Council Actions Archives - Saving Seafood

American Lobster Board Approves for Public Comment Draft Addendum XXXII to Repeal Gauge and Escape Vent Measures of Addendum XXVII

March 19, 2025 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s American Lobster Management Board approved Draft Addendum XXXII for public comment. Responding to economic concerns from the lobster industry, the Draft Addendum considers repealing all Addendum XXVII measures pertaining to gauge and escape vent size limits. Concurrently, the Gulf of Maine states will work closely with industry to identify alternative conservation strategies and will report back to the Board at upcoming quarterly meetings.

Under Addendum XXVII, changes to the current gauge and escape vent sizes in Lobster Conservation Management Areas (LCMAs) 1 (Gulf of Maine), 3 (federal offshore waters), and Outer Cape Cod were triggered based on observed declines in recruit abundance indices, with the original implementation date of June 1, 2024. In August 2024, the Board delayed the implementation date so that the series of changes to gauge and vent sizes, starting with an increase to the minimum gauge size in LCMA 1, would begin July 1, 2025.

Addendum XXVII aimed to increase protection of the Gulf of Maine/Georges Bank spawning stock biomass through proactive conservation measures. While the overall stock condition is favorable according to the 2020 Benchmark Stock Assessment, persistent declines in the juvenile lobster population, and now in landings, remain a cause for concern. A new stock assessment is underway and will be completed this fall to provide updated information on the status of the resource.

Draft Addendum XXXII considers two options: full implementation of Addendum XXVII by July 1, 2025 or repealing all of its gauge and escape vent measures. The Draft Addendum does not consider changes to regulations prohibiting the issuance of 10% additional trap tags above the trap limit or allocation in LCMAs 1 and 3, nor to the v-notch possession definition provision of Addendum XXVII.

A press release will follow with details on the public hearing schedule and how to submit written comments. The Board will meet to review submitted comments and consider final action on the addendum at its next meeting. For more information, please contact Caitlin Starks, Senior Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at cstarks@asmfc.org or 703.842.0740.

Fishing Challenges, Clashes Call for Fairer Regulations and Enforcement

March 19, 2025 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

“Having a voice is one thing, but making real change is another.” This sentiment resonated at recent community meetings in Kailua-Kona and Hilo, where fishers shared concerns about shifting ocean conditions, regulatory challenges and increasing competition affecting their way of life.

Warmer waters, altered currents and unpredictable fishing seasons have disrupted traditional fishing practices. “We’re seeing warmer water temperatures now; it used to be cooler, around 78°F, but now it’s different,” said one fisher. Changing currents and the presence of invasive species like taߵape (blue-lined snapper) and toau (blacktail snapper) are further stressing local fisheries. The decline of limu (seaweed) due to reduced freshwater flow also raised alarms. “Freshwater is critical for the health of our fishponds, and now, with so many people taking from the groundwater, our reefs are suffering,” said a Hilo fisher.

“Fish are harder to catch, and we have to use lighter lines and adapt to changing conditions,” said one long-time Kona fisherman. “The size of the fish on average is smaller. We don’t see those big 130 to 200-pound ߵahi anymore. It’s becoming harder to compete with sharks and changing regulations.”

Shark depredation has reached a crisis point, particularly in Kona, where fishers struggle to land their catches. “The sharks are smarter now—they target our fish, and it’s taking a toll on our efforts,” one fisher explained, noting that some sharks are learning to bite through fishing lines. With the shark population growing and no clear management solutions, fishers fear for the future of their livelihoods. “We can’t compete against scientists, new rules and sharks,” one participant said. “It’s becoming impossible to make a living.”

Beyond environmental pressures, fishers voiced frustrations over stagnant permit costs and the lack of meaningful enforcement of existing regulations. “Rules don’t matter unless they’re enforced,” one fisher stated. Others questioned whether current policies truly reflect the realities they face, emphasizing the need for more local input in decision-making.

Marketplace struggles were another key topic, with concerns over charter boats selling fish at market and undercutting commercial fishers. “The prices for licenses and permits haven’t changed, but everything else has gone up,” a participant noted. Fishers also expressed worries about flooding the market with catch, affecting pricing and demand.

