Fishermen suggest regional panels to eye cumulative wind farm impacts

 Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) lease areas from Massachusetts to the Carolinas.

Today black sea bass are climate change winners.  They are more abundant due to warming water like this fish caught off Rhode Island by Capt. Dave Monti.

Fishermen suggest regional panels to eye cumulative wind farm impacts

It’s very hard to get a handle on offshore wind. We have twenty or so lease areas from Massachusetts to the Carolinas, six of them (all granted to developers now) are off Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The kicker is that each of these lease areas will house multiple projects.  Projects that could harm or help habitat and fish in their area.  However, the big question being asked by fishermen and scientists alike, is what cumulative impact they will they have on fish and habitat when they are all built, up and running?

For the past few months Vineyard Wind has been in negotiation with fishermen on a mitigation plan for one project… eventually many projects will be built on the east coast.  The permitting process and various stages of approval for any one wind farm is daunting including, hundreds of meetings, hearings, permits, negotiations, etc.  Who knows what effect several projects in an area will have, developers have been just trying to get their project up and running.

Offshore wind farm developers are much like land developers.  They acquire or lease a parcel and then develop it with ocean wind farms as they have the electricity sold.  Much the same way that a land developer would develop a large parcel of land only building what they have good reason to believe they can sell in stages.

Last month during mitigation negotiations Rhode Island fishermen on the Fisheries Advisory Board (FAB) of the Coastal Resource Management Council (CRMC) approved a $16.7-million negotiated mitigation agreement with Vineyard Wind.  The settlement provides funds for research to study safe effective fishing in the project area as well as research that may help future projects and their relationship to fishing.  The agreement also includes $4.2 million in payments spread over 30 years for assistance with direct impacts of the wind farm on fishing in Rhode Island.

The Fisheries Advisory Board of CRMC, the Anglers for Offshore Wind (AFOW) which is a recreational fishermen’s group that supports the responsible development of ocean wind, and the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) all expressed concern to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) about cumulative impacts.  All expressed concern at public hearings and in writing after hearings pertaining to Vineyard Wind’s Environmental Impact Statement on the project.

RISAA and the AFOW both suggested that BOEM establish regional fisheries advisory committees.  The committees would look at wind farms on a regional basis taking into account any negative or positive cumulative impacts on habitat and fish multiple wind farms in a region may have together.

Renewable energy in the form of offshore wind is vitally important for our nation to help stem the tide on climate change and provide clean, affordable energy for all Americans.  However, we have to stay on top of things and make sure we do no harm to fish or habitat in the process.

I believe regional committees that keep an eye on individual projects and cumulative impacts of multiple wind farms in a region makes a lot of sense.  Like other fishermen I hope BOEM takes this suggestion under advisement and forms such committees.  For information on ocean wind farms visit https://www.boem.gov/Offshore-Wind-Energy/ .

Warming water impacting fish volume, down 15 to 35% in some regions

A study titled ‘Impacts of historical warming on marine fisheries production’ was released in Science magazine last week at http://science.sciencemag.org/content/363/6430/979.  The study was led by Christopher M. Free of the Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University along with a number of collaborating scientists. 

The study abstract relates Dr. Free and his associates “used temperature specific models and hindcasting across fish stocks to determine the degree to which warming has, and will, affect fish.”  The study found that overall fish yield has reduced over the past 80 years.  The study said, “Furthermore, although some species are predicted to respond positively to warming waters, the majority will experience a negative impact on growth.”

The study used temperature-dependent populations models to measure the influence of warming.  Some populations responded significantly positively and others responded significantly negatively to warming.  Hindcasts indicate that the maximum sustainable yield of the evaluation populations (235 of them) decreased by 4.1 percent from 1930 to 2010, with five ecoregions experiencing loses of 15 to 35 percent.

In a Rutgers Today interview, study co-author Dr. Malin Pinsky said, “We were stunned to find that fisheries around the world have already responded to ocean warming.  These aren’t hypothetical changes sometime in the future.”  Rutgers Today said the study reports that the effects of ocean warming have been negative for many species, but also finds that other species have benefited from warming waters.

“Fish populations can only tolerate so much warming, though,” said senior author Olaf Jensen, an associate professor at Rutgers. “Many of the species that have benefited from warming so far are likely to start declining as temperatures continue to rise.”

Black sea bass and scup are examples of species that have benefited from warming in our region, however, as study scientists related even these species (as well as other species in our region) may start to decline as temperature continues to rise.

