Council Considers Black Sea Bass Overage and 2013 Management Measures

​At last week’s meeting in Baltimore, MD, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council considered a number of issues related to the recreational black sea bass fishery. The fishery closed on November 1 after preliminary landings estimates indicated that the harvest limit had been exceeded. This closure prompted concerns related to the black sea bass stock assessment and the current accountability measures that could result in a recreational fishery closure in 2014. 

Council Recommends Higher Butterfish Catch for Remainder of 2012

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Dover, DE – During a special meeting last week the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council voted to recommend that the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) increase the acceptable biological catch (ABC) of butterfish for the remainder of 2012 to a total of 4,200 metric tons (mt). The recommendation was based on advice from the Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC).

The proposed increase would have the most direct impact on participants in the longfin squid fishery. The Council has used a butterfish mortality cap to limit butterfish bycatch in the squid fishery since 2011. Under the existing ABC of 3,622 mt, the longfin squid fishery could be restricted toward the end of the year depending on butterfish catches.  It is hoped that the increase will allow the squid fishery to stay open later in the year, allowing the squid fishery to utilize the full squid quota if squid are abundant and they continue to work to minimize butterfish bycatch.

“Butterfish and squid are some of the Council’s most unpredictable fisheries, and the recommendations of the SSC and Council are reasonable given the relatively high abundances of both butterfish and longfin squid indicated by the most recent data,” said Council Chairman Rick Robins. “This action allows us to avoid an unnecessary closure that would create hardships for the industry and families that depend on these fisheries, without compromising our statutory obligation to prevent overfishing.” 

The impetus for an in-season adjustment was the Council’s June decision to increase the 2013 butterfish ABC to 8,400 mt.  This increase more than doubles the existing 2012 ABC of 3,622 mt. At the August meeting, the Council discussed whether an in-season ABC adjustment was also appropriate and decided to have the SSC reconsider the 2012 butterfish ABC. The SSC met via webinar on September 13 and recommended that the ABC be increased to 4,200 mt for 2012, noting that the increase appeared likely to have no impact on the risk of overfishing the butterfish stock. 

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New England Council adopts action alternatives in Amendment 3

At its September meeting in Plymouth, MA the New England Fishery Management Council voted to adopt four actions in Amendment 3:  1B Allow 3% of commercial quota to be set aside for RSA, 2B  Update essential fish habitat (EFH) definitions, 3B  Maintain management measures until replaced via rulemaking, 4B  Eliminate seasonal allocation of the quota.  The Mid-Atlantic Council will adopt action alternatives at its October meeting and the amendment will be effective May 1, 2013. 

Mid-Atlantic Council to Initiate Scup Amendment

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Last week the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council voted to initiate an amendment that could result in changes to catch allocations in the scup fishery. Under the current system, the commercial catch limit is set at 78% of the allowable catch, and the recreational harvest limit is set at 22%.  If passed, the amendment could shift allocation from the commercial industry to the recreational sector and may also change the distribution of the commercial allocation among seasonal fishing periods. 

The amendment was proposed in response to growing concerns about the current allocation system, which has not been revised since it was first established in 1996.  The fishery was managed under a rebuilding plan from 1999 until it was declared rebuilt in 2009.  During this ten-year period, commercial and recreational participants were restricted by low quotas and strict management measures to allow the stock to rebuild.  

As a result of these efforts, stock size has continued to increase, and the Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission were able to increase the 2012 catch limit to a level that was more than double the 2010 limit.  Despite these increases, the recreational community has continued to voice frustration that higher catch limits have not resulted in more liberalized recreational regulations. In addition, fishermen harvesting scup in the summer have indicated that they should have a higher allocation. 

“Prior to 2009, allocation concerns were typically associated with the low limits required under the rebuilding plan,” said Council Chairman Rick Robins. “We are now able to set higher harvest limits and quotas, and neither the recreational nor commercial sectors came close to exceeding their catch limits in 2011. However, our management partners at the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and many of our constituents are still questioning whether the system that was established in 1996 is still appropriate for the fishery in 2012 and the future.”  

