Washington

Fisheries are on the receiving end of federal dollars, instead of the other way around. As congressional lawmakers slash budgets in D.C., money for all-important fishery stock assessments was actually increased from $51 million to $67 million for the next fiscal year, the amount requested by President Barack Obama.

The money was included as part of a Commerce, Justice and Science subcommittee appropriations bill that passed in a bipartisan vote late last week. Despite the fisheries increase, the bill is $600 million below the amount in fiscal year 2011 and $5 billion below the president's request, said Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a CJS subcommittee member.

"The overall appropriations account is dramatically reduced, so the fact that we were able to increase our fisheries dollars is really quite significant. I was very pleased," Murkowski said in a phone interview from her Senate office.

One big NOAA budget item that was zeroed out drew sighs of relief from Alaska's two senators — ocean zoning, or "marine spatial planning." The plan, which would affect all users and uses on and beneath the oceans, was a priority in the president's national ocean policy, with a price tag of $60 million.

Read the complete story from The Anchorage Daily News

 

 

 

 

 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is readying a high-profile response to a U.S. Senate coalition request for improvements and reforms to the mechanics tied to the catch share fishing regulatory system that's widely being viewed as a prime reason for a consolidation of New England's fishing fleet, and the loss of jobs and businesses within in industry.

Numerous blunt recommendations were made in a July 26 letter from the U.S. senators of four New England States.

These include reducing the cost of on-board monitors, elimination of leftover effort controls fro the past management system — such as closed areas for non-harmful gear types — better data and data management, increased attention to socio-economic implications of management policies, and access to unused quota.

The senators also expressed concerns about a permit bank system that was rolled out by NOAA administrator Jane Lubchenco without any vetting or analysis at the New England Fishery Management Council; the senators also asked for input by the industry in political appointments connected to fishery management.

Read the complete story by Richard Gaines in The Gloucester Times

 

 

 

 

 

WASHINGTON (Saving Seafood) September 16, 2011- The National Marine Fisheries Service has announced it will not accept a proposed rule to upgrade the classification of loggerhead sea turtles from threatened to endangered.

The decision is a victory for the commercial fishing industry, and particularly for fishermen in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico who target sea scallops and shrimp.

"It means the industry is not facing the prospect of more stringent restrictions," said Andrew Minkiewicz, a lawyer who represents fishing industry advocacy group Fisheries Survival Fund. "There are millions of turtles out there."

Loggerheads were classified in 1978 as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

In 2007, a petition was filed with federal agencies to list North Atlantic loggerheads as endangered.  The petition was supported by environmental groups.

In March 2010, after a biological review of the stocks, agencies under the Department of Commerce determined there are nine distinct stocks of loggerhead turtles.  The agency proposed a rule that would upgrade North Atlantic loggerheads from a threatened to an endangered species.

Congressman Walter  Jones (R-NC) and Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) led a congressional effort to demonstrate to the agency that the proposed listing was unwarranted because the federal government’s own science suggests that the population of loggerhead turtles in waters off the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the United States is in the millions to tens of millions.  The two members of Congress emphasized that because the Loggerhead turtle has been listed as “threatened” under the ESA for years, numerous fisheries restrictions have already been put in place that have greatly reduced harmful interactions between fishermen and turtles.  These restrictions have played a significant role in the recovery of Loggerhead turtles, and will continue to be in place without an up-listing. 

In addition, Jones and former Texas Congressman Solomon Ortiz, have pushed the agency to perform aerial surveys to determine the abundance of turtles actually in the water, and to use that information to supplement existing data on the number of turtle nests found on ocean beaches.  That new aerial survey data was helpful in making the case that loggerhead turtles are not endangered.     

“All of us are for protecting sea turtles, and everyone is happy to see that turtle populations are improving,” Congressman Jones said.  “Fishermen have played a key role in that recovery, as they have been required to live under significant restrictions.  The question was whether adding even more protection was necessary, and I’m glad the agency agreed that the science showed that it isn’t.”

Congressman Barney Frank said "I'm pleased that NOAA made this decision based on good science, and I look forward to continuing with Congressmen Jones and other Members of Congress in a bipartisan way."

The rule was opposed by the fishing industry and members of Congress, who claimed data showed loggerhead populations were not near collapse. They also said the change in status could result in more stringent fishing regulations for scallop and shrimp fishermen, who sometimes catch turtles unintentionally.

Congressional staff and industry observers said the rule could have resulted in fines, gear modification and restrictions on when and where fishermen can fish.

The industry said today's decision was based on sound science that was funded, in part, by fishing industry revenue.

