Saving Seafood

Council Actions

Atlantic Sturgeon Stock Assessment Update Shows Signs of Improvement for Coastwide Population and Mixed Results at the Distinct Population Segment Level

August 8, 2024 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The Atlantic Sturgeon Stock Assessment Update finds that while the coastwide population remains depleted relative to historic levels, the population has shown signs of improvement with a significant positive trend over the time series. Further, there is a high probability that abundance in 2022 was greater than abundance in 1998 at the start of the coastwide moratorium. Total mortality is low and has a low probability of exceeding its reference point. Depleted status is used instead of overfished because many factors (such as bycatch, habitat loss and ship strikes), not just directed historical fishing, have contributed to the continued low abundance of Atlantic sturgeon.

 
At the individual distinct population segment (DPS) level, results are mixed. Most indices showed either a positive trend or no significant trend over the time series. The average probability that the New York Bight and Carolina DPSs indices were greater than the reference year was high, meaning it was likely that abundance in 2022 was higher than it was at the start of the mortarium. For the Gulf of Maine, Chesapeake Bay, and South Atlantic DPSs, the average probability was lower – less than 50% for all three DPSs – meaning that it was unlikely that abundance in 2022 was greater than it was at the start of the moratorium. Total mortality estimates for each DPS were higher than for the full coastwide population and the probability of exceeding the reference point was higher, partly due to the smaller sample size and higher uncertainty in the tagging model at the DPS level than at the coastwide level. For the Gulf of Maine DPS there was a greater than 50% chance that total mortality exceeded the reference point, while there was a lower probability that total mortality exceeded the reference point for the other DPSs.
 
Atlantic sturgeon are a challenging species to assess because datasets for this species are limited. However, progress has been made on research recommendations addressing questions about genetics, life history, abundance, and sources of mortality, and work will continue to develop better datasets to support the next benchmark assessment in 2028.
 
No management action was taken given the continued coastwide harvest moratorium and protection under the federal Endangered Species Act. Additionally, efforts are being taken to reduce sturgeon bycatch in other directed fisheries. In April, the Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils recommended their preferred alternative to NOAA Fisheries to reduce sturgeon bycatch in the federal monkfish and spiny dogfish fisheries, and a final rule is expected by the end of 2024. The Commission’s Spiny Dogfish Management Board also initiated an addendum to develop options to maintain consistency with the federal action for state-permitted spiny dogfish harvesters in state waters, with the goal of reducing sturgeon bycatch.
A more detailed description of the stock assessment results can be found athttps://asmfc.org/uploads/file/66b398b9AtlanticSturgeonStockAssmtOverview_Aug2024.pdf. The Stock Assessment Update will be available on the Commission website, www.asmfc.org, on the Atlantic Sturgeon webpage next week. For more information, please contact James Boyle, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at jboyle@asmfc.org.

American Lobster Board Initiates Addendum to Postpone Implementation of Addendum XXVII Measures and Approves Addendum XXX

August 8, 2024 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The Commission’s American Lobster Management Board initiated Draft Addendum XXXI to Amendment 3 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for American Lobster. The Draft Addendum will consider postponing the implementation of the measures from Addendum XXVII. The Board also approved Addendum XXX, which addresses how the measures of Addendum XXVII will apply to foreign imports of American lobster once implemented.

