|
News Updates for The Week of September 26, 2022
ASMFC Awards Grant to Five Aquaculture Pilot Projects, NJ DEP Students Can Visit Pequest from Their Classroom, Help NOAA Fisheries Understand How Fishermen Market Their Catch
View as Webpage
| |
|
Upcoming
Meetings
September 26-29: NEFMC Meeting
October 4-6: MAFMC Meeting
November 6-10: ASMFC 2022 Annual Meeting, Long Branch, NJ
November 8-10: Marine Resources Education Program (MREP) Southeast Fisheries Science Stakeholders Workshop
December 5-9: SAFMC Meeting
December 5-9: Bluefish and Spiny Dogfish 2022 Research Track Peer Review
December 6-8: NEFMC Meeting
December 12-15: MAFMC Meeting
| |
Jobs
Recreational Angler Interviewer--Delaware, ACCSP
(Open Until Filled)
MRIP Field Technician,VMRC
(Open Until Filled)
Fisheries Observer, Protected Species, VMRC
(Open Until Filled)
MRIP Seasonal Data Field Technician-Delaware, ACCSP
(Open Until Filled)
MRIP (Marine Recreational Information Program)
Seasonal Data Field Technician
(Open Until Filled)
Shellfish Hatchery Technician in Maine-- Running Tide
(Open Until Filled)
Shoreline Surveyor NC DEQ
(Due: September 29)
Natural Resource Biologist II, MD DNR
(Due: September 29)
Aquaculture Hub Coordinator at Sea Grant Maine
(Due: September 30)
Research Coordinator for the NC DEQ NERR
(Due: October 6)
REEF Marine Conservation Spring Internship
(Due: October 23)
Research Associate I -Nova Southeastern University
(Open Until Filled)
FishSCORE Project Manager & Research Associate--Gulf of Maine Research Institute
Various Fisheries Observer Positions, AIS
Various NOAA Positions, Lynker Technologies
Various Biological Scientist jobs--Florida, FWC
Faculty Research Assistant, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
Fisheries Gear Research Technician, NOAA
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Policy Program Manager, Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies
Various Ocean and Fisheries Positions, Ocean Associates Inc.
|  | |
Public Comment
September 29: NOAA Fisheries announced the proposed measures for Framework 7 to the Tilefish Fishery Management Plan. Comments may be submitted through
October 29.
(Find more here).
September 30: ASMFC is seeking public comment on Draft Addendum VIII to the Horseshoe Crab FMP. This considers potential changes to the annual bait harvest specifications for horseshoe crabs of Delaware Bay-origin. Comments may be submitted through September 30.
(Find more here).
September 30: ASMFC is seeking public comment on Draft Addendum I to Amendment 3 to the Atlantic Menhaden FMP. The Draft Addendum considers potential changes to Amendment 3 provisions for commercial allocations, episodic event set aside program, and the incidental catch and small scale fisheries provision. Comments may be submitted through September 30.
(Find more here).
October 3: RI DEM is holding a regulatory workshop to solicit input regarding proposed amendments to marine fisheries regulations. The meeting will be in-person and virtual.
(Find more here).
October 6: GA DNR is seeking public comment on a proposed regulatory change to reduce the daily recreational harvest limit for Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) and establish a vessel limit. Comments may be submitted through October 6.
(Find more here).
October 7: NC DEQ announced a scoping period to solicit public input on Amendment 2 to the NC Striped Mullet Fishery Management Plan. Comments may be submitted through
October 7.
(Find more here).
October 11: NOAA Fisheries announced a scoping period for the next phase in the modifications to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan. Comments may be submitted through
October 11.
(Find more here).
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 Awards Grant to Five Aquaculture Pilot Projects Across the East Coast
| |
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, with the support of approximately $610,000 from NOAA Fisheries, has selected five aquaculture pilot projects along the Atlantic coast to receive funding. NOAA Fisheries provided the funds as part of its efforts to foster responsible aquaculture and seafood security in the U.S. After rigorous review, which included an evaluation of the technical aspects of the proposals as well as their compliance with environmental laws, the following projects were selected.
All five projects explore promising, but less commercially-developed, technologies for finfish and shellfish aquaculture. The projects began in July and are scheduled for completion in 2023.
Refer to the linked article to see which programs were funded.
Find more information here.
|  |
MA DMF: Commercial Summer Flounder Limits to Seasonally Increase on October 1 and Multi-State Limit Program to Apply
The commercial summer flounder trip limit will increase to 10,000 pounds per trip on Saturday, October 1. Unless otherwise notified, this 10,000-pound trip limit will remain in effect for the remainder of this calendar year. Additionally, the pilot program allowing trawlers to land two daily limits of summer flounder caught and retained over consecutive fishing days expires after September 30.
