Saving Seafood

News for the Mid Atlantic Region

DELAWARE: Delaware council rejects permit critical to development of wind farm off Ocean City coast

December 19, 2024 — In a dramatic move, members of Sussex County Council in Delaware rejected an application crucial to the completion of a new wind farm off the Atlantic coast. The proposal, which was rejected Tuesday in a 4-1 vote, was at the center of a monthslong debate in Sussex County.

If approved, it would have allowed Renewable Development, a subsidiary of US Wind, to connect high-voltage cables from the Indian River to a new substation adjacent to the Indian River Power Plant in Dagsboro.

US Wind, a Maryland energy company owned in part by an Italian infrastructure firm, said in a statement that it will appeal the decision.

Now with the future of the project uncertain, Sussex County taxpayers will likely be on the hook to fund the county’s opposition to US Wind’s appeal and a potential future lawsuit.

Even with the rejection, the US Wind project is not dead, but significantly hampered and likely looking at further delays. It can still find another way to bring its cables ashore if it should lose its appeal.

Read the full article at Maryland Matters

MAFMC Approves Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Amendment

December 18, 2024 — The following was released by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

During a meeting last week in Annapolis, Maryland, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council took final action on an amendment to modify the species separation requirements for the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. If approved and implemented by the Secretary of Commerce, the amendment will allow vessels to land mixed catches of surfclam and ocean quahog during a declared mixed trip. The amendment also introduces enhanced monitoring and reporting procedures to ensure accurate tracking of catch and effective enforcement of regulations.

The Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries are managed under an individual transferable (ITQ) system. Current regulations prohibit landing the two species on the same trip or placing them together in the same cages. In recent years, industry has reported that it has become increasingly difficult to avoid mixed catches. This has created challenges related to catch monitoring, allocation tracking, and enforcement, as well as logistical and economic challenges for industry.

In 2021, the Council initiated an amendment to explore potential modifications to the species separation requirements. Although final action was originally scheduled for June 2024, the Council opted to postpone the decision to allow time for a workshop to explore additional implementation approaches and enforcement issues. The two-day workshop was held in October 2024, with participation from Council members, NOAA Fisheries staff, industry representatives, and others. Workshop discussions informed development of a revised alternative which was supported by the fishing industry and ultimately adopted by the Council.

Under the revised regulations, vessels intending to harvest both clam species would be required to declare a mixed trip through their Vessel Monitoring System prior to leaving port. Vessels declaring a single species trip would be subject to the current single species regulations. Any dealer or processing facility wishing to receive mixed catches would be responsible for developing a NOAA-approved catch monitoring plan that describes how their in-plant sorting and reporting of catch for both species will occur. In addition, third-party independent catch monitors would be randomly deployed to shoreside facilities to ensure accurate reporting of catch data.

Although the Council considered requiring full retention of both clam species, they ultimately agreed that this could be avoided if improvements are made to discard data via a combination of increased observer coverage and self-reported discards on vessel trip reports. Observer coverage would be increased in the first year to cover up to five percent of all clam fishing trips. Data collected in the first year would be used to determine the appropriate observer coverage level for future years.

The Council acknowledged that there will be additional costs associated with the increased observer coverage and development of a new shoreside catch monitoring program. Some of these costs could be recouped through the cost recovery program, which requires ITQ allocation holders to pay an annual fee to recover the costs of management, data collection and analysis, and enforcement activities involved with the program.

Secretarial review of the amendment will involve a thorough review of the proposed measures by NOAA Fisheries, including further opportunities for public comment. Additional information, updates, and background materials related to this amendment are available at https://www.mafmc.org/actions/scoq-species-separation.

Monty Deihl: Let’s set the record straight about menhaden fishing

December 18, 2024 — The following is an excerpt from an opinion piece published by The Virginian-Pilot and the Daily Press. It was written by Monty Deihl, the CEO of Ocean Harvesters, Inc. He is a native of Reedville, where he and his wife raised their family, and a retired Air Force officer.

A guest column published on Dec. 11 (“Menhaden harvesting has an impact on local fisheries”) contained several inaccuracies regarding the menhaden fishery — including Reedville-based companies Ocean Harvesters and Omega Protein — and the state of the Atlantic menhaden population.

Omega Protein neither “farms” fish nor engages in aquaculture. Menhaden used in Omega Protein’s products are harvested by Ocean Harvesters, an independent company that operates a fleet of nine vessels out of Reedville. Omega Protein processes the menhaden harvested by Ocean Harvesters into products that improve the nutritional integrity of foods, dietary supplements, and animal feeds.