Draft Addendum XXXI considers postponing the implementation of management measures under Sections 3.1 and 3.2 of Addendum XXVII until July 1, 2025. Addendum XXVII was adopted in May 2023 and established a trigger mechanism to automatically implement management measures to provide additional protection of the Gulf of Maine/Georges Bank (GOM/GBK) spawning stock biomass. Changes to the current gauge and escape vent sizes in Lobster Conservation Management Areas (LCMAs) 1, 3, and Outer Cape Cod (OCC) were triggered based on observed changes in recruit abundance indices in October 2023 with the inclusion of 2022 survey data in the trigger index. The Board then extended the implementation date of the series of changes to gauge and vent size to begin January 1, 2025 to allow the Gulf of Maine states the opportunity to coordinate with Canada regarding possible trade implications, and give the industry and gauge makers additional time to prepare for these changes.
A meeting was held between US and Canadian lobster fishery managers and industry members in June 2024 to discuss the management structures and stock assessments of the two countries. Based on this meeting, the Board determined that postponing implementation of Addendum XXVII’s biological measures to July 1, 2025 would reduce negative impacts to the US and Canadian lobster industries in 2025 and allow Canada more time to consider implementing complementary management measures. Specifically, Draft Addendum XXXI will consider postponing the changes in minimum gauge size for LCMA 1 (inshore Gulf of Maine), and the measures under Section 3.1 of Addendum XXVII to create a common size limit for state-only and federal permit holders fishing in OCC to July 2025. The Draft Addendum will not consider postponing regulations prohibiting the issuance of 10% additional trap tags in Areas 1 and 3 above the trap limit or allocation. Draft Addendum XXXI will be released for public comment later this year. 
 
The Board also approved Addendum XXX, which clarifies the Commission’s intent for how the measures of Addendum XXVII will apply to foreign imports of American lobster once implemented. The Addendum recommends to NOAA Fisheries that the Mitchell Provision of the Magnuson-Stevens Act apply to foreign imports of whole live lobster, meaning the smallest minimum size for foreign imports would match the smallest minimum size in effect for the US industry. The current smallest LCMA minimum gauge size in effect is 3¼ inches, and when the LCMA 1 gauge size increases, this will change to 3 5/16 inches. Foreign imports smaller than the new minimum gauge size would be prohibited. These size restrictions do not apply to lobsters travelling in-bond through the US.
 
Addendum XXX will be available on the Commission website, www.asmfc.org, on American lobster webpage by next week. For more information, please contact Caitlin Starks, Senior Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at cstarks@asmfc.org or 703.842.0740.

2025 Scallop RSA Program Funding Opportunity Open Through September 30, 2024; Join August 8th Informational Webinar

August 6, 2024 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

NOAA Fisheries is soliciting proposals for the 2025 Scallop Research Set-Aside (RSA) Program funding opportunity, which opened August 1, 2024 and will close September 30, 2024. The solicitation and administrative aspects of the funding opportunity are being handled by the NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (GARFO). All project proposals should support the New England Fishery Management Council’s scallop research priorities as shown in the table below.

Successful applicants are awarded pounds of scallops that have been “set aside” to pay for research expenses. No federal funds are provided. Researchers and fishermen partner to harvest awarded scallops, and the proceeds are used to fund the research and compensate fishing industry partners.

NEW THIS YEAR: During its June 2024 meeting, the Council approved several changes to the Scallop RSA Program, including a request to NOAA Fisheries to allow scallop enhancement research to be funded for up to three years with an option for a one-year extension. Regional scallop surveys used for stock assessments and specification-setting already can be funded for up to four years – with an option for a one-year extension for completing grant reports and data analysis. All other projects can be funded for up to two years.

 

ASMFC 2024 Summer Meeting Final Supplemental Materials Now Available

August 3, 2024 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

Final supplemental materials for ASMFC’s 2024 Summer Meeting are now available athttps://www.asmfc.org/home/2024-summer-meeting as Supplemental 2 under the relevant committee/board meeting. They include:

Atlantic Menhaden Management Board – Public Comment

American Lobster Management Board – Public Comment

ISFMP Policy Board – WHOI LOC-NESS Project

As a reminder, the Commission’s Public Comment Guidelines are:

For issues that are not on the agenda, management boards will continue to provide an opportunity to the public to bring matters of concern to the board’s attention at the start of each board meeting. Board chairs 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, board chairs will provide limited opportunity for comment, taking into account the time allotted on the agenda for the topic. Chairs will have flexibility in deciding 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, board chairs have the discretion to decide what public comment to allow in these circumstances.

 

ASMFC 2024 Summer Meeting Supplemental Materials Now Available

July 31, 2024 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

Supplemental materials for ASMFC’s 2024 Summer Meeting are now available at https://www.asmfc.org/home/2024-summer-meeting under the relevant committee/board meeting headers. The combined supplemental materials can be found at http://asmfc.org/files/2024SummerMeeting/ASMFC2024SummerMtgSupplementalMaterials_August2024.pdf.  

