Saving Seafood

NOAA Pilot Program Extends Snapper Season In Gulf of Mexico

April 27, 2018 — SEAFOOD NEWS — The fisheries management folks have finally thrown a bone to recreational anglers targeting American red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. The Feds at NOAA Fisheries has granted the Gulf states a two-year pilot management option allowing state management agencies the leeway to establish their own harvest guidelines in both state and federal zones.

The program, aka the “exempted fishing permit” gives Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission the right to manage the whole snapper enchilada for two years and they have established a 40-day recreational harvest to begin on June 11 and run through July 21. After years of ridiculously short open seasons, this is really a big deal for recreational anglers to get their fair share of the pie. It also shows that the feds have finally owned up to the fact that in some areas of the Gulf states, American reds are not a factor in state waters, the Gulf Coast south of the big bend, including the Suncoast, being one of them.

The exempted fishing permit does not apply to commercial harvesters or for-hire (charter) operations with valid federal reef permits. Those for-hire vessels have a separate harvest season that roughly runs concurrently with the new recreational regulation.

2018 Lionfish Challenge

The 2018 Lionfish Challenge kicks off on May 19 and will continue through to Sept. 3. The opener coincides with Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day on May 19. Both spear fishers and hook-and-liners can register to participate by going to MyFWC.com/Lionfish.

This year there will be tagged lionfish released that when brought in can garner participants up to $5,000 in cash prizes. Many non-cash prizes such as GoPro Cams, Engel Cooler products, Turtle Skin Gloves and more, are up for grabs.

The non-native and invasive lionfish have become a huge problem in Florida waters as they feed primarily on the fry of our most valued reef species as groupers and snappers. Any effort to cut down on this gluttonous invader should be encouraged. Their extremely good table value should help but must be handled with caution due to venomous spines. The venom is not life threatening but if you get stuck you would wish you hadn’t woke up that morning.

This story originally appeared on Seafood News, it is republished with permission.

 

Florida sets 40-day red snapper season

April 18, 2018 — TALLAHASSEE, Fl. — The state has set a 40-day red snapper season for recreational anglers in federal and state waters this year.

The season will run June 11 to July 21, which is significantly longer than the 24-day season — May 27 to mid-June — the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission originally had proposed. The season for-hire vessels, which includes charter boats and head boats, has not yet been announced and is still under the direction of the federal government.

“Florida is a premier fishing destination, and saltwater fishing in the Gulf of Mexico has a $7.6 billion economic impact in our state every year,” Gov. Rick Scott said in a press release announcing the season. “Adding additional opportunities for anglers to enjoy Florida’s world-class fishing not only benefits our visitors but also our Gulf Coast communities.”

The announcement marks the first time ever the state has been able to set the season for recreational anglers and non-reef-permitted charter captains in federal waters, as part of a two-year pilot program among the five Gulf states and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

“We are going to give the states an opportunity to demonstrate effective management that improves recreational opportunities for all Americans,” Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said in a press release.

Read the full story at the Panama City News Herald

 

Request for Comments: Limited Opening of Recreational and Commercial Red Snapper Fishery in South Atlantic Federal Waters

April 17, 2018 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:   

KEY MESSAGE:

NOAA Fisheries requests comments on Amendment 43 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Amendment 43). The proposed actions would specify recreational and commercial annual catch limits for red snapper beginning in 2018.

  • Red snapper recreational and commercial seasons would open in South Atlantic federal waters for limited harvest in 2018.
  • The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council approved Amendment 43 after recent scientific information indicated an increase in the red snapper population since 2014.
  • NOAA Fisheries determined the proposed limited harvest in 2018 is neither expected to result in overfishing, nor prevent continued rebuilding of the population.

