Saving Seafood

Council Actions

SEDAR Begins Preparations for Benchmark Stock Assessment for the Atlantic Migratory Group Cobia

March 5, 2024 — The following was released by Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The SouthEast Data, Assessment and Review (SEDAR) process has initiated a benchmark stock assessment for Atlantic migratory group (AMG) cobia to be completed in the fall of 2025. The goal of the assessment is to evaluate the health of AMG cobia and inform the Commission’s management of this species. SEDAR’s stock assessment process and meetings are open to the public.

As the first step in a multi-step method for determining the status of AMG cobia along the US Atlantic coast, SEDAR will be conducting a Data Scoping Webinar on March 18 from 1 – 3 p.m. Information on registering for the webinar is available by contacting Julie Neer, SEDAR Coordinator, at Julie.Neer@safmc.net.  Another six Data Webinars, each focusing on a different topic, will be conducted from June 3 – August 12. The final product of these data webinars is a data report which compiles and evaluates potential datasets and recommends which datasets are appropriate for assessment analyses.
 
The remaining two steps in the SEDAR process include an Assessment Process utilizing webinars and an in-person Review Workshop. The product of the Assessment Process is a stock assessment report which describes the fisheries, evaluates the status of the stock, estimates biological benchmarks, projects future population conditions, and recommends research and monitoring needs. The assessment is independently peer reviewed at the Review Workshop. The product of the Review Workshop is a Summary documenting panel opinions regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the stock assessment and input data. Additional information on the schedule of events can be found at https://sedarweb.org/documents/sedar-95-atlantic-cobia-schedule-of-events/.
 
Participants for the upcoming SEDAR Workshops were appointed by the Commission’s Coastal Pelagics Management Board and NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Center. Participants include: data collectors and database managers; stock assessment scientists, biologists, and researchers; and staff of the Commission and state and federal agencies.
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PR24-07
 
 
Tina Berger
Director of Communications
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
1050 N. Highland Street, Suite 200 A-N
Arlington, VA 22201
703.842.0749

Request for Proposals: Collaborative Strategies to Adapt Scup Gear Restricted Areas (GRA) to Changing Ocean Conditions

February 26, 2024 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid‐Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) is seeking a contractor to investigate potential modifications to the scup Gear Restricted Areas (GRA). This work will build on previous analyses of commercial scup discards and the GRAs, utilizing available fisheries and environmental data. It is anticipated that this project will be funded by Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funds. This project will address the IRA funding priority to develop and implement management changes or processes that address climate vulnerability or improve climate resiliency of fisheries.

Proposal Deadline: The proposal deadline is April 12, 2024. Work is expected to be completed by December 31, 2025.

Background: First implemented in November 2000, the Northern and Southern Scup GRA are intended to reduce juvenile scup discards in small mesh fisheries during certain times of the year. GRA regulations and boundaries have been reviewed and modified several times. Recent analyses have shown that the GRAs contributed to the rebuilding of the scup stock and continue to have a positive effect on reducing juvenile scup discards. However, spatial patterns of more recently observed discards suggest there has been a shift in where and when discards occur.

Scope of Work: The contractor will build on previous Council commercial scup discard and GRA analyses and utilize available fisheries and environmental data to investigate potential modifications to the scup GRAs. Modifications could include consideration of alternative measures based on adaptive management strategies. As described in the full request for proposals, this project should analyze bycatch trends for scup over time, identifying changes in spatial patterns and intensity and their connection to shifts in scup distribution. Hotspot, cluster, or alternative time/area closure analyses may be used to pinpoint areas where regulatory changes could mitigate impacts on juvenile scup. The project should examine regulatory and economic factors influencing scup discards and assessment, including evaluation of potential tradeoffs associated with bycatch reduction strategies. In addition, the contractor will plan and facilitate at least two in-person workshops with fishery stakeholders to solicit input on scup discards and GRAs.

The contractor will be expected to develop a report with recommendations on a set of management alternatives that the Council could consider for implementation through a future management action.

Additional Information: Complete details about the project background, scope of work, contractor qualifications, and proposal submission instructions can be found in the request for proposals.

NEFMC Seeks Contractor to Facilitate Atlantic Cod Management Transition Workshops – Apply by March 15, 2024

February 26, 2024 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is looking for an independent contractor to facilitate public workshops related to its Atlantic Cod Management Transition Plan.

APPLICATION DEADLINE – TIME SENSITIVE: The application deadline is March 15, 2024. This is a temporary position, commencing on or about April 1, 2024. Work is expected to be completed by June 30, 2024.

WHAT IS THE CONTRACTOR’S ROLE: The contractor will assist with: (1) planning and facilitating three public workshops; and (2) preparing a report summarizing the outcomes of the workshops. More specifically, the contractor will work with a representative of the Council and the Groundfish Plan Development Team to, among other duties:

  • Assist in developing a workshop agenda, format, and scope to be applied at all three workshops;
  • Prepare workshop materials and organize workshop logistics;
  • Serve as the lead facilitator at the workshops, a role that includes moderating discussions, ensuring meeting norms, and encouraging stakeholder engagement;
  • Prepare a brief summary of each workshop that includes: (a) participant information, (b) a list of identified challenges, opportunities, and questions, and (c) a summary of recommendations, all to be delivered within one week of each workshop’s completion; and
  • Prepare a workshop report collating information from the three workshops. A draft report should be submitted by June 10, 2024, and the final report should be submitted by June 30, 2024.

