Atlantic Coast Fisheries News

ASMFC’s Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board’s review of the performance of the 2020 fishery yielded positive news, with the states achieving Addendum VI’s goal of reducing total removals by 18% relative to 2017 levels. In fact, the states realized an estimated 28% reduction in total removals coastwide in numbers of fish from 2017 levels. Addendum VI was initiated in response to the 2018 benchmark assessment and aims to reduce total removals in order to end overfishing and reduce fishing mortality to the target level in 2020. The next stock assessment update for striped bass, scheduled to occur in 2022, will provide an update on the status of stock relative to the biological reference points.

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Atlantic Menhaden Board Initiates Addendum on Fishery Measures

ASMFC’s Atlantic Menhaden Management Board initiated an addendum to Amendment 3 to consider changes to commercial allocations, the episodic event set aside (EESA) program, and the incidental catch and small-scale fisheries provision. This action responds to the recommendations of a Board work group charged with evaluating provisions of the current management program and providing strategies to refine those provisions.

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New York’s Black Sea Bass Baseline Commercial Quota Increased to 8% under Addendum XXXIII

ASMFC’s Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Management Board approved a 1% increase in New York’s black sea bass commercial allocation, bringing New York’s baseline share of the coastwide quota to 8%. This action modifies the state commercial quota allocations that had been previously approved through Addendum XXXIII to the Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass FMP.

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American Lobster Board Initiates Draft Addendum XXIX

ASMFC’s American Lobster Management Board initiated Draft Addendum XXIX to Amendment 3, which will consider implementing electronic tracking requirements for federally-permitted vessels in the American lobster and Jonah crab fishery, with the goal of collecting high resolution spatial and temporal effort data.

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ACFHP: The Partnership Welcomes Restore America’s Estuaries as New Member to the Partnership

ACFHP is excited to welcome Restore America’s Estuaries (RAE) to the Partnership, and to become an Affiliate Member of RAE. RAE is dedicated to the protection and restoration of bays and estuaries as essential resources for our nation. RAE was founded in 1995 and is a national alliance of 10 coastal conservation groups dedicated to restoring and preserving America’s estuaries and coasts. The organization is a powerful voice for coastal habitat restoration in the nation’s capital.

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SC DNR: Home Run Scores the Win in Edisto

Much like Olympic athletes, sport fishing teams are quite familiar with the sting of a close finish. Those who tie for points but come in second place by minutes know the feeling well. But that’s sports. You win some and you lose some. It’s an old trope, but it’s a true one.

Home Run, a 60-ft Spencer owned by Steve Mungo and captained by Grant Bentley, is often at or near the top, whether at individual tournaments or in overall Series points. They too have had their share of near victories in recent years, with various ties and other close calls. That said, the fates would favor them in time for Edisto.

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MD DNR: Governor Hogan Announces Additional $3.4 Million In Relief Funds For Maryland Fishing Industry

Governor Larry Hogan, in conjunction with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), today announced an additional $3.4 million in economic relief funds for the state’s commercial seafood industry through the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.The funding will support activities previously authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, for those who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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DNREC: Delaware Celebrates Lewes Canal Living Shoreline Project

A living shoreline project developed by the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary to help Lewes, Delaware with shoreline stabilization was completed in partnership with DNREC, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Delaware Living Shorelines Committee.

The Lewes Canal project was a joint effort to add a 180-foot feature adjacent to an already existing living shoreline constructed in 2014 behind the Lewes Little League ball field. A method of shoreline stabilization and protection for wetlands, living shorelines absorb storm energy and protect property while reducing the potential for shoreline erosion issues. They also filter pollutants to improve water quality, a notable benefit as Delaware recognizes National Water Quality Month in August.

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FL FWC: Redfish Summit 2021: Attend, learn, share your input

The FL FWC is hosting the first ever Redfish Summit 2021 on Aug. 24 in Ocala. The summit will be a day-long public discussion on redfish biology and management in Florida including a presentation on an updated stock assessment, information about habitat and water quality, and interactive discussions about future management of the fishery.

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NOAA Fisheries: Oyster Ninja Introduces New Audiences to Shellfish

Nationally ranked oyster shucker Gardner Douglas is known within the shellfish community as the Oyster Ninja for his skills with the shucking knife. A popular fixture in the Mid-Atlantic oyster scene, Douglas has worked in oyster shucking houses, raw bars, and has even shucked for presidents. As he became more involved in the industry he also looked for ways to give back and share his love for seafood with others. Under the name Oyster Ninja, Douglas hosts a popular podcast that brings shellfish recipes, research and conservation work, and guest speakers to his listeners.

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NOAA Fisheries: Five Wild Facts About Shark Reproduction

In our ongoing effort to help you #KnowSharksBetter, we wanted to share some lesser-known facts about how sharks make more sharks!

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NOAA Fisheries: Right Whale Use of Southern New England Wind Energy Areas Increasing

Right whales are increasing their use of southern New England waters, including regions slated for offshore wind energy development, according to aerial survey data collected during the last decade. Offshore wind energy installations are proposed in waters off the south coasts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Understanding and minimizing the potential impacts from construction noise, increased vessel traffic, and habitat alteration will be crucial to protecting and conserving this endangered species. This research supports the Administration’s goal of deploying offshore wind while protecting biodiversity and promoting ocean co-use.

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NOAA Fisheries: August Edition of the NOAA Fisheries Navigator Now Available!

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What We're Reading

Revisiting Pauly et al. 1998. Check out this interview with Daniel Pauly reflecting on his 1998 publication, Fishing Down Marine Food Webs (Reflections on Papers Past).

After years of climate writing, here’s what I’ve learned about hope (Grist).

What is harming the ocean more: climate change or overfishing? In this edition of Ask a Marine Biologist, Dr. David Shiffman compares two grave threats to wild marine life and places (Sport Diver).

Is human activity responsible for the climate emergency? New report calls it ‘unequivocal.’ The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says some effects of warming are irreversible, but there's still time to act (Grist).

I’m a scientist and mother. When I lost my job during the pandemic, I almost gave up (Science).

This sculpture museum is 32 feet below water: artist Jason deCaires Taylor’s 90 sculptures will help generate the “recovery of coral habitats and reefs” (Hyperallergic).

Rethinking sustainability: From seafood consumption to seafood commons (Science Direct).

Trawlers are pushing into the high Arctic: with sea ice melting, fishing looks set to continue its expansion into previously inaccessible waters (Hakai Magazine).

4 must-read books for your summer reading list: these stories illuminate all we have to gain in a troubled world (Sierra Magazine).

How shoppers’ choices are helping to end harmful fishing (Conservation Optimism).

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