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FishNews June 17, 2008

EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

NOAA Fisheries Actions

Calendar



WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS

National - National Saltwater Angler Registry Proposed Rule

NOAA Fisheries Service is seeking comment on a proposed rule that requires anglers and spearfishers who fish recreationally in federal ocean waters to be registered before fishing in 2009.The rule would also require registration by those who may catch anadromous species anywhere, including striped bass, salmon and shad that spawn in rivers and streams and spend their adult lives in estuaries and the ocean.

The proposed rule satisfies the National Academy of Science National Research Council recommendations to establish a national database of saltwater anglers, and meets the requirements under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The proposed rule is a part of a larger initiative of NOAA Fisheries Service to improve the quality and accuracy of data on marine recreational fishing and catches. The registry will also help measure the economic effects of recreational fishing on the national and local economies.

NOAA may exempt anglers from registration if they already have a state-issued saltwater fishing license or registration, and the state provides sufficiently complete information to place in the national registry. In certain instances, anglers in states participating in regional surveys of marine recreational fishing may also be exempted. The new rule allows states to apply for exemptions.

States on the West Coast (including Alaska), the Gulf Coast, and the South Atlantic offer saltwater fishing licenses. Hawaii and the states from New Jersey to Maine do not.

Fishermen would be required to be registered annually and NOAA will not charge a registration fee in the first two years. Beginning in 2011, the annual fee will be an estimated $15 to $25 per angler. Anglers under the age of 16 would be exempt from registering and fees would be waived for indigenous people, such as members of federally recognized tribes.
Anglers who fish only on licensed party, charter, or guide boats would also be exempt, since these vessels are surveyed separately from the angler surveys. Also, persons who hold commercial fishing licenses or permits, and are legally fishing under them, will be exempt from the registration requirement.

For the last 28 years, NOAA Fisheries Service has conducted recreational fishing surveys through random telephone interviews with residents living in coastal counties. NOAA and its regional and state partners conduct an extensive program of dockside interviews of anglers to obtain data on their catch.

The national saltwater registry will enable surveyors to interview only those people who fish, and will reach all anglers, not only those who live near the coast. To read the proposed rule, go to Marine Recreational Information Program.

Comments on the proposed rule will be accepted until August 11, 2008 and should be mailed to: John Boreman, Director, Office of Science and Technology, NOAA Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Attn.: Gordon Colvin. Comments may also be submitted electronically at redirect.

National - NOAA Outlines Annual Catch Limits to End Overfishing

NOAA Fisheries Service has outlined a plan to establish annual catch limits designed to help restore federally managed marine fish stocks. Annual catch limits are the amount of each type of fish allowed to be caught in a year and are required by the 2007 amendments to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Additionally, the act calls for measures to ensure these limits are followed and that the limits do not exceed the scientific recommendations made by the regional fishery management councils’ scientific committees.

NOAA Fisheries Service, the regional fishery management councils, and fishing communities have taken significant steps toward ending overfishing and rebuilding stocks in recent years. In 2007, seven fish stocks were removed from the overfishing list. The guidelines published in the Federal Register on June 6, 2008 propose to set up a system of catch limits and targets for each stock to prevent overfishing. The system would account for scientific uncertainty in estimating catch limits for a stock, and include accountability measures to prevent annual catch limits from being exceeded, and to address such a situation quickly if it does occur.

Annual catch limits will be required for all U.S. commercial and recreational fisheries subject to overfishing by 2010, and all other stocks by 2011. NOAA hopes to issue final guidelines on annual catch limits by the end of 2008.
Comments can be submitted (identified by 0648-AV60) by any of the following methods:

Federal e-Rulemaking portal: redirect ; or Fax: 301-713-1193, Attn: Mark Millikin; or mail: Mark R. Millikin, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13357, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (mark outside of envelope “Comments on Annual Catch Limits proposed rule”).