“We need to take care of our own and find ways to keep the fishing industry alive. If things continue like this, we won’t have a future,” said a participant who has been fishing in Kona for decades.

The Council plans to hold additional fishing community engagement meetings in late April across the rest of the main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) and in late May in American Samoa. These meetings aim to gather input on how changing ecosystems impact fisheries to improve governance. For more information, check the Council’s website at www.wpcouncil.org/meetings-calendars.

Upcoming Council Meeting: March 25-27, 2025

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will meet to address these and other fishery issues in Hawaiߵi, American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. It will consider advice and recommendations from its advisory groups and input from the public on domestic and international issues such as catch limits for North Pacific striped marlin; revisions to American Samoa’s managed bottomfish species list; and annual catch limits for MHI uku (gray jobfish/blue-green snapper), deepwater shrimp and precious corals.

In-Person: Hilton Hawaiian Village, Coral Ballroom (2005 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI)

Online: Join remotely via web conference: https://tinyurl.com/202CouncilMtg

Agenda & Documents: www.wpcouncil.org/event/202nd-council-meeting

Final Supplemental Materials for the March 18 American Lobster Management Board Meeting Now Available

March 17, 2025 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The final supplemental materials for the upcoming meeting of the American Lobster Board are now available at https://asmfc.org/events/american-lobster-management-board-4/ or you can access them directly https://asmfc.org/resources/management/species-board-proceedings/american-lobster-managment-board-supplemental-2-materials-march-2025/. At the meeting, the Board will consider approval of Draft Addendum XXXII for public comment. The Draft Addendum will consider repealing all Addendum XXVII measures pertaining to gauge and escape vent size limits. This action responds to industry concerns regarding the potential economic impacts of an increase to the minimum gauge size in the Gulf of Maine and uncertainty surrounding trade issues with Canada. In addition, the Gulf of Maine states have agreed to work with the lobster industry to develop management strategies to ensure the long-term health of the resource and the coastal communities that it supports.

Webinar Information

To register for the webinar, please go tohttps://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5146448237796194138 (Webinar ID: 755-528-995). If you are joining the webinar but will not be using voice over internet protocol (VoIP) via your computer, you can also call in at +1 (914) 614-3221, access code 543-426-674. A PIN will be provided to you after joining the webinar. For those who will not be joining the webinar but would like to listen in to the audio portion only, press the # key when asked for a PIN.

Meeting Process

The Board Chair will provide an opportunity to the public to bring matters of concern to the board’s attention at the start of the meeting. The Board Chair will ask members of the public to raise their hands to let the chair know they would like to speak. Depending upon the number of commenters, the Board Chair will decide how to allocate the available time on the agenda (typically 10 minutes) to the number of people who want to speak.

The webinar will begin 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting so that people can troubleshoot any connectivity or audio issues they may encounter. If you are having issues with the webinar (connecting to or audio related issues), please contact Chris Jacobs at 703.842.0790.

Public Comment Guidelines

With the intent of developing policies in the Commission’s procedures for public participation that result in a fair opportunity for public input, the ISFMP Policy Board has approved the following guidelines for use at management board meetings:

For issues that are not on the agenda, management boards will continue to provide opportunity to the public to bring matters of concern to the board’s attention at the start of each board meeting. The Board Chair will ask members of the public to raise their hands to let the chair know they would like to speak. Depending upon the number of commenters, the Board Chair will decide how to allocate the available time on the agenda (typically 10 minutes) to the number of people who want to speak.

For topics that are on the agenda, but have not gone out for public comment, the Board Chair will provide limited opportunity for comment, taking into account the time allotted on the agenda for the topic. The Board Chair has the flexibility to decide how to allocate comment opportunities; this could include hearing one comment in favor and one in opposition until the chair is satisfied further comment will not provide additional insight to the board.

For agenda action items that have already gone out for public comment, it is the Policy Board’s intent to end the occasional practice of allowing extensive and lengthy public comments. Currently, the Board Chair has the discretion to decide what public comment to allow in these circumstances.

