Saving Seafood

Science Center for Marine Fisheries Approves $100,000 in Research Grants for 2021

March 3, 2021 — The following was released by the Science Center for Marine Fisheries (SCEMFIS):

The Science Center for Marine Fisheries (SCEMFIS) has approved 4 new research projects, with $100,000 in funding, to start 2021. Approved at the Center’s annual winter meeting, the new projects will focus on improving data collection and scientific surveys in important finfish and shellfish fisheries.

These projects include efforts to improve how menhaden are tagged and tracked; analyzing the age and length composition of the chub mackerel population; improving clam dredge performance; and improving collection methods for surfclams and quahogs. All projects were approved by the SCEMFIS Industry Advisory Board (IAB), which is comprised of the Center’s industry partners in the finfish and shellfish fisheries.

SCEMFIS is a member of the National Science Foundation’s Industry-University Cooperative Research Centers (IUCRC) program, a federal initiative to bring together academic researchers and industry members to fund projects improving our understanding of economically important issues.

The following projects were approved at the winter meeting:

  • Understanding the utility of archived tag-recapture data for evaluation of movement and mortality estimation – As a changing climate forces species to shift geographical ranges, tracking population data and location has become increasingly important. The project, by Dr. Robert Leaf (University of Southern Mississippi), will directly address “high” priority needs listed in the menhaden stock assessment. ($19,874 in funding)
  • Characterization of the length and age composition of the Atlantic Chub Mackerel fishery in the mid-Atlantic for 2021 – In a collaboration with SeaFreeze Ltd. and Lund’s Fisheries Inc., this study, lead by Dr. Robert Leaf, will  characterize the age and length composition of Atlantic chub mackerel in the commercial fishery for the 2021 season. The project addresses the assessment’s needs to provide “adequate scientific information” for the Atlantic chub mackerel stock. ($14,035 in funding)
  • Development of Improved Clam Dredge System using Theory, CFD, and Experiment – This study, by Dr. Eric Powell (University of Southern Mississippi), will research potential improvements to the current clam dredge system, a system which has not been updated in decades. Dr. Powell plans to work with the Center for Water and the Environment at the University of Texas, Austin in order to improve the efficiency of dredge systems, increasing catch rates, reducing fuel consumption, and reducing engine emissions. ($65,634 in funding)
  • Design of a dredge for collection of juvenile Surfclams and Ocean quahogs – This study, lead by Dr. Eric Powell, will support shellfish research by improving collection methods for surfclams and ocean quahogs. The project will design a cost-effective dredge to sample juvenile ocean quahogs and surfclams for research and data collection. Improving juvenile clam sampling will provide a more accurate estimate of population size, frequency and recruitment for surfclams and quahogs. ($7,590 in funding)

Read the full release here

NOAA Fisheries Proposes Atlantic Chub Mackerel Measures

March 9, 2020 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

NOAA Fisheries proposes measures adopted by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council as part of Amendment 21 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan to manage chub mackerel.

Because a directed fishery for Atlantic chub mackerel recently emerged in the Mid-Atlantic, in 2018 the Mid-Atlantic Council implemented initial measures to maintain existing catch levels while it developed a long-term management approach. In the intervening three years, the Council has collected more detailed information on chub mackerel and has developed management measures to help achieve and maintain the sustainability of the chub mackerel resource.

This action would designate essential fish habitat; set catch limits for 2020-2022; and implement an annual catch limit, accountability measures, possession limits, permitting and reporting requirements, and other administrative measures for Atlantic chub mackerel caught from Maine through North Carolina.

For more details, please read the rule as published in the Federal Register.  Supporting analysis for this rule is available on the Council’s website.

The comments due date is April 8, 2020. To submit comments, please use the Federal e-rulemaking portal, or send comments by regular mail to Michael Pentony, Regional Administrator, National Marine Fisheries Service, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA, 01930. Please mark the outside of the envelope, “Comments on the Comments on Chub Mackerel Proposed Rule.”

Read the full release here

Council Approves Chub Mackerel Management Measures

March 11, 2019 — The following was published by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

At their meeting in Virginia Beach, VA last week, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council approved a suite of management measures for Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber colias) in federal waters from Maine through North Carolina. If approved by the Secretary of Commerce, the Chub Mackerel Amendment will add chub mackerel to the Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan.

The management measures approved by the Council include an annual total allowable landings limit of 4.50 million pounds, a 40,000 pound commercial possession limit when 90% of this limit is projected to be landed, and a 10,000 pound possession limit when 100% of this limit is projected to be landed. In addition, commercial fishermen will be required to have one of the existing federal commercial permits for longfin squid, Illex squid, Atlantic mackerel, or butterfish in order to retain any amounts of chub mackerel in federal waters from Maine through North Carolina. Fishermen who do not already have one of these permits can obtain one of the existing open access permits. Similarly, for-hire vessels will be required to have the mackerel, squid, butterfish party/charter permit in order to retain chub mackerel.

