Releases – October 13, 2011
NOAA Fisheries Service has determined that the 2011-2012 recreational annual catch limit of 341,747 pounds for black sea bass has been reached. As a result, the recreational sector for black sea bass in federal waters of the South Atlantic from 35°15.19′ N. latitude (the latitude of Cape Hatteras Light, NC) to Key West, FL, will close, effective 12:01 a.m. (local time) October 17, 2011, through 12:01 a.m. June 1, 2012.
For vessels with a valid federal charter vessel/headboat permit forSouth AtlanticSnapper-grouper, the closure applies to state and federal waters. The operator of a vessel that has a federal for-hire permit for snapper-grouper must land any black sea bass harvested from either state or federal waters prior to 12:01 a.m., local time, October 17, 2011.
Amendment 17B to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region implemented annual catch limits and accountability measures for nine species in the snapper-grouper complex. Accountability measures are actions intended to prevent the annual catch limit from being exceeded. If the recreational annual catch limit is projected to be met, the recreational sector would be closed. If the recreational annual catch limit is exceeded, the annual catch limit for the following fishing year will be reduced by the amount of the overage. A determination on a reduction of the annual catch limit will be made before the following fishing year begins.
Black sea bass are overfished (population is too low), and experiencing overfishing (rate of removal is too high). The commercial quota is 309,000 pounds. The recreational annual catch limit was adjusted to 341,747 pounds from 409,000 pounds to account for the recreational overage during the 2010-2011 fishing year. Harvest levels must be kept below these levels to prevent fish from being removed too quickly, and to rebuild the black sea bass population.
Commercial harvest of black sea bass closed on July 15, 2011, because NOAA Fisheries Service projected landings would reach the quota by that time. It remains closed until June 1, 2012.
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council launched its much-anticipated initiative to develop a vision and strategic plan for the region’s managed fisheries. While the Council has effectively rebuilt its managed fisheries over the last 35 years, it still faces long-term challenges, such as maintaining productive ecosystems and addressing the needs of communities that rely on ocean resources.
“This is a pivotal moment in the management of our region’s fisheries. We have spent most of the past 35 years successfully rebuilding fish stocks in the Mid-Atlantic, and now that these stocks are rebuilt we need to work closely with our constituents to develop a cohesive vision for the future. This will enable us to identify successful outcomes for our fisheries and the fishing communities that depend on their continued resilience and productivity,” said Council Chairman Rick Robins.
The Council’s first and most important step toward developing the vision and long term strategic plan is seeking the public’s input. A survey has been posted to the Council’s website (www.mafmc.org/vision) for the public to begin providing their thoughts, ideas, and comments on fisheries management policies and processes. The survey, which includes opportunities to provide detailed input on each fish species managed by the Council, will be available until January 31, 2012.
In addition to the survey, over the next several months Council staff will be visiting coastal communities to hear from constituents and those most affected by the Council’s decisions. A list of these locations and events will be posted and frequently updated on the Council’s website.
“This is a completely stakeholder-driven initiative and our number one priority is to hear from our constituents. They will determine how the vision and strategic plan are developed. Their input will have a real impact on how our fisheries are managed in the future,” added Council Executive Director Dr. Christopher M. Moore.
For more information and/or to get involved visit www.mafmc.org/vision or contact Mary Clark at mclark@mafmc.org or (302) 526-5261.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission announced today a new, interactive website at ncwildlife.org that features reorganized content, streamlined navigation and improved menus.
Whether you’re a hunter, angler, boater or just simply enjoy nature, the newly redesigned website will let you quickly access licensing information, game lands maps, boating access areas, public fishing areas, and other tools, information, and services. We reorganized the content, streamlined navigation and improved menus so you can find what you need, when you need it.
“For many, the first stop for information on wildlife, hunting, fishing, and boating inNorth Carolinais this website,” said Gayle Myers, agency webmaster.
The new site is designed specifically with your needs in mind, reinforcing our commitment to better communications, information sharing, and customer service. To find out more, take a look at the new ncwildlife.org.
A Safe Boating Class sponsored by North Strand Sail & Power Squadron, a unit of the United States Power Squadron, will be held Saturday, October 22, 2011, from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm at Silver Coast Marina. The marina’s address is4430 Kingsport Road, Little River, SC 29566.
The only cost is for the manual. In addition, refreshments and a light lunch will be served.
Certificates, earned on passing, meet bothNorth CarolinaandSouth Carolinasafe boating requirements. Advance registration is preferred. Please call (843) 339-1342 or email JkMck@frontier.com.
This Safe Boating Class is supported by the Sea Coast Anglers Association.
On October 14-16, the NC Aquarium atPineKnollShoreswill be hosting its 21st Annual Surf Fishing Workshop. This hands-on workshop is designed for novice fishermen, but it’s a great refresher course for all skill levels.
Instruction covers rods, reels, weights, line, tackle, knots, bait, fish identification, catch and release techniques, cast netting, reading the surf, locating fish from the beach, and caring for your catch.
The weekend includes a fishing trip toFortMaconState Parkand culminates with a fishing expedition to Cape Lookout National Seashore.
Food, drinks, and bait and tackle are provided and are covered in the $150 workshop fee. For more details, contact Wayne Justice at (252) 247-4003 ext. 227 or you can visit www.ncaquariums.com and click on thePineKnollShoreslink.