In addition, the following timeline has been established for the submission of written comment for issues for which the Commission has NOT established a specific public comment period (i.e., in response to proposed management action)

1. Comments received by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11 will be included in supplemental materials.

2. Comments received by 10 a.m. on Monday, March 17 will be distributed electronically to Commissioners/Board members prior to the meeting.

The submitted comments must clearly indicate the commenter’s expectation from the ASMFC staff regarding distribution. As with other public comment, it will be accepted via mail and email.

For more information, please contact Caitlin Starks, Senior Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at cstarks@asmfc.org.

Council Science Advisors Discuss Updates to Protected Species Issues and Strategic Planning for Western Pacific Region

March 17, 2025 — 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) met this week and reviewed protected species management in the region’s fisheries. Discussions underscored the growing influence of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) in regulating fisheries, often overshadowing the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA), the primary federal law governing U.S. fisheries.

Council staff provided an update on the ongoing efforts of the Council’s protected species program, emphasizing the mandates for addressing interactions between fisheries and protected species. Staff highlighted past successes in reducing these interactions through innovative gear mitigation measures and technology transfer.

The Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) shared updates on the status of false killer whale stocks, including the final 2023 stock assessment report and outcomes from a 2024 survey. Based on updated assumptions about data uncertainties, the removal limit for the stock has been revised upward from 33 to 36 individuals. This is the number of individuals that could be removed from the stock to maintain optimal stock size.

The SSC raised concerns about disparities in how protected species assessments are reviewed compared to fish stock assessments under the Western Pacific Stock Assessment Review process. Unlike fish stocks, marine mammal assessments lack a standardized peer review process. As one SSC member noted, “Assessments of sea turtles undergo extensive review, including input from SSC members, but marine mammal assessments are not subjected to the same level of scrutiny. This inconsistency raises important questions about the reliability and transparency of the data.”

With new ESA and MMPA regulations on the horizon, including critical habitat designations for corals and green sea turtles and the proposed listing of giant clams, the SSC discussed the potential challenges these changes could present to fishing communities and ongoing projects of territorial governments. The committee also expressed concerns about declining observer coverage and the shift toward electronic monitoring, which may impact data collection used for serious injury and mortality estimates.

SSC Strategic Planning

As part of their ongoing commitment to the MSA process, SSC members discussed ways to improve their statutory advisory role. The committee is evaluating its processes to ensure it provides effective and relevant advice to the Council. This effort includes planning eight special projects for 2025, focusing on both the science and social dimensions of fisheries management. An overarching theme was the integration of community needs with the best available scientific information.

One focus area is determining whether bottomfish should be managed within a complex or if indicator species would offer a more practical alternative. The committee is also working to integrate social, ecological, economic and environmental considerations into its recommendations.

The SSC is also exploring alternative methods to assess the risks fisheries pose to protected species, as well as continuing to evaluate the potential impacts of large closed areas on fisheries across the region. Progress on these special projects will be reported at SSC meetings scheduled for June, September and December.

The SSC meeting agenda and documents can be found atwww.wpcouncil.org/event/155ssc-meeting. The SSC provides advice to the Council, which will meet March 25-27, 2025, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu, www.wpcouncil.org/event/202nd-council-meeting.

Scientific and Statistical Committee: James Lynch (chair); Debra Cabrera (University of Guam); Frank Camacho (University of Guam); Courtney Carothers (University of Alaska Fairbanks); Milani Chaloupka (University of Queensland); Cathy Dichmont (Cathy Dichmont Consulting); Erik Franklin (University of Hawai‘i); Shelton Harley (Fisheries Consultant); Jason Helyer (Hawai‘i Div. of Aquatic Resources); Ray Hilborn (University of Washington); Alister Hunt (Finology); Dave Itano (Fisheries Consultant); Keena Leon Guerrero (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Div. of Fish & Wildlife); Domingo Ochavillo (American Samoa Dept. of Marine & Wildlife Resources); Graham Pilling (The Pacific Community); Jim Roberts (Anemone Consulting); Justin Suca (University of Hawai‘i); Robin Waples (University of Washington); Charles Littnan (ex-officio) (National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center).

