Southeast Fisheries Science Center Archives

Florida fishermen work with NMFS to track red tide

August 13, 2021 — Another eruption of red tide on the southwest Florida coast has brought fish kills and public health advisories to beaches, and commercial fishermen are pitching in the help scientists map out the effects.

Fishermen who work offshore of the Tampa Bay region are providing oceanographic data to NMFS’ Southeast Fisheries Science Center, as part of the center’s ongoing collaboration with the Florida Commercial Watermen’s Conservation.

The non-profit group is dedicated to science-based water quality testing and marine stewardship, founded and operated by commercial fishermen in response to devastating red tide blooms of the last five years.

The group trains and outfit fishermen with water monitoring kits, for its mission ‘to quantify the environmental and oceanographic conditions before, during, and after red tide blooms to better understand their dynamics and provide timely decision-support to increase the resilience of fishermen and fishing communities on the west coast of Florida to red tide events.”

Read the full story at National Fisherman

Experts Collaborate on Mission to Document Protected Species

July 19, 2021 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

Scientists from NOAA’s Southeast Fisheries Science Center recently completed the first leg of a mission to survey marine mammals and other protected species in waters off the southeast coast of the United States. They are locating, identifying, and counting marine mammals from both the NOAA Ship Gordon Gunter and a NOAA Twin Otter aircraft.

The data they collect will be used to assess the abundance, distribution, ecology, and behavior of marine mammals, sea turtles, and seabirds throughout the U.S. Atlantic. These data are also critical for updating the Atlantic stock assessment reports required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).

Usually, we conduct these marine mammal surveys annually but were not able to collect data in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The beginning of this trip has also had some challenges—two tropical storms have made for rough seas and grounded flights.

In spite of these challenges, the ship-board team has logged 325 marine mammal sightings—a single leg record for the team—since departing Newport, Rhode Island on June 12 and arriving in Charleston, South Carolina on July 3. Notable sightings included two large Clymene dolphin (Stenella clymene) sightings, a Gervais’ beaked whale (Mesoplodon europaeus) sighting, and multiple false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) sightings. Scientists were also towing a hydrophone array to collect passive acoustic data—underwater sounds from whales and dolphins. They collected 76 recordings, 16 of which were from sperm whale groups.

Read the full release here

NOAA Fisheries Seeks Comments on an Application for an Exempted Fishing Permit to Collect Deep-water Reef Fish in U.S. Caribbean Federal Waters

July 19, 2021 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

Key Message:

NOAA Fisheries is accepting comments on an application for an exempted fishing permit from NOAA Fisheries’ Southeast Fisheries Science Center Panama City, Florida Laboratory. The objectives of this project are to (1) use underwater video to collect size and abundance data and describe benthic habitats of deep-water reef fish species off the western, northeastern, and southeastern coasts of Puerto Rico and (2) collect biological samples to determine reproductive cycles, growth estimates, and the age and size at sexual maturation of commercially important deep-water snapper species.

The Caribbean Fishery Management Council has ranked investigations into deep-water snapper fishing at the highest priority level for deep-water research in their region. The applicant is currently authorized to conduct similar deep-water snapper research under an exempted fishing permit issued on July 30, 2020, which is valid through August 1, 2021.

Project Description:

Under this exempted fishing permit, Science Center staff and contracted commercial fishers would deploy four vertical lines per site: one to collect a water sample at depth, one with an underwater video camera to record deep-water species and habitats at depth, and two fishing lines with 9 hooks each to catch the targeted deep-water snappers (vertical fishing line).
Targeted species include black, blackfin, cardinal, queen, silk, and wenchman snappers. Non-targeted species expected to be incidentally caught include vermilion snapper and black, red, tiger, yellowfin, misty, yellowedge, and red hind groupers.
Project activities would be conducted from August 1, 2021 through August 1, 2023.
Sampling would occur along the western, northeastern, and southeastern coasts of Puerto Rico at depths of 328 – 2,133 feet (100 – 650 meters).
A maximum of 45 fishing trips would be conducted per coast, per year. Approximately, 40 of the trips each year would be in federal waters and the remaining 95 trips in state waters.

NOAA Fisheries finds this application warrants further consideration, and is seeking public comment on the application. A final decision on issuance of the permit will depend on NOAA Fisheries’ review of public comments received, the Caribbean Fishery Management Council’s recommendations, consultations with the affected states and the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as a determination that it is consistent with all applicable laws.

How to Comment on the Application:

The comment period is open now through July 30, 2021. 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.