The Council began discussing strategies for evaluating scup allocations more than two years ago, but this is the first time the Council has voted to initiate an amendment to address the issue. The amendment development process will begin with a thorough biological, social, and economic analysis of the current system.

“One of the most prominent themes that we heard from all stakeholder groups during the Visioning Project was that they want the Council to make decisions using contemporary data,” said Chairman Robins. “Scup allocation is an issue that the fishery community feels strongly about, but it speaks to the broader importance of considering whether the regulations we have for all of our managed fisheries are still appropriate as socioeconomic and biological conditions change over time.” 

Mid-Atlantic Council to Host Two-Part Public Listening Session on August 14

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Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) Meeting
Tuesday, August 14, 2012 - 5:00 pm
Courtyard Philadelphia Downtown, 21 N. Juniper St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
And Via the Internet at http://www.mafmc.org/

Part 1: MAFMC Strategic Planning- Purpose, Process, and Expected Outcomes

On Monday, August 13, the Council’s Visioning and Strategic Planning Working Group will convene for the first in a series of meetings to develop a 10-year strategic plan.  Since the public has asked a number of questions and expressed an interest in the strategic planning process, Council staff will present a strategic planning overview during the August 14 listening session and will answer some of the most frequently asked questions such as: 

  • Why does the Council need a strategic plan when the legal mandates of the Magnuson-Stevens Act provide very specific guidelines for fisheries management?
  •  What kinds of changes could occur as a result of the strategic plan? 
  •  What role will the Stakeholder Input Report play in the planning process, and how will the concerns and interests of stakeholders be taken in to consideration?

Attend the listening session and get the answers to these questions and more!

Part 2: Meet John Bullard, the New NMFS Regional Administrator

John K. Bullard, former mayor of New Bedford, began work August 6 as the new Regional Administrator of NOAA’s Northeast Regional Office.  John will spend much of his time over the next several months meeting with stakeholders and asking two key questions: 

  •  What are your one or two most important issues?
  • What would success look like related to fisheries in the Northeast Region?

During this informal listening session, Mr. Bullard will be available to hear your answers to these questions and answer any questions that you may have for him.  

Council Releases Stakeholder Report and Launches Strategic Planning Process

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The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council has released a final report summarizing the ideas, concerns, and recommendations from more than 1,500 individuals who provided input for the Visioning and Strategic Planning Project.  

The Stakeholder Input Report outlines 55 themes/concerns and 123 recommendations from three of the Council’s primary stakeholder groups—the commercial industry, the recreational sector, and the environmental community.  Participants commented on topics ranging from decision-making and communication procedures to management strategies for specific fisheries.  

Outreach and data gathering for the report occurred over a five month period beginning in September 2011.  Online and mail surveys were available to anyone interested in providing input on fisheries management, and council members and staff met with more than 200 individuals in 20 locations throughout the Northeast region in roundtable sessions.  Organizations also had the opportunity to submit position letters describing their concerns and priorities for Mid-Atlantic fisheries.

“The Council has a diverse constituency, and we recognize that effective fisheries management must include meaningful stakeholder participation,” said Council Chairman Rick Robins.  “We have a history of successful stock rebuilding, but we continue to struggle with maintaining full stakeholder engagement. This report and the forthcoming strategic plan will enable the Council to make decisions that are more accurately informed by stakeholder perspectives.”

Report Highlights

The Stakeholder Input Report, which is available on the Council’s website, is organized in to three sections—Themes and Recommendations, Stakeholder Visions, and Fishery-Specific Themes.  Themes and Recommendations are further organized in to six categories, including Information and Data, Management Strategies, Economic Challenges, Communication and Participation, Governance and Ecosystems. 

