maryland bay conditions before last saturday · 2018. 8. 23. · maryland bay conditions before...

Maryland Bay Conditions before last Saturday

• Bay fresher than normal from May rains• Warm water

– River temperatures ~ 84F– Mainbay temperatures ~ 82F, 80F at low oxygen

level

• Coolest water found at low oxygen level at Bay Bridge (23ft), Swan Point (23ft) and South of Tolchester (35ft)

Maryland Bay Conditions since last Saturday

• Cooler water (3-5F drop)

• More oxygen deeper from strong winds

• Degrading water clarity from excess runoff

72 Hour rainfall totals

For Current Bay Conditions

Visit Click Before you Cast (Eyes on the Bay)• Weekly forecast of fishing related Bay

conditions • Uses current monitoring information• Maps and tools to identify depth of low

oxygen, temperature breaks, algal bloom locations, moving water/flow conditions, bottom habitat locations, satellite pics

Date County Com/Rec4/1 SO Rec4/8 CH Rec4/6 3 individuals charged for 4 Striped Bass each closed season Fishing creek Bridge DO Rec4/8 QA Rec

4/11 SO Rec4/12 SO Rec4/13 2 individuals charges for 2 and 4 Striped Bass closed season Choptank River DO Rec4/14 1 individual charged for 1 Striped Bass closed season Choptank River DO Rec4/14 4 individauls charged with 1 Striped Bass closed season Fishing Creek Bridge DO Rec4/14 2 individuals charged with 13 Striped Bass closed season Fishing Creek Bridge DO Rec

NRP Officers performed Saturation Patrols for targeting Striped Bass on Susquehanna River during closure HA/CE4/23 SM Com4/29 SM Rec4/28 TA Com4/28 Striped Bass Saturation Patrols, Matapeake, Kent Narrows, Eastern Bay-5 Striped Bass seized, 4 citations issued Area 2 Rec4/28 SM Rec4/28 SM Rec

5/1 Individual charged with possession of 29 undersized White Perch, Centreville Wharf QA Rec5/1 AA Com5/2 DO Rec5/2 Citation issued to commercial oyster harvester for failing to tag 42 bu. oysters AA Com5/5 Subject charged with illegal sale of baby turtles, 15 turtles seized (Red Eared Sliders) QA Rec5/7 1 individual charged with 10 counts of over the limit oysters, entering false record and failing to provide info for Shellfish buy ticket SO Com

5/11 1 individual was charged for crabbing gear violation (uses of crab pots w/o TFL) SM Rec5/11 Striped Bass Saturation patrol Hoopers island, 6 citations, 5 Striped Bass seized DO Rec5/12 SM Rec5/12 SM Rec5/16 SO Com5/19 QA Rec5/20 DO Rec5/20 QA Rec5/26 Striped Bass Saturation Patrol, Hoopers Island, 4 citations issued, 5 Striped Bass seized DO Rec5/27 QA Rec5/30 QA Rec

6/3 QA Rec6/4 SO Com

6/10 WO Rec6/22 Early Crabbing Saturation Patrol, No crabbing violations, 7 Striped Bass citations issued QA Rec6/23 SO Com6/24 Striped Bass Saturation Patrol, Kent Narrows, 8 citations issued, 17 Striped Bass seized, Bridge Tender issued 3 citations for 4 undersized Striped Bass QA Rec6/24 QA Com6/26 SO Com6/30 WO Rec

Notice of Agency Action served on subject ref. oyster violations

5 individuals charged Possession Undersize Rockfish/Striped Bass

Striped Bass Saturation Patrol, Hoopers Island, 6 citations issued50 commercia crab pots located in restricted area, Patapsco River

Case Description2 individuals charged with possesion of Striped Bass in Spawning area during closed season2 citations for illegal possession of herring

NRP Officers seized 9 undersized Striped Bass and issued 5 citations2 individuals charges with possession of Striped Bass in Spawning area during closed season3 Individuals charges with possession of Striped Bass in Spawning area during closed season

2 ciations at Hollywood Oyster Company, Aquaculture Violations2 individuals charged with Oystering Closed Season

1 individual charged Time Restriction Striped Bass

Early Crabbing Saturation Patrol, 3 citations issued3 citations issued. 2 for possession of undersized peelers. 1 for possession of undersized male hard crabs1 individual charged with possession of undersized Striped Bass

Striped Bass Saturation atrol, Kent Narrows, 5 citations- 1 undersized Striped Bass, 4 fishing w/o license

5 individuals charged for possession undersize striped bass2 individuals charged for possession of striped bass creel limitCrab pots in a restricted area

Striped Bass Saturation Patrol, Hoopers Island, 9 citations, striped Bass seized were hidden inside of lawn mower in back of truck. 2 additional Striped Bass seized from additional checStriped Bass Saturation Patrol, Kent Narrows, 7 citations- 6 undersized Striped Bass seized