WHY IS THE COUNCIL HOLDING THESE WORKSHOPS: Atlantic cod historically has been assessed as two biological units – Gulf of Maine cod and Georges Bank cod. However, based on the conclusions of an interdisciplinary working group and a new Atlantic Cod Research Track Stock Assessment, Atlantic cod will be assessed as four biological units going forward, beginning with the June 2024 Management Track Stock Assessments.

To address this profound change on the science side, the Council embarked on a multiyear effort to develop a transition plan to determine how best to manage Atlantic cod under the new stock structure. In order to ensure stakeholder engagement through the Atlantic cod management transition planning efforts, the Council made it a priority to conduct at least one focused workshop in the first half of 2024 to “identify challenges and develop alternatives for addressing Atlantic cod management considering the new biological units.”

THREE WORKSHOPS: The Council decided to hold three workshops to cover a broad geographic range of stakeholders.  The workshops will take place in April and May 2024 with one in Portland, Maine, one in Gloucester, Massachusetts, and one in the Providence, Rhode Island area. All workshops will be held in-person. The same agenda and format will be applied at all workshops with flexibility to adjust to meet specific regional needs.

WHAT WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE WORKSHOPS: The Atlantic Cod Management Transition Plan will be carried out through two phases. Phase I will address measures to be implemented for the 2025 groundfish fishing year.  Phase II will focus on long-term management measures for Atlantic cod.

Workshop attendees will:

  • Consider changes in allocation of quota among fishery participants across the commercial and recreational sectors;
  • Address potential measures to enhance cod productivity by protecting spawning cod; and
  • Consider future changes in stock distribution under climate drivers.

CONTRACTOR SKILLS AND APPLICATION SUBMISSION INFORMATION: A full description of the desired experience and demonstrated skills from the contractor can be found in the request for proposals (RFP). Application submission information also can be found in the RFP.  Remember, the application deadline March 15, 2024.

ASMFC Releases 2023 Annual Report

February 24, 2024 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission is pleased to present you with our 2023 Annual Report, https://asmfc.org/files/pub/2023ASMFCAnnualReport_web.pdf. In the report, you will find a quick guide to stock status for the 27 species and species groups the Commission manages; a fisheries management section, which focuses on species which had the most significant management or stock assessment activities in 2023; and sections highlighting our major accomplishments in 2023 in the areas of fisheries science, habitat conservation, and fishery data collection and management. Please visit the Commission’s website at www.asmfc.org for additional information on any of our programs or activities.

The report reflects our Commissioners’ commitment to accountability and transparency in all they do to sustainably manage the stocks under their care.

ASMFC Releases Fish Habitat of Concern Designations for Commission-managed Fish and Shellfish Species

February 21, 2024 — The following was released by Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

In recognition of the importance of protecting, restoring, and enhancing fish habitats along the Atlantic coast for the sustainability of fisheries, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission announces the release of its newest habitat document: Fish Habitat of Concern Designations for Fish and Shellfish Species. This document focuses on identifying Fish Habitat of Concern (FHOC) for fish and shellfish species managed solely by the Commission, aiming to concentrate conservation efforts on specific habitats that are ecologically invaluable and necessary to support each life stage of these species. It offers a comprehensive overview of the regulatory and policy framework for habitat descriptions in Commission fishery management plans and will serve as the primary habitat guidance document for Commission-managed species.

FHOCs constitute a subset of fish habitat, such as submerged aquatic vegetation, spawning grounds, or types of nearshore estuarine habitat, that are of high ecological importance, rare, sensitive, or vulnerable to development threats. These areas are defined based on criteria similar to federally-designated Habitat Areas of Particular Concern under the purview of the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA). However, since species solely managed by the Commission do not fall under the MSA, their habitats currently lack federal legal protection, and consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service is not required.
This document addresses this gap in protection by emphasizing the critical role habitats play in fisheries production and ecosystem function. FHOC descriptions will be updated regularly as new information becomes available. The Commission believes that by highlighting the importance of these habitats for the species under its management, stakeholders and policymakers will better understand the need for targeted conservation efforts to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of Atlantic coast fisheries.
The document is available at http://asmfc.org/files/Habitat/FHOC_Designations_January2024.pdf. For more information, please contact Simen Kaalstad, Habitat Coordinator, at skaalstad@asmfc.org.

