Management & Regulation

The New England Fishery Management Council issued the following release:

At its meeting in Portland, ME this week, the New England Fishery Management Council formally began the development of new management measures that could affect both commercial and recreational fishermen who participate in the region’s groundfish fishery. Referred to as Framework Adjustment 45 to the Northeast Multispecies (Groundfish) Fishery Management Plan, new measures discussed could mitigate some of the negative impacts being experienced by several “sectors” and the “common pool” fishery organized under the rules of the newly implemented catch share program, Amendment 16 to the Groundfish Plan.

Issues identified included the following, beginning with a request to the Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee to review any new data collected and determine whether these would affect the current allowable biological catch (ABC) recommendation for winter flounder:

·        Adopting new status determination criteria for pollock, and setting a new allowable biological catch and annual catch limit for 2011-2012 –- a change that could result in an increase in pollock catches.

·        Modifying the Georges Bank yellowtail flounder rebuilding strategy – possibly resulting in a longer rebuilding period with less negative consequences for fishermen.

·        Adopting new sectors based on requests received by May 1, 2010.

·        Exempting Handgear A and B permits from dockside monitoring requirements (currently scheduled to be effective in fishing year 2012 for common pool vessels).

·        Protecting spawning cod aggregations; during this very preliminary discussion, the action was intended to apply to specifically identified aggregations targeted by recreational fishermen in the Ipswich Bay/Whaleback areas of Mass Bay and sector vessels fishing in blocks 132 and 133; it also could include a May and June prohibition of cod possession by recreational fishermen in defined areas of blocks 132 and 133, or a closure of these areas to recreational fishermen, and removal of the sector exemption from the June rolling closure in blocks 132 and 133.

·        Allowing General Category scallop dredge vessels to fish in the Great South Channel area year round (remove the current seasonal prohibition during yellowtail flounder spawning).

The Council also voted to reaffirm the existing control date for Northeast Multispecies party/charter permits (March 30, 2006). While there was recognition that it needed to address the management concerns of the party/charter industry, the development of additional party/charter measures will be determined through the Council’s priority setting process.

Fish Facts: Georges Bank haddock and Gulf of Maine haddock are rebuilt and are being harvested at sustainable levels. Gulf of Maine cod is no longer overfished and is at a stock size that has not been seen in 30 years. Acadian redfish is very close to or fully rebuilt, although that determination awaits confirmation by a stock assessment. While they are not fully rebuilt, increases in many of the stocks in the groundfish complex are being observed for the first time in nearly a decade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal commercial fishing officials will visit Narragansett on Monday to meet with fishermen about a dramatically revised and controversial management program that began May 1.

The National Marine Fisheries Service is holding sessions around the Northeast to “solicit further feedback” from the industry and to offer training on some of its technical requirements. These include electronic systems for regulators to track the location of vessels and for vessels to instantly report fish catches.

Under the new system, vessel owners are awarded a share of how much they may catch of each industrywide quota for bottom-dwelling “groundfish.” The new system also establishes cooperatives, called “sectors,” in which fishermen pool their shares together to more efficiently harvest fish and bring their catch to market.

Read the complete story from The Providence Journal.

 

 

 

 

 

Another "buona Fiesta" is now history. And that term seemed especially fitting for the 83rd edition that concluded Sunday night, with good weather opening the door to fuller crowds than the St. Peter's Fiesta has seen in recent years.

But before Gloucester's five-day celebration fades — before this year's Blessing of the Fleet, carried out Sunday afternoon, is committed to memory — let's hope all of those who took in this year's festivities realize the uphill struggles today's fishing industry faces.

For it is now — with the crowds gone, the altar being taken down, and the Greasy Pole empty for another year — that our fishermen here in Gloucester and around the nation need our help. And while no one can doubt the power of prayer, those offered yesterday at the outdoor Mass, during the formal Blessing, and throughout the procession route cannot alone provide the kind of help that's needed.

