Saving Seafood

Council Actions

ASMFC Approves Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Black Drum

May 23, 2013 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

Alexandria, VA – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has approved the Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Black Drum.  The FMP requires all states to maintain current regulations for black drum and implement a maximum possession limit and minimum size limit (of no less than 12 inches) by January 1, 2014. States will be required to further increase the minimum size limit (to no less than 14 inches) by January 1, 2016. Further, the FMP establishes a management framework to address future concerns or changes in the fishery or population. This will be particularly important as the Commission works towards the finalization of the first coastwide benchmark stock assessment for black drum in 2014.

The FMP was initiated to address a number of concerns. There has been a significant increase in harvest by both recreational and commercial fishermen in recent years, with the fishery targeting very young fish in some areas and more heavily targeting the established breeding stock in other areas; both of which could undermine the stock’s ability to sustain itself. Further, the lack of consistent coastwide regulations or management goals may negatively impact the black drum population as fishing pressures shifts from other stocks.

The FMP will be available on the Commission website (www.asmfc.org) under Breaking News or can be obtained by contacting the Commission at 703.842.0740. For more information, please contact Kirby Rootes-Murdy, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at krootes-murdy@asmfc.org or 703.842.0740.

 

 

ASMFC Presents Annual Awards of Excellence

May 22, 2013 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

Alexandria, VA – Mr. William J. Goldsborough, Mr. Thomas W. McCloy, Dr. Malcolm M. Rhodes, Mr. Robert E. Ross, Jr., Mr. Wayne Hettenbach Mr. Patrick Duggan, and Captain Dorothy Thumm were presented the Commission’s Annual Awards of Excellence in Alexandria, Virginia for their contributions to the success of fisheries management along the Atlantic coast. Mr. Goldsborough, Mr. McCloy, Dr. Rhodes and Mr. Ross received their awards in the management and policy category, while Mr. Hettenbach, Mr. Duggan, and Captain Thumm received awards in law enforcement category.

“Every year a great many people contribute to the success of fisheries management along the Atlantic coast.  The Commission’s Annual Awards of Excellence recognize outstanding efforts by professionals who have made a difference in the way we manage and conserve our fisheries,” said ASMFC Chair, Paul J. Diodati of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. “This evening, we honor several individuals for their contributions to the management and conservation of Atlantic coast fisheries.”

Management & Policy Contributions

William J. Goldsborough, Chesapeake Bay Foundation
For 30 years, Mr. William J. Goldsborough has been on the front lines of fisheries management, advocating for science-based decision-making and the integration of ecological services into the Commission’s species management programs. As senior scientist with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Mr. Goldsborough has  been a steadfast voice supporting the conservation of Chesapeake Bay fisheries, effectively opposing legislation and other actions that might harm the Bay’s resources. He played a central role in striped bass recovery beginning with the implementation of Maryland’s moratorium in 1985 and through to the development of a conservation-based approach to reopening the fishery in 1990.

Passionate about the significance of healthy habitat on healthy fisheries, he advanced the importance of habitat as a critical common concern among fishermen. At the regional level, he brought together a diverse group of commercial and recreational fishermen, representing 16 fishing organizations, to adopt codes for protecting the Chesapeake Bay.  Coastwide, he has left an indelible mark on the Commission’s Habitat Program as one of the earliest members of the Habitat Committee and its longest serving chair, having served in that position for 10 years. Under his leadership and participation, the Committee has developed habitat sections for many of our FMPs and released numerous publications – all of which have elevated our understanding of habitat and its critical link to supporting abundant fisheries.

He has been a tireless and articulate advocate for the need to address Atlantic menhaden’s ecological role in the Commission’s management process. He was instrumental in the development and adoption of Amendment 1 in 2001, which formally recognized menhaden as an important forage species. He helped plan and conduct a 2004 menhaden workshop, which highlighted the various ecological services menhaden provide and the need for ecological reference points in managing the resource. He was instrumental in developing the Chesapeake Bay reduction cap, beginning in 2006, and prompting a five-year Chesapeake Bay population research program. Over the past few years, Mr. Goldsborough vigorously campaigned for the development of ecological reference points. The recent adoption of interim reference points and a new management program for Atlantic menhaden are, in part, due to his efforts.