Although stakeholder perspectives are often characterized as inherently conflicting, a number of common themes were identified by members of the commercial fishing industry, the recreational fishing sector, environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs), and the general public.  These themes included:

  • There is a lack of confidence in the data that drive fishery management decisions.
  • Stakeholders are not as involved in the Council process as they can and should be.
  • Different jurisdictions and regulations among the many fishery management organizations result in complexity and inconsistency.
  • There is a need for increased transparency and clearer communications in fisheries management.
  • The dynamics of the ecosystem and food web should be considered to a greater extent in fisheries management decisions.
  • Stakeholders are not adequately represented on the Council.
  • Pollution is negatively affecting the health of fish stocks.

In addition to voicing concerns and providing recommendations, stakeholders identified elements of a “Vision” for successful fisheries and fisheries management in the Mid-Atlantic.  Five common characteristics of a vision were identified across all stakeholder groups, including:

  • Fish populations are thriving and are harvested at sustainable levels.
  • Management decisions are based on sound data and science.
  • There is equitable consideration of the needs of diverse stakeholder groups; the interest of no one stakeholder group outweighs another.
  • There is little waste in the fisheries, and regulatory discards are minimal. 
  • More stakeholders are involved in the management process.  

Next Steps

The report will play a critical role in the Council’s strategic planning process, scheduled to begin next month when the newly-established Visioning and Strategic Planning Working Group meets for the first time.  The working group, comprising approximately 25 Council members and stakeholders, will draft a Vision, Goal Statement, and 10-year Strategic Plan to guide the Council’s management decisions and priorities.

“This report is the product of the largest outreach and data gathering initiative the Council has ever undertaken.  There is a sincere commitment among Council members to integrate stakeholder input in to the strategic plan as much as possible,” said Chairman Robins.  “We are grateful to the 1,500 stakeholders who took the time to share their concerns and ideas with us, and the vision and strategic plan will reflect their input.”  

Click here to download the full report

Additional details about the strategic planning process and opportunities for involvement will be posted in August.

Mid-Atlantic Council Recommends Measures to Protect River Herring and Shad

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Council Approves Amendment 14 and Initiates Amendment 15

At last week’s meeting in New York City, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council recommended measures to improve catch monitoring and reduce bycatch of river herrings (blueback and alewife) and shads (American and hickory) in the Atlantic mackerel and longfin squid fisheries.  These recommendations, if approved by The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), will be implemented via Amendment 14 to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan.  

River herrings and shads are among a number of important forage species in the Northeast region.  Although they are not managed as directed fisheries, river herrings and shads are caught as incidental catch (bycatch) by trawlers fishing for mackerel and squid. 

Concerns about bycatch of these species have escalated in recent months after an Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) stock assessment indicated that 92% of the 24 assessed river herring stocks were depleted.  The Council initiated Amendment 14 in response to a request from the ASMFC to improve monitoring and reduce river herring interactions as part of a coordinated effort to address sources of river herring mortality.

The recommended measures for Amendment 14 include a catch cap for river herrings and shads in the mackerel fishery beginning in 2014 and increased vessel and dealer reporting requirements. The Council recommended that NMFS increase observer coverage in the mackerel fishery and require 100% coverage on mid-water trawlers.  A portion of the costs associated with these new requirements would be paid by fishery participants. More rigorous reporting and monitoring requirements are expected to result in more accurate and complete data on river herring and shad catches.  

The Council discussed the feasibility of adding river herrings and/or shads as directly managed fisheries in Amendment 14, and they determined that a follow-up Amendment (15) would allow for a more complete consideration of the issue.  Amendment 15 could include provisions for setting Annual Catch Limits, identifying Essential Fish Habitat, and establishing joint management with management partners such as the New England Fishery Management Council and/or the ASMFC.  

“The Council recommended a strong monitoring program that will substantially improve our understanding of river herring and shad interactions in these small-mesh trawl fisheries,” said Council Chairman Rick Robins. “A catch cap will enable the Council to directly limit river herring and shad bycatch in these fisheries, and it will encourage the fleet to utilize bycatch avoidance programs to target mackerel and longfin squid in areas with lower rates of river herring and shad interactions.”