Public hearing Monday, March 11 on regulations

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and the RI Marine Fisheries Council is holding a public hearing on a number of proposed commercial and recreational 2019 regulations Monday, March 11, 6:00 p.m., Corless Auditorium, URI Bay Campus, Narragansett.  Regulations covered at the meeting will include black sea bass, summer flounder, scup, striped bass, bluefish, cod and others.  For the meeting agenda and a copy of the presentation that will be given at the hearing visit www.dem.ri.gov/programs/fish-wildlife/marine-fisheries/rimfc/index.php.

Stripers Forever advocates for reductions in striper mortality

In a press release last week Stripers Forever, an organization that advocates for striped bass conservation measures, said, “The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) announced in January that the striped bass resource is significantly overfished and that the spawning stock biomass has dropped back to levels last seen in the early 1990s.” 

Stripers Forever president Brad Burns said “Stripers Forever supports significant reductions in recreational fishing mortality beginning this season.” According to Stripers Forever the commercial fishery has comparatively small socio- economic benefits, and it is concentrated on large breeding-age fish which are the sector of the resource that is in the greatest trouble.  Burns said that “Stripers Forever feels that all commercial fishing activity for stripers should end either through a buyout program paid for by the sale of a striped bass stamp, or phased out by grandfathering those commercial fisherman who have had a minimum average amount of sales over the past several years and not issuing any new licenses.” 

Stripers Forever expects the ASMFC to announce in May that regulatory changes will be imposed in 2020 to reduce striped bass mortality; specifically minimum sizes will be increased for recreational fishing and a decreased commercial quota for the commercial fishery. Some states may take immediate actions to reduce striped bass mortality, especially release mortality, such as Massachusetts, where circle hooks may become mandatory for bait fishing and gaffing of live striped bass may be prohibited.

For information visit www.stripersforever.org.

Where’s the bite?

Cod fishing.  Party boats sailing for cod this time of year includes the Frances Fleet at www.francesfleet.com , the Seven B’s at www.sevenbs.com, and the Island Current at www.islandcurrent.com .

Get ready to fish at the Fishing Show

The New England Saltwater Fishing Show, March 22-24 at the Rhode Island Convention Center, will feature over 300 exhibitors and 60 fishing seminars.  Visit www.nesaltwatershow.com for details.

Get ready to fish at the Fishing Show

Get ready to fish at the New England Saltwater Fishing Show, March 22-24 at the Rhode Island Convention Center.  This year it’s the largest ever and includes tackle, rods, reels, lures, electronics, charter guides, boats, motors, accessories, clothes and much more.

Steve Medeiros, show director and president of the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (show sponsors), said, “We expanded the show adding booths and total over 300 exhibitors with over sixty seminars in three different areas.  Many exhibitors are offering show specials.”  Seminars are given by experts on a wide range of fishing topics from how to catch larger summer flounder to in shore fishing with light tackle from shore, kayak or boat.  Learn about fishing tactics and strategies from top fishermen and charter captains.

Visit www.nesaltwatershow.com/seminars.shtml  for a complete listing of seminar topics and speakers.  By taking a little time to plan your show visit you can make sure you are at the show for the presentations you want to see and visit the booths that have products you want to see.

Special speakers at the show include National Geographic’s ‘Wicked Tuna’ Capt. Dave Carraro of Tuna.com and Capt. Paul Hebert of Wicked Pissah.  The duo will take the show stage and talk about what goes on behind the scenes when filming the Wicked Tuna show.

To get the most out of the show, I select the exhibitor booths I want to visit before the show by circling them in the program and marking them on the show floor plan.  I then spend some time reviewing the seminar topics and speakers noting the ones I want to attend and the times they are offered (most are offered more than once). 

The New England Saltwater Fishing Show is being held at the Rhode Island Convention Center Friday, March 22, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, March 23, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, March 24, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  

Sunday is family day at the show. All women and children under 12 will be admitted free on Sunday, March 24.  A scavenger hunt for children will be held Sunday.  As a child enters the show with a parent they are given a Scavenger Hunt search sheet that can net them a variety of prizes.

Tickets at the door are $10, however advance sales discounted tickets online are $8.00 each.  Children 12 and under are admitted free.  Visit www.nesaltwatershow.com for advance ticket sales.

RI fishermen settle on Vineyard Wind mitigation

On Monday, February 25 the Fisheries Advisory Board (FAB) of the Coastal Resource Management Council (CRMC) approved a $16.7-million negotiated mitigation agreement with Vineyard Wind.  Approval of the package moves the project forward to the entire CRMC which at press time was scheduled to be Tuesday to discuss the Vineyard Wind project.

The settlement provides more funds upfront for research to study safe effective fishing in the project area as well as research that may help future projects and their relationship to fishing.  $2.5-million, for five years in a trust fund will be managed by Rhode Island fishermen.  The agreement also includes $4.2 million in payments spread over 30 years for assistance with direct impacts of the wind farm on fishing in Rhode Island.