Mr. Thomas W. McCloy, New Jersey Marine Fisheries Administration
Mr. Thomas W. McCloy has spent his entire career, now extending into its 40th year, working for the betterment of New Jersey’s marine resources and the fisheries they support. He began his career in the early 1970s as a biologist, conducting some of the first comprehensive population and habitat assessments for the state’s various shellfish resources. He was promoted to Bureau Chief for New Jersey Marine Fisheries in 1990 and Administrator for New Jersey Marine Fisheries Administration in 2001.

In the 1990s, Mr. McCloy became engaged in broader coastal resources issues, serving as his state’s administrative proxy to both the Commission and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. At the Commission, he played a key role in developing many of the Commission’s initial FMPs in response to the requirements of the newly enacted Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act. These documents serve as the foundation for much of the Commission’s management policies today.

For the past 12 years as Marine Fisheries Administrator, Mr. McCloy has been a key link between upper management within the state’s resource agency and its diverse fisheries constituency. His expertise and experience has guided these groups in ensuring that the appropriate and prudent actions are taken to the benefit of the resource first and the fisheries that rely on them second.

However, Mr. McCloy’s greatest and most enduring success has been the mentorship of his staff.  He demands the best of them, expecting excellence, professionalism, and a commitment to safeguard fisheries resources for their sustainable use. In turn, he invests significant time in training staff on how to fairly evaluate the issues before them, listen carefully to all affected parties, understand the full scope of the problem, and use the best scientific information to make an informed decision. Due to this mentorship, a good number of his staff has served in important leadership roles, from chairing the majority of the Commission management boards to serving as vital contributors on species technical and stock assessment committees as well as the Management & Science Committee.

Dr. Malcolm Rhodes, South Carolina Governor Appointee to the Commission
A passionate steward of Atlantic coast fisheries and their habitats, Dr. Malcolm Rhodes has served as South Carolina’s Governor Appointee to the Commission for eight years.  From the outset, he has brought his leadership and expertise to bear, chairing both the Shad & River Herring Management Board and the Governors’ Appointees.  He has also been a longstanding and active participant on the Administrative Oversight Committee and Executive Committee – two primary committees which set Commission administrative policies and provide guidance to the Executive Director on personnel, fiscal, and organizational matters.

As Chair of the Shad and River Herring Management Board, Dr. Rhodes led the states through the complex process of developing American shad sustainable fisheries plans for specific river systems. In doing so, he ushered in a new model and standard of fisheries conservation by turning the traditional, "Fish until you see there is a problem, " management approach to a more precautionary and enlightened "Don’t fish unless you can prove there won’t be a problem " mindset.

A true gentleman conservationist, Dr. Rhodes’ calm and kind demeanor have enabled him to provide sound leadership to the Commission as it works to sustain and rebuild Atlantic coast fish stocks.

Robert J. Ross, Jr., NOAA Fisheries Northeast
Mr. Robert J. Ross, Jr., began his career in fisheries management 40 years ago as a student working in a NOAA Fisheries lab testing fish samples for heavy metals and contaminants. From there, he became a well-known port agent collecting important fisheries landings and biological data throughout New England. His outstanding work ethic and affable manner led to steady promotions within NOAA Fisheries from including a stint with the State/Federal and Constituent Office and later working in the Northeast Regional Office.