*Comment period begins on April 16, 2018, and comments are due by June 15, 2018*

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES FOR RED SNAPPER:

  • The total annual catch limit would be 42,510 fish.
  • The recreational annual catch limit would be 29,656 fish.
  • The recreational bag limit would be one red snapper per person per day. This applies to private and charterboat/headboat vessels (the captain and crew on for-hire vessels may retain the recreational bag limit).
  • The commercial annual catch limit would be 124,815 pounds whole weight.
  • The commercial trip limit would be 75 pounds gutted weight.
  • There would be no minimum size limit for the recreational or commercial sectors.
  • The opening and closing of the recreational sector would be specified before the recreational season begins and would be weekends only (Friday, Saturday, Sunday).
  • The commercial sector would close when the commercial annual catch limit is projected to be met.
  • Amendment 43 specifies that the commercial sector would open the 2nd Monday in July and the recreational sector would open the 2nd Friday in July.  If the fishing seasons do not open exactly on these dates, they would open as close to these dates as possible.
  • NOAA Fisheries will announce the opening dates, if the amendment is approved, in a future Fishery Bulletin.

PLEASE NOTE: The timing of the 2018 season is contingent on when the final rule for Amendment 43 is implemented, if approved.

HOW TO COMMENT ON THE NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY:

The comment period begins on April 16, 2018, and comments are due by June 15, 2018. You may submit comments by electronic submission or by postal mail.

Comments sent by any other method (such as e-mail), to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NOAA Fisheries.

Electronic Submissions:Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.

  1. Go to www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2017-0148.
  2. Click the “Comment Now!” icon, complete the required fields.
  3. Enter or attach your comments.

Mail:Submit written comments to Frank Helies, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

This bulletin serves as a Small Entity Compliance Guide, complying with section 212 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Why is limited harvest of South Atlantic red snapper being proposed to begin in 2018?

How would the proposed limited harvest in 2018 affect the overfishing and overfished status of red snapper?

  • NOAA Fisheries has determined that the proposed limited harvest beginning in 2018 is not expected to result in overfishing and would not prevent the continued rebuilding of the red snapper population.

What would the regulations be for red snapper during these proposed seasons?

  • The recreational bag limit would be one red snapper per person per day.
  • The commercial trip limit would be 75 pounds gutted weight.
  • There would be no minimum size limit for either the recreational or commercial sector.

What is the history of South Atlantic red snapper harvest and prohibitions since 2010?   

  • Harvest of red snapper from South Atlantic federal waters was prohibited in 2010 when the population was determined to be severely overfished and undergoing overfishing (See  2008 population assessment – Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review [SEDAR] 15).
  •  Amendment 28 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region established a process that allowed harvest if total removals (landings plus dead discards) were below the acceptable biological catch in the previous year.
  • Limited harvest of red snapper was allowed in 2012, 2013, and 2014.
  • The estimated total removals of red snapper exceeded the acceptable biological catch in 2014, 2015, and 2016, resulting in no allowable harvest since 2014.
  • NOAA Fisheries temporarily allowed limited harvest of red snapper beginning November 2, 2017, by a temporary rule through emergency action. The temporary rule was effective through December 31, 2017.

What is the current status of the red snapper population in the South Atlantic Region?

  • The latest population assessment (SEDAR 41) was completed in 2016 and revised in 2017. It indicated the South Atlantic red snapper population is overfished and undergoing overfishing; however, the population is rebuilding.
  • The red snapper overfishing determination in the assessment came from 2012-2014 when only a small amount of harvest was allowed to occur. However, discards during this time period were high due to fishermen targeting other species that co-occur with red snapper, which likely contributed to the overfishing determination.
  • SEDAR 41 stated that recreational discards were one of the most important and uncertain sources of information used in the stock assessment during the harvest prohibition from 2010-2014.
  • Recent results from fishery-independent studies suggest that the relative abundance of red snapper has increased since 2014.

What are some Best Fishing Practices while fishing for red snapper?