Trout Unlimited Annual Meeting and Fundraiser

The Narragansett Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU225) will hold their Annual Fundraiser Banquet Saturday, April 6, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Coventry/West Greenwich Elks Lodge, 42 Nooseneck Hill Road, West Greenwich, RI.

The banquet will feature an early evening dinner buffet, numerous bucket raffles, as well as a silent and live auction.  Items vary from a Baxter House Outfitters guided wading trip on the Beaverkill River or Willowemoc Creek, a Thomas and Thomas Vector 5wt travel rod, other fly fishing rods and gear, fresh and salt water flies, Bass Pro Gift Cards, movie tickets, gift certificates for therapeutic massage plus many items donated by our membership.  Tickets are $35.00 and can be purchased at the door.  For information or to donate auction items contact Susan Estabrook at 401.848.1070.

 RI Fishing licenses online

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) reminds anglers that the freshwater fishing season runs from March 1 through February 28.  Regardless of when they were purchased, recreational freshwater fishing licenses for the 2018 season will expire on February 28, 2019.  Licenses for the 2019 season are available online  at www.dem.ri/gov and will be valid from March 2019 through February 2020. 

The recreational saltwater fishing season runs on a calendar-year basis, visit www.dem.ri.gov in Rhode Island and in Massachusetts visit https://www.mass.gov/massfishhunt-buy-fishing-or-hunting-licenses .

Weekapaug SurfCasters meeting March 3

The Weekapaug SurfCasters will meet Sunday, March 3, 1:00 p.m. at the Misquamicut Fire House, 65 Crandall Avenue, Westerly.  Gill Bell, noted local surfcasting expert and club member will speak about “Surfcasting South County for bluefish and striped bass”.  For information contact Gil Bell at gannetgil@cox.net.

Where’s the bite?

Freshwater fishing.  Neil Hayes of Quaker Lane Bait & Tackle, North Kingstown said, “With most of the ice melted things have slowed down. In this area anglers were targeting pike, largemouth bass and trout in the ponds that were stocked by DEM.”  John Littlefield of Archie’s Bait & Tackle Riverside, said, “I’ve had my best winters for business in a long time.  Sold a lot of shiners to anglers ice fishing in northern parts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts.  This week in addition to shiners I had some blue gills that were about six inches and some small catfish.  Those were the first to go as anglers were buying them to target pike.”  Opening Day for the freshwater season is April 13 this year (always the second Saturday in April).  Anglers (even saltwater anglers) use opening day as the official start of the fishing season.  The States of Massachusetts and Rhode Island will be stocking trout in preparation for Opening Day sometime in late March/early April.

Cod fishing was good last week, the best it has been since the New Year. Capt. Frank Blount of the Frances Fleet said, “We did manage to get out a few times last week and are happy to report some of the best action we have seen in weeks. We fished on Sunday close to Block Island and found a few small fish but nothing really to work on. Captain Mike decided to take a ride out to the deep water. We found some nice cod waiting with open mouths. The weather was so nice we were able to power drift to stay right on top of the fish. We then were able to make it out on the following Saturday. We found some nice market cod to work on with quite a few shorts in the mix.”  Party boats sailing for cod this time of year includes the Frances Fleet at www.francesfleet.com , the Seven B’s at www.sevenbs.com, and the Island Current at www.islandcurrent.com .

    

Fish stock status and regulations floated by fishermen

Lucia Wong (7) released black sea bass to 22” in mid-June last year fishing south of the Jamestown Bridge with Capt. Dave Monti.  Proposed regulations will start the season on June 24 again this year.

Fish stock status and regulations floated by fishermen

Stock status and proposed regulations for a variety of fish species were reviewed by the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) at a February 13 public workshop at the URI Bay Campus.  Species discussed included Atlantic menhaden (pogies), summer flounder (fluke), black sea bass, scup, bluefish tautog, cod and blacknose shark possession limits.

A public hearing on proposed regulations is scheduled to take place March 11, 6:00 p.m. at the URI Bay Campus, Narragansett; public input and DEM Marine Fisheries Division recommendations on regulations will then be presented to the RI Marine Fisheries Council for their recommendations on April 1; public input, Division and Council recommendations will then be presented to Janet Coit, DEM director for her final decision on 2019 regulations.  Attending meetings gives anglers the opportunity to have their regulation thoughts considered as part of the process. Final regulations are expected to be set sometime in the first two weeks of April.

Visit www.dem.ri.gov for the presentation that was reviewed at the meeting. Here are some highlights.