For 2022, the October 1–December 31 trip limit is the product of both a regulatorily scheduled seasonal increase to the trip limit and an in-season adjustment to the 2022 trip limit to enhance quota utilization.
Find more information here.
| |
FL FWC: To host Florida State Fish Art Contest
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in partnership with Wildlife Forever, is excited to announce the 25th Anniversary Fish Art Contest is now open. Since 1997, the contest has grown into an internationally recognized youth conservation program, drawing thousands of entries each year from across the country.
Students in kindergarten through twelfth grade can compete in this free contest for a chance to win state and national honors and prizes. This program inspires creativity while developing the next generation of anglers and conservationists.
Find more information here.
|
MD NRP: Shares Waterway Protection Knowledge with Indonesian Delegation
The Maryland Natural Resources Police recently welcomed a seven-person delegation of maritime professionals from Indonesia, to showcase how officers protect the Chesapeake Bay’s marine resources. This engagement was arranged through the World Trade Center Institute and the U.S. Department of State, sharing information on protecting natural resources at maritime borders.
Officers treated the delegation to a ride-along to learn about boat patrols. Once underway. the delegation observed a standard vessel safety check and a check of recreational crabbers and anglers to ensure compliance with Maryland’s regulations.
Find more information here.
|
MD DNR: Fall Trout Stocking to Begin Across Maryland
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will begin fall trout stock in early October. The department will be stocking thousands of hatchery-raised brown, golden, and rainbow trout in select creeks, rivers, lakes, and ponds across the state.
Anglers are encouraged to sign up to receive stocking updates. Anglers can also call the trout stocking hotline at 800-688-3467 on Fridays starting in October for a weekly update on all locations stocked.
Find more information here.
| MD DNR: Mid-Atlantic Record Catches | |
Thomas “Tad” Bodmer of Poolesville has been recognized by the Maryland Department of Resources as the new state record holder Atlantic Division for albacore, or long-fin tuna (Thunnus alalunga), with his 77-pound catch.
Bodmer, a recent convert to saltwater fishing, was aboard the charter Top Dog on September 20 as Captain Ryan Knapp and First Mate Josh were preparing to head back to shore after a slow fishing day. In a matter of minutes, three different lines went out simultaneously. The trio scrambled to pick up rods.
| |
Jeff Jacobs has been officially recognized by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as the new state record holder for the Atlantic Division with a 393-pound swordfish (Xiphias gladius) he caught in the canyons off the coast of Ocean City.
Jacobs was on charter boat RoShamBo with Captain Willie Zimmerman and crew. Already exhausted from an eight-hour fishing trip, Jacobs spent the next five and a half hours fighting to pull the huge fish aboard.
Find more information here.
| |
SAFMC: The South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Councils to Convene the Joint Council Workshop on Fishery Management Measures of the Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act of 2018
This section of the Modern Fish Act expands the range of management mechanisms for the recreational sector and provides additional flexibility for regional fishery management Councils to apply new approaches for recreational management. The work group will hear presentations on several aspects of saltwater recreational fisheries and will review its goals in relation to what the Councils are already doing, and consider recommendations regarding potential new approaches to recreational fisheries management.
Find more information here.
|
SAFMC: Federal Fishery Managers Consider Options for Red Snapper Management
At the South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils September meeting, a main point of conversation was the potential time or area closures for the snapper grouper fishery. This concern has been brought up in response to continual red snapper management efforts as the stock continues to rebuild. To date, the council has received over 1,000 online written comments addressing this concern as well as ample comments during the meeting.
As the stock rebuilds, the number of red snapper caught and released has increased. Leading to higher numbers of snapper-angler interactions with varying outcomes. Therefore, the species remains listed as "undergoing overfishing" due to release mortality and its impact on the larger breeding populations.
After considering public input, data concerns, and the need for additional analyses, Council members were quick to oppose considering area closures in Regulatory Amendment 35 and discussed options for addressing management. The Council agreed to move forward with the amendment, considered a “short-term” measure to immediately address the overfishing condition, until additional mid-term and long-term management measures could be considered and put into place.
Find more information here.
|
NJ DEP: Visit Pequest from Your Classroom
Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center is excited to announce a new program for school groups - an interactive Virtual Hatchery Tour! Students will participate in a live-streamed hatchery tour and learn the process of raising rainbow trout, from egg collection to stocking. During the virtual tour, students will get to participate in interactive activities that will help them understand hatchery operations and the importance of New Jersey’s coldwater ecosystems.
Pequest also offers onsite programs throughout the year including tours, hikes and learn to fish classes.