Mr. Ross has been an active and engaged participant in the Commission’s fisheries management process for the last 15 years. His leadership and collaborative efforts have been critical to the continued success of several cooperatively managed species, including spiny dogfish, summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and winter flounder. But, by far, his greatest contributions have been in the management of American lobster.  As a member of the American Lobster Plan Development Team and Management Board, Mr. Ross has played a vital role in ensuring the sustainable management of this valuable species coastwide. He worked closely with the lobster industry, scientists, and state partners to craft a unique and cutting-edge approach to sustainable lobster management which involves the implementation of area-based eligibility and trap transferability. His analytical abilities yielded important analyses of federal actions in support of Commission management goals and he drafted and published countless federal actions to complement state management measures for the American lobster fishery. Despite this program’s increasing complexity, he has remained committed to its success and health and vibrancy of the resource and industry it supports.

Law Enforcement Contributions

Mr. Wayne Hettenbach and Mr. Patrick Duggan, U.S. Department of Justice
Mr. Wayne Hettenbach and Patrick Duggan are two members of a joint NOAA Fisheries/New Jersey Law Enforcement Team, who recently capped off a five-year investigation, ending with the conviction of seven defendants on 37 individual counts for trafficking in illegal oysters.  The defendants, all from New Jersey, were overharvesting oysters from the Delaware Bay and then falsely recording their harvest on state and federal records. Further, the Delaware dealer who sold the illegal oysters helped cover up the overharvest by filing false state and federal health documentation. It is estimated that in some years the overharvest exceeded the fishermen’s quota by more than 60%. All told, the defendants illegally obtained nearly 15,000 bushels of oysters from the Delaware Bay at a fair market value in excess of $1.2 million.

New Jersey officers initiated the investigation, with NOAA Fisheries joining soon after. The agencies worked hand-in-hand to covertly record the offloading and transfer of illegal oysters over state lines to Delaware. This surveillance, combined with information gained from coordinated surprise inspections and simultaneous search warrants, yielded tens of thousands of documents. For well over a year, state and federal agents and prosecutors worked to assemble the necessary evidence, prepare their case, and conduct hearings and testimony. Ultimately, their tireless work, exemplary interagency coordination, and dedication to preserving our natural resources, led to the successful conviction of an extensive criminal ring that had been depleting a vital, keystone species in the Delaware Bay.

With this investigation and further conviction, the Team sent a clear message that state and federal law enforcement officers stand ready to uphold our collective stewardship responsibilities and ensure that all harvest is carried out in accordance to the laws protecting those resources.

The remaining members of the NOAA/New Jersey Law Enforcement Team, who were unable to attend last night’s event, will be presented their awards later this year. They are Special Agent James Cassin Jr., Special Agent Jeffrey Ray, Captain Mark Canale, Conservation Officer Craig James, Conservation Officer Jeremy Trembley, and Lieutenant Karl Yunghans.

Captain Dorothy Thumm (retired), New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Captain Dorothy Thumm has dedicated her 40-year career to the protection and sustainable management of Atlantic coast fishery resources. A trailblazer in her field, she was the fourth woman to be hired as an environmental conservation officer by New York in 1980 and the first woman to be promoted to Lieutenant and then later Captain after completing her FBI Academy training. She served as Commanding Officer of New York’s Marine Enforcement Unit from 2005 to 2013. An outstanding officer with an impeccable record, she worked collaboratively with the Bureau Marine Resources to target priority fishery enforcement needs, networking with a myriad of local, state, and federal agencies to ensure that fishery laws and regulations were properly enforced.

For the past seven years, Captain Thumm has been an active member of the Commission’s Law Enforcement Committee (LEC), providing valuable input at both the state and regional level on issues affecting high visibility species such as American lobster, Atlantic sturgeon, striped bass and tautog. Her strong leadership skills combined with her knowledge and understanding of fisheries and habitat issues were valuable assets to the Committee. A true team player, Captain Thumm represented the LEC on the Atlantic Sturgeon Board where she provided input, comments, and feedback on law enforcement issues. She also assisted in producing the Law Enforcement Committee’s document “Guidelines for Resource Managers on the Enforceability of Fishery Management Measures.”

