ASMFC votes to restrict Atlantic Menhaden catch
This past Friday the
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) voted on Draft Amendment 2
to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Menhaden which outlined a
number of new regulations on the species.
The ASMFC is comprised of representatives from fifteen coastal states.
“Today
the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission listened to the science and the
public in taking a historic step to end overfishing of Atlantic Menhaden and to
begin to rebuild the population of this important little fish.” said Peter
Baker of the PEW Environment Group. “By adopting the first coastwise catch
limit on this fishery, the commission has begun to reverse the 90 percent plunge
in the menhaden population over the past three decades. Sound science clearly
calls for leaving more of these fish in the water to fulfill their ecological
role. More menhaden means more food for ocean wildlife, from seabirds to whales
and popular game fish such as striped bass.” said Baker. A new
total allowable catch (TAC) limit along with regulations to achieve it will
help ensure that the Atlantic Menhaden biomass rebuilds and stays at desired
sustainable levels.
The
approved Amendment establishes a 170,800 metric ton (MT) total allowable catch
(TAC) beginning in 2013 and continuing until completion of, and Board action
on, the next benchmark stock assessment, scheduled for 2014. The TAC represents
a 25% reduction from 2011 levels and a 20% reduction from the average of
landings from 2009-2011. The ASMFC board had also adopted new biological
reference points for biomass based on maximum spawning potential (MSP), with
the goal of increasing abundance, spawning stock biomass, and menhaden
availability as a forage species.
“Through
the selection of the MSP-based reference points, beginning with adoption of
Addendum V in 2011 and continuing today, the Board has made a conscious
decision to address the ecosystem services provided by Atlantic menhaden,” stated
ASMFC Board Chair Louis Daniel of North Carolina. “Given the stock is
experiencing overfishing and is most likely overfished based on the newly
adopted reference points, it was incumbent upon the Board to reduce landings in
order to ensure the long-term sustainability of the resource and the fisheries
that depend on it.” said Daniel.
The new overfished and
threshold definitions were accompanied by a number of regulations to help
achieve desired levels. Atlantic
Menhaden are harvested for use in fertilizers, pet food, cosmetics and for use
in fish protein pills. One company, Omega
Protein, is historically responsible for harvesting about 80% of all Atlantic
Menhaden. Commercial bait fishers also harvest Atlantic Menhaden for use as
bait in lobster pots and for use by recreational anglers as bait to catch game
fish such as striped bass.
Widespread participation
from both sides of the issue… industry processors and recreational anglers/environmentalists
weighed in with the ASMFC and put pressure on legislators and representatives
from states that are ASMFC members. Each state is represented by
three commissioners: the director for the state’s marine fisheries management
agency, a state legislator, and an individual appointed by the governor. Rhode Island commission representatives
include Mark Gibson and Robert Ballou (both from RI DEM) and Representative
Peter Martin (Capt. Rick Bellavance, president of the RI Party & Charter
Boat Association, is a RI Legislative proxy). Comments from them on ASMFC
proceedings will be covered in next week’s column.
However, at press time not
everyone was satisfied with the outcome of the meeting. Don Smith, ASMFC Atlantic Menhaden advisory
panel member and active member of the RI Saltwater Anglers Association went to
Baltimore to advocate for tougher regulations.
Smith said, “It was a joke. Two
years ago Omega Protein representatives shared with our panel that they could
live with a 20% reduction and not more.
And you know, that is exactly what they got. Rhode Island representatives on the committee
seemed to be siding with commercial fishing interest calling for votes below
20% when we were advocating for a 25% reduction (RISAA’s originally advocated
for a 30% reduction). Menhaden serve as
a primary food source for striped bass and other fish in Rhode Island. I question whether Rhode Island representatives
on the committee had our best interest in mind when they voted.”
Steve Medeiros, president
of the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association said, “We and other fishing associations
sent representatives to Baltimore Friday to make sure the Council knew just how
important a healthy Atlantic Menhaden bio mass is to environment and
recreational anglers.”
Menhaden are an oily fish and a
favorite meal for sharks, whales, striped bass and other game fish targeted by
recreational anglers. They are an important part of the food chain. Atlantic Menhaden also serve as roving
filters, converting algae into energy and thus reducing nutrient loads in bays
and covers. An adult menhaden is able to process up to 4 gallons of water per
minute or a million gallons of water every 180 days. Multiply this by the
number of menhaden in any given area and this is an amazing amount of water
being filtered, a reduction of nutrients means fewer algae blooms and
ultimately more oxygen for all fish.
The
Amendment allocates the TAC on a state-by-state basis based on landings history
of the fishery from 2009-2011; allocation will be revisited three years after
implementation. Further, it reduces the Chesapeake Bay reduction fishery
harvest cap by 20% (this is an adjustment of cap which was in place since
2006). States will be required to close their fisheries when the state-specific
portion of the TAC has been reached; any overages must be paid back the
following year. The Amendment includes provisions to allow for the transfer of
quota between states (which may be particularly important for Rhode Island and
Massachusetts as historically most of the Atlantic Menhaden caught in RI is
landed in MA). A by catch allowance of
6,000 pounds was approved for non-directed fisheries that are operating after a
state TAC has been landed. The Amendment also establishes requirements for
timely reporting and improved biological monitoring.
Teaming up to help family in need
The Department of Environmental
Management, in conjunction with the RI Party and Charter Boat Association and
the Narragansett Department of Parks and Recreation, helped turn a recent
scientific fish monitoring survey into a recreational fishing experience for a
family in need.
Working with principal marine
biologist Jason McNamee of DEM’s Division of Fish and Wildlife, John Rainone of
the RI Party and Charter Boat Association, and Steven Wright and Tom Tessitore
of the Narragansett Department of Parks and Recreation, a tautog collection
survey took place on the morning after Thanksgiving. A family from the Narragansett Parks Nicole Travisono , a principal biologist in DEM’s
Division of Fish and Wildlife, was onboard the vessel to coordinate the
scientific collection.
“Sometimes hard work is a lot of
fun. In addition to the scientific benefits, the collaboration provided
this Narragansett family – a father and two boys, aged seven and nine – an
opportunity to take part in a fun-filled day of fishing on a charter vessel and
to bring home some freshly-caught fish,” said DEM Director Janet Coit.
“While they were out in the state’s waters, they also saw dolphins – another
highlight of their fishing trip! And, I bet this special project deepened
their appreciation for the variety of marine life in our seas. All in
all, the effort provided a boost to our science and a good day all around.” said
Coit.
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