Under law, a percent of  revenue from scallop landings goes toward funding fisheries research, said Minkiewicz. He said the industry contributes about $14 million yearly.

Shaun Gehan, also a lawyer representing the Fisheries Survival Fund, said data showed turtle populations are growing.

"A population with animals in the millions, or tens of millions, is not a species that qualifies as endangered under the law," said Gehan. "We think this is the right decision."

Read the Fisheries Survival Fund letter in opposition to uplisting 

January 2011 letter and June reply

In January 2011, fifteen members of Congress and the Senate wrote to then-Commerce Secretary Gary Locke asking questions about the proposed uplisting.  In June, NMFS cheif Eric Schwaab responded.

Read the NMFS/FWS presentation on uplisting proposal

Starting on page 13 there is a discussion of the position of those in the agencies that do not believe an "up-listing" to be warranted.  Key among these is that all data, including the aerial survey   undertaken last year, indicates a population of loggerheads "in the millions to 10's of millions," and  that there is no chance of extinction over the next hundred years, even assuming a declining population trend. 

Barney Frank / Walter Jones letter in opposition to uplisting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following was released from NOAA:

NOAA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a final rule today changing the listing of loggerhead sea turtles under the Endangered Species Act from a single threatened species to nine distinct population segments listed as either threatened or endangered.
          
Scientists believe this will help focus their sea turtle conservation efforts to the specific needs of the distinct populations. NOAA and FWS share jurisdiction for loggerhead sea turtles listed under the ESA.
 
“This division of loggerhead sea turtles into nine distinct population segments will help us focus more on the individual threats turtles face in different areas,” said Jim Lecky, NOAA Fisheries director of protected resources. “Wide-ranging species, such as the loggerhead, benefit from assessing and addressing threats on a regional scale.”
 
“Both agencies agreed that loggerhead sea turtle conservation benefits from an approach that recognizes regionally varying threats,” said Cindy Dohner, FWS southeast regional director. “Today’s listing of separate distinct population segments will help us better assess, monitor, and address threats, and evaluate conservation successes, on a regional scale.”
 
On March 16, 2010, the agencies proposed to list seven distinct population segments, also known as DPSs, as endangered and two as threatened. In the final rule issued today, five were listed as endangered and four as threatened.
 
Two of the final statuses, for the Southeast Indo-Pacific Ocean and Northwest Atlantic Ocean DPSs, were changed from endangered in the proposal to threatened. Scientists determined that the Southeast Indo-Pacific Ocean DPS is threatened because the majority of nesting occurs on protected lands and nesting trends appear to be stable. In addition, some of the fisheries bycatch effects appear to have been resolved through requirement of turtle excluder devices in shrimp trawlers, and longline fishery effort has declined due to fish stock decreases and economic reasons.
 
Scientists found that the Northwest Atlantic Ocean DPS is threatened based on review of nesting data available after the proposed rule was published, information provided in public comments to the proposed rule, and further analysis within the agencies. Even so, substantial conservation efforts are underway to address the threats to these DPSs.
 
Retaining their proposed status, five DPSs were listed as endangered–Northeast Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, North Indian Ocean, North Pacific Ocean and South Pacific Ocean–and two others were listed as threatened — South Atlantic Ocean and Southwest Indian Ocean..
 
Background
 
Loggerhead sea turtles were listed as threatened throughout their range in 1978. In 2008, a biological review team of scientists from NOAA, FWS and the states of Florida and North Carolina identified nine biologically discrete and significant DPSs. Since then, NOAA and FWS have been evaluating threats to and the status of each of the nine DPSs, to determine if they should be listed as threatened or endangered.
 
Under the ESA, an “endangered” species is “in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.” A ”threatened” species is “likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.”
 
On July 16, 2007, NOAA and FWS received a petition from the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) and Turtle Island Restoration Network requesting that loggerhead sea turtles in the North Pacific be reclassified as an endangered DPS, and that critical habitat be designated. On November 16, 2007, the agencies received a second petition from CBD and Oceana requesting similar action for Northwest Atlantic loggerhead sea turtles.
 
On November 16, 2007, and March 5, 2008, respectively, NOAA and FWS announced their 90-day findings that the requested actions may be warranted, and that they would proceed with an assessment of the loggerhead’s listing. This effort resulted in a formal status review of the loggerhead turtle in August 2009.
 
The biological review team, appointed by the agencies, assessed whether different populations met the criteria for designation as DPSs, looked at threats to the turtles, and assessed the extinction risks for each identified DPS. Nine scientists with expertise in loggerhead sea turtle biology, genetics and modeling independently reviewed the team’s report.
 