Atlantic Herring: Council Updates Amendment 10 Problem Statement; Approves Scoping Document and Meeting Schedule

February 20, 2024 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council will hold six scoping meetings in March and April 2024 to solicit input on the range of alternatives to be considered under Amendment 10 to the Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan. Amendment 10 is an action to minimize user conflicts, contribute to optimum yield, and support rebuilding of Atlantic herring. This action also will enhance river herring and shad avoidance and catch reduction. The deadline for submitting written comments is 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 30, 2024

The Council approved the scoping meeting schedule and scoping document for Amendment 10 when it met January 30- February 1, 2024 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Both files are posted on the Amendment 10 webpage.

During that meeting, the Council also revised the problem statement for this action to include consideration of river herring and shad avoidance and catch reduction alternatives (see next page for full description).

Come Join Us at the 49th Maine Fishermen’s Forum to Talk About Atlantic Cod, Atlantic Herring, Gulf of Maine Scallops

February 20, 2024 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council will be participating in four seminars at this year’s in-person Maine Fishermen’s Forum, which is taking place February 29-March 2, 2024 at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine.

Come meet some of our Council members and staff at sessions about:  (1) Atlantic cod; (2) the Northern Gulf of Maine scallop fishery; (3) Atlantic herring; and (4) an open forum with federal fishery management leaders on topics of interest to fishermen. Council Chair Eric Reid and Executive Director Cate O’Keefe are participating in the leadership session along with NOAA Fisheries officials.

NOTE: All four of the Council-related seminars are scheduled for Friday, March 1, 2024 (see poster at right). Detailed descriptions can be found here. An all-day offshore wind seminar will be held on Thursday, February 29, 2024. Atlantic Cod Management Transition Planning: Learn about the Council’s work to address management questions associated with the new scientific understanding that Atlantic cod is made up of four biological units instead of two.

Northern Gulf of Maine (NGOM) Scallops: This session will provide information about: (1) recent surveys in the NGOM Management Area; (2) the 2024 fishery in the federal waters portion of the NGOM area; (3) scallops on Stellwagen Bank; and (4) a proposed increase in vessel monitoring system ping rates, plus more.

Atlantic Herring Scoping Meeting: The Council will be conducting an official scoping meeting on Amendment 10 to the Atlantic herring plan. This action is intended to minimize user conflicts, support Atlantic herring rebuilding, address river herring/shad avoidance, and more. The Council is looking for early-stage public input.

SAVE THE DATE: ASMFC Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board Meeting Scheduled for March 26, 1 – 3 PM

February 15, 2024 — Read the full article at the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The Commission’s Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board will be meeting via webinar on March 26 from 1 – 3 PM to review and consider approval of Addendum II state implementation plans. The webinar information, draft agenda, and meeting materials will be posted to https://asmfc.org/calendar/3/2024/Atlantic-Striped-Bass-Management-Board/2283 by March 12th.

 
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 three weeks prior to the meeting (March 5) will be included in the briefing materials.
2.    Comments received by 5 p.m. on Monday, March 18 will be included in supplemental materials.
3.    Comments received by 10 a.m. on Friday, March 22 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 Emilie Franke, FMP Coordinator, at efranke@asmfc.org.

Meeting Summary, Motions and Presentations from the February 14th Meeting of the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Management Board Now Available

February 15, 2024 — The following was released the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The meeting summary, motions, and presentations from the ASMFC Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Management Board’s February 14, 2024 meeting are now available athttps://asmfc.org/calendar/meeting-archive. Links to both files are also provided below. The recording of that meeting will be posted later today on the Meeting Archives page at http://www.asmfc.org/home/meeting-archive.

Captain Jimmy Ruhle Honored Posthumously with New Cooperative Research Award

February 15, 2024 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council named Captain Jimmy Ruhle as the first recipient and namesake of a new award that recognizes outstanding contributions to cooperative fisheries research in the Mid-Atlantic region. His son, Captain Robert Ruhle, accepted the award on his father’s behalf during the Council’s meeting last week in Arlington, Virginia. 

Jimmy Ruhle was a lifelong commercial fisherman, a former Council member, and a trailblazer in cooperative fisheries research. He had an instrumental role in the creation and success of the Northeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (NEAMAP) Mid-Atlantic/Southern New England trawl survey, a cooperative fishery-independent survey of coastal waters from Cape Hatteras north to Cape Cod. Since 2007, the survey has been conducted biannually aboard Jimmy’s vessel, the F/V Darana R, by a team of Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) researchers working in partnership with Jimmy and his crew. Data from the survey have improved the assessments of several Council-managed species, including black sea bass, butterfish, longfin squid, scup, and summer flounder.

“The NEAMAP survey not only helps to fill gaps in survey data for nearshore waters, but it has also raised industry confidence in the data used for management decisions,” said Council Executive Director Chris Moore. “These successes would not have been possible without Jimmy’s passion, hard work, and long-term commitment to cooperative research.”

After Jimmy’s death in 2023, the Council decided to create a new award to honor his legacy. The James A. Ruhle Cooperative Research Award will be given to individuals or groups who have demonstrated exceptional collaboration, dedication, or innovation in their research, or in recognition of cooperative research projects that have made significant contributions to the understanding or management of Mid-Atlantic fisheries.