Saving Seafood

ASMFC Sciaenids Management Board Webinar – October 3 from 9-11 AM

October 1, 2024 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

As a reminder, the Commission’s Sciaenids Management Board will meet October 3 from 9 – 11 AM to reintroduce the Risk and Uncertainty Decision Tool to the Board and seek its guidance on the initial inputs to the tool. The Risk and Uncertainty Decision Tool uses information on stock status, model uncertainty, ecosystem considerations, and socioeconomic factors to recommend the probability of success that management actions should strive to achieve. The Board will provide initial guidance on how to weight these different factors within the tool at this meeting. The final recommended probability will be determined by the results of the Red Drum Benchmark Stock Assessment and Peer Review and the Board’s final decisions on weighting, both of which will be presented and discussed at the Commission’s 2024 Annual Meeting in Annapolis, Maryland.

 
The draft agenda, meeting materials, and webinar information for the meeting are now available athttps://asmfc.org/calendar/10/2024/Sciaenids-Management-Board/2376. Please note there are two separate links to meeting materials: the Draft Agenda and Meeting Materials and the Risk and Uncertainty Tool Spreadsheet (in excel format). 
 
Webinar Information
To register for the webinar, please go to https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2780599376940485726(Webinar ID: 215-972-339). If you are joining the webinar but will not be using voice over internet protocol (VoIP) via your computer, you can also call in at 213.929.4212, access code 332-825-134. 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.
 
Meeting Process
The Board Chair will provide an opportunity to the public to bring matters of concern to the board’s attention at the start of the meeting. The Board Chair 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.
 
The webinar will begin 15 minutes prior to the start of the 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.
 
For more information, please contact Tracey Bauer, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, attbauer@asmfc.org.

Draft Agenda and Meeting Materials for the October 3 Webinar of the Sciaenids Management Board Now Available

September 19, 2024 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The draft agenda, meeting materials, and webinar information for the upcoming meeting of the Sciaenids Management Board are now available at https://asmfc.org/calendar/10/2024/Sciaenids-Management-Board/2376. Please note there are two separate links to meeting materials: the Draft Agenda and Meeting Materials and the Risk and Uncertainty Tool Spreadsheet (in excel format).

 
The purpose of the meeting is to reintroduce the Risk and Uncertainty Decision Tool to the Board and seek its guidance on the initial inputs to the tool. The Risk and Uncertainty Decision Tool uses information on stock status, model uncertainty, ecosystem considerations, and socioeconomic factors to recommend the probability of success that management actions should strive to achieve. The Board will provide initial guidance on how to weight these different factors within the tool at this meeting. The final recommended probability will be determined by the results of the Red Drum Benchmark Stock Assessment and Peer Review and the Board’s final decisions on weighting, both of which will be presented and discussed at the Commission’s 2024 Annual Meeting in Annapolis, Maryland.
 
Webinar Information
To register for the webinar, please go to https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2780599376940485726(Webinar ID: 215-972-339). If you are joining the webinar but will not be using voice over internet protocol (VoIP) via your computer, you can also call in at 213.929.4212, access code 332-825-134. 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.
 
Meeting Process
The Board Chair will provide an opportunity to the public to bring matters of concern to the board’s attention at the start of the meeting. The Board Chair 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.
 
The webinar will begin 15 minutes prior to the start of the 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.
 
Public Comment Guidelines
With the intent of developing policies in the Commission’s procedures for public participation that result in 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 opportunity to the public to bring matters of concern to the board’s attention at the start of each board meeting. The Board Chair 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, the Board Chair will provide limited opportunity for comment, taking into account the time allotted on the agenda for the topic. The Board Chair has the flexibility to decide 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, the Board Chair has 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 comment 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 by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 26 will be included in supplemental materials.
2.    Comments received by 10 a.m. on Monday, September 30 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.  As with other public comment, it will be accepted via mail and email.
 
For more information, please contact Tracey Bauer, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, attbauer@asmfc.org.

Meeting Summary and Presentations from the September 13 Meeting of the Northern Shrimp Section Now Available

September 17, 2024 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The meeting summary, motions and presentations from the September 13th meeting of the Northern Shrimp Section are available on the Commission’s Meeting Archives webpage at https://asmfc.org/calendar/meeting-archive or through the following links:

ASMFC 82nd Annual Meeting Details, Preliminary Agenda, and Public Comment Guidelines

September 9, 2024 — The following was released by Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

Please find below the meeting details and public comment guidelines for the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s 82nd Annual Meeting, which will be held October 21-24, 2024 at The Westin Annapolis, 100 Westgate Circle, Annapolis, Maryland This will be a hybrid meeting to allow for remote participation by Commissioners and interested stakeholders in all meetings. The Law Enforcement Committee, Habitat Committee and Atlantic Coast Fish Habitat Partnership Steering Committee will have unique webinar links that will be available as part of the individual committee materials. The preliminary agenda can be found athttp://www.asmfc.org/home/2024-annual-meeting; materials will be available at the same website link on October 9th.