Atlantic menhaden is not overfished and overfishing is not occurring.  And last year only 722,388 pounds were landed against a quota of 2,366,618 pounds.  Jason McNamee, chief of the marine affairs division of DEM said, “For some reason the menhaden did not come into the Bay last year so industry did not come close to landing the quota.” A few changes to the Atlantic menhaden management plan were recommended by DEM including one that would not allow any commercial menhaden harvest on Saturday, Sunday, official state holidays or prior to sunrise or following sunset.  The fishery has experienced an expanded quota which may encourage more intense commercial fishing so the idea is to make sure all commercial harvesting is permitted not just purse seine nets as the management plan relates now.

Summer flounder (fluke) is not overfished, however, overfishing is occurring relative to biological reference points.  A new higher quota is likely to be set for the commercial fishery (perhaps 15% more) but not the recreational fishery as they slightly overfished their harvest limit in 2018. Recreational regulations will likely be status quo (the same as last year) with a minimum size of 19”, six fish/person/day with a season running from May 1 to December 31. Additionally, the RI Saltwater Anglers Association suggested a Special Shore Provision… a 16” fish, two fish/person/day from May 1 to December 31.  If approved the program would run just in special provision locations identical to the provisional scup areas.

Black sea bass

Black sea bass are not overfished and overfishing is not occurring. A benchmark stock assessment was done in 2016 with no new information at this time.  Status quo measures were approved by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), the Commission regulates species that migrate along the northeast coast..  An update to the 2016 assessment is scheduled for 2019 but may not be available to use for the 2019 season. The status quo (same as last year) regulations the Division is recommending is a 15” minimum size with a three fish/person/day limit June 24 to August 31 and five fish /person/day from September 1 to December 31.

Recreational anglers at the meeting asked for an earlier season start so shore and  Bay fishermen have a chance to catch legal sized black sea bass in early June, however, as July and August roll around the Bay water warms and most of the legal sized back sea bass leave the upper and middle part of the Bay. 

Doug MacPherson, recreational Bay angler, RISAA board member and legislative committee chair, said, “Bay fishermen, particularly from shore, have been boxed out of a number of fisheries. You cannot catch a legal size fluke (19”) from shore and since last year Bay fishermen haven’t been able to catch black sea bass because the season starts so late. Thousands of Bay fishermen are being shut out from the black sea bass fishery.”

Last year DEM postponed the start of the season to accommodate the RI Party & Charter Boat Association so their members could continue to fish throughout the fall and winter and they are recommending the same this year.

Jason McNamee, Chief of the Marine Fisheries Division of DEM said, “Other recommendations, other than what has already been approved by the ASMFC, are unlikely to be approved as Massachusetts was denied changes to their season last week.”

Scup, bluefish and cod

Visit www.dem.ri.gov for scup, bluefish and cod regulation recommendations.

  

Fishermen comment on Vineyard Wind Environmental Plan

Last week the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) held public comment meetings about the 84 turbine Vineyard Wind ocean wind farm project’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).  Meetings took place in Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, New Bedford and Narragansett, RI. The EIS highlights potential environmental impacts of the project on habitat, fish, birds and mammals and plans to mitigation any negative impacts.

In Massachusetts the project has received mostly positive endorsements with points of caution from fishermen. Patrick Paquette, a Barnstable resident and outreach coordinator for Anglers for Offshore Wind said, “The public hearing in Hyannis was very positive with 95 percent of the comments in favor of the project.  Multiple town officials, local organizations and residents from the area read prepared comments in favor of the project.”

Most fishermen making negative comments at the Friday night’s hearing in Narragansett, RI were those engaged in the $29.2-million mitigation negotiations with the developer through the Fishermen’s Advisory Board of the RI Coastal Resource Management Council. 

At the Narragansett meeting commercial fishermen attacked the project saying the wind farm array and the spacing between turbines is not safe. Turbines are now approximately one mile apart with much wider transit lanes through the middle of the project.  Fishermen at the hearing said that in a storm the wind farm would be dangerous and hard to navigate.

Fred Mattera, executive director of the Commercial Fisheries Center of RI, said, “We had a tragedy in the Block Island Wind Farm area on January 1 (referring to the sinking of the commercial fishing vessel Mistress). The Coast Guard command felt in unsafe to enter the area with their helicopter due to high winds and seas because of possible interference from the Block Island Wind Farm.  So the Vineyard Wind Farm will not be safe for vessels.”

In Rhode Island recreational fishermen have had positive things to say about the Block Island Wind Farm.  Bob Murray, commercial and recreational rod & reel fishermen, said, “The turbine pylons have created 90 feet of vertical structure that has attracted mussel growth and fish.” 

In a letter to BOEM, the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association, commented on proposed wind farm research saying, “We are in favor of responsible development of offshore wind energy resources as long as the environment and marine opportunities, including recreational fishing are protected.”