Supplemental materials include:

Atlantic Menhaden Management Board – Revised Draft Proceedings from April 2024 and Public Comment

Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board – Draft FMP Review for the 2023 Fishing Year; Memo: Work Group Recommendations on Stock Assessment and Public Scoping Tasks; and June and July Meeting Summaries of the Atlantic Striped Bass Board Work Group on Recreational Release Mortality     

American Lobster Management Board – Revised Draft Agenda & Meeting Overview; Canada/United States Dialogue on Lobster Management; and Public Comment

Executive Committee – S. 4113: State Boating Act

Coastal Pelagics Management Board – Draft Cobia FMP Review for the 2023 Fishing Year and Memo: Advisory Panel Recommendations on Cobia Draft Addendum II Options

ISFMP Policy Board – Summary of Changes to the Stock Assessment Schedule  

As a reminder, the Commission’s Public Comment Guidelines are:

For issues that are not on the agenda, management boards will continue to provide an opportunity to the public to bring matters of concern to the board’s attention at the start of each board meeting. Board chairs 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, board chairs will provide limited opportunity for comment, taking into account the time allotted on the agenda for the topic. Chairs will have flexibility in deciding 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, board chairs have the discretion to decide what public comment to allow in these circumstances.

 

NEFMC SSC – Listen Live – July 30-31, 2024 – Atlantic Herring and Groundfish Issues

July 24, 2024 — The following was released by New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will meet to discuss issues related to Atlantic herring and groundfish.  The public is invited to listen live.  Here are the details.

 
 
WHERE:  Hilton Garden Inn Portsmouth, New Hampshire.  This is an in-person meeting, coupled with a webinar option.  Please do not attend this meeting in person if you do not feel well.
 
START TIME:  9:00 a.m. both days
 
WEBINAR REGISTRATION:  Online access to the meeting is available at Listen Live.  There is no charge to join the meeting through this webinar.
 
  • IMPORTANT:  The Council is now using Zoom to broadcast meetings.  Zoom requires users to be on the latest version of the application.  You must update your Zoom app to the latest version at least five minutes before joining the webinar to avoid glitches and be able to view presentations.
 
AGENDA:  The SSC will meet to:
 
  • Review information provided by the Council’s Groundfish and Herring Plan Development Teams, as well as stock assessment information where appropriate, and recommend overfishing limits (OFLs) and acceptable biological catches (ABCs) for:
 
    • Atlantic herring for fishing years 2025-2027;
 
    • Four Atlantic cod stock units for fishing years 2025-2027; and
 
    • Georges Bank yellowtail flounder for fishing years 2025-2026;
 
  • Review a method developed by the Northeast Fisheries Science Center for apportioning the biomass of Georges Bank cod and haddock into the Eastern Georges Bank management area; and
 
  • Discuss other business as necessary.
 
COMMENTS:  The deadline for submitting written comments for consideration at this meeting is8:00 a.m. on Friday, July 26, 2024.  Address comments to Council Chair Eric Reid or Executive Director Cate O’Keefe and email them to comments@nefmc.org.
 
MATERIALS:  All documents for this meeting will be posted on the SSC July 30-31, 2024 meeting webpage.
 
QUESTIONS:  Contact Dr. Rachel Feeney at (978) 465-0492, ext. 110, rfeeney@nefmc.org or Janice Plante at (607) 592-4817, jplante@nefmc.org.

ASMFC 2024 Summer Meeting Final Agenda and Materials Now Available

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

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Summer Meeting will be August 6 – 8, 2024 at The Westin Crystal City. This will be a hybrid meeting (both in-person and remote) to allow for participation by Commissioners and interested stakeholders. The room block is now closed; if you need assistance reserving a room, please contact Lisa Carty at lcarty@asmfc.org . The Summer Meeting final agenda and meeting materials are available at http://www.asmfc.org/home/2024-summer-meeting. For ease of access, all main board materials have been combined into 2 documents: August 6 Meeting Materials & August 7 & 8 Materials. Please note that due to its file size, only the Assessment Peer Review and the Terms of Reference section of the River Herring Benchmark Stock Assessment have been included in the Shad and River Herring Management Board materials. However, full versions of the assessment and its appendices can be found here.

