HONOLULU — October 17, 2014 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:
The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) concluded its 117th meeting, which was held Oct. 14 to 16, 2014, at the Council office in Honolulu, with acceptable biological catches (ABCs) specified for Western Pacific bottomfish. The Council will consider the ABCs when it meets next week. The Council will use the ABCs to develop the 2015 annual catch limits (ACLs) for the fisheries.The ABCs specified by the SSC for the bottomfish fishery in American Samoa, Guam and CNMI for 2015 are 101,000pounds, 66,800 pounds and 228,000 pounds, respectively. These are the same ABCs as 2014. The SSC noted that the catch comprised a small proportion of the existing limit, there was no significant change in the fishery or the management of this fishery and there is no new scientific information to change the existing limits. A new assessment is scheduled for 2015.
The SSC also reviewed the ABCs previously set for other non-pelagic fisheries for fishing year 2014.
Regarding main Hawaiian Islands Deep 7 bottomfish, consisting of a complex of six deep-water snappers and one grouper, the SSC reiterated that the 2014 draft stock assessment has not been independently peer-reviewed and, considering the best available science and public comments on the matter, again set the ABC at 346,000 pounds for the current fishing year.
Regarding coral reef fish, crustacean and MHI non-Deep 7 bottomfish, the SSC reviewed its approach to analyzing the risk of overfishing and scientific uncertainty used to specify the ABCs and made a minor technical correction for Saganidae (rabbit fish) in American Samoa and Guam for 2014. The ABC in American Samoa increased from 191 to 200 pounds, while the ABC for rabbitfish in Guam dropped from 19,500 to 18,800 pounds.
Regarding pelagic fisheries, the SSC addressed the overfishing and overfished status of Western and Central Pacific Ocean North Pacific striped marlin. It recommended establishing an overall limit of 457 metric tons (mt) and establishing a limit of 434 mt of striped marlin applicable to the Hawaii longline fishery (i.e., 95 percent of the 457 mt limit). In the event that the 434 mt limit is reached, the Hawaii longline fishery would not be allowed to retain striped marlin. There were no striped marlin restrictions recommended for other Hawaii fisheries (e.g., troll and handline), which account for less than 5 percent of total commercial striped marlin catch.
The SSC also discussed Hawaii yellowfin and bigeye tuna commercial size limits, which are currently regulated by the State of Hawaii at 3 pounds. The scientists said it is undetermined whether increasing the size would have a positive effect on the Hawaii yellowfin stock, which is considered healthy. They recommended research on yellowfin harvest rates, utilization and socio-economic issues related to catch, and market flow of small tuna in Hawaii. The majority of the SSC recommended no change in the current minimum size until further information is obtained. The SSC member from the State of Hawaii did not support the majority recommendation, noting that the State plans to hold public scoping sessions and meetings to discuss modifying the State's minimum size for commercial catch of yellowfin.
The Council will consider the recommendations of the SSC, its other advisory bodies and the public on the above issues as well as management of fisheries in the expanded Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument; management of the American Samoa longline fishery for South Pacific albacore; and establishment of a market delay for the sale of MHI Deep 7 bottomfish should the fishery close after reaching its ACL. The Council will meet 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 21 to 23, 2014, at the YWCA-Fuller Hall, 1040 Richards St., Honolulu. Management recommendations made by the Council are transmitted to the Secretary of Commerce for final approval and implemented by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the US Coast Guard.
The Hawai`i yellowfin tuna and North Pacific striped marlin management issues will also be addressed at the Fishers Forum 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 21,2014. This free public event will be held at the Harbor View Center at Pier 38, Honolulu (above Nico's restaurant) and will feature a sneak preview of the short documentary `Ahi-The Yellowfin Tuna. The event includes presentations, panel and public discussions, informational booths, door prizes and more.
For the full agendas of the Council meeting and the Fishers Forum and details on public comment opportunities, go to www.wpcouncil.org/meetings/ .
Scientific and Statistical Committee: Dr. Charles Daxboeck, chair, (BioDax Consulting Tahiti); Dr. Judith Amesbury (Micronesian Archeological Research Services); Dr. Paul Callaghan (University of Guam retired); Dr. Frank A. Camacho (University of Guam); Dr. Milani Chaloupka (University of Queensland); Dr. Richard Deriso (Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission); Dr. Erik Franklin (Hawai`i Institute of Marine Biology); Dr. John Hampton (Secretariat of the Pacific Community); David Itano (consultant); Dr. Pierre Kleiber (NMFS PIFSC, retired); Dr. Donald Kobayashi (NMFS PIFSC); Dr. Molly Lutcavage (University of New Hampshire); James Lynch (K&L Gates); Dr. Todd Miller (CNMI Division of Fish & Wildlife); Alton Miyaska (Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources); Dr. Domingo Ochivallo (American Samoa DMWR); Dr. Minling Pan (NMFS PIFSC); Dr. Craig Severance (University of Hawai`i at Hilo retired); Dr. John Sibert (Pelagic Fisheries Research Program retired); and Dr. Robert Skillman (NMFS PIFSC retired).
Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council: Appointees by the Secretary of Commerce from nominees selected by American Samoa, CNMI, Guam and Hawai`i governors: Michael Duenas, Guam Fishermen's Cooperative Association (Guam) (vice chair) ; Edwin Ebisui (Hawai`i) (vice chair); John Gourley, Micronesin Environmental Services (CNMI) (vice chair); William Sword, recreational fisherman (American Samoa) (vice chair); Michael Goto, United Fishing Agency Ltd. (Hawai`i); Julie Leialoha, biologist (Hawai`i); Dr. Claire Tuia Poumele, Port Administration (American Samoa); and McGrew Rice, commercial and charter fisherman (Hawai`i). Designated state officials: Manny Pangelinan, CNMI Department of Land and Natural Resources (chair); William Aila, Hawai`i Department of Land & Natural Resources; Dr. Ruth Matagi-Tofiga, American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources; and Mariquita Taitague, Guam Department of Agriculture. Designated federal officials: Michael Tosatto, NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Office; David Hogan, US Department of State; RAdm Cari B. Thomas, US Coast Guard 14th District; and Susan White, USFWS Pacific Reefs National Wildlife Refuges Complex