Following this detailed review, and an assessment in accordance with the statutory requirements of the ESA, the two agencies determined that the petitioned actions were warranted, and that seven other populations could also be identified as DPSs and listed separately as threatened or endangered. In March 2010, the two agencies published a Federal Register notice that included the 12-month petition findings and a proposed rule for all nine identified DPSs.
 
Both agencies solicited public comment on the proposed listing determinations, and received more than 109,000 comments.
 
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish and wildlife and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. Visit the service online at http://www.fws.gov or http://www.fws.gov/southeast/
 
NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Join us on Facebook,  Twitter and our other social media channels.

 

WASHINGTON, DC — September 13, 2011 – Today, a bipartisan group of Senators, announced the formation of the Senate Oceans Caucus.

The following is compiled from releases by various Senate offices:

With our oceans and coastal resources, and the economies and jobs they support, facing constant and increasingly direct pressure from a variety of sources, a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators today met to form a new Senate Oceans Caucus.  The Caucus will work to increase awareness and find common ground in responding to issues facing the oceans and coasts, which support millions of jobs in America and contribute an estimated $230 billion to the country’s GDP.

 Following today's inaugural meeting, the members announced that U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) will serve as Caucus Co-Chairs.  Senators Mark Begich (D-AK) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME), as Chair and Ranking Member of the Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard, will serve as Honorary Co-Chairs of the Senate Oceans Caucus to promote effective coordination with the subcommittee.  Other Caucus members are Daniel Akaka (D-HI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tom Carper (D-DE), Chris Coons (D-DE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Daniel Inouye (D-HI), John Kerry (D-MA), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

During today’s meeting the senators adopted a founding charter which lays out the principles for the Caucus, and specifically discussed the following issues: international and domestic fisheries policy, gaps in ocean science, and challenges to ocean and coastal resource management.

Maine Senator Olympia J. Snowe, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere and Coast Guard, said  said: “Indisputably, the health of our watersheds and oceans is inextricably linked to the sustainability of our economy in Maine and in coastal communities nationwide.  Throughout my tenure as Ranking Member on the Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard, I have worked to enhance management and protection of the nation's invaluable coastal and ocean resources.  The Senate Oceans Caucus is a major step forward in our recognition of the significant environmental and economic roles played by our oceans, and through this coordinated bipartisan effort that centralizes key priorities from all of our stakeholders and industries, our caucus has the potential to speak in a loud and unified voice on behalf of our coastal resources, yielding significant economic and environmental benefits for us all."  Senator Snowe continued, “Moreover, given the historical, environment and economic significance the groundfish fishery plays in New England, I know this caucus will provide a platform to provide lessons learned to other regions and also a chance to learn from others how we can best move forward for the benefit of our fishing industry.”

“The ocean plays a vital role in the Massachusetts economy, from our fishing industry to our ports and harbors, and tourism – all are very important to preserving and creating jobs,” said Massachusetts Senator Scott  Brown.  “As a founding member of the Senate Ocean Caucus, I look forward to discussing the important impact our oceans have on our economy as well as solutions to the challenges they face in a bipartisan and open forum.”

“I’m honored to join my colleagues today to announce the formation of the Senate Oceans Caucus,” said Senator Whitehouse.  “For coastal states like Rhode Island, our oceans are a vital part of our economy and our history, and we must take smart steps to manage and protect them as a resource for future generations.  This Caucus will work together on a bipartisan basis to help make that happen.”

“The Ocean Caucus will help focus attention on everything from laws that govern the seas, affect jobs and vital industries, concern our marine ecosystems, and protect our waters off Massachusetts,” said Senator Kerry.  “I’m proud to co-found this important effort here in the Senate.”

“I am proud to represent both the Pacific and Arctic Ocean interests as the Senate Oceans Caucus begins our important work,” said Senator Murkowski.  “To Alaskans, our vast coastlines connect us to our farms and our factories for growth – whether it’s our bountiful fisheries or resource opportunities.  To an outlying state like Alaska, it’s also our interstate highway system for shipping, tourism and commerce.  We must make bipartisan decisions today to guard them as they help feed our future growth.”

“The oceans drive Alaska’s economy though commercial, recreational and subsistence fishing, tourism and international commerce,” said Senator Begich. “I welcome the formation of this caucus and its bipartisan approach to dealing with the many challenges and opportunities of our oceans.  As chair of the Oceans and Fish subcommittee I am pleased to see the Senate focus on this important resource that impacts every single one of us, and people around the globe.”

“In my home state of Hawaii, we depend on the Pacific for food, shipping, recreation, and tourism,” said Senator Akaka.  “This caucus is an excellent opportunity to find common ground and drive local economies with healthy fishing, tourism, and manufacturing industries.”