Application information: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/commercial-fishing/noaa-nmfs-panama-city-lab-2021

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

Go to https://www.regulations.gov and enter “NOAA-NMFS-2021-0058” in the Search box.
Click the “Comment” icon, complete the required fields.
Enter or attach your comments.

Mail: Submit written comments to Sarah Stephenson, NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

Gulf Shrimp Landings in 2021 Slightly Up, But SSA Notes Anomalies in Data Collection

June 24, 2021 — The Southern Shrimp Alliance (SSA) reports that 19.1 million pounds of shrimp were landed across the Gulf of Mexico through the first five months of 2021, up from 17.0 million pounds over the same time period in the last two years. However, landings of shrimp in the Gulf this year have been 23 percent below the nineteen-year historical average of 24.9 million pounds, SSA notes.

Landings data are reported monthly from the Fishery Monitoring Branch of NOAA Fisheries’ Southeast Fisheries Science Center. The Alliance provides context and historical perspective on the numbers for their members, the domestic shrimp industry in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.

Read the full story at Seafood News

Canh Nguyen, Fisheries Methods and Equipment Specialist

June 16, 2021 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

Where did you grow up?

My parents emigrated from South Vietnam and settled in Abbeville. It is a small town near the central coast of Louisiana, where I was born and raised.

How did you come to work at the Southeast Fisheries Science Center?

Prior to working at the Southeast Fisheries Science Center, I attended University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a major in Business Systems Analysis Technologies for 3 years. Circumstances forced me to leave college and continue the family shrimping business. I continued to work as a commercial shrimper in Louisiana for the next 10 years. During a routine TED check, I met Mr. Dale Stevens from the science center’s Gear Monitoring Team and during our interaction learned more about NOAA. I was intrigued at all the research and ingenuity done with the turtle excluder devices, something I have personally worked with throughout my years as a shrimper. When a position within the Gear Monitoring Team became available, I knew I would be a perfect fit for the role. I had a unique skill set, I’m bilingual in Vietnamese and English, and had 15 years of working with TEDs. In 2016, I got the opportunity to work with NOAA and I have been part of the Gear Monitoring Team since.

What do you do at the Science Center?

I am a Fisheries Methods and Equipment Specialist and Gear Monitoring Team Leader. My work consists of providing TED outreach to the shrimping industry. For the community I conduct at-sea and dockside courtesy inspections and building workshops. I also conduct inspection training for federal and state law enforcement along the entire Southeast region.

Canh is featured in this short video discussing the importance of turtle excluder devices, how they work, and compliance.

Read the full release here

Meet Jason Letort, Fisheries Methods & Equipment Specialist

June 7, 2021 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

Where did you grow up?

I’m a lifelong resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast (Biloxi).

How did you come to work at the Southeast Fisheries Science Center?

I was born in Ocean Springs, Mississippi and have been a lifelong resident of South Mississippi. I grew up with a passion for anything outdoors, especially fishing and shrimping with my family. I have been a member of the Gear Monitoring Team for 4 years. Before working for NOAA Fisheries, I supported NOAA Office of Marine & Aviation Operations as a contractor since 2008. I provided production oversight during the construction of the Fisheries Survey Vessels including the NOAA Ships Bell M. Shimada and Pisces. After that, I was acting Port Engineer for Pisces successfully executing major dockside and dry-dock repair periods. I addressed several critical casualties during the sailing season, ensuring the ship was available to complete her missions. While performing these duties, I interacted with a lot of people working for NOAA and quickly realized that NOAA Fisheries was the place for me! I was selected for the position and haven’t looked back.

What do you do at the Science Center?

As a member of the Gear Monitoring Team, I provide commercial shrimp fishermen and industry members with education, outreach, and training of Turtle Excluder Device rules and regulations. Our team provides law enforcement training to state and federal agencies. We also conduct courtesy TED inspections during “at sea” patrols and dockside in order to maintain compliance requirements. As a dive team member I participate in the testing of TED design, efficacy, and determining exclusion rate.

Read the full release here

NOAA Fisheries Announces Changes to the Cellular Electronic Logbook Program for Gulf of Mexico Shrimp Moratorium Permit Holders

June 4, 2021 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

Key Message:

NOAA Fisheries is working to improve the quality of information available for the Gulf of Mexico shrimp fishery. This bulletin provides federal shrimp permit holders with an overview of the new changes occurring with the Cellular Electronic Logbook Program.