The Council developed these management measures to help ensure orderly growth and sustainability of the emerging chub mackerel fishery which recently developed in the mid-Atlantic and southern New England. In addition, Council management will help elevate the priority of data collection for this data-limited species. The Council has already taken steps to address an important data limitation by funding a study on the importance of chub mackerel in the diets of tunas, marlins, and other predators in the mid-Atlantic.

Questions? See http://www.mafmc.org/actions/chub-mackerel-amendment or contact Julia Beaty, Fishery Management Specialist, jbeaty@mafmc.org, (302)526-5250.

Science Center for Marine Fisheries Continues Work with New National Science Foundation Grant

January 23, 2019 — The following was released by the Science Center for Marine Fisheries:

Following the completion of its initial 5-year National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, the Science Center for Marine Fisheries (SCeMFiS) has been awarded a new Phase 2 grant by the NSF to continue its work. SCeMFiS will use the new grant to further its track record of quality, collaborative research with its fishing industry and academic partners.

The grant is part of NSF’s Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC) program, which was developed to initiate long-term partnerships among industry, academia, and government. SCeMFiS is the only Phase 2 IUCRC program dedicated exclusively to fisheries and marine science research.

“Our new Phase 2 grant will allow SCeMFiS researchers to continue our collaborative work with the fishing industry,” said Center Director Dr. Eric Powell, of the University of Southern Mississippi, one of the academic members of SCeMFiS. “The Phase 2 grant will enable SCeMFiS to continue to fund the groundbreaking research necessary to maintain healthy fish stocks and healthy fisheries at a time when reliance on the best available science is increasingly critical.”

As it moves into Phase 2, SCeMFiS will focus on reducing scientific uncertainty; the effects of climate change on fish stocks and fishing communities; resolving issues between fishing and offshore energy interests; and developing sound ecosystem-based fisheries management.

“Our priorities for Phase 2 reflect the biggest challenges in the future of the fishing industry,” said Center Site Director Dr. Roger Mann, of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, another SCeMFiS academic institution. “To meet these challenges, the industry and fisheries managers will need the kind of innovative research that SCeMFiS has regularly produced over the last 5 years.”

In its first 5 years, SCeMFiS has done groundbreaking research on finfish and shellfish. Among other projects, the Center produced the first age-frequency distributions for ocean quahog, one of the longest-lived species in the ocean. SCeMFiS scientists conducted the first benthic survey on important ocean habitat east of Nantucket, and mapped the shifting range of surfclams, documenting how climate change is beginning to affect the species.

SCeMFiS has also designed a pelagic survey for Atlantic menhaden and provided recommendations to improve port sampling for the species, carried out the only scientific work to date on Atlantic chub mackerel, and carried out an economic analysis for longfin squid.

All of these projects were reviewed, approved, and funded by the industry members on our Industry Advisory Board, who rely on sound science for the health of their fisheries and businesses.

“Fisheries management is only as good as the science it’s based on,” said Greg DiDomenico, Executive Director of the Garden State Seafood Association and a member of SCeMFiS’ Industry Advisory Board. “That’s why it’s so important for the fishing industry to maintain its partnership with SCeMFiS. We need to promote the best available science.”

Mid-Atlantic Council Solicits Public Input on Chub Mackerel Amendment

November 13, 2018 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is soliciting public input on a draft amendment to address management and conservation of chub mackerel off the U.S. east coast. Five public hearings will be held between December 3, 2018 and January 14, 2019. Written comments will be accepted through January 18, 2019.

The draft amendment considers adding Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber colias) as a “stock in the fishery” in the Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan. The amendment considers potential catch limits, accountability measures, and other conservation and management measures required for stocks in the fishery.

Members of the public are invited to comment on any aspect of the draft amendment. Following a review of comments received, the Council will choose preferred management measures and submit the amendment to the Secretary of Commerce for approval and publication of proposed and final rules, both of which have additional comment periods.

Additional information about the amendment and the management alternatives being considered can be found in the public hearing document available at http://www.mafmc.org/s/Chub-Mackerel-PHD.pdf. For more information about this action, visit www.mafmc.org/actions/chub-mackerel-amendment or contact Julia Beaty at jbeaty@mafmc.org or 302-526-5250.