National - Nominations to the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee Sought

Nominations are being sought for appointment by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to serve on the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC) beginning in October 2008. MAFAC is the only Federal advisory committee with the responsibility to advise the Secretary on all matters concerning living marine resources that are the responsibility of the Department of Commerce. The Committee makes recommendations to the Secretary to assist in the development and implementation of Departmental regulations, policies and programs critical to the mission and goals of the NOAA Fisheries Service. Nominations are encouraged from all interested parties involved with or representing interests affected by NOAA Fisheries Service actions in managing living marine resources. Nominees should possess demonstrable expertise in a field related to the management of living marine resources and be able to fulfill the time commitments required for two annual meetings. Individuals serve for a term of three years for no more than two consecutive terms if re-appointed. NOAA Fisheries Service is seeking qualified nominees to fill upcoming vacancies being created by the expiration of existing appointments this October, thereby bringing the Committee to its full complement of 21 members.

Nominations must be received by July 21, 2008 and should be sent to Dr. Mark Holliday, Executive Director, MAFAC, Office of Policy, NOAA Fisheries Service F-14451, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

For additional information please contact Mark Holliday, MAFAC Executive Director, telephone (301) 713-2239 x120.

Pacific - NOAA Study Shows Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean Dolphin Populations Improving

Populations of northeasters offshore spotted and eastern spinner dolphins in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean are increasing after being severely depleted because of accidental death in the tuna purse-seine fishery between 1960 and 1990, according to NOAA Fisheries Service biologists. “These estimates are encouraging because they are consistent with what we would expect to see if these stocks are recovering, now that reported fishery mortality has been dramatically reduced,” said Dr. Lisa Ballance, director of NOAA’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center protected resources division. “However, we have to be careful not to jump to final conclusions. We need to resolve the uncertainties around these estimates before we can definitively say these stocks are recovering.”

Between 1960 and 1990, the northeastern offshore spotted and eastern spinner dolphin populations dropped to 20 percent and 30 percent, respectively, of their pre-fishery levels when dolphins were caught and died in tuna purse-seine nets. Since the early 1990s, however, the number of reported dolphin deaths has been very low because of severe restrictions on the fishery. “We expected to see these populations begin their recovery years ago, because fishermen have been so successful at reducing dolphin deaths,” said Tim Gerrodette of NOAA Fisheries Service.“ The new data are the first to indicate the beginning of a recovery, but these initial indications are not enough to be confident that the populations will continue to grow.” Researchers emphasize the need to continue to monitor dolphin populations at sea through comprehensive ecosystem research cruises, and to conduct an updated dolphin stock assessment that will include not only these most recent abundance estimates, but also additional information on dolphin life history, fishery mortality, and the ecosystem. This assessment will enable a more definitive interpretation of whether these abundance estimates indicate Eastern Tropical Pacific dolphins are recovering and the degree to which the fishery and other factors affect the conservation of these stocks.

Today’s report stems from a series of research cruises conducted since 1986. It presents new estimates of abundance for 10 dolphin stocks for each survey year between 1986 and 2006. These estimates may be found at ETP Cetacean Assessment - SWFSC.

For additional information please contact Jim Milbury, telephone (562)980-4006.

Gulf of Mexico - Eight New Marine Protected Areas Proposed for Gulf of Mexico

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council has submitted Amendment 14 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery for review, approval, and implementation by NOAA Fisheries Service. The amendment would establish eight new marine protected areas (MPAs) in which fishing for or possession of snapper-grouper species would be prohibited, but other types of legal fishing would be allowed. The MPAs would be located in the following areas: one off southern North Carolina, three off South Carolina, one off Georgia, and three off Florida, and range from 5 by 10 nautical miles to 22 by 23 nautical miles in area. Amendment 14 also proposes to prohibit the use of shark bottom longlines within the MPAs, however, NOAA Fisheries Service is proposing to implement the prohibition of shark bottom longlines through separate rulemaking. If implemented, these measures are expected to enhance the optimum size, age and genetic structure of slow growing long-lived deepwater grouper species.

Written comments will be accepted through August 5, 2008 and can be submitted, identified by 0648-AU28, via the Federal eRulemaking Portal redirect, by fax to: (727) 824-5308, Attn: Kate Michie, or by mail to Kate Michie, NOAA Fisheries Service Southeast Regional Office, Sustainable Fisheries Division, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

For additional information, please contact Kim Iverson, Public Information Officer, South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; toll free 1-866-SAFMC-10 or 843-571-4366.

