Atlantic Coast Fisheries News

October 13: NC DEQ is holding its quarterly Secretary's Environmental Justice and Equity Advisory Board Meeting. The meeting will be in-person and virtual.

(Find more here).

October 26: NOAA is seeking public comment on the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Restoration Blueprint and draft Management Plan, aimed at addressing ongoing concerns and building ecosystem resilience to threats such as climate change. Comments may be submitted through October 26.

(Find more here.).

October 26: GA DNR is holding its Coastal Advisory Council Fall Meeting

(Find more here).

October 31: NOAA Fisheries announced a proposed rule to modify North Atlantic right whale vessel speed regulations. The Federal Register Notice for this action is available at the Federal Register webpage. Comments may be submitted through October 31.

(Find more here.).

November 7: NOAA Fisheries announced a proposed rule to list the queen conch as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and is requesting public comment. Comments may be submitted through November 7.

(Find more here .).

ASMFC: FY2024 Funding Available for Habitat Conservation Projects

The Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership (ACFHP) is requesting project applications for funding to restore and conserve habitat necessary to support coastal, estuarine dependent, and diadromous fish species. Federal funding available through the National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP) program will be used to support the top ranked proposals.

This opportunity places an emphasis on conservation efforts that will improve recreational fishing opportunities and public use of resources. Improvements in public access as a component of projects are also encouraged. Projects must have a minimum of 1:1 non-federal match.

Find more information here.

NEFMC: Council to Hold Seven In-Person Public Information Workshops on Ecosystem-Based Fishery Management

The New England Fishery Management Council has scheduled seven in-person public information workshops to help fishermen and other stakeholders learn more about ecosystem-based fishery management (EBFM).

The workshops will run for three hours each and cover:

How EBFM can be used as a tool to assess and manage fisheries in general
How EBFM potentially could be used to regulate fisheries on Georges Bank

The Council has developed a Draft Example Fishery Ecosystem Plan (eFEP) for Georges Bank in preparation for further discussion.

Registration is highly encouraged but not mandatory. Advance registration will help the Council plan for and better accommodate participants at each workshop

Find more information here.

MAFMC: Council to Hold Public Hearings on Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Species Separation Requirements

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) is requesting public comments on a draft amendment to modify the species separation requirements in the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. Comments may be submitted at any of three public hearings to be held on November 10, 14, and 17. Written comments will also be accepted through November 23.

This action is intended to address the increased occurrence of mixed catches in the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. Current regulations do not allow for surfclam and ocean quahog to be landed on the same trip or placed in the same cages. Industry has reported that it has become increasingly difficult to avoid mixed catches due to changes in the species’ distributions. The draft amendment contains a range of management approaches (“alternatives”) that would modify current regulations to allow for mixed catches onboard vessels. Details about these management alternatives can be found in the Public Hearing Document.

Find more information here.

NJFW: Recreational Saltwater Volunteer Angler Data Needed

You might have heard that NJ Fish and Wildlife has a new website. As part of this upgrade, there is a new web address for the Recreational Saltwater Volunteer Angler Survey

Anglers have several options for reporting their catch online:

platform optimized for desktop computers and laptops
platform optimized for mobile devices
revised printable form that can be mailed or emailed

Anglers should report each fishing trip in only one of the platforms.

Information collected through this voluntary survey will provide data that may support alternative management strategies that increase fishing opportunities for the public, so please report your fishing trips.

Find more information here.

FL FWC: Hotline to Address Thousands of Vessels Displaced by Hurricane Ian

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has established a hotline for reporting displaced vessels still on Florida state waters because of Hurricane Ian.

When Hurricane Ian swept across the state, thousands of vessels were displaced by wind and storm surge. Some were pushed ashore, some damaged in marinas and private docks, others relocated but still afloat and some partially or fully sunken.

The public can report vessels on Florida waters that are displaced or damaged by calling the Hurricane Ian Vessel Hotline at 850-488-5600, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Callers should be prepared to provide the vessel’s registration number, current location and detailed description.

Find more information here.

FL FWC: Flounder Recreational Harvest Season Closes October 15

The recreational harvest of flounder in all Florida state and federal waters will close Oct. 15, and remain closed through Nov. 30, reopening Dec. 1.

This annual season closure and other management measures were approved by the Commission in December 2020 because a stock status update suggested that the flounder fishery statewide has been in a declining trend and is likely overfished and undergoing overfishing on the Atlantic coast of Florida. This closed season will provide additional protection to vulnerable flounder during pre-spawning aggregations. Other south Atlantic and Gulf states have also reported declines in flounder populations and have been making their own regulation changes in response.

Find more information here.

FL FWC: Applications for Limited Recreational Harvest of Goliath Grouper in State Waters Open October 15

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will soon accept applications for the first harvest of goliath grouper in state waters since 1990. Those interested can apply anytime from Oct. 15-30, 2022, for the upcoming 2023 season, which will be a highly regulated limited harvest.

This unique recreational opportunity is possible through successful conservation efforts by state and federal agencies over the past three decades that aided goliath grouper population rebuilding following years of overfishing. The limited-entry harvest will allow additional access to a fishery that has been catch-and-release only since 1990 by issuing permits via random-draw lottery. The cost to apply is $10 plus fees and permit lottery applications will be available online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com .