Read the complete story at The Gloucester Times.

 

 

 

 

 

The Gerry E. Studds Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is considered a jewel of New England coastal waters. Its 842-square-mile ecosystem is about three times more productive than the Gulf of Maine and twice as productive as Georges Bank, with over 575 known species of animals.

But it is also extremely vulnerable, bisected by one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, and the location of one of the nation's most valuable fishing grounds. It is also close to a major population center, metropolitan Boston, and is considered one of the world's great whale-watching venues. Given that level of demand, many breathed a sigh of relief when, after a decade of waiting, sanctuary officials released their first management plan last week that lays out how to address the various threats to its continued health.

Instead of proposing new regulations that could be enacted to protect the sanctuary, the new plan sets up so-called action plans that identify the threats, the needs for research and consensus building, as well as the agencies that should be involved in any future regulations.

Read the complete story from The Cape Cod Times.

 

 

 

 

 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced on June 23, 2010 that the jointly managed (Mid-Atlantic and New England Councils) spiny dogfish stock has been rebuilt.

The consequence of this success is that the federal waters catch level for the dogfish fishery will increase from 12 million pounds to 15 million pounds this year.  This revised catch level is consistent with the level set by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) for state waters.  Vessel trip limits will remain at 3,000 pounds for the fishing year from May 1, 2010 to April 30, 2011.

Read the complete story at Ahab's Journal.

 

 

 

NOAA has published regulations for the scallop fishery for 2010.  The rules, which include measures covering closed areas starting June 15, were not published until June 23, causing uncertainty and frustration in the industry.

June 23, 2010 – NOAA today announced new measures to prevent overfishing of Atlantic sea scallops and to better protect threatened and endangered sea turtles from unintentional capture in sea scallop dredges.

This year, there will be a slight decline in the number of fishing days allotted to full-time fishermen, from 42 to 38 days, and a proportional decline in available fishing days for part-time fishermen. The Nantucket Lightship management area will be opened for controlled harvest and the Elephant Trunk and Delmarva areas will remain open.

To minimize risks to sea turtles, the number of trips taken by full-time vessels into the latter two areas that are in mid-Atlantic waters will be restricted, with no more than two trips allowed between June 15 and August 31. In addition, no scallop vessels may fish in those management areas in September and October.

Also, to provide more business options to the fishing industry, fishermen with an individual fishing quota will now be able to lease a portion of their allocation to other permitted fishermen.

Sixteen public hearings were held between March and November 2009 and comments were considered before the new scallop measures were finalized. Scallop rules are updated regularly.

“We are reducing the overall fishing effort and expect to see a shift in fishing activity out of the Mid-Atlantic,” said Patricia Kurkul, NOAA’s Fisheries Service northeast regional administrator. “This will help keep the scallop resource healthy by preventing localized depletion of scallops and also reduce risks posed to sea turtles, which can be unintentionally captured in scallop gear where they can be seriously injured or drown.”

Atlantic sea scallops are managed through a combination of approaches. A small portion of the industry is made up of vessels with an individual allocation of the annual catch, also called an individual fishing quota. The remaining vessels are allocated a specific number of fishing days to be used inside and outside of defined rotational management areas.

Under rotational management, areas of the ocean containing highly productive sea scallop beds are periodically closed for a year or more to allow sea scallops to grow to maturity, then reopened for controlled harvest. Larger sea scallops are more valuable than smaller ones, both for landings and as breeders that replenish the population. This system is a good way to maximize both the economic and biological value of large, mature sea scallops.

The Commerce Department has issued the following release: The Commerce Department today announced the appointment of 19 new and returning members to the eight regional fishery management councils – important partners with NOAA’s Fisheries Service in determining how ocean fisheries are managed.

The councils, established by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, prepare fishery management plans for marine fish stocks in their regions. The councils fulfill the act’s charge to end and prevent overfishing and rebuild fish stocks to ensure sustainable fisheries. NOAA’s Fisheries Service works closely with the councils during plan development and also reviews, approves and implements the management plans developed by the councils.