The agenda is subject to change. The agenda reflects the current estimate of time required for scheduled Board meetings. The Commission may adjust this agenda in accordance with the actual duration of Board meetings. Interested parties should anticipate Boards starting earlier or later than indicated herein.
 
Webinar Information 
Meeting proceedings will be broadcast daily via webinar beginning Tuesday, August 6 at 9 AM and continuing daily until the conclusion of the meeting (expected to be 10:30 AM on Thursday, August 8). To register for the webinar, please go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7224724220521378647 (Webinar ID 325-845-475)
 
If you are joining the webinar but will not be using voice over internet protocol (VoIP), you can may also call in at +1.415.655.0052, access code 565-335-899. 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.
 
Each day, the webinar will begin 15 minutes prior to the start of the first 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.
 
Meeting Process 
Board chairs will ask both in-person and virtual board members if they wish to speak. In-person members can simply raise their hands at the meeting without logging on to the webinar, while virtual members will raise their hands on the webinar. The chair will work with staff to compile the list of speakers, balancing the flow of questions/comments between in-person and virtual attendees. The same process will be used for public comment. 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.
 
Public Comment Guidelines
To provide 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 opportunities to the public to bring matters of concern to the board’s attention at the start of each board meeting. Board chairs 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, board chairs will provide limited opportunity for comment, taking into account the time allotted on the agenda for the topic. 
Chairs will have flexibility in deciding how to allocate comment opportunities; this could include hearing one comment in favor and one in opposition until the chair is satisfied further comments 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, board chairs have 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 comments 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 start of a meeting week (July 15) will be included in the briefing materials.
2.   Comments received by 5 PM on Tuesday, July 30 will be included in supplemental materials.
3.   Comments received by 10 AM on Friday, August 2 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. Additionally, if submitting public comment in a video format, the video needs to be a URL link. As with other public comment, it will be accepted via mail and email.
 
We look forward to seeing you at the Summer Meeting!

Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council to Meet August 12-15, 2024, in Philadelphia, PA

July 24, 2024 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council will meet Monday, August 12 – Thursday, August 15, 2024 at The Westin Philadelphia in Philadelphia, PA. This will be an in-person meeting with a virtual option. Council members, other meeting participants, and members of the public will have the option to participate in person or virtually via Webex webinar. 

Briefing Materials: Please see the August 2024 Council Meeting Page for webinar details, briefing materials (as they become available), and other updates.

Public Comments: Public comments will be accepted from in-person and remote participants on all major agenda items. Written comments can be submitted through the comment portal or by email to cmoore@mafmc.org. The deadline for comments to be included in the briefing book is 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Comments submitted after this deadline and before 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, August 8, 2024, will be posted as supplemental materials on the meeting page. After the supplemental comment deadline, comments may only be submitted via the comment form (no email).

Live Stream: The meeting will be live streamed to the Council’s YouTube channel.

Agenda Overview

Visit the meeting page for additional details. 

Monday, August 12

1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Swearing in of New Council Members / Election of officers

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. 2025-2027 Golden Tilefish Specifications

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. 2025 Blueline Tilefish Specifications

3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Electronic Monitoring and Reporting Grant Program

4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. NOAA Fisheries Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management Road Map

4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel Updates

Tuesday, August 13

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Council Process Review – Final Report

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 2025 Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Specifications

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. ———- LUNCH ———-

1:00 p.m. Council Convenes with the ASMFC Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Management Board

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. MRIP Update and Listening Session

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. 2025 Summer Flounder Specifications

3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Summer Flounder Mesh Exemptions Framework/Addendum

4:30 p.m. Council and Board Adjourn

Wednesday, August 14

9:00 a.m. Council Convenes with the ASMFC Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Management Board

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. 2025 Scup Specifications

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 2025 Black Sea Bass Specifications

11:30 a.m. Council Adjourns

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ASMFC Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Board Only – FMP Review and Vice-Chair Election

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. ———- LUNCH ———-

1:00 p.m. Council Convenes with ASMFC Interstate Fishery Management Program Policy Board