Their letter went on to state three key points.  First, they would like to have rod and reel surveys done as part of the wind farm research protocol as this is how recreational fishing (and many commercial fishermen) fish.  Rod and reel surveys conducted in all seasons when fish are present would give research a good idea of what fish are in the windfarm area before, during and after construction.  Additionally, research methods to study impacts on pelagic fish such as sharks, tuna, mahi, etc. should also be done.

Second, RISAA asked that additional structure be placed at the base of turbines to create habitat i.e. mussel growth, small fish and larger fish.  With minimal effort pylons can create ideal rod and reel fishing habitat just like the Block Island Wind Farm turbines.

The third point recommended a combined stakeholder advisory board to explore the impacts of not only individual projects but more importantly the cumulative impact of multiple projects, lease areas and developers. Presently such a fishermen/stakeholder panel with appropriate recreational participation does not exist.

Visit BOEM’s website at www.boem.gov for hearing minutes once they are available.

Striper fishing down on all counts

Large striped bass like this one caught by Mike Swain were not as prevalent last year.  Striped bass are on the decline according to a new survey by Stripers Forever.

Striper fishing down on all counts

Striped bass fishing is down.  Striper fishermen, fishing guides and charter captains will tell you that for the past three to four years the amount of fish caught each year has been less and less.  And, the fish have been getting smaller.

The results of Striper Forever’s 2018 annual survey on striped bass fishing was released February 9, 2019 and it was no surprise when it showed most anglers responding to the survey said their striped bass fishing was down.  Out of the 450 survey responders, 72 percent said the number of striped bass they catch per hour has declined from 2017 to 2018, while 71 percent said the size of the striped bass they caught was ‘smaller’ or ‘much smaller’ than previous years.

These survey results support angler claims of fish volume and sizes declining for the past couple of years. This was also the case when in 2018 the Massachusetts commercial striped bass fishery was unable to catch its full quota of large striped bass even after the state’s Division of Marine Fisheries added open days to the season in an effort to help meet the quota.

Capt. Rick Bellavance, president of the Rhode Island Party & Charter Boat Association, said, “Striper fishing in 2018 was hit or miss.  Often times we would miss the bite out at the southwest ledge area of Block Island by a few minutes.  The fish were also notably smaller this year, just as the scientists have been predicting.”

A major striped bass stock reassessment of the wild Atlantic striped bass population has prompted the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) that manages striped bass, to admit that the spawning stock of large fish has shrunk sufficiently to require a warning that the stock is being overfished, and that overfishing is occurring. 

Stripers Forever blames the ASMFC management plan that focuses too much of the fishing effort on large, older fish that are vital to the breeding population.  Over the last 10 years a reduced striped bass breeding population has resulted in highly variable production, including two good year classes, two average and six below average, including a record low spawn in 2016. The average striped bass year class sizes in Chesapeake Bay during the decade of the 1990s were roughly twice as large as those that have occurred in the last 15 years.

In their February 9 press release, Stripers Forever said, “We believe that a slot limit that allows a harvest only within a restrictive upper and lower size range along with a complete end to all commercial fishing for wild striped bass is the best management solution for the fishery… (And) 79 percent of Stripers Forever members support the sale of a game fish stamp with the proceeds to be used for buying out the remaining commercial fishing activities.”

A complete recap of all the survey information is available at this LINK on the Stripers Forever website.  For more additional information e-mail stripers@stripersforever.org. 

New York State approves bill to ban Atlantic menhaden seining

Last week the New York State Legislature overwhelmingly passed a bill that would ban the harvesting of Atlantic menhaden, also called pogies or bunker, using purse seine nets up to three miles from shore.  The bill restricts large-scale industrial boats from encircling schools of menhaden with nets that haul tons of fish for the production of fish oil and protein meal.

Atlantic menhaden have been cited by many as an important forage fish for striped bass, bluefish, tuna as well as osprey and other fish and birds.  They are harvested locally by fishermen who cast nests in Narragansett, Mt. Hope and Buzzard’s Bay to catch the fish for use as bait.

However, the law New York passed does allow for large scale fishing at the State’s discretion to avoid fish kills due to depleted oxygen levels in estuaries.

Fishermen still at odds with Vineyard Wind

At deadline fishermen in Rhode Island are still at odds with Vineyard Wind, developer of the 84 turbine wind farm 14 miles off Massachusetts. The wind farm area is often fished by Rhode Island fishermen who initially had concerns about the spacing of the turbines. Fishermen wanted to make sure enough room was left between them for fishing and safe navigation. They are now planned for approximately one mile apart. 

