DOVER, Delaware – The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council has released a final report summarizing the ideas, concerns, and recommendations from more than 1,500 individuals who provided input for the Visioning and Strategic Planning Project.
July 31, 2012 — The Stakeholder Input Report outlines 55 themes/concerns and 123 recommendations from three of the Council's primary stakeholder groups-the commercial industry, the recreational sector, and the environmental community. Participants commented on topics ranging from decision-making and communication procedures to management strategies for specific fisheries.
Outreach and data gathering for the report occurred over a five month period beginning in September 2011. Online and mail surveys were available to anyone interested in providing input on fisheries management, and council members and staff met with more than 200 individuals in 20 locations throughout the Northeast region in roundtable sessions. Organizations also had the opportunity to submit position letters describing their concerns and priorities for Mid-Atlantic fisheries.
Common themes were identified by members of the commercial fishing industry, the recreational fishing sector, environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs), and the general public. These themes included:
– There is a lack of confidence in the data that drive fishery management decisions.
– Stakeholders are not as involved in the Council process as they can and should be.
– Different jurisdictions and regulations among the many fishery management organizations result in complexity and inconsistency.
– There is a need for increased transparency and clearer communications in fisheries management.
– The dynamics of the ecosystem and food web should be considered to a greater extent in fisheries management decisions.
– Stakeholders are not adequately represented on the Council.
– Pollution is negatively affecting the health of fish stocks.
In addition to voicing concerns and providing recommendations, stakeholders identified elements of a "Vision" for successful fisheries and fisheries management in the Mid-Atlantic. Five common characteristics of a vision were identified across all stakeholder groups, including:
– Fish populations are thriving and are harvested at sustainable levels.
– Management decisions are based on sound data and science.
– There is equitable consideration of the needs of diverse stakeholder groups; the interest of no one stakeholder group outweighs another.
– There is little waste in the fisheries, and regulatory discards are minimal.
– More stakeholders are involved in the management process.