Public Listening Session –The Effects of Climate on Fisheries Resources of the Mid-Atlantic Region

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Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) Meeting
Tuesday, June 12, 2012 - 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Hilton New York, 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY
And Via the Internet at http://www.mafmc.org/

An important element of stock assessment is to forecast the abundance of fish in the future and then recommend catch limits that either maintain or rebuild stocks to defined levels.  Most stock assessment forecasts assume variability but no trends in underlying environmental and ecological influences.  However, contrary to such assumptions, in the northeast U.S. and adjacent waters, there is clear evidence that the climate is changing and that there is pronounced decadal variability in climate.  Further, there is clear evidence that climate is affecting fish abundance and distribution. 

Incorporating climate change into fisheries management is going to be a major challenge facing NOAA in coming decades; they have tools and approaches that can be used now, but need to further develop these and expand their application to meet this growing challenge.  NOAA also needs to develop a dialogue with the Fishery Management Councils so that the needs and questions of the Councils are considered as the research into the effects of climate change on fisheries develops.  So, if you have questions, need answers, or just want to express your concerns regarding climate change, you will be able to talk directly to Jon Hare of the Northeast Fisheries Science Center Narragansett Lab and leaders from the Council and the National Marine Fisheries Service.

Regarding the Listening Session process, please contact Jason Didden at jdidden@mafmc.org or (302) 526-5254 if you have any questions or if you would like to confirm that your computer is set up to access the webinar.  The webinar works for most computers, but sometimes there are technical problems with remote voice communication from online participants.  In such cases, participants may still use a chat feature in the webinar to submit their comments or questions.  

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Public Listening Session – BOEM Offshore Renewable Energy Program

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Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) Meeting
Tuesday, April 10, 2012 - 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Sanderling Inn, 1461 Duck Road, Duck, NC
And Via the Internet at http://www.mafmc.org/

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is engaged in siting offshore renewable energy facilities along the Atlantic seaboard.  As part of the planning and analysis for the offshore renewable energy process BOEM is reaching out to fishers to solicit their thoughts regarding offshore renewable energy as well as informing fishers about the offshore renewable energy leasing process.

This update will primarily focus on offshore renewable energy activities in the Mid-Atlantic (New York to North Carolina).  Updates on the status of various BOEM-funded studies will also be presented.  Information regarding BOEM’s renewable energy program can be found at:  http://www.boem.gov/Renewable-Energy-Program/index.aspx.  Incorporating input and feedback from fishers is important to BOEM’s planning process.  With this in mind, the Council will host a Public Listening Session in which BOEM representatives, will provide an update and take questions and input from the audience and those online (see below for registration).  If you have questions, need answers, or just want to express your concerns regarding the BOEM offshore renewable energy program, you will be able to talk directly to BOEM staff and leaders from the Council and the National Marine Fisheries Service.  

You can attend in person in Duck or via the internet.  For online webinar access register at:  https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/357029721.   This is the same link for listening-in to the Council meeting - Agenda.

Regarding the Listening Session process, please contact Jason Didden at jdidden@mafmc.org or (302) 526-5254 if you have any questions or if you would like to confirm that your computer is set-up to access the webinar.  The webinar works for most computers, but sometimes remote voice communication from online participants has problems.  In such cases, participants may still use a chat feature in the webinar to type submit their comments or questions.  You can also email questions for the Listening Session before the meeting begins to jdidden@mafmc.org.  

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Mid-Atlantic Council Votes to Initiate Amendment for Deep-Sea Coral Management

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The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council voted to develop a plan amendment to protect deep-sea corals at their meeting in Duck, NC last week.  This is the first time the Council has ever initiated an action specifically to protect corals in the Mid-Atlantic region. 

Deep-sea corals provide important habitat for many commercially and recreationally important fisheries in the Mid-Atlantic.  While Mid-Atlantic deep-sea coral species do not build reefs, some types are structurally complex and require hard substrates for attachment.  These corals, which are important habitat areas, are thought to be particularly vulnerable to physical damage because of their slow growth rates.