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Photo Caption (from left): ASMFC Awards Chair Jack Travelstead, Thomas McCloy, Wayne Hettenbach, Robert Ross, Malcolm Rhodes, Captain Dorothy Thumm, Patrick Duggan, ASMFC Chair Paul Diodati, and William Goldsborough

 

Mid-Atlantic Council June Meeting Agenda

May 21, 2013 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Press Contact:
Mary Clark
(302) 674-2331 (ext. 261)

Council Meeting

Tinton Falls-Eatontown, NJ
June 10-13, 2013

The public is invited to attend the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's June 2013 meeting

Double Tree by Hilton Tinton Falls-Eatontown
700 Hope Road
Eatontown, NJ 07724
(732) 544-9300

For online access to the meeting, enter as a guest at: http://mafmc.adobeconnect.com/council2013/

Agenda

Monday, June 10

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Research Set-Aside Committee with NMFS (Closed Session)
Technical/Management reviews of 2014 proposals

Tuesday, June 11

8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.   
Mackerel, Squid, Butterfish (MSB) Committee
Review and develop recommendations for annual MSB specifications and related management measures, including but not limited to:
Butterfish Allowable Biological Catch for 2014
River Herring/Shad cap for mackerel fishery
Gear stowage requirements
Longfin roll-over and reserve options
Longfin mesh requirements
Longfin possession limits for Illex fishery
Consider Illex control date
Amendment 15 update
Squid port meeting results

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 
Surfclam and Ocean Quahog (SC/OQ) Committee
Review and develop recommendations for 2014-2016 specifications for surfclams and ocean quahogs
Review and advise on Data Collection Protocol document prepared by the Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT)
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.- Lunch

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.     
Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Committee (Cont'd)

3:00 p.m.            
Council Convenes

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.     
Council Strategic Plan
Review and approve draft plan
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Listening Session – John Bullard (NERO)
Review of NMFS Listening Sessions

Wednesday, June 12

9:00 a.m.
Council Convenes

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.                               
Omnibus Recreational Amendment

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.                     
Update on Atlantic Sturgeon Biological Opinion – Kim Damon-Randall (NERO)

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Lunch                              

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.                                 
Mackerel, Squid, Butterfish Convened as a Committee of the Whole
Review Committee actions
Approve annual specifications and related management measures (see above list for MSB Committee)
Approve Illex control date
Amendment 15 update
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.                                 
Surfclam and Ocean Quahog
Review Committee actions
Approve 2014-2016 specifications for surfclams and ocean quahogs
Approve the Data Collection Protocol document prepared by the FMAT

Thursday, June 13

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.                   
Executive Committee

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Business Session
​December 2012 and April 2013 Minutes
​Organizational Reports
NMFS Regional Administrator
Review and Approve Standardized Bycatch Reporting Methodology Alternatives
NMFS NEFSC Director
NOAA Office of General Counsel
Federal Enforcement Officials (NMFS and USCG)
ASMFC Executive Director
Liaison Reports
New England Council
South Atlantic Council
Executive Director's Report – Chris Moore

Science Report – Rich Seagraves

Committee Reports

Continuing and New Business

The above agenda items may not be taken in the order in which they appear and are subject to change as necessary. Other items may be added, but the Council cannot take action on such items even if the item requires emergency action without additional public notice.  Non-emergency matters not contained in this agenda may come before the Council and / or its Committees for discussion, but these matters may not be the subject of formal Council or Committee action during this meeting.  Council and Committee actions will be restricted to the issues specifically listed in this agenda.  Any issues requiring emergency action under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act that arise after publication of the Federal Register Notice for this meeting may be acted upon provided that the public has been notified of the Council’s intent to take final action to address the emergency.  The meeting may be closed to discuss employment or other internal administrative matters.

Click here to download the meeting agenda as a PDF

 

Regulators vote on rules for Maine’s eel fishery

PORTLAND, Maine — May 21, 2013 — Regulators are deciding how best to regulate Maine’s lucrative American eel fishery.