Pacific Islands - Black and Gold Coral Management Measures Proposed

NOAA Fisheries Service has announced a proposed rule to limit black coral harvested in the Au`au Channel, Hawaii, black coral bed to 5,000 kilograms (11,023 lbs.) every two years and to establish a 5-year moratorium on the harvest of gold coral throughout the U.S. western Pacific. This proposed rule would designate the Au`au Channel, Hawaii as an ”Established Bed” for black coral harvest and would be in effect for both Federal and State of Hawaii waters. The proposed rule is intended to prevent overfishing and achieve optimum yields of black coral resources, and to prevent overfishing and stimulate research on gold corals. Gold corals are found in deep water (100-1,500 m) on solid substrates where bottom currents are strong. Black corals also live on solid substrates, but generally at depths of 30-110 m. All precious corals are slow-growing and are characterized by low rates of natural mortality and recruitment. Unexploited populations are relatively stable, and a wide range of age classes is generally present. This life-history pattern (longevity and many age classes) has two important consequences with respect to exploitation. First, the population response to harvesting is drawn out over many years. Second, because of the great longevity of individuals and the associated slow population turnover rates, a long period of reduced fishing effort is required to restore a stock's ability to produce at the maximum sustainable yield if a stock has been over exploited for several years. Copies of the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the Precious Corals Fisheries of the Western Pacific Region (Precious Corals FMP), and proposed FMP Amendment 7, which includes an environmental assessment, regulatory impact review (RIR), and initial regulatory flexibility analysis (IRFA), are available from the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council), 1164 Bishop St., Suite 1400, Honolulu, HI 96813, telephone (808) 522-8220, fax (808) 522-8226, or website Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council .
Comments on the proposed rule must be received by July 14, 2008 and may be submitted via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal redirect; or by mail to William L. Robinson, Regional Administrator, NOAA Fisheries Service, Pacific Islands Region (PIR), 1601 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814-4700. Comments should be identified by 0648-AV30.

For additional information, please contact Brett Wiedoff, telephone (808) 944-2272.

Northeast - Northwest Atlantic Loggerhead Sea Turtle Recovery Plan Announced

NOAA Fisheries Service has announced that the draft Recovery Plan for the Northwest Atlantic Population of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle is available for public comment. The plan includes natural history, current status, and the known and potential threats to the loggerhead turtle in the Northwest Atlantic and lays out a recovery strategy to address the potential threats based on the best available science and includes recovery goals and criteria. Recovery of loggerhead turtles in the Northwest Atlantic is a long-term effort and will require cooperation and coordination of Federal, state, and local government agencies, and the community, as well as international cooperation. The draft plan is available online and comments must be received by close of business on July 29, 2008. Comments can be submitted by any one of the following methods:

1. Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic comments via e-mail to: seaturtle@fws.gov. Include in the subject line of the e-mail the following identifier: Comments on Northwest Atlantic Loggerhead Recovery Plan. Attachments to electronic comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word, Excel, WordPerfect, or Adobe PDF file formats only.
2. Mail: NOAA Fisheries Service National Sea Turtle Coordinator, Attn: Draft Loggerhead Recovery Plan, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13657, Silver Spring, MD 20910 or USFWS National Sea Turtle Coordinator, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 6620 Southpoint Drive South, Suite 310, Jacksonville, FL 32216.
3. Fax: (301) 713-0376, Attn: NOAA Fisheries Service National Sea Turtle Coordinator.

For additional information, please contact Barbara Schroeder, telephone (301) 713-1401.

Atlantic - Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council Applicants Sought

The Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary is seeking applicants to fill the Charter/Commercial Fishing and University Education seats on its Sanctuary Advisory Council. Applicants are chosen based upon their particular expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying; community and professional affiliations; philosophy regarding the protection and management of marine resources; and possibly the length of residence in the area affected by the sanctuary. Applicants who are chosen as members should expect to serve three-year terms, pursuant to the council's Charter. Applications are due by July 15, 2008. Application kits may be obtained from Becky Shortland, Council Coordinator, 10 Ocean Science Circle, Savannah, GA 31411, telephone (912) 598-2381.