The menhaden population is not “dwindling.” The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) reports menhaden populations are abundant and sustainably managed. Menhaden are not overfished and are not experiencing overfishing. The biomass exceeded 4.5 million metric tons in 2022, while total commercial landings amounted to just 195,387 metric tons. The ASMFC says menhaden biomass has been stable since the 1960s.

At the August ASMFC meeting, both the representative from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Maryland governor’s appointee stated there are “no menhaden” in Maryland. Ironically, in October, the Maryland DNR juvenile striped bass survey found that juvenile menhaden abundance in the Chesapeake Bay over the past two years is at the highest level measured since 1990.

The menhaden fishery is certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council. This required a rigorous, independent evaluation by third-party auditors confirming a healthy biomass, minimal environmental impact and a robust management system.

Atlantic menhaden is the first U.S. species managed to account for predator forage needs. In 2020, after a decade of work, the ASMFC implemented “ecological reference points.” This was applauded by numerous environmental advocates and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

Although some critics in the recreational fishing community claim a distinction between the coast-wide and Chesapeake Bay menhaden populations, no evidence supports this. Menhaden are migratory, naturally moving in and out of the Bay. At a Dec. 6, 2022, meeting, Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) scientists called “localized depletion” claims speculative and unsupported by evidence.

In recent months, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and other groups publicized a controversial study allegedly linking menhaden harvesting and negative osprey reproductive success. At the August ASMFC meeting, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Maryland executive director offered a motion creating a workgroup to consider more precautionary management of menhaden based on the study. But an article in the current Bay Journal highlights criticism from three VIMS fisheries scientists, who questioned the study’s data, methods and conclusion linking osprey nesting issues to menhaden fishing.

Antagonism between commercial menhaden and recreational fishing interests is nothing new. It was first reported in The New York Times in 1895. But recently, threats on social media and physical attacks on commercial vessels escalated to the point that Virginia amended its laws in 2024 to increase penalties for such dangerous actions. We are thankful to the governor, delegates and commercial watermen from other fisheries who worked hard to change the law to increase public safety.

Today, Ocean Harvesters and Omega Protein are the largest providers of union jobs with full benefits, and the largest minority employers in Northumberland County, serving as key economic drivers. My family has worked in the menhaden industry in Reedville for more than 100 years; it clothed and fed me, put me through school, and today employs my children and supports my grandchildren.

For more than a century, those in the Northern Neck’s menhaden fishing industry have defended their livelihoods against unfounded claims that menhaden purse-seine fishing harms recreational fishing. The debate will continue, but it must be based on fact. And the regulation of this job-creating industry must also be based on fact — not politics and unsubstantiated conjecture.

Read the op-ed at The Virginian-Pilot

Maryland county takes on international offshore wind company to save commercial fishing jobs

December 18, 2024 — On the largely undeveloped Delmarva peninsula – which is surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east and includes portions of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia – local lawmakers are getting ready to take on a major international wind power company in an effort to save its crucial commercial fishing industry.

The Worcester County Commissioners in Maryland approved a resolution on Tuesday to acquire two properties in West Ocean City Harbor through eminent domain, which US Wind plans to develop into an operations and maintenance facility as it constructs a wind farm off the coast of Ocean City, Maryland. The action was taken in an effort to protect the county’s historic commercial and sport fishing industries.

The commissioners passed the resolution as US Wind, a subsidiary of Italian-based Renexia SpA, plans to construct a 353-foot-long-by-30-foot-wide concrete pier at the harbor to service vessels used to construct a proposed wind farm consisting of up to 118 turbines at least 15 miles off the coast of Ocean City. Along with the pier, the company plans to install 383 feet of bulkhead.

The two properties the county plans to acquire are currently being used by Southern Connection Seafood and the Martin Fish Company, which are the only two commercial seafood wholesalers in the area where watermen can offload and sell their catches.

The county’s plans for the two properties include developing a long-term lease with the existing owners, allowing them to continue serving the needs of the commercial fishing industry, according to the resolution that was passed.

“The commercial fishing industry is an integral and essential part of Worcester County’s economy,” the resolution reads, adding that it, along with the sport fishing industry, are dependent on commercial marine support in and around West Ocean City Harbor.

Read the full story at FOX Business

Osprey troubles not tied to menhaden, some fisheries scientists say

December 13, 2024 — A widely publicized study pointing to a shortage of Atlantic menhaden as the cause of osprey nest failures in the Chesapeake Bay has come under fire from a trio of Virginia fisheries scientists.

The study, published in January by researchers with the College of William & Mary’s Center for Conservation Biology, linked a drastic decline in osprey reproduction in Virginia’s Mobjack Bay with a drop in the availability of menhaden, the migratory fish that once made up the bulk of the birds’ diet. They said ospreys are having fewer young and more chicks are dying in the nest for lack of food than in decades past. They  suggested that the commercial menhaden harvest be limited to sustain ospreys, also known as fish hawks.