“The councils play a very important role in fish management. I’m pleased today to be able to announce our new and returning members to the councils,” said Eric Schwaab, NOAA assistant administrator for NOAA’s Fisheries Service. “The individuals selected for the councils are keenly qualified for these important positions. They are the experts–fishermen and scientists, leaders in their regions –who will help us achieve sustainable fisheries and maintain vibrant fishing communities.”

Council members represent diverse constituents including commercial and recreational fisheries, environmental interests and academia. Each year, the secretary of Commerce selects approximately one-third of the total of 72 appointed members to the eight regional councils. Nineteen are being named or reappointed for the next term, which begins on August 11.

Each year, NOAA’s Fisheries Service solicits nominations from the governors of fishing states, and oversees the annual appointment process. The secretary must select council members from the list of nominees provided by the governors to fill obligatory and at-large seats that have become available due to an expiring term, a resignation or other reasons. Obligatory seats are state-specific, while at-large seats can be filled by a person from any of the states in the region. Council members serve three-year terms, and may be reappointed to serve up to three consecutive terms. Approximately one-third of the terms expire annually. An asterisk (*) indicates a reappointment.

New England Council
The New England Council includes members from the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. The appointees for 2010 fill an obligatory seat for New Hampshire and two at-large seats.

Obligatory seat:
*David T. Goethel (N.H.)

At-large seats:
*Colin “Rip” M. Cunningham Jr. (Mass.)
*Francis “Frank” W. Blount Jr. (R.I.)

Mid-Atlantic Council
The Mid-Atlantic Council includes members from the states of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia. The appointees for 2010 fill an obligatory seat for Delaware and three at-large seats.

Obligatory seat:
*Lee G. Anderson (Del.)

At-large seats:
*Richard “Rick” B. Robins Jr. (Va.)
*Erling A. Berg (N.J.)
Stephen E. Linhard (Md.)

South Atlantic Council
The South Atlantic Council includes members from the states of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. The appointees for 2010 fill obligatory seats for North Carolina and South Carolina.

Obligatory seats:
Thomas E. Burgess (N.C.)
*Thomas L. Swatzel III (S.C.)

Caribbean Council
The Caribbean Council includes members from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The appointee for 2010 fills one at-large seat.

At-large seat:
*Winston J. Ledee (U.S.V.I.)

Gulf Council
The Gulf Council includes members from the states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. The appointees for 2010 fill obligatory seats for Texas and Mississippi and one at-large seat.

Obligatory seats:
Douglass W. Boyd (Tex.)
*Harolyn K. “Kay” Williams (Miss.)

At-large seat:
Lawrence “Larry” G. Abele (Fla.)

Pacific Council
The Pacific Council includes members from the states of California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The appointees for 2010 fill an obligatory seat for Idaho and one
at-large seat.

Obligatory seat:
Herbert “Herb” A. Pollard II (Idaho)

At-large seat:
*Danny "Dan" L. Wolford (Calif.)

North Pacific Council
The North Pacific Council includes members from the states of Alaska and Washington. The appointees for 2010 fill two obligatory seats for Alaska.

Obligatory seats:
*Duncan S. Fields (Alaska)
*Samuel “Sam” R. Cotten (Alaska)

Western Pacific Council
The Western Pacific Council includes members from the American-flagged Pacific islands of American Samoa and Guam, the state of Hawaii and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The appointees for 2010 fill two at-large seats.

At-large seats:
*William A. Sword (A.S.)
Julie A. K. Leialoha (Hawaii)

The New England Fishery Management Council is conducting public hearings to solicit comments on Draft Amendment 15 and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) to the Atlantic Scallop Fishery Management Plan. The draft amendment and DEIS, as well as a public hearing document, are available on the Council’s website (www.nefmc.org), or may be obtained by contacting the Council office.

Portland, Maine

Monday, July 12, 2010

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.  