“The Long Island Sound plays a central role in Connecticut’s economy and environmental landscape, and the Senate Oceans Caucus presents another opportunity to protect it. The Sound is truly a national treasure, and we must work diligently to preserve it, as we must with all of America’s coastline,” said Senator Blumenthal.  The maritime industry supports millions of jobs in Connecticut and across the country, and I look forward to working with this bipartisan caucus to protect our oceans, preserve ocean communities, and grow the industries they support.”

“Protecting our oceans is critical to California’s $23 billion coastal economy, which supports nearly 390,000 jobs in tourism, fishing and recreation,” said Senator Boxer.  “I am pleased to be part of the bipartisan Oceans Caucus, which will work to find common-sense solutions that protect our oceans and strengthen our economy and our coastal communities.”

“For centuries, the Pacific Ocean and Puget Sound have helped shape and define Washington state’s culture, people and way of living,” said Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), member of the Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard.  “Washington state’s coastal region has sustained entire industries for generations and today supports 162,000 jobs and generates $9.5 billion in economic activity.  In this new role, I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to preserve and restore our nation’s diverse marine resources to ensure they remain vibrant and bountiful for future generations.”

“Marylanders understand the essential role that water and our oceans have in a healthy economy and healthy environment.  I’m proud to be a part of this bipartisan effort to prioritize good stewardship of American waters so that they can sustain native fish, wildlife and our coastal economies for generations,” said Senator Ben Cardin, Chairman of the Senate Environmental and Public Works Water and Wildlife Subcommittee.

“Delaware enjoys many rewards as a coastal state. Each year, millions of residents and visitors relish our pristine shores, which helps create jobs and economic activity throughout the state,” said Senator Carper. “But with those rewards come many challenges. The state’s coast line and coastal communities face serious threats from climate change and rising sea levels – threats that other coastal states face as well. The Senate Oceans Caucus will bring together Members from ocean states to discuss how to work together to sustain and improve our oceans and the communities that depend on them for their livelihood.”

“Our oceans are important not only to the health of our planet, but to the economic vitality of our states,” Senator Coons said.  “Between tourism, recreation, energy, shipping and fishing, a wide variety of industries in my home state of Delaware are dependent on the seas.  The oceans are part of who we are, and we must do all we can to protect them.  That’s why I joined the Oceans Caucus, and why I look forward to working with my colleagues in exploring ways the Senate can help protect our oceans.”

“We in Hawaii know what it means to protect the ocean.  For us, the ocean is very important.  It is our home.  We live in the middle of it.  Caring for the ocean and being good stewards of our marine ecosystem is of the utmost importance to any island community and Hawaii is no different.  We must maintain the delicate balance between mankind’s evolution and pollution free oceans where marine life can thrive.  The sea provides us with so much. It gives us food and energy to power our way of life.  Research and scientific discoveries conducted at sea shape all aspects of our daily lives.  Our beaches help drive our economy by attracting visitors to Hawaii’s shores from around the world.  I look forward to participating in this caucus and working with my colleagues to ensure that the world’s oceans are protected,” said Senator Daniel K. Inouye.

“I am proud to join my Senate colleagues from so many different coastal states on this caucus focused on preserving the nation’s oceans.,” Sen. Landrieu said.  “These oceans and the coasts that join them are a precious resource that provide an enormous benefit to the economy.  Particularly along the Gulf Coast, which is the heart of America’s working coast, contributing $3 trillion to the national economy and 17% of the National GDP.  As a member of this caucus, I look forward to continuing my efforts to highlight the need to restore the Gulf Coast and ensure that Gulf coast states get their fair share of tax revenue collected from the oil and gas produced in the Gulf of Mexico.”

“I am honored to add my voice to this bipartisan caucus,” said Senator Patty Murray. “Healthy oceans and coastlines lead to sustainable, family wage jobs and the beautiful natural environment that we enjoy in Washington state. This caucus will ensure we have the opportunity to discuss these very important issues.”

The Senators were joined today by representatives from ocean and coastal organizations supporting their efforts, including the Consortium for Ocean Leadership, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA), the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), the National Federation of Regional Associations for Coastal and Ocean Observing (NFRA), and Ocean Champions.

 

 

WASHINGTON—Members of Congress are pushing to stop the Food and Drug Administration from approving genetically engineered salmon, saying not enough is known about a fish they say could harm fishery businesses in coastal states.

It appeared last year that the FDA might approve the engineered salmon quickly. But the congressional pushback and a lack of action by the FDA could mean the fish won't be on the nation's dinner tables any time soon.