Completed applications and requests for additional information should be sent to the same contact.

EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review Conference Call June 17, 2008

The Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) Assessment Panel will meet via conference call on Tuesday, June 17, 2008, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. (EST).to review assessment model results and discuss future documentation needs. Listening stations are available at the following locations: South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 4055 Faber Place Drive 201, North Charleston, SC 29405; and the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, 2203 North Lois Avenue, Suite 1100, Tampa, FL 33607.

The South Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Fishery Management Councils; in conjunction with NOAA Fisheries Service, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission; implemented the Southeast Data, Assessment and Review (SEDAR) process, a multi-step method for determining the status of fish stocks. SEDAR 16 is developing an assessment of the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico King Mackerel stock. During this conference call, the SEDAR 16 King Mackerel Assessment Panel will follow-up on activities from its May 5-9, 2008 meeting by reviewing the assessment model results, and discussing future documentation needs.

For additional information, please contact Julie A. Neer, SEDAR Coordinator, telephone (843) 571-4366.

Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council Public Hearings Set June 9-18, 2008

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is currently holding a series of public hearings to allow for input on the Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish. The items of discussion for the public hearings are the proposed butterfish mortality cap program for the Loligo fishery, the increase in the Loligo minimum codend mesh size, the elimination of exemptions for Illex vessels from Loligo minimum codend mesh requirements the establishment of seasonal gear restricted areas. The scheduled public hearings are as follows:

• June 9 - Sheraton Convention Center Hotel, Two Miss America Way, Atlantic City, NJ 08401; telephone: (609) 344-3535;
• June 17 - Hilton Garden Inn, Providence Airport Warwick, 1 Thurber Street/Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick, RI 02886; telephone: (401) 734-9600; and
• June 18 - Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites East End, 1707 Old Country Road, Route 58, Riverhead, NY 11901; telephone: (631) 548-1000.

All hearings begin at 7 p.m. For additional information please Daniel T. Furlong, Executive Director, telephone: (302) 674-2331.

Western Pacific Fishery Management Council Meeting June 16-19, 2008

The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council will hold its 142nd meeting to consider and take actions on fishery management issues in the Western Pacific Region. The 142nd Council meeting and public hearings will be held on June 16-19, 2008 in Honolulu, HI at the Ala Moana Hotel, 410 Atkinson Drive, Honolulu, Hawaii; telephone: (808) 955-4811. For specific times and the agenda, click here.

For additional information, please contact Kitty M. Simonds, Executive Director; telephone: (808) 522-8220.

Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops July – September, 2008

NOAA Fisheries Service has announced free Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops to be held in July, August, and September 2008. Certain fishermen and shark dealers are required to attend a workshop to meet new regulatory requirements and maintain valid permits. The Atlantic Shark Identification Workshop is mandatory for all federally permitted Atlantic shark dealers. The Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshop is mandatory for vessel owners and operators who use bottom longline, pelagic longline, or gillnet gear, and have also been issued shark or swordfish limited access permits. Additional free workshops will be held in 2008 and announced in the Federal Register. The Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops will be held July 31, August 28, and September 16 and 30, 2008. The Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops will be held in Charleston, SC; Richmond, TX; and South Daytona, FL. The Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops will be held July 22 and 29, August 27, and September 3, 2008. The Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops will be held in Panama City, FL; Bohemia, NY; Port Aransas, TX; and Ocean City, MD. The workshop schedules, registration information, and a list of frequently asked questions regarding these workshops are posted on the internet at: Office of Sustainable Fisheries - Highly Migratory Species.

For additional information, please contact Greg Fairclough by telephone: (727) 824-5399.

FEDERAL REGISTER ACTIONS

For a list of only those actions open for public comment, try going to redirect and scroll search for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

For a list of all daily actions, check the Federal register online at: Federal Register: Main Page.

NOAA FISHERIES ACTIONS

For more information, contact Editor.Fishnews@noaa.gov .

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