The eel management board of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission is voting Tuesday on proposed new regulations. The three options are to keep the status quo, close the fishery or set a catch quota.

The vote is being held at the commission’s spring meeting in Alexandria, Va.

Read the full story by the Associated Press at The Boston Globe    

Revised Smooth Dogfish Draft Addendum II

May 16, 2013 —  The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

A revised Smooth Dogfish Draft Addendum II, which includes a corrected Table 2 on page 6 of the document. The document has been updated to the Spiny Dogfish and Coastal Sharks Board materials on the ASMFC website and on the CD that will be available at the meeting. 

See the revised addendum 

Successful Managing Our Nation’s Fisheries Conference Brings Together Diverse Voices

May 9, 2013 — The following was released by the Pacific Fishery Management Council:

The Managing Our Nation’s Fisheries 3 conference wrapped up today on a successful note, with conference participants developing 128 recommendations for improving fishery sustainability. The draft recommendations are online here and will be further elaborated in the conference proceedings.

The conference was coordinated by the eight Regional Fishery Management Councils and NOAA Fisheries, and was sponsored by both fishing industry and environmental groups. The conference aimed to identify both legislative and non-legislative measures to advance fishery sustainability in light of the coming reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act, which governs Federal fishery management in the United States. Most participants seemed to agree that the Magnuson-Stevens Act has been successful in managing U.S. fisheries, and that large-scale revisions would not be needed. For example, under the Act, 32 fish stocks that were previously labeled “overfished” have been rebuilt. However, there was also agreement that some changes are needed to keep the Act relevant, flexible, and responsive.

“These recommendations will be considered carefully as we move forward with Magnuson-Stevens Act reauthorization,” said Dave Whaley, Legislative staff for the House Natural Resources Subcommittee. “We do need to act carefully; we do not want to solve problems in one area of the country while creating new problems in other areas.”

The conference, held at the Mayflower Renaissance Hotel in Washington, D.C., began on May 6 with keynotes by Rep. Doc Hastings (R-WA); NOAA Assistant Administrator Eric Schwaab; chef, author and television host Barton Seaver; and Deadliest Catch skipper Keith Colburn. The conference continued May 8 and 9 with sessions on improving fishery management essentials, advancing ecosystem-based decision making, and providing for fishing community stability. Senator Mark Begich (D-AK) addressed the conference attendees on May 8. More than 600 people attended the conference.

Read the full release here

 

 

Mid-Atlantic Council to Discuss Squid Management with Fishing Industry at Upcoming Meetings

May 7, 2013 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council:

The Council has scheduled two public meetings to talk with members of the fishing industry about options for improving management of the longfin and Illex squid fisheries. The meetings will build on input provided by fishermen, processors, scientists, and managers during a Squid Management Workshop held in January 2013. The workshop focused on options for implementing responsive harvest strategies in the squid fisheries. A full summary and additional materials from the workshop are available on the Squid Management Workshop page.

The Council is seeking additional industry input on responsive harvest strategies as well as general concerns and recommendations for improving squid management.  Those who are unable to attend the meetings may also submit comments through our website.

These meetings are not associated with a specific action or proposed amendment, but comments provided during the meetings will be considered by the Council during future discussions of squid management, including the June 2013 Council meeting when 2014 specifications are approved.

Meeting Information

Narragansett, Rhode Island
Date: May 22, 2013
Time: 10 a.m.-noon (can go later if necessary)
Location: Superior Trawl- 55 State St., Narragansett, RI 02882

Cape May, New Jersey
Date: June 5, 2013
Time: 7 p.m.-9 p.m. (can go later if necessary)
Location: Congress Hall Hotel- 29 Perry St, Cape May, NJ 08204, (888) 944-1816

Staff Contact: Jason Didden- jdidden@mafmc.org or (302) 526-5254.

Background

Both squid stocks are currently managed with annual catch quotas, and the longfin squid quota is partitioned into trimester quotas to distribute landings throughout the year. Although longfin squid landings have only exceeded the annual quota once, the high frequency of trimester closures during periods of high squid abundance has prompted industry concerns and requests for more responsive management approaches.