Our Maryland Commissioners have been working closely with us on the meeting details and are looking forward to welcoming you all to Annapolis. This city is a captivating destination that exudes charm through its history as one of America’s oldest cities and former capital of the United States. Its blend of colonial history, maritime heritage, culinary excellence, and the United States Naval Academy, guaranteeing there is always something to explore!

 

ACCOMMODATIONS

A block of rooms is being held at The Westin Annapolis. Lisa Carty will make Commissioner/Proxy reservations and will contact you regarding the details of your accommodations. Please notify Lisa Carty of any changes to your travel plans that will impact your hotel reservations, otherwise you will incur no-show penalties. We greatly appreciate your cooperation.

For all other attendees, please make your reservations at The Westin Annapolis by calling 1-888-627-8994 and mentioning ASMFC to get our negotiated rate of $169 plus taxes per night.  You may also use this link to make reservations. The hotel reservations must be made by September 25, 2024.  Room availability will not be guaranteed beyond this date. 

 

If you are being reimbursed by ASMFC for your travel, please make your reservation directly with the hotel. Reservations made through travel websites do not apply toward our minimum number of required reservations with the hotel. If you have any problems regarding accommodations, please contact Lisa Carty at 703.842.0713 or lcarty@asmfc.org. 

 

GETTING TO ANNAPOLIS

The Westin Annapolis is easily accessible by automobile, train or airplane. BWI is the closest airport and you can take a taxi or UBER to get to the hotel.  You won’t need to rent a car because Annapolis is a very walkable town and we will provide transportation to the social events.  It is also an easy drive from most Mid-Atlantic states.

 

REGISTRATION

All of the business meetings scheduled during this week (with the exception of scheduled closed sessions) are open to the public, free of charge. However, if you plan on attending any of the Annual Meeting events, please help us prepare for these events by registering for the Annual Meeting events. Only those who will not be reimbursed for travel by the Commission (see travel authorization form) will need to pay the registration fee (e.g., guests and federal participants). The meeting registration fee is $200/per participant and $150/per spouse or guest if you register by October 11, 2024. After October 11th and in Annapolis the fees will be $225 and $175, respectively. The registration fee covers the Monday night welcome reception, and the Tuesday night dinner, as well event materials. You may register by returning the attached and linked registration form (by email to lhartman@asmfc.org, or US mail to 1050 N. Highland Street, Suite 200A-N, Arlington, VA 22201). Once you have registered, payment can be made in several ways (1) check, cash or credit card at the ASMFC Registration Desk at the Annual Meeting; (2) credit card payment can be made here; or (3) mail a check to ASMFC (address above). 

 

FISHING TOURNAMENT

Plans are well underway for the 31st Annual Laura Leach Fishing Tournament. Everyone is invited and encouraged to participate. You will receive a t-shirt with your $20 entry fee; and 100% of the tournament proceeds will be donated to a state-identified program (to be determined).  The tournament runs from Sunday (10/20) through Wednesday (10/23); the raffle drawing and tournament prizes will be awarded at the breakfast Thursday morning. 

 

FOR SPOUSES/GUESTS

The social for spouses and guests will be held on Monday morning at the hotel. A Tuesday outing is also being planned; full details will be available in the final notice.

 

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 (September 30) will be included in the briefing materials.

2.    Comments received by 5 PM on Tuesday, October 15 will be included in supplemental materials.

3.    Comments received by 10 AM on Friday, October 18 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.  As with other public comment, it will be accepted via mail and email.

 

We look forward to seeing you all in Annapolis in October!

ASMFC American Lobster Board Releases Draft Addendum XXXI for Public Comment Draft Addendum Considers Postponing Implementation of Addendum XXVII Biological Management Measures

September 4, 2024 — The following was released by Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

A public hearing has been scheduled to gather input on Draft Addendum XXXI to Amendment 3 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for American Lobster. The Draft Addendum considers postponing the implementation of Addendum XXVII gauge and escape vent size changes to July 1, 2025. One general hearing will be conducted via webinar and is open to all to participate.