Reminder: Scoping Comments on Recreational Sector Separation and Data Collection Amendment due March 20, 2025

March 14, 2025 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) are accepting comments through Thursday, March 20, 2025, on the range of issues and information to be considered in the Recreational Sector Separation and Data Collection Amendment to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and the Bluefish FMP.

The proposed amendment may consider options for managing for-hire recreational fisheries separately from other recreational fishing modes (referred to as sector separation), as well as options related to the collection and use of recreational data, such as private angler reporting and enhanced for-hire vessel trip reporting requirements. The Council and Commission are currently conducting scoping for this action. Input provided in this phase will help the Council and Commission identify issues of concern and determine which types of management alternatives should be further developed.

Written comments can be submitted by any of the following methods:

ONLINE at https://mafmc.knack.com/public-comments#rec-sector-separation-data-collection/
EMAIL to kdancy@mafmc.org (subject: Recreational Sector Separation and Data Collection)
MAIL to Dr. Christopher Moore, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 North State Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901 (Please write “Recreational Sector Separation and Data Collection” on the envelope)

The Public Information/Scoping Document provides a broad overview of the issues identified for consideration in the amendment, management approaches that may be considered, and a series of questions to guide public comment. For more information, visit the Council or Commission websites.

If you have any questions, please contact Kiley Dancy (kdancy@mafmc.org, 302-526-5257) or Tracey Bauer (tbauer@asmfc.org, 703-842-0723).

Western Pacific Council’s Science Advisors Examine Electronic Monitoring for Longline Fisheries

March 14, 2025 — 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) met this week to address key issues on electronic monitoring (EM) implementation in longline fisheries. EM uses camera systems to monitor fishing activity onboard vessels while at sea. Discussions centered on EM sampling strategies, funding uncertainties and socioeconomic impacts on Hawai‘iand American Samoa fisheries. An EM program is envisioned to be the primary at-sea monitoring and data collection mechanism for the 150 and 11 active vessels in the Hawai‘i and American Samoa longline fisheries, respectively.

Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) staff outlined an EM sampling design to determine estimates of rare events, such as protected species interactions. SSC members discussed the advantages and challenges of EM compared to human observers and how reduced observer coverage could be addressed. “While the immediate focus might be to implement an EM program, it is critical to think about where you want the program to be in 10 years and to plan for that now in the design phase,” said SSC member Dr. Shelton Harley. “A good example of this is ensuring that EM data are easily integrated with other data sources, such as logbooks and vessel monitoring data.” The SSC will advise the Council and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on technical aspects of EM implementation through a working group it recommended.

Pacific Islands Regional Office (PIRO) staff reported NMFS plans to phase in EM from this year through 2027, using available funding. However, budget constraints are expected to reduce human observer coverage. The transition plan envisions outfitting all Hawai‘i and American Samoa vessels with EM camera systems by 2027, with immediate outreach to vessel owners and operators.

The SSC reviewed economic analyses outlining potential cost savings and challenges. PIRO noted the industry may need to share some EM costs, including camera system replacements every three years. SSC members raised concerns about the financial burden on vessel owners and the uncertainty of long-term funding. “These fisheries already operate on slim profit margins,” said SSC member Dr. Alister Hunt. “The federal agency is presumably saving costs by shifting from observers to EM, which is a good thing—so why place that burden on fishermen?”

The Western Pacific Region has long maintained NMFS should cover monitoring costs primarily intended for protected species estimation. The SSC recommended analyses on regulatory burdens and costs to fisheries be provided in June 2025 to inform Council decisions.

SSC members emphasized the importance of early industry engagement, cost transparency and evaluating EM’s effectiveness in replacing at-sea human observers. Discussions will continue as the Council works toward a proposed amendment, with initial action expected in June 2025.