Striped Bass Saturation Patrol, Kent Narrows, 3 citations- 3 undersized Striped Bass seized

Striped Bass Saturation Patrol, Kent Narrows, 11 Striped Bass seized, 4 citations issuedIndividual charged with possession of 7 undersized Striped Bass, Cabin Creek

1 Individual charged with possession of undersized male hard crabs

1 individual charged with possession of undersized peelers1 individual charged with possession of undersized Striped Bass

Category Charge CitationsNon-Tidal Fishing without a license 52Non-Tidal Fishing without license in possession 18Non-Tidal Failure to possess Trout Stamp 2Non-Tidal Fishing during closed season 2Non-Tidal Fishing before hours 1Non-Tidal Violation in special torut management area 1Non-Tidal Possession of undersized fish- general 4Non-Tidal Exceed the daily creel limit 1Tidal Fish Fishing without Commercial license 1Tidal Fish Fishing without Chesapeake Bay Sport Fishing license in possession 17Tidal Fish Fishing without Chesapeake Bay Sport Fishing license 89Tidal Fish Illegal possession of Striped Bass 2Tidal Fish Possession of undersized fish-general 3Tidal Fish Possession of undersized Flounder 1Tidal Fish Exceed Creel limit- general 4Tidal Fish Possession of Shad- Closed season 2Tidal Fish Possession of undersized Striped Bass 82Tidal Fish Possession of Striped Bass- closed season 47Tidal Fish Possession of Striped Bass without license/permit/tags 1Tidal Fish Possession of over the limit Striped Bass 12Tidal Fish Catch/Possess Striped Bass before/after hours 10Tidal Fish Catching Striped Bass in a prohibited area 63Tidal Fish Possession of oversized/undersized Yellow Perch 1Tidal Fish Taking Tautog during Closed Season 1Tidal Fish Taking illegal sized Tautog 2Oysters Oystering during closed season 2Crabs Possession of crabs during closed season 3Crabs Crabbing before/after legal hours 2Crabs Possession of undersize crabs 12Crabs Crab pots set in a restricted area 1Crabs Illegal harvest method 1Crabs Set recreational crab pot without turtle reduction device 1

Overview of Maryland’s Black Bass Fisheries

John MullicanJoseph Love

Freshwater Fisheries Program

Who’s Who in Tidal Bass• Recreation

– Shoreline anglers– Powerboat anglers– Kayak anglers

• Businesses– Charter Boat Guiding– Tournaments– Bait and Tackle shops

• Researchers– Students/Scientists

Character of Fishery

Why Do We Care?• Social

– Species is Top Target– Cultural values

• Ecological– Keystone species– North American native

• Revenue– Tournaments?

• $1-3 million/large tourn.• Need better info.

– Over $51 Million in 2017 (upper Bay and Potomac)

• $31.5 Million by recreational black bass anglers

Value of Fishery

The Fishery Gives Back• Military Appreciation

(PVA)• Organized Youth Clubs• Invasive Species

Management• Reef Projects• Subcommittee

– Wanton Waste Law– User Conflicts– Water Pollution

• Fish Conservation

Stewardship of Fishery

What Do We Do?• Hatchery cooperation

– On the ground support– Production enhancement

• Recreational feedback– Volunteer Angler Survey– Angler intercept– Future card survey

• Tournament participation– Permitting and reporting– Release boats– Registration meetings– Webinars

• Scientific studies– Survival/tagging– Habitat needs– Fishing gear/live well

• Fall electrofishing surveys– 19 Rivers (now and past)– Catch and other diagnostics– Habitat measurements

Work with Fishery

How are the Fisheries?• Catches

– Potomac River – Upper Bay – Gunpowder River– Pocomoke River, Patuxent

River, and Marshyhope Creek– Choptank River

• Tournaments• More Information?

– Current Report– Bass Guide Hotspots– Fish a Tournament– Where’s the Data?

Status of Fishery

http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Pages/bass/reports.aspx

http://gisapps.dnr.state.md.us/PublicFishingAccess/index.html

http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Pages/bass/ta.aspx

http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Pages/bass/recreational.aspx

Managing Black Bass in Maryland’s Inland Waters

Sport Fish Advisory CommitteeJuly 24, 2018

John Mullican – Field Operations Manager, Freshwater Fisheries ProgramFishing and Boating Services

Responsible for Managing MD’s Diverse Freshwater Fisheries Resources Protection, Restoration and Conservation of Resources and Habitat Provide Social, Ecological, and Economic Benefits to Our Constituents

Freshwater Fisheries Program

Core Functions Freshwater fisheries research, population surveys, habitat and water quality

assessment, and stocking‒ Impoundments‒ Coldwater Streams and Rivers‒ Major Rivers‒ Tidal Freshwater

Over 25 freshwater species(warm, cool and coldwater fishes)