The term “responsive harvest strategies” includes a broad spectrum of management approaches that account for seasonal and year-to-year fluctuations of a stock. Implementation of a responsive harvest strategy in the squid fisheries could potentially help avoid in-season closures without having adverse impacts on the stock. However, these strategies can also be data intensive and challenging to implement effectively.  Participants in the squid management workshop noted that changes in management can have uneven impacts on different locations and different types of vessels and recommended that the Council seek broader input from the fishing industry before considering any management changes. 
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) is one of eight regional councils established by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976. The Council has primary responsibility for twelve species of fish and shellfish in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) between 3 and 200 miles off the Mid-Atlantic coast. Member states include New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. For more information, visit our website: www.mafmc.org.

Read a PDF version of the announcement 

VIDEO: Fisheries Councils see need for flexibility on Magnuson, but changes still years away

May 8, 2013 — At the Managing Our Nations' Fisheries conference currently being held in Washington DC, there is a consensus on the part of the regional councils that more flexibility is needed in Magnuson, but there is little consensus on how to get there.

There are vast regional differences with the West Coast and Alaska seeing little reason to change, while the East Coast and the Gulf feel in crisis. It does not appear that legislation will move quickly, as the environmental community by and large opposes flexibility, and instead wants more regulations of things like forage fish and habitat.

Watch the Seafood News video at Youtube

 

ASMFC 2013 Spring Meeting Final Agenda and Materials Now Available

May 8, 2013 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The final agenda and meeting materials for the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's 2013 Spring Meeting can be obtained here. Some documents may be large, so please be patient downloading. Meeting materials are also available on CD-ROM; to obtain a CD please contact Cindy Robertson at crobertson@asmfc.org. Supplemental materials will be posted to the website next Wednesday, May 15.

Please note the meeting of the Shad and River Herring Board on Wednesday has been cancelled. In that time slot, ASMFC Commissioners will meet with John Bullard, NOAA Fisheries Northeast Regional Administrator, to review and discuss recently conducted public listening sessions.

The agenda is subject to change. The agenda reflects the current estimate of time required for scheduled meetings. The Commission may adjust this agenda in accordance with the actual duration of meetings. Interested parties should anticipate meetings starting earlier or later than indicated herein.

Board/Section meeting proceedings will be broadcast via webinar beginning 10:00 AM on May 20th and continuing daily until the meeting adjourns around 3PM on May 23rd. The webinar will allow registrants to listen to board/section deliberations and view presentations and motions as they occur. No comments or questions will be accepted via the webinar. Should technical difficulties arise with streaming the broadcast, the boards/sections will continue their deliberations without interruption. We will attempt to resume the broadcast as soon as possible. Please go here to register for the webinar. Audio files of the board/section meetings will be posted to the website the week of May 27.

 

 

May 16, 2013 NEFMC SSC Meeting and Live Streaming Information

May 8, 2013 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

Dear Stakeholders and Interested Parties,

The public is invited to attend the May 16, 2013 meeting of the SSC beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn, 31 Hampshire Street, Mansfield, MA.

The webinar will be activated beginning at 9:30 a.m. and end at approximately 5:00 p.m. EST.

Webinar Registration: For online access to the meeting, please register by clicking here. Once registered, you will receive an email confirmation with the information you will need to join the webinar.

Charges for Listening: There are no charges for accessing the webinar via your computer. If you would like to listen to the meeting on your telephone, please be aware that regular phone charges will apply.

Dial in number: 1 (626) 521-0017
Access Code: 452-387-110

Meeting Materials: Please consult the Council’s website at www.nefmc.org.

Questions: Feel free to call the Council office at (978-465-0492, ext.102).

System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server
Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.5 or newer

Mobile attendees
Required: iPhone®, iPad®, Android™ phone or Android tablet


Read the full meeting notice