Holiday Inn by the Bay

88 Spring Street

Portland, ME  04101

Phone: (207) 775-2311 

Fairhaven, Massachusetts

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.   Seaport Inn

110 Middle Street

Fairhaven, MA 02719

Phone: (508) 997-1281 

Chatham, Massachusetts

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Chatham Bars Inn

297 Shore Road

Chatham, MA 02633

Phone: (508) 945-0096 

New London, Connecticut

Monday, July 19, 2010

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Radisson Hotel

35 Governor Winthrop Boulevard

New London, CT 06320

Phone: (860) 443-7000 

Cape May, New Jersey

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.  

Congress Hall

251 Beach Avenue

Cape May, NJ  08204

Phone: (609) 884-8421 

Newport News, Virginia

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.  

Omni Newport News Hotel

1000 Omni Boulevard

Newport News, VA 23606

Phone: (757) 873-6664 

Council staff will provide information on the status of Draft Amendment 15 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan.

Outstanding issues, the timetable, and opportunities for public input will be discussed.  There will be time available for questions and answers.

Written comments on the draft amendment and DEIS may be sent to Patricia Kurkul, Regional Administrator, NMFS, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930. Comments may also be sent via fax to (978) 281-9135 or submitted via e-mail to amendment15@noaa.gov with “Comments on Scallop Draft Amendment 15” in the subject line.

 

 

 

 

 

Federal regulators are looking to allow fishermen to catch nearly six times the original limit of a key groundfish stock after fishermen said it was set so low it would sabotage the Northeast industry.

The National Marine Fisheries Service said Wednesday that a preliminary analysis of new science indicates fishermen can catch about 35 million pounds of pollock this year without overfishing the stock. The current allotment is about 6 million pounds.

The fisheries service is now working on an emergency change to the pollock limit, which could be completed by July if the early numbers hold up, according to a NMFS spokeswoman.

Read the complete story from the AP at WBZ 38.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Brian Rothschild, a professor at UMass Dartmouth's School of Marine Science and Technology, has been a frequent critic of government fisheries policy. "First of all, this is good news for the fishermen," he said. "But you go to bed at night with X fish and you wake up with 5X?

"They set the limits after doing survey tows that concluded there were no pollock. But the fishermen said they were wrong, and it turned out the pollock were swimming above the survey nets. So they went back again and now this is the result. What is going on?"

"Somebody has to take a step back," seafood consultant Jim Kendall told The Standard-Times. "How far off can fishery science be when they come in with an assessment that shows they were 500 percent off in the beginning? That's the best science? Please. And remember, they didn't want to take a second look at it. They were forced into it only because people were so adamant that they were wrong."

Catch limits in New England, along with the new sectors plan for fishery management, have become mired in controversy since they were implemented May 1. After numerous meetings between fishermen and representatives from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, New Bedford and Gloucester joined a federal lawsuit to fight the imposition of a management system that they claim will collapse the industry.

There are a total of 15 named plaintiffs in the suit, including fishermen's groups in New Hampshire and Rhode Island, and several of the fish houses in New Bedford. The lawsuit contends that regulators failed to consider the economic impact on local communities before implementing sector management and catch shares.

Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., has filed an amicus brief on behalf of the fishing industry. On Tuesday, Gov. Deval Patrick announced that he also has filed an amicus brief backing the industry's position.

"His view is that the federal catch limits are unduly severe and the preparation for catch shares inadequate," Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Ian Bowles said in a press release.

Richie Canastra of the Whaling City Seafood Display Auction, a plaintiff in the suit, said that although the adjustment will be welcomed by the industry, its scale will only raise more questions about catch limits and sector management.

"This should have been done before they went ahead with introducing the new management system," he said. "It's another example of the 'Ready, fire, aim' system we're dealing with.

"People made business decisions based on what they were told previously, and now they're saying we've got more fish," Canastra said.

Read the complete story at The South Coast Today [subscription site]

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