“This decision demonstrates the Council’s commitment to manage and protect not only Mid-Atlantic fisheries but also the habitats that those fish rely on,” said Council Chairman Rick Robins.  “Our understanding of the location and ecological significance of deep-sea corals has improved in recent years and will benefit from upcoming benthic survey work in the Mid-Atlantic region.  This deep-sea coral amendment will put the Council in a position to manage these sensitive components of the marine ecosystem.”  

The amendment would include provisions for developing management measures to protect areas with high densities of deep-sea corals.  These areas were identified in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions during the development of the New England Fishery Management Council’s Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Amendment.  The amendment was initiated in 2005 to develop a comprehensive plan that will minimize adverse effects of fishing on deep-sea corals and other areas of EFH. 

To date, efforts to identify and protect deep-sea coral areas have involved collaboration between the Mid-Atlantic and New England Councils.  In order to preserve the continuity of the process, the Council also voted last week to develop a memorandum of understanding between the Mid-Atlantic, New England, and South Atlantic Councils.  This will allow the councils to coordinate broad-scale deep-sea coral management measures.

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Council Seeks Nominations for Atlantic Sturgeon Advisory Panel

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The Council is soliciting nominations from qualified individuals to serve on its Atlantic Sturgeon Advisory Panel including individuals with expertise in sturgeon biology and life history, sturgeon population assessment, and those familiar with sturgeon interactions with fisheries and gear types in the Mid-Atlantic. Advisors will assist in the development of management measures to reduce impacts on Atlantic sturgeon by helping the Council better understand the issues surrounding sturgeon and their interactions with Mid-Atlantic fisheries. Applicants who are appointed to the Atlantic Sturgeon Advisory Panel will serve a term of 3 years. 

Anyone interested in serving as a member on the Council's Atlantic Sturgeon Advisory Panel can submit an application to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 N. State Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901, email the form to info1@mafmc.org or fax it to (302) 674-5399.  Please note as the subject on your email or fax:  ATLANTIC STURGEON ADVISORY PANEL.  Applications can be obtained by visiting http://www.mafmc.org/, or by contacting the Council office at (302) 674-2331 (ext.253). 

Applications must be received by May 11, 2012.

Council Seeking Applications for Advisory Panel Members

Visioning Project results in new process 

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The Council has been engaged in a Visioning and Strategic Planning project with the goal of implementing changes to the management process and improving its fishery management plans based on stakeholder input.  As a direct result of this effort, the advisory panel process is being revised to enhance the role of advisors.  The Council is soliciting applications from qualified individuals to serve on its eight advisory panels.

Advisory panels will be composed of individuals with diverse experiences and interests in Mid-Atlantic fisheries.  Advisors will play an important role in the fishery management process and will be directly responsible for fishery performance reports that help the Council better understand trends in fisheries and impact of management decisions on stakeholders. In addition, these reports will be considered by the Scientific and Statistical Committee and by the Council in the quota setting process.  

The Council is seeking advisors to serve on the following advisory panels:

  •  Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass 
  •  Tilefish 
  •  Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish 
  •  Surfclam and Ocean Quahog
  •  Bluefish
  •  Dogfish (Jointly managed with New England Council) 
  •  Monkfish (Jointly managed with New England Council)
  •  Ecosystems, Habitat, and Ocean Planning

Advisory panel members will be appointed during the next meeting of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council scheduled for April 10-12, 2012 in Duck, NC.  Appointed advisors will serve a term of 3 years. 

Anyone interested in serving as a member on one of these advisory panels can submit an application to the Mid- Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 800 N. State Street, Suite 201, Dover, DE 19901, email the form to info1@mafmc.org or fax it to (302) 674-5399.  Please note as the subject on your email or fax:  ADVISORY PANEL.  Applications can be obtained by visiting http://www.mafmc.org/, or by contacting the Council office at (877) 446-2362.

Applications must be received by March 30, 2012.