Find more information here.
|  |
NJ DEP: New Record Sheepshead Caught While Spearfishing
Dan Street of Hainesport made his way to the top of the state spearfishing record fish list by landing a new state record sheepshead on July 15, while free diving in the Atlantic Ocean. The fish weighed 13 pounds, 3 ounces, beating the old record by 11 ounces. It measured 26 inches in length and had a girth of 23 7/8 inches. Congratulations to Mr Street on his magnificent catch!
Find more information here.
| |
|
NY DEC: Upcoming events to celebrate sturgeon restoration and have an opportunity to see live sturgeon up close!
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and New York Sea Grant (NYSG) announced a series of fall events celebrating the continuing recovery of the state's three sturgeon species. Sturgeon populations are rebounding in New York after decades of being on the threatened or endangered species lists as DEC continues to work to bring the primitive and distinctive fish back to the freshwaters of the state through strategic fish management and water quality improvements.
To celebrate the recovery of lake sturgeon, currently a threatened species in New York and the province of Ontario, DEC and NYSG teamed up to bring the public closer to these fascinating animals at events over the next few weeks. People who attend the events will have an opportunity to see sturgeon up close and learn from educators and scientists who are eager to share their knowledge about the fish.
Find more information here.
| |
|
US FWS: Interior Department Announces Nearly $105 Million in Funding for Wetland Conservation Projects and National Wildlife Refuges
The Department of the Interior today announced that more than $31 million in grants has been approved by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, which will conserve or restore 116,305 acres of wetland and associated upland habitats for waterfowl, shorebirds and other birds in 18 states. The grants, made through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), will be matched by more than $60 million in partner funds.
In addition, the Commission, which is chaired by Secretary Deb Haaland, approved more than $13 million from the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund to conserve land on seven national wildlife refuges across seven states. The acquisitions will expand public opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and outdoor recreational access.
Among the selected projects is the Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge in Maine. The refugee will receive $1,690,000 to acquire 961 acres. The Umbagog Refuge, located in northern New Hampshire and Maine is home to forests, wetlands, lakes, and rivers and provides habitat for migratory birds and other threatened or endangered species.
Find more information here.
|  | |
|
NOAA Fisheries: More than $3.7 Million Awarded for Marine Mammal Rescue Efforts through Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grants
NOAA Fisheries is awarding 49 grants totaling more than $3.7 million to our partners in 20 states and one tribe. Recipients are from the Marine Mammal Stranding and Entanglement Response Networks, including collaborators specializing in marine mammal health. These grants support a core mission of NOAA Fisheries: the conservation and recovery of protected marine species. They help improve marine mammal stranding response and investigation capabilities nationwide, and support the goals of Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program.
Find more information here.
| |
|
NOAA Fisheries: Help NOAA Fisheries Understand How Fishermen Market Their Catch
Noaa Fisheries is asking commercial seafood harvesters to participate in a survey on national seafood marketing practices to increase the visibility of the domestic seafood sector and the role seafood harvesters play in supporting the nation’s food system. NOAA Fisheries, the University of Maine, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are trying to better understand how the nation's commercial seafood harvesters market their catch. The team sent a pre-survey questionnaire to identify commercial harvesters who engage in direct marketing practices and will distribute a survey early next year. Pre-survey responses are due by October 14.
Researchers hope survey responses will:
- Fill data gaps on seafood marketing at the national level
- Increase understanding of local and regional seafood marketing practices
- Remove barriers to direct marketing for the commercial fishing sector
If you are a commercial harvester and have received a questionnaire via mail, please complete and return it as soon as possible. It can be filled out via a returnable postcard or online, and should take less than 5 minutes to complete.
Find more information here.
| |
|
NOAA Fisheries: NOAA Announces Funding to Continue 12 Ongoing Coastal and Marine Habitat Restoration Projects
These projects are supporting fisheries, threatened and endangered species, and coastal communities and ecosystems across the nation. NOAA Fisheries is awarding funding to continue 12 ongoing habitat restoration efforts in 2022. These projects are restoring habitats for coastal and marine species in nine states and territories across the country. They are helping to support our nation’s fisheries, contribute to the recovery of threatened and endangered species, and build resilient coastal ecosystems and communities.
NOAA Fisheries provides funding and technical support to partners across the country to develop high-quality habitat restoration projects. Efforts such as reopening rivers to fish passage, reconnecting rivers to their floodplains, and reducing coastal runoff will support oysters, corals, and several fish species. They will also aid in the recovery of threatened and endangered species like Atlantic salmon. Refer to the linked article to see which states have funded projects and what each project entails.
Find more information here.
| |
Subscribe or share with friends our collection of upcoming meetings, recent news alerts, and articles from Atlantic coast states, regional fishery management councils, and federal agencies. | | | | | |