  • The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council identified the following best practices to reduce release mortality and further protect the population as it rebuilds:
    • Avoid areas likely to have red snapper if you already have met your recreational bag limit. If you are approaching your commercial vessel limit, move to a different area.
    • When red snapper are out of season, avoid areas where they are common.
    • Use single hook rigs since the recreational bag limit for red snapper during the proposed limited fishing season would be one per person per day. This will potentially reduce the number of red snapper that are caught on one drop.
    • Use a dehooking device to remove the hook. Keep fish in the water if you plan to release them or return them as quickly as possible.
    • Use descending devices when releasing fish with signs of barotrauma.

Where can I find more information on the environmental assessment?

 

NOAA: Final Rule to Implement Mutton Snapper Regulations in Federal Waters of the South Atlantic Region

January 12, 2018 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

KEY MESSAGE:

NOAA Fisheries announces a final rule for Amendment 41 to the Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan in the South Atlantic. This rule updates mutton snapper catch limits and fishing regulations based on the most recent population assessment.

WHEN RULE WILL TAKE EFFECT:

  • Regulations will be effective on February 10, 2018.

WHAT THIS MEANS:

For commercial fishermen, the final rule:

  • Revises the commercial catch limit.
  • Increases the commercial minimum size limit from 16 to 18 inches total length.
  • Establishes a commercial trip limit of 500 pounds whole weight during January through April and July through December.
  • Establishes a commercial trip limit, during the April through June spawning season, of five mutton snapper per person per day, or five mutton snapper per person per trip, whichever is more restrictive. The purpose of the trip limit is to protect fish that are aggregating to reproduce.

For recreational fishermen, the final rule:

  • Revises the recreational catch limit.
  • Increases the recreational minimum size limit from 16 to 18 inches total length.
  • Decreases the recreational bag limit within the ten-snapper aggregate bag limit to five mutton snapper per person per day.
  • Revises the recreational catch target.

For both sectors, Amendment 41:

  • Specifies the maximum sustainable yield (long-term average catch that can be taken from a population under prevailing ecological and environmental conditions).
  • Specifies the minimum stock size threshold (level below which a species is overfished [population abundance is too low]).

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions below for more information on these actions.

FORMAL FEDERAL REGISTER NAME/NUMBER: 83 FR 1305, published January 11, 2018

This bulletin serves as a Small Entity Compliance Guide, complying with section 212 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Why are the actions necessary? 

  • A population assessment for mutton snapper conducted in 2015 indicated that the population is not undergoing overfishing (rate of removal is too high) and is not overfished (population abundance is too low). However, the assessment update concluded that the mutton snapper population is smaller than estimated in the original mutton snapper stock assessment, completed in 2008. As a result, the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Councils’ Scientific and Statistical Committees recommended a lower acceptable biological catch (ABC).
  • This final rule modifies management measures and catch levels in the South Atlantic consistent with the lower ABC recommendation.
  • Furthermore, stakeholders and law enforcement personnel have stated their concerns to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council about overexploitation of mutton snapper when the species is aggregated to spawn. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has received similar comments. Therefore, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council coordinated with FWC to develop compatible regulations for mutton snapper on the Atlantic coast in Florida state waters and Federal waters that address stakeholder concerns and benefit the mutton snapper resource.

What are the proposed commercial and recreational catch limits?

Table 1.Commercial and recreational catch limits for 2018-2020 through Amendment 41.

 

 Year  Commercial Catch Limit

(pounds)

 Recreational Catch Limit

(numbers of fish)
 2018  104,231  121,318
 2019  107,981  124,766
 2020  111,354  127,115

Why is the catch limit for the recreational sector specified in numbers of fish instead of pounds? 

The recreational catch limit is specified in numbers of fish because recreational fishermen report landings in numbers, not by weight. In addition, the average weight per fish is expected to increase due to the minimum size limit increase to 18 inches total length. Therefore, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council has concluded that the combination of increasing the minimum size limit and converting the catch limit from numbers to pounds for the recreational sector could increase the risk of exceeding the ABC.

Learn more about NOAA Fisheries’ Southeast Region here.