EM Background

The Council first discussed the EM concept in 2002, before it became a widely used cost-effective fisheries monitoring tool. Longline fisheries have historically relied on human observers, with a 20% target coverage rate. Internationally, longline fisheries are required to have 5% observer coverage. In December 2024, the Council directed an action team to develop an amendment authorizing EM on all vessels, primarily for protected species monitoring. The action team has since drafted potential alternatives for the Council’s June 2025 meeting, including vessel assignments during the phase-in period.

Catch Limits for Uku, Precious Corals and Deepwater Shrimp

The SSC also provided recommendations on catch limits for several Council-managed Hawaiian fisheries to ensure sustainable harvest levels.

For uku (gray jobfish/blue-green snapper) in the main Hawaiian Islands (MHI), the SSC recommended a catch limit of 408,957 pounds for the 2026-2029 fishing years. This recommendation is based on the latest scientific assessment, which found the stock is healthy but cautioned that catching at this level could gradually reduce fish populations. To help prevent overfishing, the SSC advised keeping a three-year review process to adjust future limits if needed.

For MHI precious corals and deepwater shrimp, the SSC recommended keeping current catch limits in place through 2028 (see table). These fisheries have low harvest levels, but experts noted that if new fishers entered and began harvesting large amounts, it could affect long-term sustainability. The 2022-2023 average catch for deepwater shrimp was 19,287 pounds. The SSC also urged PIFSC to provide updated assessments of these fisheries to ensure the latest science is used to guide future management decisions.

Scientific and Statistical Committee: James Lynch (chair); Debra Cabrera (University of Guam); Frank Camacho (University of Guam); Courtney Carothers (University of Alaska Fairbanks); Milani Chaloupka (University of Queensland); Cathy Dichmont (Cathy Dichmont Consulting); Erik Franklin (University of Hawai‘i); Shelton Harley (Fisheries Consultant); Jason Helyer (Hawai‘i Div. of Aquatic Resources); Ray Hilborn (University of Washington); Alister Hunt (Finology); Dave Itano (Fisheries Consultant); Keena Leon Guerrero (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Div. of Fish & Wildlife); Domingo Ochavillo (American Samoa Dept. of Marine & Wildlife Resources); Graham Pilling (The Pacific Community); Jim Roberts (Anemone Consulting); Justin Suca (University of Hawai‘i); Robin Waples (University of Washington); Charles Littnan (ex-officio) (National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center).

Council Addresses Broad Range of Federal Fisheries Issues During March Meeting

March 12, 2025 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Members of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council began their week-long meeting in Jekyll Island, GA with a focused look at issues facing the federal commercial snapper grouper fishery and continued to discuss several federal fishery issues throughout the week. The impacts of recent reductions in workforce at NOAA Fisheries were acknowledged as the Council considers future management measures for species such as Black Sea Bass, Golden Tilefish, and Atlantic King and Spanish Mackerels

Mackerel Port Meetings

A series of 16 in-person and six virtual port meetings were held along the Atlantic coast in 2024-25, focusing on the Atlantic King and Spanish Mackerel fisheries. The port meetings, held at the request of the Council’s Mackerel Cobia Advisory Panel, provided an opportunity for meeting attendees to discuss their perspectives with other fishery participants and local Council members. Council staff reviewed the comprehensive draft report from the port meetings and provided options for moving forward with the development of management actions.

The overview of the draft report divides the seven goals and objectives of the port meetings into three categories: 1) environmental conditions affecting the fisheries, for example, when and where the fish are available to fishermen; 2) any needed management changes; and 3) fishing dynamics. The report describes the fisheries by region and individual South Atlantic states, providing insight into the similarities and differences in these economically important fisheries. A total of 263 stakeholders, including private recreational, for-hire, and commercial fishermen participated in the meetings. “The idea of stakeholder meetings is something that was initiated by the advisory panel and has been a huge undertaking,” explained Tom Roller, Chair of the Mackerel Cobia Committee and Council representative from North Carolina. “Thank you to all of the fishermen that participated and kudos to the staff, states, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and other councils for their assistance in making this effort a success.”

