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News Updates for The Week of September 19, 2022
ASMFC Sets Atlantic Herring Landing Days and Spawning Closures, MD Announces 2022 Photo Contest Winners, DNREC Announces Grants to Support Communities With Pollution Restoration Projects, and NOAA Fisheries Announces Disapproval of Amendment 22 to the Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan!
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Upcoming
Meetings
September 18-23:
7th International Marine Debris Conference
September 20-21: Annual Advisors/Operations Committee Joint Meeting,
Westin Crystal City, Arlington, VA
September 26-29: NEFMC Meeting
September 27: Black Drum Stock Assessment Subcommittee Meeting
October 4-6: MAFMC Meeting
November 6-10: ASMFC 2022 Annual Meeting, Long Branch, NJ
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
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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)
Aquaculture Hub Coordinator at Sea Grant Maine
(Due: September 30)
Marine Operations Coordinator--NOAA,FKNMS
(Due: September 26)
Aquaculture Specialist at New York Sea Grant
(Due: September 25)
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.
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Public Comment
September 22:
On September 12, Maine DMR will be hosting a public hearing on a proposed rulemaking for Atlantic mackerel recreational measures. Comments may be submitted through September 22.
(Find more here).
September 29: NOAA Fisheries announced the proposed measures for Framework 7 to the Tilefish Fishery Management Plan. Comments may be submitted through September. (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 6: GA DNR CRD 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 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 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 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.).
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ASMFC: Atlantic Herring Landing Days for the 2022 Area 1A Fishery for Season 2 & Spawning Area Closures
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ASMFC’s Atlantic Herring Management Board members from Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts have set effort control measures and for the 2022 Area 1A fishery for Season 2 (October 1 – December 31). The Season 2 quota is approximately 174 metric tons (mt), which is 27.2% of the Area 1A sub-annual catch limit (ACL) after adjusting for the 30 mt fixed gear set-aside, a slight overage from Season 1, and an 8% buffer (since the Area 1A closes at 92% of the sub-ACL).
Due to the very low quota, the days out measures for Season 2 are as follows:
• Landing days will be set at zero (0) for Season 2.
• If 1,000 mt is reallocated from the Canadian weir fishery to the Area 1A sub-ACL, the fishery will move to four (4) consecutive landing days starting Sunday, November 6 at 6 p.m. Landing days would begin on Sunday of each week at 6:00 p.m. starting November 6.
If the quota reallocation from the Canadian weir fishery occurs prior to October 21 or after November 7, the states will schedule another days-out meeting. While landing days are set at zero (0), harvesters are prohibited from landing more than 2,000 pounds of Atlantic herring per trip from Area 1A during Season 2.
The Atlantic herring Area 1A fishery regulations include seasonal spawning closures for portions of state and federal waters in Eastern Maine, Western Maine and Massachusetts/New Hampshire. In Western Maine and Massachusetts/New Hampshire spawning areas will be closed starting at 12:01 a.m. on September 23, 2022 extending through 11:59 p.m. on November 3, 2022. Coordinates can be verified on the linked memorandum.
Find more information here.
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NH FGD:Introductory Fly Tying Course Offered in New London
Registration is now open for this fall’s only Let’s Go Fishing fly tying class, which will be held on October 22 at Tracy Memorial Library in New London. Upcoming winter classes will be held throughout the Granite State from January through March in 2023, which will include variety of hands-on events, and opportunities for both beginner and intermediate participants to learn the techniques that will make the art of fly tying personally rewarding and exciting.
This October’s class will be led by master fly tier, author, and Let’s Go Fishing instructor Scott Biron. “All participants will learn how to tie fly patterns that are commonly used in New Hampshire waters. Beginners will be introduced to the use of all the basic tools and materials necessary to tie flies and attendees will also learn what the flies imitate,” said Biron of this fall class.
Find more information here.
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DNREC:
Announces Grants to Support Communities With Pollution Restoration Projects
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Delaware communities adversely affected by environmental pollution can now apply for Community Environmental Project Fund (CEPF) restoration grants for the 2023 grant cycle through the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
The CEPF was created by the Delaware General Assembly in 2004 through legislation that authorized DNREC to establish a grant fund by withholding 25% of funds collected as penalties for violations of environmental regulations. These funds are returned to the communities where violations occurred through competitive grants to nonprofit organizations in support of community environmental projects.
Grants are available to affected communities to fund restoration projects that result in:
- Reduced pollution
- Enhanced natural resources
- Enhanced recreational opportunities
Find more information here.
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NYSDEC: Department Announces $3.1 Million in Environmental Justice
Community Impact Grant Awards
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced $3.1 million in
Environmental Justice Community Impact Grants for 32 community-based organizations to support projects that address environmental and public health concerns. Funding for the latest round of grants is provided by the State's Environmental Protection Fund and builds upon New York's ambitious efforts to advance Environmental Justice and implement the State's nation-leading Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, including significant investments to ensure a just transition from fossil fuels.
"Community Impact Grants support nonprofit, community-based organizations implementing a wide range of projects addressing multiple environmental concerns that adversely impact the quality of life in minority and low-income communities across the state," DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. "Governor Kathy Hochul and all of us at DEC remain committed to prioritizing Environmental Justice and working collaboratively with these grantees to advance sustainable solutions."
Find more information here.
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PA FBC: Grant Funding Available to improve watersheds in Berks, Lebanon Counties
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is seeking proposals for projects that would be funded through the Tulpehocken and Quittapahilla Watershed Grant Program.