Additionally, Vineyard Wind announced in December, 2018 its support for fishery transit lanes that are sited directly through the middle of the lease area.  The aim is to accommodate fishermen based in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Long Island area who need to transit the length of the wind areas to reach fishing grounds south and east of Cape Cod.  Vineyard Wind has pledged to continue to work with fishermen to determine how best to utilize this flexibility, taking into account both fishing within the turbine area and transiting though the area.

Commercial squid fishermen from Rhode Island are concerned about the wind farm changing the migration pattern of squid on rich fishing grounds in and around the wind farm. Recreational fishermen are also concerned about the impact the wind farm could have particularly during construction redirecting fish and bait/forage (like squid) and their migration patterns. 

In a research protocol recommendation to Vineyard Wind, Bay State Wind and Deepwater Wind/Orsted the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) requested that a research protocol be developed for all wind farms that includes fish and habitat research before, during and after construction of wind farms that utilizes in part rod and reel surveys as well as research targeting impacts on pelagic species such as mahi, tuna and sharks. The recommendation related that RISAA supports renewable energy efforts like wind farms, however, they want to make sure that as utility scale wind farms are build i.e. the eighty-four turbine Vineyard Wind farm vs the five turbine piolet project off Block Island, that there are no adverse effects on habitat or fish.

At press time the Rhode Island Fishermen’s Advisory Board (FAB) weighing in on Vineyard Wind plans were negotiating with the developer.  FAB member Capt. Rick Bellavance, president of the Rhode Island Party & Charter Boat Association said, “I am concerned about the Vineyard Wind project setting the table for projects to come.  Right now Vineyard Wind has no intention to do rod & reel studies, or study pelagic fish we target.  We are concerned that once they start driving piles that fishing will stop, just like it did at Block Island when Deepwater Wind was constructing the Block Island Wind Farm project.  We are also concerned about a change in squid migration patterns.”

Squid serve as a great food source for a variety of species including summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, striped bass, blue fish and a host of others.  Capt. Bellavance said, “These pylons are over 30 feet in diameter compared to the smaller pylons used at Block Island.  Wind farm pile driving will continue for ten years.  What this will do to fish migration patterns is not known.  Will it drive them away for good?”

Vineyard Wind and the Fishermen’s Advisory Board hope to reach a mitigation agreement soon.

Make sure ice is safe for fishing

Cod and haddock fishing are just about the only saltwater fishing game in town this time of year. Capt. Dave Monti and angler Steve Brustein with cod caught off Block Island last year.

Make sure ice is safe for fishing

Ice fishing is underway at northern New England ponds and lakes that have ice thick enough to support anglers. However, even with the frigid weather earlier this week at press time the ice has not been safe for fishing and skating in many areas.  For example, as of yesterday, there were no Rhode Island authorities declaring safe ice in state owned lakes and ponds. The Mass Wildlife field office in Westborough, MA suggested contacting local police departments for safe ice conditions in your area.

So before you put yourself, family and friends at risk check with local cities and towns to find out if ice on a local pond or lake is safe. 

Ice must have a uniform thickness of at least six inches before it is considered safe by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM).  It generally takes at least five to seven consecutive days of temperatures in the low 20s. 

Safe ice is determined by a number of factors.  First, you can't judge ice conditions by appearance or thickness alone; many other factors like water depth, size of waterbody, water chemistry, currents, snow cover, age of ice, and local weather conditions impact ice strength. 

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife offers these ice tips:

New ice is stronger than old ice. Four inches of clear, newly formed ice may support one person on foot, while a foot or more of old, partially thawed ice may not.

Ice doesn't freeze uniformly. Continue to check ice conditions frequently as you venture out onto it.

Ice formed over flowing water and currents is often more dangerous. Avoid traveling onto ice-bound rivers and streams, as the currents make ice thickness unpredictable. Many lakes and ponds may contain spring holes and other areas of currents that can create deceptively dangerous thin spots.

What to do if you fall through the ice? 

Don't panic: Call for help if there are people nearby.

Don't remove winter clothing: Air trapped in your clothes can provide warmth and help you float.

Turn the direction you came from: Ice you previously walked on should be the safest.

Place your hands and arms on an unbroken surface and kick your legs: If you have ice picks or a pair of nails, use them to pull yourself up onto the ice while kicking.

Lie flat and roll away: Once your torso is on firm ice, roll toward thicker ice to distribute your weight.

Find shelter and get warm: Change out of wet clothing and find warm, dry coverings. If you are in a remote area, get to or start a campfire. Otherwise, get to a car or house. Seek medical advice from your physician on medical attention.

If someone else falls in:

Remember the phrase "Preach-Reach-Throw-Go."

Preach: Call 911 if you can. Shout to the victim to reassure them help is on the way.