 

SAFMC Reminder: Public Scoping Comments Solicited for Proposed Measures in Spiny Lobster Amendment 13   

January 4, 2018 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is currently soliciting public input on management measures being considered for spiny lobster in federal waters off the coast of Florida. In addition to written comments, the Council will hold two public scoping webinars to review proposed measures and solicit public input for Amendment 13 to the Spiny Lobster Fishery Management Plan for the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic.

Draft Amendment 13 addresses inconsistencies between State of Florida spiny lobster regulations and those in federal waters off the coast of Florida, including regulations pertaining to the bully net fishery. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission recently implemented new regulations for the fishery after hearing concerns from the public about the increase in participation in both the commercial and recreational bully net fishery. The fishery primarily occurs at night and involves the use of long-handled nets.

Amendment 13 includes options for an endorsement, vessel marking, and gear prohibitions for the bully net fishery, similar to those currently required in Florida state waters. The measures are expected to help management and enforcement of spiny lobster harvest by creating consistent regulations in state and federal waters. The amendment also addresses other inconsistencies in the regulatory process.

Spiny Lobster Amendment 13 Public Scoping via Webinar:
Council staff will provide an overview of measures being considered and solicit public comment on the proposed measures and any additional recommendations. Registration is required.

  • Monday, January 8th at 6:00 p.m. 
    Register
  • Tuesday, January 9th at 6:00 p.m.
    Register 

The Council is also currently accepting written comments on proposed measures. Written comments are due by 5:00 p.m. on February 9, 2018. Learn more, including a video overview of Amendment 13, a Story Map highlighting the issues, and a copy of the Amendment 13 Scoping Document, from the Council’s website at: http://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/public-hearings-scoping-meetings/. Webinar registration and information on submitting written comments is also available on the same website page.

Learn more about the SAFMC by visiting their site here.

 

Council Solicits Public Scoping Comments for Proposed Measures in Spiny Lobster Amendment 13

January 1, 2018 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is currently soliciting public input on management measures being considered for spiny lobster in federal waters off the coast of Florida. In addition to written comments, the Council will hold two public scoping webinars to review proposed measures and solicit public input for Amendment 13 to the Spiny Lobster Fishery Management Plan for the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic.

Draft Amendment 13 addresses inconsistencies between State of Florida spiny lobster regulations and those in federal waters off the coast of Florida, including regulations pertaining to the bully net fishery. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission recently implemented new regulations for the fishery after hearing concerns from the public about the increase in participation in both the commercial and recreational bully net fishery. The fishery primarily occurs at night and involves the use of long-handled nets.

Amendment 13 includes options for an endorsement, vessel marking, and gear prohibitions for the bully net fishery, similar to those currently required in Florida state waters. The measures are expected to help management and enforcement of spiny lobster harvest by creating consistent regulations in state and federal waters. The amendment also addresses other inconsistencies in the regulatory process.

  • View the Spiny Lobster Amendment 13 Video Overview by clicking here.
  • Submit Written Comments. The Council is currently accepting written comments on proposed measures until 5:00 p.m. on February 9, 2018.
  • Mark your calendar for scoping webinars (see below).

Spiny Lobster Amendment 13 Public Scoping via Webinar:
Council staff will provide an overview of measures being considered and solicit public comment on the proposed measures and any additional recommendations. Registration is required.

  • Monday, January 8th at 6:00 p.m. 
    Register
  • Tuesday, January 9th at 6:00 p.m.
    Register 

Learn more about the SAFMC by visiting their site here.

 

Red snapper anglers are sources for data

November 2, 2017 — Recreational anglers returning with catches of red snapper during this month’s back-to-back mini seasons will be greeted by researchers with clipboards and questions at the docks and ramps.