1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Recreational Measures Setting Process Framework/Addenda – Approve draft addenda for public comment

3:30 p.m. Council Convenes with ASMFC Bluefish Management Board

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 2025 Bluefish Specifications

5:00 p.m. Council Adjourns

5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. ASMFC Bluefish Board Only – FMP Review and Vice-Chair Election

Thursday, August 15

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Business Session

  • Committee Reports
  • Executive Director’s Report
  • Organization Reports: NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Office of General Counsel, NOAA Office of Law Enforcement, US Coast Guard
  • Liaison Reports
  • Other Business and General Public Comment

Groundfish: Council Continues Work on Atlantic Cod Transition Planning; SSC to Consider OFLs & ABCs for New Cod Stock Units

July 23, 2024 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council will be working throughout the summer on several groundfish actions that will guide the next few fishing years and set the course for Atlantic cod management based on a new understanding of cod stock structure and results from recent assessments. Here’s a snapshot of what’s under development.

• AMENDMENT 25: Amendment 25 to the Northeast Multispecies (Groundfish) Fishery Management Plan (FMP) is being developed to incorporate four new Atlantic cod stock units into the FMP. The Council is expected to take final action on Amendment 25 during its September 24-26, 2024 meeting in Gloucester. If approved by NOAA Fisheries, this amendment will add the four new cod stock units to the groundfish complex as defined for stock assessment purposes:

• Eastern Gulf of Maine cod;

• Western Gulf of Maine cod;

• Georges Bank cod as a revised stock unit; and

• Southern New England cod.

An outline of the Amendment 25 draft alternatives is posted here.

• FRAMEWORK ADJUSTMENT 69: The Council initiated Framework 69 during its June 2024 meeting. The list of draft framework measures is outlined in the box on page 2 and in this outline. Fishing year 2025-2027 specifications for the four new cod stock units will be established through this framework. The Council also will consider options for prorating commercial and recreational catch limits from the four cod stock units to the two current management units – Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank. The management units will not change under Framework 69, just the stock units.

 

Council Approves Scallop RSA Program Changes and 2025-2027 RSA Priorities; Initiates Framework 39; Discusses Wind, Surveys

July 11, 2024 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council approved several changes to the Scallop Research Set-Aside (RSA) Program when it met June 24-27, 2024 in Freeport, Maine. It also initiated Framework 39 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan and discussed survey and offshore wind activities.

SCALLOP RSA PROGRAM: The Scallop RSA Program, which began in 1999, supports 10-15 projects each year using 1.275 million pounds of scallops that are “set aside” during the specifications process to support research. The Council sets research priorities, while the Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (GARFO) of NOAA Fisheries administers the competitive grant process. Up to now, the Council has been approving RSA priorities on an annual basis. At the June meeting, building on a recommendation from its Scallop Committee and Scallop Advisory Panel, the Council agreed to set RSA priorities for two years at a time going forward. GARFO will continue to announce annual funding opportunities.

RSA priorities cover a wide scope and have changed little in recent years. Resource surveys routinely top the list as the highest priority. As action items, the Council:

• Approved RSA priorities for the next two grant cycles covering 2025-2026 and 2026- 2027 as listed in the table at right (GARFO’s Notice of Funding Opportunity for the 2025-2026 cycle is expected to come out in mid-July 2024);

• Approved updates to the Scallop RSA Program Policy outlined in the Council’s Operations Handbook; and

• Voted to ask NOAA Fisheries to allow scallop enhancement research to be funded for up to three years with an option for a one-year extension.

Additionally, based on action the Council and GARFO took in 2023, regional scallop surveys used for stock assessments and specification-setting can be funded for up to four years – with an option for a one-year extension for completing grant reports and data analysis. A breakdown of the RSA categories funded for the 2024-2025 cycle is shown in the table below.

The Council also received preliminary highlights from the 2024 RSA survey season, which showed some signs of recruitment on Stellwagen Bank in the Gulf of Maine, portions of Georges Bank, and selected areas of the Mid-Atlantic. Early 2024 fishery performance has been mixed, with catch rates on open bottom being the lowest in five years. More information can be found in this presentation