Projects eligible for this program must support aquatic habitat enhancement, recreational access, and water quality in the Tulpehocken Creek and Quittapahilla Creek watersheds in Berks and Lebanon counties and be located wholly within the watersheds.
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The Tulpehocken Creek watershed encompasses 219 square miles in Lebanon and Berks counties and includes Blue Marsh Reservoir. The Quittapahilla Creek watershed covers 77 square miles in Lebanon County.
Applications must be received no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, October 21, 2022. Successful grant recipients are expected to be notified by mid-December.
Find more information here.
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PA FBC: Upcoming Meeting to discuss proposed aquatic invasive species prevention measures
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) offered an update on the Fisheries and Hatcheries Committee meeting scheduled for 1 p.m. on September 28, 2022, at the PFBC headquarters located at 1601 Elmerton Avenue in Harrisburg. The primary topic expected to be discussed at this meeting is a proposed rule to create a new chapter of the Commission's regulations aimed at aquatic invasive species prevention, fish health, and stocking fish in waters of the Commonwealth.
Richard Lewis, Chair of the Fisheries and Hatcheries Committee, clarified that the upcoming meeting is intended to be informational in nature and that no votes are scheduled to occur.
Find more information here.
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MD DNR: 2022 Photo Contest Winners Announced
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the winners of the 2022 Natural Resource Photo Contest, with the grand prize going to David Terao of Silver Spring for his captivating and intricate photo of a jumping spider.
This year’s grand prize package includes $500, a Maryland State Park and Trails Passport, a subscription to Maryland Natural Resource magazine, and five copies of the 2023 calendar with the winning image displayed on the cover.
This year’s contest received nearly 2,500 photos submitted by 500 photographers. In addition to the overall grand prize winner, the judges selected first through third place winners in four seasonal categories—winter, spring, summer, and fall.
Find more information here.
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RI DEM: Rupture of Warwick Sewer Line Causes DEM to Extend Upper Bay Shellfishing Closure, Issue No-Contact Advisory for Warwick Pond, Buckeye Brook, Mill Creek & Mill Cove
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is announcing that it will extend the emergency shellfishing closure of Upper Narragansett Bay Conditional Area A — which was previously closed after extreme rainfall Sept. 5-6 and scheduled to reopen Sept. 16 — until further notice. Any harvesting of shellfish in this area is prohibited indefinitely.
The cause of the closure extension is a rupture of a 24-inch sewer line on Lake Shore Drive in Warwick, resulting in the discharge of sewage to Warwick Pond. DEM first became aware of the discharge Sept. 12 at 8 PM. The Warwick Sewer Authority is working to install temporary bypass pumping and estimates that around 450,000 gallons had overflowed to Warwick Pond. The discharge is ongoing.
Find more information here.
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FL FWC: Warm Mineral Springs habitat restoration will improve manatee habitat
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), with the support of several partner organizations, has begun a habitat restoration project focused on improving habitat for manatees in the downstream outflow of Warm Mineral Springs in the city of North Port, Sarasota County. This area is considered the most important natural manatee warm-water refuge along Florida’s southwest coast.
Dredging and bank stabilization within Warm Mineral Springs Creek is expected to improve manatee access to warm-water habitat during the colder months, increase the volume of warm-water habitat, remove excess sediment and restore the natural characteristics of the creek.
More than 125 Florida manatees have been documented using Warm Mineral Springs Creek as a refuge in the winter months.
Find more information here.
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GA DNR CRD: Participates in study to calculate area covered by natural, artificial reefs in Southeast U.S.
The Coastal Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources participated in a new study aimed at comparing the amount of live bottom versus artificial reefs along the east coast of the United States.
Increasing human uses of the ocean have led to the co-occurrence of both natural and artificial habitats, like reefs, across the seafloor. However, the distribution and extent of these two types of reef habitats are not well understood, but are necessary pieces of information for ocean planning and resource management decisions.
Find more information here.
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NOAA Fisheries: Announces Disapproval of Amendment 22 to the Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan
On September 6, 2022 NOAA Fisheries announced our decision to disapprove the Illex squid permit measures of Amendment 22 to the Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan. The proposed action in Amendment 22 would have revised the number and type of permits in the Illex squid fishery in an attempt to reduce the negative effects from a race to fish in recent years. Funding will support NOAA partners in implementing seven habitat projects in coastal communities across the country.
After reviewing the amendment record, analyses, and public comments, we have determined that this action is inconsistent with Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act requirements to ensure fair and equitable allocations, consider efficiency in the utilization of fishery resources, take into account and allow for variations and contingencies, and minimize costs. Additionally, the proposed action would fail to meet the purpose and need of the amendment and would not ensure a meaningful reduction of a race to fish.
Find more information here.
NOAA Fisheries: Approves Changes to Cod and Haddock Recreational Regulations in the Gulf of Maine for Fishing Year 2022
NOAA Fisheries has awarded $2.3 million to partners around the country to support 13 research projects through its Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program.
Bycatch is catch—of fish, marine mammals, or turtles—that fishermen do not want, cannot sell, or are not allowed to keep. It can have significant biological, economic, and social impacts. Preventing and reducing bycatch is a shared goal of fisheries managers, the fishing industry, and the environmental community.
Working side by side with fishermen on their boats, we've developed solutions to some of the top bycatch challenges facing our nation's fisheries.
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Examples of past projects include:
- Development of a ropeless, remotely deployed lobster trap system to reduce whale entanglements and enable the New England trap fishing industry to remain open
- Investigation of artificial baits to reduce bycatch of protected species, including oceanic whitetip sharks, while maintaining target catch rates of tuna and swordfish in Hawai’i
Find more information here.
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