Public Hearing Schedule

There will be five hearings with the following dates/times/locations:

  • Virginia Beach, VA. December 3, 2018, 6:00 – 7:30 pm. Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront. 3315 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451.
  • Berlin, MD. December 4, 2018, 6:00 – 7:30 pm. Worcester County Library – Ocean Pines Branch. 11107 Cathell Road, Berlin, MD 21811
  • Narragansett, RI. December 17, 2018, 6:00 – 7:30 pm. URI Bay Campus Corless Auditorium. 215 South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI 02882.
  • Cape May, NJ. December 18, 2018, 6:00 – 7:30 pm. Congress Hall Hotel. 200 Congress Place, Cape May, NJ 08204.
  • Webinar. January 14, 2019, 6:00 – 7:30 pm. Connection information is available at http://www.mafmc.org/council-events/

Written Comments

Written comments should be submitted by 11:59 pm on January 18, 2019, through one of the following methods:

Please include “Chub Mackerel Comments” in the subject line if using email or fax, or on the outside of the envelope if submitting written comments by mail.

Read the release here

 

Request for Proposals: Atlantic Chub Mackerel Stock Assessment

March 8, 2017 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council: 

Proposals Due April 30, 2017

The Mid‐Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) seeks a highly-qualified contractor to facilitate development of a quantitative stock assessment for Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber colias) to support development of management measures for chub mackerel fisheries.

View PDF Version >

Background

The Council initiated an amendment to consider adding Atlantic chub mackerel to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squids, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP). This amendment will require specification of status determination criteria for chub mackerel. Status determination criteria include the level of biomass which corresponds to an overfished status and the fishing mortality rate that, if exceeded, would result in overfishing (Fmsy or suitable proxy). These criteria form the basis for overfishing limits (OFLs) and acceptable biological catch (ABC) recommendations from the Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC). OFLs and ABCs are in turn used to develop annual catch limits.

These measures are required by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The Council’s Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) Guidance Document outlined additional considerations for management of forage species. Atlantic chub mackerel are considered a forage species due to their schooling behavior, relatively small size, and role as prey for a variety of predators. The EAFM Guidance Document states that the Council may consider using more restrictive status determination criteria for forage species than is otherwise required.

Status determinations for stocks managed by the Council are typically based on the results of peer-reviewed stock assessments developed through the Stock Assessment Workshop/Stock Assessment Review Committee (SAW/SARC) process, facilitated by the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC). Some species lack an analytical stock assessment, necessitating the use of data-limited methods.

There are no previously accepted stock assessments for Atlantic chub mackerel in the U.S. EEZ and the NEFSC has limited capacity to perform a chub mackerel stock assessment in a timeframe that would align with the planned timeline for development of this amendment. A data-limited approach may be required, given the limited amount of fisheries-independent and fisheries-dependent data on chub mackerel and the current lack of an analytical stock assessment. Given the limitations on the NEFSC’s ability to take on a chub mackerel stock assessment at this time, the Council plans to work with an outside contractor to develop analyses to support the development of status determination criteria, OFLs, and ABCs for chub mackerel.

Scope of Work

The contractor, supported by Council staff and partners with the National Marine Fisheries Service, will explore various methodologies to assess status of the Atlantic chub mackerel stock in U.S. waters and will develop analyses to support development of status determination criteria, OFLs, and ABCs for chub mackerel. Council staff will provide the contractor with relevant fisheries-independent and fisheries-dependent data. The contractor will present interim progress reports to Council staff and a subgroup of the SSC in mid to late 2017. The contractor will present a final report to the SSC in early 2018.

Contractor Qualifications

Applicants should have demonstrated experience with fisheries stock assessments, including data-limited approaches. Experience working with fisheries management agencies is preferred.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit a proposal to Dr. Chris Moore, Executive Director, by email (cmoore@mamfc.org) by 11:59 pm on Sunday, April 30, 2017. Proposals should include the following elements:

  • Executive Summary: A summary of the proposed scope of work as well as brief summary of the applicant’s qualifications.
  • Proposed Scope of Work: A detailed plan for addressing the scope of work described above. This should include a summary of potential analysis approaches, a project schedule, a brief summary of how the project will be managed, and a list of all personnel who may work on the project.
  • Qualifications of Applicant: A summary of the qualifications of the applicant and other team members, if applicable. Curriculum vitae should be included for all individuals who will work on the project.
  • Proposed Budget: A detailed budget, including the basis for the charges (e.g. hourly rates, fixed fees).
  • References: Names, full addresses, and phone numbers for three clients for whom the applicant has provided similar services to those requested.

Proposal Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on methodology, prior experience, references, qualifications, and budget. The Council may request additional information as deemed necessary or negotiate modifications to an accepted proposal.

Requests for Further Information

Christopher M. Moore, Ph.D., Executive Director

Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council

800 North State Street, Suite 201

Dover, DE 19901

tel: 302-526-5255

email: cmoore@mafmc.org

Disclaimer

  • All costs associated with the preparation and presentation of the proposal will be borne by applicants.
  • Proposals and their accompanying documentation will not be returned.
  • Respondents must disclose any relevant conflicts of interest and/or pending civil/criminal legal actions.
  • The Council reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications received, negotiate with all qualified applicants, cancel or modify this request for proposals in part or in its entirety, or change the application guidelines, when it is in its best interests.

Open PDF Version of this RFP