ARLINGTON, Va. — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:
Atlantic coastal states from Maine to Maryland have scheduled their hearings to gather public comment on the Public Information Document (PID) for the Draft Fishery Management Plan for Cancer Crab. The dates, times, and locations of the scheduled hearings follow.
Maine Department of Marine Resources
September 22, 2014; 6 PM
Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal
Conference Room
56 Commercial Street
Portland, Maine
Contact: Terry Stockwell at 207.624.6553
Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries
September 24, 2014; 6 – 8 PM
Fairfield Inn and Suites, Vineyard Room
185 McArthur Drive
New Bedford, Massachusetts
Contact: Dan McKiernan at 617.626.1536
Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife
September 25, 2014; 6 PM
URI Narragansett Bay Campus,
Coastal Institute Auditorium
South Ferry Road
Narragansett, Rhode Island
Contact: Jeff Mercer at 401.423.1937
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
September 15, 2014; 7PM
Marine Headquarters
333 Ferry Road
Old Lyme Connecticut
Contact: Colleen Giannini at 860.447.4308
Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources
September 24, 2014; 5 PM
Ocean Pines Branch Library
11107 Cathell Road
Berlin, Maryland
Contact: Craig Weedon at 410.643.4601 x 2113
As the first step in the development of a FMP, the PID seeks public input on information concerning Cancer crab fisheries, including the identification of major issues and options relative to the management of these species. The PID was initiated in response to concern about increasing targeted fishing pressure for Jonah crab and rock crab (collectively referred to as Cancer crab). Both species have long been considered a bycatch in the lobster fishery, however, growing market demand has doubled landings in the past seven years. Landings of both species in 2012 was over 12 million pounds and estimated to be worth over $9 million. Given the absence of state and federal management programs and stock assessments for Cancer crab, there is concern the current harvest may compromise the sustainability of the resource.
Fishermen and other interested groups are encouraged to provide input on the PID either by attending state public hearings or providing written comment. The PID is available at http://www.asmfc.org/files/PublicInput/Crab_PID_forPublicComment_Aug2014.pdf and can also be accessed on the Commission website (www.asmfc.org ) under Public Input. Public comment will be accepted until 5:00 PM (EST) on October 3, 2014 and should be forwarded to Kate Taylor, Senior FMP Coordinator, 1050 N. Highland St, Suite A-N, Arlington, VA 22201; 703.842.0741 (FAX) or at ktaylor@asmfc.org (Subject line: Cancer Crabs). For more information, please contact Kate Taylor, at ktaylor@asmfc.org or 703.842.0740.
Press Contact: TINA BERGER, 703.842.0740