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 to begin the series of changes to gauge and vent size by January 1, 2025, starting with an increase to the minimum gauge size in LCMA 1 from 3 ¼” to 3 5/16” to coordinate with Canada regarding possible trade implications, and give the industry and gauge makers additional time to prepare for these changes. Based on a meeting held between US and Canadian lobster fishery managers and industry members in June 2024, 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.

 

Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Board Releases Summer Flounder Draft Addendum XXXV for Public Comment

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Management Board approved for public comment Draft Addendum XXXV to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass. The Draft Addendum considers changes to two exemptions to the summer flounder commercial minimum mesh size requirements: the Small Mesh Exemption Program (SMEP) and the flynet exemption. These changes are being considered following industry feedback indicating the SMEP has become an important program to maintain the economic viability of businesses and the definition of a flynet should be updated to reflect modern gear configurations and use patterns. Specifically, the Draft Addendum considers moving the western boundary of the SMEP approximately five miles westward, changes to the review methodology of the SMEP, and updates to the definition of a flynet under the flynet exemption. The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is considering an identical set of options through a framework action. 

Lobster fishery set for temporary reprieve on size limits

August 14, 2024 — A second delay to implementing minimum gauge and vent sizes for lobsters caught in the Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank and Outer Cape Cod was initiated last week by the American Lobster Board, which operates under the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), a measure that Maine lobstermen — and Congressman Jared Golden — have hoped and pushed for.

The new implementation date would be July 1, 2025, if the measure is approved by the ASMFC’s American Lobster Board.

An earlier delay the ASMFC approved had pushed back to Jan. 1, 2025, the new gauge and escape vent sizes in lobster traps for commercial lobster fisheries in the targeted lobster management areas. When the measure was first approved, it was to take effect based on a “trigger” mechanism.

The trigger is based on survey data showing a decrease of lobster recruits, that is, young lobsters. But many lobstermen fishing in the Gulf of Maine said what they observed on the water was different than the survey data reported. And, the first trigger was reached just months after the mechanism was approved, which led to the first implementation delay.

Read the full article at Ellsworth American

US lobster fishery faces delay in gauge-size increase; Canadian harvesters call for government to do more to combat illegal fishing

August 13, 2024 — The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Lobster Board has initiated the process to delay a gauge size increase for the U.S. lobster fishery until 1 July 2025.

The ASMFC first delayed an increase in the lobster gauge size in October 2023, after lobster trawl surveys indicated a decline in the population of sub-legal lobsters. The gauge size increase was first initiated in 2017 as a proactive measure to improve the resiliency of the lobster stock in the Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank, but that process was paused to focus on issues related to entanglement of  North Atlantic right whales.

Read the full article at SeafoodSource

U.S. and Canada held talks on lobster gauge increase

August 12, 2024 — This article was first published in Landings, the Maine Lobster Community Alliance (MLCA)  newspaper, in August 2024.

U.S. and Canadian lobster fishery representatives met in Saint John, New Brunswick in late June to discuss the implications of the U.S. gauge increase for Lobster Management Area 1 (LMA 1) scheduled to take effect in January 2025. The meeting was in response to the concerns raised by Maine’s lobster industry at the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASMFC) American Lobster Board meeting in May.

Background

ASMFC adopted Addendum 27 in May 2023 as a proactive measure which would automatically trigger a gauge increase for LMA 1 if the abundance of young lobster showed a 35% decline. The addendum was developed over five years. It was initiated in 2017 but delayed twice – in 2018 and in 2022 – because the lobster industry was deeply embroiled in management and litigation concerning right whale conservation requirements. Following the Maine Lobstermen’s Association’s (MLA) historic court victory and Congressional action to delay new whale rules for six years, the ASMFC held public hearings in March 2023 and adopted Addendum 27 in May.

Addendum 27 garnered little attention until last fall when, to everyone’s surprise, scientists determined that the abundance of young lobsters had dropped 39% from the historic high, thus triggering the management action just three months after the addendum was adopted. Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) Commissioner Patrick Keliher urged ASFMC to delay implementation of the gauge increase from June 2024 to January 2025.“I don’t think when we were sitting here in May that we expected to be hitting the trigger as quickly as we did,” he said. He argued that more time was needed to continue discussions with Canada on the implications of having differing gauge sizes between the two countries. The ASMFC moved the date to January 2025.

At the Lobster Institute’s U.S.-Canada Town Meeting in January 2024 in Moncton, New Brunswick, the gauge increase was discussed by an international audience; many in Canada’s lobster industry were surprised to learn about the U.S. gauge increase. They were concerned that a U.S.-only gauge increase would disrupt lobster supply and markets due to the interdependence of the U.S. and Canadian lobster industries.

Read the full article at the National Fisherman