The fish, which grows twice as fast as the conventional variety, is engineered by AquaBounty, a Massachusetts-based company, but not yet allowed on the market. The company's application has been pending for more than 15 years. If the agency approves it, it would be the first time the government allows such modified animals to be marketed for people to eat.

Congressional opposition to the engineered fish is led by members of the Alaska delegation. They see the modified salmon as a threat to the state's wild salmon industry.

Read the complete story from The Boston Globe

 

 

 

 

 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is readying a high-profile response to a U.S. Senate coalition request for improvements and reforms to the mechanics tied to the catch share fishing regulatory system that's widely being viewed as a prime reason for a consolidation of New England's fishing fleet, and the loss of jobs and businesses within in industry.

Numerous blunt recommendations were made in a July 26 letter from the U.S. senators of four New England States.

These include reducing the cost of on-board monitors, elimination of leftover effort controls fro the past management system — such as closed areas for non-harmful gear types — better data and data management, increased attention to socio-economic implications of management policies, and access to unused quota.

The senators also expressed concerns about a permit bank system that was rolled out by NOAA administrator Jane Lubchenco without any vetting or analysis at the New England Fishery Management Council; the senators also asked for input by the industry in political appointments connected to fishery management.

Read the complete story from The Gloucester Times

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sen. John Kerry's office today announced plans for an Oct. 3 Boston field hearing of the Senate Commerce Committee into the social and economic impacts of government fisheries policies.

The hearing will feature testimony by NOAA administrator Jane Lubchenco, as well as members of the fishing industry and government officials — including Mayors Carolyn Kirk of Gloucester and Scott Lang of New Bedford.

The two mayors and other officials and industry leaders have formed a legal bond in seeking to overturn portions of Amendment 16, which has radically re engineered the management system, brought in Lubchenco's controversial catch shares format, and is bringing about a new and rapid consolidation of the fleet.

Lubchenco's unavailability to the Senate Commerce Committee during the spring and summer led to more than one aborted scheduling of the hearing ,which Kerry promised to hold last winter after the administration declined to give legal credence to a report by the Massachusetts Fisheries Commission on the hardships created by Amendment 16. While the hearing will be in Boston, Kerry's office has not yet announced a specific location.

Read the complete story from The Gloucester Times

 

 

 

 

 

The following information was obtained from Sen. Kerry's office.

The hearing will be broken into two panels.  NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco will testify on one panel.  The other panel will  include fishermen and state fishery leaders and experts.
 
The aim of the hearing is to examine the first year of the catch share fisheries management plan, including its social and economic impacts, and discuss constructive steps forward to improve its outcomes.  
 
Senator Kerry will invite Senator Brown and the Massachusetts delegation, Mayors Lang and Kirk, and a host of other state and local leaders.
 
Additional background on the hearing:

More than a year after the implementation of Amendment 16 and its catch share fishery management plan, Senator Kerry will chair a hearing to explore the progress that has been made, the struggles that continue to plague the industry and the improvements that must be made to ensure a sustainable, profitable and well-managed ground fishery in New England. Pursuant to National Standard 8, assessing the performance of the catch share system requires an analysis of the social and economic impacts of the new management plan.
 
The Senator’s hearing will attempt to uncover the costs; including the government costs of subsidizing monitoring, both the at sea and on land job costs and the leasing costs associated with the program. It will seek to identify sectors and communities that have been adversely impacted during the first year of catch share management. Where such areas do exist, the hearing will explore programs, aid and scientific methods that may be employed to ameliorate these impacts.
 
With these goals in mind and utilizing the recommendations presented in the recently released Touchstone Consulting Review of the New England Fishery Management Process, the hearing will examine ways that NOAA, NMFS, the Science Center and the Regional Council can work to improve communications and relations with stakeholders, thereby strengthening overall fisheries management.

 

 

 

 

 

The following was released by Senator Snowe:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) commended an agreement signed today by NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco and Maria Damanaki, European Union commissioner for maritime affairs and fisheries that will enhance cooperative efforts to combat illegal and unregulated fishing worldwide.  Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing has robbed law-abiding fishermen worldwide of as much as $23 billion worth of seafood products each year and this agreement is the first bilateral step taken between the United States and European Union to combat the enduring epidemic.

The Senator Snowe, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard, said:

“Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing has undermined the tremendous sacrifice that Maine’s law-abiding fishermen have made to maintain and rebuild New England's historic fisheries. I hope the agreement announced today will level the playing field for our fishermen, because it is a tragedy that honest, hardworking American fishermen have been put at a competitive disadvantage, rather than rewarded for their efforts to sustain healthy fisheries for future generations.”