Having appropriate and current data enables the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council and NOAA Fisheries to carry out responsive and timely fisheries management. Since the implementation of the shrimp permit moratorium in 2007, NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Center continues the required data collections through fishing regulations.

What is New to the Gulf of Mexico Shrimp Permit (SPGM) Cellular Electronic Logbook (cELB) Program:

In November 2020, NOAA Fisheries sent a letter to Cellular Electronic Logbook Program participants that 3G cellular technology would no longer be available as of December 31, 2020. This notification also asked participants to continue to power up the devices onboard the vessel when fishing. The transmission of those data would no longer be sent via cellular technology; however, the devices would continue to collect data until NOAA Fisheries was able to retrieve the data manually. Note that participants are still required to power up the devices while fishing.
Within the next few weeks, NOAA Fisheries will be providing SD card replacements to each Program participant currently assigned a device onboard the vessel associated with the selected Gulf of Mexico Shrimp Permit.
Selected participants will receive a letter with the enclosed step-by-step instructional guide, a new SD card to be swapped on the Cellular Electronic Logbook device, and a pre-paid envelope to return the previously used SD card back to the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Center for data analysis.

While NOAA Fisheries explores options for the replacement of the current 3G units, we will continue to send, and ask you to install replacement SD cards. The swap of SD cards allows the permit holder the ability to comply with the SPGM reporting requirement associated with this program. The information collected from the SD card returned to NOAA Fisheries will allow us to determine whether your unit is working properly or if you may need a new antenna or unit.

Thank you for your past and future cooperation with these data collection efforts. The information is critical for more responsive and timely management of the fishery. All individual information provided is confidential. These data collections are mandated by the final rule to implement actions in Amendment 13 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico

South Atlantic Bite – Newsworthy Notes – April 28, 2021

April 28, 2021 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

SAFMC Seminar Series
Dolphin Wahoo Participatory Workshops – Profile of the fishery
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
1 PM until 2:30 PM via webinar

The Council’s Seminar Series continues in May with a presentation on recent participatory workshops held in North Carolina, Virginia and Florida to get input from fishermen to better describe the Dolphin Wahoo fishery. Staff from NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Center will provide an overview of the project. The Seminar Series features presentations on scientific studies relevant to fisheries in federal waters of the South Atlantic. Register now for the May 11th seminar and receive reminders as the date approaches!

Public Hearings Scheduled for Shrimp Fishery Access Area Along Northern Extension of the Oculina Bank
Coral Amendment 10
May 12 and 13, 2021 at 5 PM via webinar

The Council will hold public hearings for a proposed action to establish a Rock Shrimp Fishery Access Area along the eastern edge of the northern extension of the Oculina Coral Habitat Area of Particular Concern. The Coral HAPC is located off the east coast of Florida. Fishermen requested the eastern edge of the northern extension of the Oculina Bank be reviewed to determine if historic trawling areas could be reopened to rock shrimp fishing.

Learn more about what is being proposed and register now to attend a public hearing. Webinar registration: Wednesday, May 12 and Thursday, May 13

Reminder! Apply Now for Open Seats on the Council’s Advisory Panels
Applications due by Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Applications are currently being accepted for open seats on the Council’s Habitat Protection and Ecosystem-Based Management Advisory Panel as well as the Mackerel Cobia Advisory Panel, Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel and Law Enforcement Advisory Panel. The Council will consider applications during its June 14-18, 2021 meeting via webinar. Learn more about the important roll of the advisory panels and how to apply for open seats. Don’t delay! Apply before the May 5, 2021 deadline.

NOAA Fisheries Publishes 2020 Marine Recreational Catch Estimates

Each year, NOAA Fisheries provides marine recreational catch estimates for the Atlantic Coast, Gulf Coast and Hawaii. While the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the survey that collects catch data from anglers, its overall impact on recreational fishing data collection was lower than first expected, and NOAA Fisheries was able to fill gaps in the 2020 catch data with data collected in 2018 and 2019.

The use of proxy, or replacement, catch data had minimal impact on the agency’s effort estimates, as the mail and telephone surveys that collect effort data continued largely uninterrupted. The estimates are available via the MRIP Query Tool. Estimates can also be found on the agency’s Recreational Fishing Data Downloads webpage.