Before determining how to move forward with management actions, the Council will consider input from its Mackerel Cobia Advisory Panel during the June 2025 Council meeting in Port Canaveral, Florida. The Council will also receive information from the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council on its coastal migratory pelagics stakeholder engagement efforts.

For-Hire Reporting Amendment

The Council received input from its For-Hire Reporting and Law Enforcement Advisory Panels on potential actions to improve for-hire reporting in the South Atlantic region. An amendment is under development with actions to address reporting frequency, trip declaration requirements, approved landing locations, collection of economic data, and a mandatory validation survey. Scoping on the amendment will be held prior to the Council’s June 2025 meeting.

Commercial Snapper Grouper Fishery

After reviewing input from its Snapper Grouper Commercial Sub-committee, the Council expressed an intent to develop an amendment addressing Snapper Grouper federal commercial permits and trip efficiency issues. Permit issues to consider may include revising the current 2 for 1 permit requirements, permit transfers, leasing of permitted vessels, limits for the number of permits that can be owned by an entity, and income requirements for “use it or lose” it provisions. Options to increase trip efficiencies may include an allowance for incidental catch and trip limit increases if landings are below a threshold by a specified date in the season. The Sub-Committee will meet again prior to the Council’s June meeting and continue discussion of commercial fishery issues.

Private Recreational Permit and Education Requirements

The Council continued discussion of Amendment 46 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan that would establish a federal private recreational permit in the Snapper Grouper Fishery. The permit system would help identify the universe of private anglers or vessels targeting those species and enhance the ability to collect recreational effort and catch data. The amendment also includes an education component associated with the permit to promote the use of best fishing practices. Public hearings on the amendment will be scheduled for later in 2025.

Red Snapper

After receiving a presentation from NOAA Fisheries on measures proposed in Secretarial Amendment 59 to end overfishing of Red Snapper and reduce dead discards, the Council discussed the proposed actions and will provide feedback and recommendations to NOAA Fisheries by March 17, 2025.

Additional Information

Additional information about the Council’s March 2025 meeting, including individual committee reports and reports from meetings of the Full Council, is now available from the Council’s website:https://safmc.net/events/march-2025-council-meeting/ The next meeting ofthe Council is scheduled for June 9-13, 2025, in Cape Canaveral, Florida..

Supplemental Materials for the March 18 American Lobster Management Board Meeting Now Available

March 12, 2025 — The following was released by Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The supplemental materials for the upcoming meeting of the American Lobster Board are now available at https://asmfc.org/events/american-lobster-management-board-4/ or you can access them directly at https://asmfc.org/resources/management/species-board-proceedings/american-lobster-managment-board-supplemental-materials-march-2025/. At the meeting, the Board will consider approval of Draft Addendum XXXII for public comment. The Draft Addendum will consider repealing all Addendum XXVII measures pertaining to gauge and escape vent size limits. This action responds to industry concerns regarding the potential economic impacts of an increase to the minimum gauge size in the Gulf of Maine and uncertainty surrounding trade issues with Canada. In addition, the Gulf of Maine states have agreed to work with the lobster industry to develop management strategies to ensure the long-term health of the resource and the coastal communities that it supports.

Webinar Information

Meeting Process

Public Comment Guidelines

1. Comments received by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11 will be included in supplemental materials.

2. Comments received by 10 a.m. on Monday, March 17 will be distributed electronically to Commissioners/Board members prior to the meeting.

The submitted comments must clearly indicate the commenter’s expectation from the ASMFC staff regarding distribution. As with other public comment, it will be accepted via mail and email.

For more information, please contact Caitlin Starks, Senior Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at cstarks@asmfc.org.

Navigating Change: Strengthening the Hawai‘i Fishing Community

March 8, 2025 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

Fishing in the Pacific Islands isn’t just a way of life—it’s a legacy, a livelihood and a connection to the ocean that sustains our communities. But when policies change or challenges arise, those who rely on fishing to feed their families or for their livelihood feel the impact first. That’s why your voice matters now more than ever.