That research report, written by center director Bryan Watts and five co-authors, gave credence to complaints by conservationists and sports anglers about large-scale commercial menhaden harvests in the Bay. Those groups have long contended that a Virginia-based fishing fleet operated by Omega Protein has been depleting menhaden stocks in the Chesapeake, depriving Atlantic striped bass and other fish of a vital source of forage.

Read the full article at the Bay Journal

2024 Juvenile Fish Survey Shows Promising Results for Chesapeake Bay Menhaden

December 12, 2024 — The Menhaden Fisheries Coalition (MFC) said that recent findings from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 2024 juvenile striped bass survey showcased great news for juvenile menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay.

The MFC explained that while news around striped bass reproduction wasn’t great, positive trends were seen around the key forage species of menhaden and spot.

“Encouraging results were documented regarding two species lower on the food chain,” DNR wrote. “Menhaden abundance was nearly equal to last year, which was the highest measured since 1990. Spot abundance was the highest measured since 1988. These species are vital to the ecology of the Bay as a food source for many other species of fish and wildlife.”

Read the full article at Seafoodnews.com

Commercial fishing groups ask Fourth Circuit to block bass limits in Chesapeake Bay

December 11, 2024 — Maryland commercial fishing groups argued to a Fourth Circuit panel Wednesday that an interstate commission’s regulations on striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay violates the Constitution.

Delmarva Fisheries Association and the Maryland Charter Boat Association sued the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission over 2024 regulations that the plaintiffs claim violate the Fifth Amendment’s taking clause and cut their revenue by upwards of 70%.

The groups appealed after a Maryland federal judge denied their motion for a preliminary injunction.

On Wednesday, U.S. Circuit Judge Stephanie Thacker, a Barack Obama appointee, questioned why the fishing groups would want to challenge the regulations.

Read the full article at Courthouse News Service

DELAWARE: US Wind gets green light from Delaware for offshore wind project What happens now?

December 11, 2024 — Delaware’s environmental division has approved three permits needed for US Wind’s offshore wind project off of the Maryland coast.

DNREC announced Monday, Dec. 9 that US Wind’s permits to utilize Delaware’s land to connect the turbines to a new substation were approved with stipulations that would require the company to employ mitigation strategies and fund certain conservation efforts around the Delaware beaches.

“This is an important step forward,” said Jeff Grybowski, US Wind CEO. “After a thorough, science-based review by DNREC’s experts, and feedback from the public, we are thrilled to have secured these final approvals to move forward on delivering massive amounts of clean energy to the region. Offshore wind will help lower electricity bills for the people of Delaware, satisfy the region’s critical need for more electricity and improve air quality across the state, all while supporting good local jobs.

Read the full article at Delaware Online

Maryland can start construction on its first offshore wind farm

December 5, 2024 — The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management approved US Wind’s Construction and Operations Plan for Maryland’s first offshore wind farm Tuesday.

The state has ambitious offshore wind goals and past failed agreements with Danish renewable energy giant Orsted.

“After more than four years of rigorous and robust analysis, we are thrilled to have secured this final BOEM approval,” said US Wind CEO Jeff Grybowski. “US Wind’s projects will produce massive amounts of homegrown energy and will help satisfy the region’s critical need for more electricity, all while supporting good local jobs.”

The Maryland Offshore Wind Project is planned in three phases, two of which have been named – MarWin and Momentum Wind – and have received offshore renewable energy certificates from the state of Maryland.

Read the full story at The Center Square

Ocean City continues with lawsuit following US Wind receiving final approval

December 4, 2024 — US Wind, Inc. announced Tuesday that the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has granted final approval for the company’s Construction and Operations Plan, completing the federal permitting process for its offshore wind project.

“This is a proud moment for US Wind,” said Jeff Grybowski, US Wind CEO. “After more than four years of rigorous and robust analysis, we are thrilled to have secured this final BOEM approval. US Wind’s projects will produce massive amounts of homegrown energy and will help satisfy the region’s critical need for more electricity, all while supporting good local jobs.”

The project, located in a federal lease area off the coast of Ocean City, Maryland, has the potential to generate up to 2 gigawatts of offshore wind power — enough to power more than 600,000 homes in the region, according to US Wind.

However, the project has faced significant opposition from the Ocean City community and other local organizations. The Town of Ocean City, joined by groups such as the Worcester County Commissioners, Coastal Association of Realtors and the Commercial and Recreational Fishing Industry, say they will continue to move forward with a lawsuit against BOEM to challenge its approval of US Wind’s project.

Read the full story at Coast TV