Additional Snippets:

Mid-Atlantic Ocean Forum – Addressing ocean planning issues
The Mid-Atlantic Committee on the Ocean (MACO) will convene its Third Annual Mid-Atlantic Region Ocean Forum from May 3-6, 2021. This year’s all-virtual event will feature expert panel discussions on ocean planning issues including offshore wind energy in the Mid-Atlantic, climate-induced ocean changes, ocean justice, and emerging technologies for monitoring the ocean. The event will also feature opportunities for public participation, a virtual networking luncheon and a first-ever poster session highlighting the work of students and early career professionals.

SECOORA Funding Opportunity – K-12 online marine science curricula
The Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA) is soliciting proposals to develop online or online accessible K-12 marine science curricula and/or activities that can be implemented by parents, teachers and other educators. Proposals must demonstrate how they will increase participation of underrepresented communities in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics educational activities. The award value is $8,500. Proposals are due by 5 PM ET on May 21, 2021. Learn more and share the word!

Call for Presentations: Does your research rely on collaboration with anglers?
The 151st Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society is scheduled for November 5-10, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. A symposium “Growing fisheries research and management through angler engagement” is being organized as part of this year’s meeting. The unique symposium will bring anglers and researchers together to learn how research in collaboration with anglers is coordinated, what science emerges, and what is needed to make them thrive. If you are interested in participating or want to learn more, contact Sean Simmons at sean@anglersatlas.com or Julia Byrd at julia.byrd@safmc.net.

Mark Your Calendar
There are several meetings being scheduled via webinar as the spring approaches. Keep track of meetings scheduled by the Council from the website and register for meeting webinars as information becomes available.

April 27-29 and May 3, 2021
SAFMC Scientific and Statistical Committee Meeting
Webinar Registration

May 11, 2021
1 PM – 2:30 PM
SAFMC Webinar Series: Dolphin Wahoo Participatory Workshop Presentation
Webinar Registration

May 12 and 13, 2021
5 PM each day
Public Hearings: Coral Amendment 10
Shrimp Fishery Access Area along Northern Extension of Oculina Bank CHAPC
Webinar Registration – Wednesday, May 12
Webinar Registration – Thursday, May 13

May 19, 2021
SAFMC Citizen Science Operations Committee Meeting

SAFMC Scientific and Statistical Committee Meeting April 27-29 and May 3, 2021

April 19, 2021 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee will hold a multi-day meeting via webinar later this month to review recent stock assessments for Red Snapper, Tilefish and Gag Grouper and provide recommendations for consideration by the Council. Each of the eight regional fishery management councils in the U.S. has a Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) responsible for developing fishing level recommendations and reviewing the scientific basis of council management plans and actions.

The latest stock assessment for South Atlantic Red Snapper was completed through the Southeast Data, Assessment and Review (SEDAR) stock assessment process and made available in March 2021. During its meeting, the SSC will review the assessment and consider whether the results are useful for providing management advice and developing fishing level recommendations for the Council.

An SSC may use the information from the Stock Assessment Report as the basis for providing fishing level recommendations or request additional analyses be conducted.

Fishing level recommendations include an Overfishing Limit and the Acceptable Biological Catch. An overview of the Red Snapper Stock Assessment will be provided to the SSC by NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Center on Tuesday, April 27th.

In addition to Red Snapper, the SSC will review stock assessments and provide fishing level recommendations for Tilefish (golden Tilefish) and Gag Grouper. The SSC will also provide guidance on the Council’s “Decision Tree” approach to allocations, the South Atlantic Research and Monitoring Plan and other agenda items.

Recommendations from the SSC will be provided to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council during its June 14-18, 2021 meeting scheduled via webinar.

The briefing book materials for the April 27-29 and May 3, 2021 SSC meeting, including the meeting agenda and overview, presentations, reports, webinar registration information and an online public comment form are now available from the Council’s website.

Click here to register now for the meeting via webinar and receive email reminders as the meeting dates approach.

New study triples estimate of red snapper in Gulf of Mexico

March 24, 2021 — There are about three times as many red snapper as previously estimated in the Gulf of Mexico, according to a study released Wednesday about the popular game and table fish over which recreational anglers and federal regulators have fought for years.

The $12 million Great Red Snapper Count estimated that the Gulf holds about 110 million adult red snapper — those at least 2 years old. A 2018 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration marine fisheries’ estimate was about 36 million.

“This new information should translate into greater access and longer fishing seasons for families,” Republican U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy said in a news release Wednesday.

Clay Porch, director of NOAA’s Southeast Fisheries Science Center Director in Miami, said peer reviewers will be going over the science for the Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management Council, which is likely to consider revising quotas in April, Porch said Tuesday.

Read the full story from the Associated Press at the Star Tribune