Find more information here.

NY DEC: Technical Assistance to Create Municipal Natural Resource Inventories

DEC’s Hudson River Estuary Program is offering a 2023 technical assistance opportunity for a team of two communities to create basic natural resources inventories (NRI).

This opportunity is open to a team of two municipalities that are adjacent or within the same county or local watershed. The joint project is intended to foster intermunicipal collaboration and increase efficiency in the creation of NRIs. A basic NRI will be produced for each of the two municipalities including a set of maps and descriptive report.

Applications are due by November 30, 2022. Learn more about local conservation planning and natural resources inventories on DEC's website Conservation Planning in the Hudson River Estuary Watershed.

This assistance is available at no cost to the municipalities; however, a significant contribution of volunteer time is expected. The technical assistance will begin in January, and NRIs will be completed and ready for local adoption by the end of 2023.

Find more information here.

FWS: Head Outdoors & Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week October 9-15

Walk, run or stroll in nature during National Wildlife Refuge Week, October 9-15, 2022. Enjoy great outdoor recreation in the nation’s largest network of public lands dedicated to wildlife conservation, the National Wildlife Refuge System, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Founded in 1903, national wildlife refuges offer access to a host of popular activities while providing vital habitat for thousands of wildlife species.

This year, the Refuge System is partnering with the Public Lands Alliance to celebrate their shared commitments to deepening human connections with nature. As part of Refuge Week, the Service is encouraging people to get out in nature for good health and to help wildlife thrive. Over 30, free, self-guided 5K “Walk for the Wild” events around the country will highlight national wildlife refuges.

There is a national wildlife refuge within an hour’s drive of most major metropolitan areas, almost all offering free admittance year-round. National wildlife refuges provide vital habitat for thousands of species and access to world-class recreation, from fishing, hunting and boating to nature watching, photography and environmental education.

Find more information here.

NOAA Fisheries: The Northeast Fisheries Center's Gear Lending Library is Open to Fishermen

The gear library is a collection of on-demand or “ropeless” systems, built with help and donations from environmental and academic organizations, that we lend to fishermen for testing.

After completing an in-field training day, commercially permitted fishermen and researchers can borrow pop-up buoys, inflatable lift bag systems, and buoyant spools. In return, the borrowers must provide us with information into how the gear operates on their vessels, any problems encountered, and suggestions for improving the technologies. This feedback is shared with manufacturers and others developing marketable on-demand gear and retrieval systems.

Find more information here.

NOAA Fisheries: Threatened and Endangered Species and Critical Habitat Consultation Frameworks

NOAA’s Southeast Region is announcing the release of threatened and endangered species and critical habitat consultation frameworks to assist federal action agencies, or non-federal representatives, in section 7 consultations under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Multiple streamlining tools have been developed to support federal action agencies, or non-federal representatives, in conducting section 7 consultations under the ESA.

The Consultation Frameworks can assist federal action agencies, or non-federal representatives with information on ESA listed species and critical habitat in the Southeast Region.

Find more information here.

NOAA Fisheries: New Right Whale Slow Zone Southeast of Nantucket Effective Through October 2

On October 10, 2022, the Northeast Fisheries Science Center aerial survey team detected the presence of right whales Southeast of Nantucket, MA. The Right Whale Slow Zone (DMA/visual trigger) is in effect through October 25, 2022.

This is a voluntary right whale "slow zone" area. Mariners are requested to avoid or transit at 10 knots or less inside the following Dynamic Management Area (DMA) where right whales have been detected.

Find more information here.

What We're Reading

People of colour have been shut out of the climate debate. Social justice is the key to a greener world Environmental issues in low-income areas have long been ignored by activists who fail to grasp the importance of equity (The Guardian)

The snail darter that caused an epic conservation fight is no longer threatened (NPR)

Mental anguish and mistreatment are rampant in marine science Survey finds that students and postdocs report verbal and sexual abuse, unpaid labour and dangerous work conditions (Nature)

The Untold Story of One of The Most Successful Oystermen in Hampton John Mallory Phillips made leaps in the Black community at a time that lacked support or recognition for people of color (Chesapeake Bay Foundation)

Tropical Oysters’ Time to Shine Temperate oysters have hogged the limelight, but heat-loving species have enormous potential to feed people, create economic opportunities, and rehab habitat in the tropics (Hakai Magazine)

AquaCon salmon farm proposal worries wildlife experts in Maryland The 25-acre indoor factory would produce 2.3 million gallons of wastewater a day, according to permits (WUSA)

The Seafood Watch downgrade of American lobster, explained (Sustainable Fisheries UW)

Ian Sinks Florida 'Dome Home' Built to Survive Hurricanes A house built from geodesic domes off the coast of Florida was designed to withstand gale-force winds and powerful storm surges but not sea-level rise (Scientific American)

African countries urge rich nations to honour $100bn climate finance pledge Ministers rebuke ‘shameful’ failure to meet funding promises for poorer countries to cope with climate crisis ahead of Cop27 summit (The Guardian)

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