOAA Fisheries increase the trip limit from 50-fish to 75-fish after hearing concerns from fishermen that they were not able to harvest the full commercial annual catch limit due to the more restrictive trip limits. The 75-fish increase was approved by NOAA Fisheries through emergency rule for the 2019/2020 season beginning October 1st. The Council’s intent is to have the new regulations in place for the 2020/2021 season.

Measures for the Spanish mackerel commercial fishery were also discussed. The Council is considering reducing the current trip limit of 3,500 pounds in the Northern Zone (NC/SC line through NY) to help extend the season, with alternatives ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 pounds and a preferred trip limit of 2,000 pounds. Public hearings will be held via webinar in late January or early February.

Blueline Tilefish

The most recent stock assessment for blueline tilefish was conducted in 2017 as a joint assessment between the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. The deep water fishery primarily occurs in the South Atlantic, but landings have increased north of North Carolina. Following the stock assessment, the Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee provided recommendations for catch level increases. The Council considered options for implementing the increases and moved forward with final approval of Abbreviated Framework Amendment 3 during its meeting this week. If approved by the Secretary of Commerce, the amendment will increase the annual catch limit for blueline tilefish from 174,798 pounds (whole weight) to 233,968 pounds (whole weight).

Additional information about the December Council meeting, including an interactive story map, committee reports, and summary motions is available from the Council’s website at: https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/council-meetings/. The next meeting of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is scheduled for March 2-6, 2020 in Jekyll Island, GA.

GEORGIA: More right whales spotted off area coast

December 4, 2019 — North Atlantic right whale migration is underway, just in time for Whale Week in Savannah.

Since the first right whale of the season was spotted by fishermen Nov. 23 off Mayport, Fla., biologists have confirmed that sighting plus sightings of four more potential right whale moms.

Only about 400 North Atlantic right whales remain. Deaths, mainly from ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear, have outpaced births of these bus-sized creatures recently. Biologists have recorded 30 right whale deaths over the last three years and only 12 births.

“We’re going backwards here,” said Barb Zoodsma, right whale biologist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries.

That first known arrival from the feeding grounds off new England and Canada to the Georgia/Florida calving grounds was a 19-year-old female nicknamed Harmonia. Records indicate she last gave birth in 2016.

Other whales spotted include “Naevus,” who was seen off Ossabaw Island. “Harmony,” “Arpeggio,” and “Slalom” were spotted off South Carolina.

Read the full story at the Savannah Morning News

Reminder – SAFMC Meeting December 2-6, 2019 in Wilmington, NC

November 25, 2019 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Join members of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council for their December 2-6, 2019 meeting at the Hotel Ballast, 301 N. Water Street, Wilmington, NC 28401. The meeting week includes a series of committee meetings and concludes with a meeting of the Full Council.

The meeting briefing book materials, including agendas, overviews, and discussion documents, are available from the Council’s website. Members of the public are welcome to attend the meetings in person or listen in via webinar. The public comment period is open and webinar links are provided below.

Agenda Highlights:

  • Red Snapper – The Council is considering actions to eliminate the current three-day minimum number of fishing days required for the red snapper seasons (recreational or commercial) to open, and to change the start date of the commercial fishing season to May 1st from the current 2nd Monday in July. The Council is scheduled to approve the measures in Snapper Grouper Regulatory Amendment 33 at this meeting.
  • Mackerel Cobia – The Council is scheduled to approve measures affecting king mackerel commercial trip limits in season two (Framework Amendment 8). The Mackerel Cobia Committee will also discuss accountability measures for the Spanish mackerel fishery.
  • Citizen Science – The Council’s Citizen Science Committee will receive updates on the pilot projects SAFMC Scamp Release and FISHstory, review research priorities, discuss program evaluation, and more.
  • Dolphin Wahoo – The Dolphin Wahoo Committee will continue to discuss management options for both dolphin and wahoo to include in draft Amendment 10 to the Dolphin Wahoo Fishery Management Plan.

Additional Information:

  • Wednesday, December 4 – Formal Public Comment 4:00 PM
  • Online Public Comment
    • Members of the public may provide written comments on agenda items via the Council’s Online Comment Form. Comments may also be viewed online as they are posted. Additional details are available from the December Council Meeting page.
  • Meeting via Webinar – Listen to the meeting and view presentations via webinar each day as the meeting occurs. Registration required. Click the links below to register ahead for each day and receive an email reminder.