For the sake of some sound and reliable red snapper data, fishermen are urged to participate in the surveys and sample studies by representatives from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The data seekers, including law enforcement personnel and volunteers, will be working at Port Canaveral and in the Sebastian Inlet vicinity, plus seven other Atlantic Coast sites among them Fort Pierce and St. Lucie inlets and Ponce Inlet at New Smyrna Beach.

The dates for the two mini seasons are this weekend, Nov. 3-5, and Nov. 10-12.

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council announced the special seasons on Oct. 27 after it received approval from National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration officials.

A limited commercial season from Nov. 2 through Dec. 31 also was approved but it may not run to duration because of a commercial catch quota.

Read the full story at FloridaToday

FLORIDA: Scallops show signs of recovery; restoration effort to begin

October 23, 2017 — PORT ST.JOE, Florida — Scallops in the St. Joe Bay are showing signs of recovery based on anecdotal evidence from the short Gulf County season this year.

“We’re still in recovery, but we’re much improved over last year,” said Captain Phil Cox, who led several guided trips. “They were thick enough to keep people interested.”

Thick enough to keep scallopers interested is a big improvement over the 2016 season, when the devastating effects of a red tide shortened the season and made scallops hard to find. And while the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) doesn’t yet have hard data about this year’s recreational harvest, they also believe the situation has improved.

“We’ve had pretty consistent comments … the season went well,” FWC spokeswoman Amanda Nalley said. “Several people told us they met their bag limit.”

That’s not to say this year’s season didn’t have its own set of problems. A rare algae bloom, called pseudo-nitzschia, forced FWC to delay the start of the season for months. The algae, while not harmful to the scallops, can make them unsafe for consumption.

Read the full story at Panama City News Herald

FLORIDA: Scallop season postponed due to algae bloom

July 24, 2017 — As a precautionary measure due to a naturally occurring algae bloom in St. Joseph Bay that affects shellfish, the bay scallop harvest originally scheduled to begin Tuesday in Gulf County waters will be temporarily postponed. This postponement includes all state waters from the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County through the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County. This does not impact other areas currently open for a recreational harvest.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is working closely with partners on this postponement including the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), which has also issued a precautionary closure for the harvest of clams, mussels and oysters in St. Joseph Bay.

FWC staff is coordinating with the Florida Department of Health, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and FDACS and they will continue to provide support and assistance as necessary. All agencies take all algal blooms seriously and will continue to respond quickly and effectively to ensure the health and safety of Floridians, visitors and our natural resources.

The scallop season is expected to be closed a minimum of two weeks. The FWC will conduct aggressive outreach efforts about the postponed season. The FWC and FDACS will continue sampling and testing scallops and other shellfish in the bay to determine when they are safe for consumption and will continue to work with the local community to determine options on the remainder of the season. More information will be issued once a season opening date has been determined and that date will be posted on the bay scallop page which can be found at MyFWC.com/Fishing by clicking on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Bay Scallops.” Reopenings of clam, mussel or oyster harvest will be listed on the FDACS website at http://shellfish.floridaaquaculture.com/seas/seas_centralgulf.htm.

Read the full story at the Santa Rosas Press Gazette

New law for lobster harvest aims to deter poachers

October 18th, 2016 — The following was released by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: 

On Oct. 1, an amendment to the Florida statute pertaining to lobster harvest went into effect, giving authorities more latitude in prosecutions for those who harvest undersized spiny lobster.

The new legislation, SB 1470, sponsored by Rep. Holly Raschein and Sen. Jack Latvala, and championed by many in the Keys, specifies that each undersized spiny lobster found in a violator’s possession may be charged as a separate offense.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) hopes this change will encourage lobster harvesters to really pay attention and measure any lobster they harvest from Florida waters.

No one wants a small lobster for dinner, so make sure you check the size. Measuring devices are required, and lobsters harvested while diving must be measured while they are in the water. If its carapace length is not larger than 3 inches, the lobster must be left in the water. Size and bag limits exist to conserve the resource and ensure that lobsters are around for the next generation to enjoy.

For more information, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Lobster.”