Reach: If you can safely reach them from shore, extend an object like a rope, jumper cables, tree branch, or ladder to them.

Throw: Toss one end of a rope or something that will float to the victim.

Go: If the situation is too dangerous for you to perform a rescue, call 911 or go to find help. Untrained rescuers can become victims themselves.

If a pet falls in:  Do not attempt to rescue them, go find help. Well-meaning pet owners can easily become victims themselves. Remember to always keep pets leashed while walking on or near ice. 

Call local cities and towns for safe ice conditions in your area. The Rhode Island Division of Parks and Recreation provides information about Lincoln Woods State Park in Lincoln, Meshanticut State Park in Cranston, and Goddard Memorial State Park in Warwick on its 24-hour Ice Information telephone line, 401.667-6222.  The Mass Wildlife field office in Westborough, MA suggested contacting local police departments for safe ice conditions in your area.

Climate change brings us new fish to catch, seminar Monday

Last year our oceans were the warmest ever.  In fact, the past five years are the warmest years on record.  This warm water has caused a shift in fish populations.  We know black sea bass, scup and summer flounder are more abundant in the north and we now often fish these species.  But what about fish like king mackerel and triggerfish that are now consistently caught in New England? 

Learn how to fish these species and others at a Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association (RISAA) ‘New species’ seminar Monday, January 28, 7:00 p.m., West Warwick Elks Lodge, 60 Clyde Street, West Warwick. Noted On-The-Water magazine author and fishermen Jimmy Fee will be the guest speaker.

Dinner served by the Elks Lodge starting at 5:30 p.m.  Visit www.risaa.org for details.

Trout Unlimited meeting January 30

The Narragansett Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU225) will host a monthly meeting and its first annual Chili Cook-Off on Wednesday, January 30, 6:30 p.m. at the Coventry / West Greenwich Elks Lodge, 42 Nooseneck Hill Road (Rte. 3, Exit 6 off of Rte. 95), West Greenwich, R.I.

In addition to regular business, educational event planning and networking, members will assemble the line boxes that were constructed by members in the fall of 2018.  Additionally, members are invited to bring a pot of their favorite chili recipe for tasting and judging by members and guests.  The “2019 Anglers Choice” award will be given to the winner.

For additional information, to reserve a seat for the line box assembly, or prepare a pot of chili for our distinguished member/guest judges, please contact chapter president Glenn Place 1-401-225-7712 or TU225President@gmail.com. 

Where’s the bite?

Cod fishing.  The Frances Fleet reports it has not sailed most of the week due to high winds and rough seas. However, as weather clears they will be fishing. Party boats (inspected vessels that take more than six anglers, often 50 to 75 anglers) out of Rhode Island fishing for cod this winter include: the Seven B’s at www.sevenbs.com, the Frances Fleet at www.francesfleet.com and Island Current III at www.islandcurrent.com.  Rates per angler for cod fishing are about $100.

Charter boats (six or fewer anglers) range from $750 to $1,200 per vessel depending if the cod trip is close to shore or offshore (and length of trip).  Charter boats fishing for cod weather permitting are in flux this time of year.  Check  Big Game Sport Fishing Characters, Captains Brian and Peter Bacon, www.biggamefishingri.com; Booked Off Charters, Captains Tony Guarino and Wade Baker, www.bookedoffcharters.com; Drifter Charters, Capt. Richard Chatowsky, www.drifterchartersri.com.

Fishery management tools enhanced; shut-down impacting the fish

Capt. Dave Monti with a summer flounder caught off Rhode Island this summer. Scientists say “slot limits could have negative impacts on the summer flounder stock, especially under current conditions.”

Fishery management tools enhanced; shut-down impacting the fish

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) manages migratory species such as summer flounder, tautog, scup and striped bass coast wide in state waters (zero to three miles offshore). The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) manages many of the same species in federal waters, three to two-hundred miles offshore that we catch off Rhode Island and Massachusetts.  Last month, the Commission and Council, approved three important measures and outlined them in a December 13, 2018 press release.  The three measures aim to add to the suite of tools available for managing summer flounder, scup and black sea bass. 

First, the joint actions modified Fishery Management Plans (FMP) to allow the use of conservation equivalency for black sea bass (BSB) management.  Conservation equivalency will allow recreational measures in federal water to be waived and instead require recreational anglers to abide by the measures of the state in which they land their catch.  This will add continuity to regulations between state and federal waters with a joint annual decision to determine whether to enact conservation equivalency.

Second, a joint action recommended that NOAA Fisheries implement a transit provision in Block Island Sound. The measure would allow non-federally permitted recreational and commercial vessels to transit Federal water while in possession of summer flounder, scup and black sea bass that was legally harvested from state waters. For example this measure would allow fish legally caught in state waters off Block Island to be transported across federal waters back into state waters off Pt. Judith and along the southern coastal shore of Rhode Island.