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is hitting the road to meet directly with fishing communities across Hawai‘i. These meetings aren’t just about policies—they’re about real people, real issues and real solutions. Whether you’re a commercial fisher, a weekend angler or simply care about the future of local seafood, this is your chance to speak up, ask questions and be part of the conversation. Federal fishery managers, industry leaders and fellow fishers will be there to listen, share updates and work toward a stronger future for Hawaii’s fisheries.

“Fishing is deep-rooted here in Hawai‘i, as it is part of our culture and tradition, it provides food to our tables and contributes to our economy,” said Gil Kuali‘i, Hilo fisherman and Advisory Panel vice chair. “For me, you gotta be engaged otherwise things happen and you don’t get a say. Fishing is what we do, who we are…either you participate or cut bait!”

Key Topics of Discussion

Voice of community in future fishery management decisions
Impacts of ecosystem and resource changes on fishing communities
Small-boat fishing issues such as distrust in data use, aging fleet, infrastructure and need to integrate fishermen into decision-making
Duplication and/or void in federal and state fishing regulations, adverse policies, access limitations and support of fishery development

Meeting Schedule:

● Kona, HI

Date: March 13, 2025 (Thursday)

Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (HST)

Location: King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, 75-5660 Palani Rd., Kailua-Kona

● Hilo, HI

Date: March 14, 2025 (Friday)

Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (HST)

Location: Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, 71 Banyan Dr., Hilo

● Community meetings across the remainder of the Hawaiian Islands will be scheduled in late April and May 2025.

The Hawai‘i Advisory Panel meeting will also be held March 13 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. Major agenda items include uku catch limits for 2026-2029; deepwater shrimp and precious corals catch limits for 2025-2028; Hawai‘i and American Samoa longline fisheries crew training and electronic monitoring updates; and longline and small-boat scenario planning, regulatory review and community consultation project discussions.

We invite community members to participate in these vital discussions. Your voice matters as we work together to navigate changes and enhance the fishing community’s future.

For more information, please contact Mark Mitsuyasu (mark.mitsuyasu@wpcouncil.org, 808-479-6357) or Zach Yamada (zach.yamada@wpcouncil.org). www.wpcouncil.org

Experts to Address Key Pacific Fisheries Issues at Upcoming Scientific Meeting

March 6, 2025 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

Science is at the heart of sustainable fisheries—join top experts as they review the latest information and provide recommendations for Pacific fish stocks.

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will meet March 11-13, 2025, in Kailua-Kona to tackle some of the region’s most pressing fisheries management issues. Scientists, fishery managers and industry leaders will set the course for sustainable fishing, from protecting precious corals to shaping the future of longline fisheries.

Hot Topics on the Agenda

Setting New Limits for Uku

The Main Hawaiian Islands uku (green jobfish) fishery is on the line as the SSC will advise the Council how much can be sustainably caught from 2026 to 2029. With recent challenges in monitoring both commercial and noncommercial catch, the SSC may recommend an acceptable overfishing limit and provide scientific justification for a shift in management strategies. The outcome will impact fishermen, markets and the ecosystem.

Hidden Treasures: Deepwater Shrimp & Precious Corals

These deep-sea resources are incredibly valuable—but they’re also difficult to study and regulate. With current catch limits expiring soon, the SSC will decide whether to maintain or adjust quotas for species like deepwater shrimp, black coral, and pink and bamboo corals.

Cameras on Deck: The Future of Electronic Monitoring

With human observer coverage shrinking, electronic monitoring is set to revolutionize longline fisheries monitoring in Hawai‘i and American Samoa. But who will foot the bill? How will it affect fishers? The SSC will discuss how video footage from vessels will be reviewed and how the new program may impact longline fleets as these fisheries transition into a new era of monitoring.

This is your chance to hear the science, ask questions and be part of the discussion.

How to Join

In-Person: Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel (75-5660 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI)

Online: Join remotely via web conference: https://tinyurl.com/155SSCMtg

Get the Full Agenda & Documents: www.wpcouncil.org/event/155ssc-meeting

The SSC provides advice to the Council, which will meet March 25-27, 2025, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu, www.wpcouncil.org/event/202nd-council-meeting.