NOAA seeks input on ecosystem-based fisheries policy and regional action plan

Chung Nguyen of Providence caught a 35” striped bass off the Charleston Breachway Saturday during a storm and rough seas.

John Migliori said this Big Pond, Aquidneck Island bass was caouth using a Schadey creek Lure this week in windy conditions after the storm.

NOAA seeks input on ecosystem-based fisheries policy and regional action plan

        

Last week the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released a request for fishermen input on their ecosystem-based fisheries management draft policy.  That was followed by and additional request seeking input on their recreational fisheries regional implication plan.

In an advisory to the recreational fishing community NOAA said, “We are taking an important step in our management of saltwater recreation fishing with the development of a Greater Atlantic Region Recreation Fisheries Implementation Plan.  The plan will include a list of action items to be taken in the northeast to implement the framework laid out in the National Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Implementation Plan.

The national plan has six guiding principles including:  support for ecosystem conservation and enhancement; public access to quality fishing locations; state and federal management coordination; innovative solutions to evolving science, management and environmental challenges; provide trusted/scientifically sound social, cultural, economic and ecological information; and communicate and engage the recreational fishing public.

Anglers are asked to help NOAA develop a regional plan for 2016-2017 by relating what NOAA can do to improve and what they should do for recreational fishing community.  Anglers should provide input on issues such as the activities or services they would like to see and/or the ones they find unnecessary, approaches for improving communication with recreational anglers, etc. 

Comments should be submitted to nmfs.gar.recreational.fishing@noaa.gov  by October 26. Contact the Northeast Fisheries Science Center’s Recreational Fishing Coordinator, Dr. Earl Meredith at 978.281.9276.

NOAA is also seeking fishermen input on their ecosystem-based fisheries management draft policy which can be found at http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/ecosystems . 

The draft policy is being developed to insure the long-term health of marine fisheries resources which is largely dependent on our collective ability to understand and account for the interactions around key species, their environment and the people who rely upon them for food, recreation and their livelihoods.

In an advisory NOAA said, “We recognize that ecosystem-based fisheries management is a shared responsibility. Your experience and expertise should be reflected in the policy, which is why we wanted to share a draft policy with you.”

Fishermen are asked to provide thoughts by December 16, 2015.  Comments and questions should be sent via email to Jason Link.  Visit the policy are at website address above for details.

Lean about fly fishing Labrador City and Northern Quebec

On Wednesday, October 28, 6:30 pm the Narragansett Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU225) will host Rick Little, owner of Shadcreek Flies, Hampstead, NH.  The meeting will take place at the Coventry/West Greenwich Elks Lodge, 42 Nooseneck Hill Road, West Greenwich.

Rick enjoys adapting some of his freshwater techniques and approaches to the salt and that passion has influenced the types of flies that he uses and how he fishes them.  Members and guest will learn about the “Adventure Trip to Labrador City and Northern Quebec, open for both anglers and guest non-anglers.

Contact Ron Marafioti at (401) 463-6162 with questions.

Where’s the bite

Striped bass fishing has remained strong even during recent storms.  Dave Henault of Ocean State Tackle said, “Saturday Chung Nguyen of Providence caught a 35” striped bass off the Charlestown Breachway using one of Strike Pro’s 2 3/4 ounces Surf Pro round bottom pencils.” 

Tautog fishing is improving as water conditions calm down.  Last week Gisele and Rich Golembeski fished the Narragansett area for tautog.  Gisele said, “Launched from Wilson Park dock in Wickford searching for tautog (before the storms). Fished on some rock piles off Narragansett Beach. Final tally 9 keeper sea bass (lots of shorts) at least 6 short t-tog, and one surprise 19 1/2" cod!! Never thought there were cod that close to shore!!! Too bad it wasn't a keeper!! All caught on crabs.”  Ken Ferrara of Ray’s Bait & Tackle, Warwick said, “A few anglers fished Sunday where they could find a stop out of the wind.  They fished Johnson’s Ledge and around Hope Island hooking up with a few fish but nothing spectacular due well due to rough conditions.” John Littlefield of Archie’s Bait & Tackle, Riverside said, “Tautog are being caught at the Wharf Tavern on an eight to one keeper ratio.  Anglers are also catching a lot of oyster toadfish in the process.  More than in other years.”

Oyster toadfish are being caught by anglers when tautog fishing at the Wharf Tavern in Warren. They lay at the bottom and ambush prey such as crustaceans, mollusks, squid and other small fish. Photo licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons.

Bluefish were being caught even after the storm in the Conimicut Light to Barrington Beach area.” said John Littlefield of Archie’s Bait & Tackle.  Ken Ferrara of Ray’s Bait & Tackle said, “We have had a good bluefish bite the past few weeks, even after the storm this Sunday bluefish in the 6 to 9 pound range were being caught in Greenwich Cove and Bay.”

 Skipjacks continue to be around everywhere in coves and harbors and along the coastline of Providence and East Providence.” said John Littlefield.

Cod fishing before the storms was good.  Capt. Frank Blount of the Frances fleet said, “Monday was a good day.  Many of the fishers aboard had four to seven nice cod apiece to take home. There were some bigger fish well into the teens with the best threatening the 20 pound mark. Both bait and jigs were producing well.”