Lastly, the use of slot limes, i.e. the use of maximum sizes in addition to minimum sizes, which was allowed by the Council is now allowed by the Commission too. Now both fish governing bodies can utilize slot limits for consistency if deemed appropriate.

Slot Limits… not the tool for summer flounder at this time

Prior to the joint meeting in December, the results of two summer flounder slot limit studies were presented via background memorandum to participants.  The memorandum concluded, that with summer flounder overfishing now occurring and the summer flounder Spawning Stock Biomass (SSB) consistently below target levels for the past six years, slot limits would be harmful to the fishery at this time.

The studies referred to in the memorandum included a 2009 ‘Slot limit management for recreational summer flounder harvest’ study by Wong (http://www.mafmc.org/s/Slot_limit_guidance_Wong_2009-002.pdf ); and a second study by Wiedenmann in 2013 titled ‘Evaluation of management and regulatory options for the summer flounder recreational fishery’ available at http://www.mafmc.org/s/A-Model-to-Evaluate-Recreational-Management-Measures.pdf .

The memorandum said, “The 2009 study analyzed a range of slot limit options for the recreational summer flounder fishery and considered a range of bag limits and options for trophy fish in combination with slot limits. The results indicated that, compared to a standard minimum size limit (which we now have), the slot limit options considered would ‘certainly result in greatly increased numbers of fish harvested’ due to the higher availability of smaller fish compared to larger fish.

Although discards may decrease under certain slot limits, total removals (i.e., harvest and discards) would likely increase due to the increase in harvest. An increase in removals in numbers of fish would increase the fishing mortality rate. Under some slot limit options, marginal benefits to spawning stock biomass (SSB) were predicted; however, these benefits were eliminated when a trophy class (one large fish) was considered in combination with slot limits.”

Additionally, the second study related, “A management strategy evaluation analysis found that slot limits could result in an increase in the number of summer flounder harvested per angler, as well as a small reduction in the total number of female summer flounder harvested. They found that slot limits generally resulted in lower harvest and more discards by weight, and higher and more frequent annual catch limit overages, compared to minimum size limits.”

The memoranda said, “In summary, these two studies suggest that total removals in numbers of fish may increase under slot limits, the fishing mortality rate may increase, and any increases in SSB may be minor. For these reasons, slot limits could have negative impacts on the summer flounder stock, especially under current conditions (i.e., overfishing is occurring and SSB is below the target level).”

Visit www.asmfc.org for ASMFC meeting outcomes and background information on summer flounder, scup and black sea bass

Government shut-down impacting fishing

The government shut down is upon us and it is starting to have an impact on the fish too. 

Last week I was scheduled to attend two Federal Government sponsored workshops and both were cancelled.  The shutdown is having a profound effect on people in this county and needs to end as it demonstrates a total failure in government.  The President and members of congress and the senate are elected to serve the people, the shutdown is serving no one so let’s open the government and put the issue of border security, immigration and the wall on the front burner to work out in a bipartisan fashion this year. 

Last week a meeting to review the Environmental Impact Statement on the first ‘utility scale’ offshore wind farm off Massachusetts being developed by Vineyard Wind was canceled in Rhode Island.  The meeting was organized and being run by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), a federal government agency.

Commercial fishermen have voiced their concern about the layout of the wind farm and the inconsistent spacing between turbines in the windfarm.  Additionally, recreational fishermen have expressed concerned about no rod and reel surveys being done to study the impact on recreational fishing , and the absence of aerial or acoustic studies to measure impacts on pelagic species such as Mahi, tuna, sharks as well as whales.

The hope is that this important BOEM meeting and others are rescheduled and deadlines extended to insure proper public input and discussion. 

The second fisheries meeting canceled last week was the NOAA Fisheries sponsored  New England Recreational Fishing Workshop which was scheduled to be held at the URI Coastal Institute Building in Narragansett on January 10.

The purpose of the workshop was to facilitate a collaborative process for developing management measures for the recreational ground fish fishery that balance the need to prevent overfishing while providing for robust catches that enable profitability in the for-hire fleet and provide worthwhile fishing opportunities for anglers. The hope is that this meeting is rescheduled.

As this week progressed, we heard other ways how the shutdown disrupted National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) quota monitoring and stock assessments in locations across the country (summer flounder, striped bass and black sea bass in our area), deprived Coast Guard members of paychecks, and is delaying the timely implementation of catch limits for scallops in waters off New England.

Let’s hope the shutdown ends so we can move forward to fish and the scientist, fish managers and Coast Guard can get back to normal.