Regulations to achieve managementobjectives

Invasive species research andmanagement

Environmental review/technical guidance Education and outreach Angler access (e.g. South Br Patapsco River DH Area, Beaver Creek FMA)

Independent Fishery Data: standardized surveys to determine relative abundance, yearclass strength, size distribution, relative condition, growth and mortality

Freshwater Management

Dependent Fishery Data:angler effort, catch, harvest, tournament data

Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass

Participation: 77% fished for Bass - 92,000 anglersEffort: 41% of trips for Bass – 1,100,000 trips

Expenditures: $141 avg./trip; $38.00 (median); Total = 149,000,000

Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass

Participation: 66%; 79,000

Effort: 21% of trips; 531,000 trips

Trip Expenditures: $146 mean; $35 median; Total = $77,000,000

Participation: 57%; 69,000

Effort: 17% of trips; 453,000 trips

Trip Expenditures: $193 mean; $40 median; Total = $87,000,000

Knoche, 2017

Impoundment Fishery Monitoring Survey

- The objectives of the Impoundment Survey are to generate population indices for popular recreational fish species (primarily black bass species) in Maryland’s impounded waters and to report status and trends of those species.

Standardized surveys following guidelines recommended by the American Fisheries Society, Fisheries Techniques Standardization Committee

• Systematic method of allocation of random sites

• Previous survey data used to estimate sample size needed to achieve RSE of 15% to 25%

Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass

Deep Creek Lake

Deep Creek Lake Fish Sample Locations.Green dots = electrofishing Pink dots = seining.

• Previous electrofishing survey used 20 fixed sample sites; now 20 random sites.

• Extensive deployment of docks (April – Nov.) and fall drawdown affects possible survey locations and timing

Deep Creek Lake

• Largest impoundment completely within Maryland (3,900 acres)

• Multi-species fishery with cold, cool, and warmwater species represented

Seining survey to assess bass annual yearclass

Boat electrofishing to assess adult bass population indices

• Popular year-round, economically important vacation fishery

Conowingo Reservoir

• Bieannual, fall (October) night electrofishing surveys to assess black bass and walleye

• Standardized impoundment survey protocols used (Impoundment SOP)

• Larger number of sites to increase precision (fall 2018 – 30 sites)

• Cooperative survey with Eastern and Central Regions

Conowingo Reservoir

New sampling plan includes June electrofishing survey to assess fish community and panfish populations and fall standardized night survey for predatory gamefish (bass and walleye)

Conowingo Reservoir

Largemouth Bass Smallmouth BassFall 2014 Fall 2016 Fall 2014 Fall 2016

Number of sites 8 9 8 9Number of bass collected 105 88 158 325

CPUEs ± SE 32±7 47±16 81±20 239±66CPUEq ± SE 13±4 19±3 32±8 151±39PSD ± 95% CI 20±4 40±12 40±10 64±6

• Significant increase in the catch rate of large smallmouth bass

• Very attractive smallmouth size distribution

Nontidal (upper) Potomac River

Potomac River Smallmouth Bass YearClass Survey

- currently use 12 fixed sites (Spring Gap to Seneca) with 9 hauls per site

- abundance expressed as mean yoy per haul

River seining


Spring River Flow

Strong Yearclass

Weak Yearclass


Climate ChangeWater temperature rises can:

- alter species ranges and community composition of phytoplankton, aquatic vegetation, and fish

- increase nutrient concentrations

- enhances reduction of iron and manganese oxides causing release of soluble reactive phosphorus from sediments

- alter hydrologic regime and impact fish spawning times


15

Year PSD RSD350 RSD430 CPUES CPUEQ CPUEP Wr stock N2006 35 13 2 56 20 7 88 6622007 35 13 2 74 27 12 88 12122008 38 13 5 81 30 12 87 6912009 30 11 2 83 27 12 89 11922010 32 8 1 68 16 11 91 7152011 53 18 3 105 59 21 91 11252012 51 16 3 72 35 12 93 5642013 40 12 3 97 39 10 88 6862014 32 13 4 72 25 10 89 8662015 34 11 3 94 28 8 89 11652016 25 8 2 75 20 6 91 877Avg 37 12 3 80 30 11 89 8872017 51 17 4 72 39 14 90 618

Incremental size distribution of Potomac River smallmouth bass2006 - 2017



Catch of larger bass has increased

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Thank You!

Tawes State Office Building – 580 Taylor Avenue – Annapolis, Maryland 21401 410-260-8DNR or toll free in Maryland 877-620-8DNR – dnr.maryland.gov – TTY Users Call via the Maryland Relay

Meeting of the Black Bass Advisory Subcommittee July 2, 2018

Tawes State Office Building C-1 Conference Room Annapolis, MD 21401

6:00 – 8:30 PM Tentative Agenda 6:00 pm Opening Remarks – Dennis Fleming 6:05 pm Award Presentation to Don Goff, of Director's Black Bass Conservation Award 6:10 pm Announcements - MD & VA, Potomac River joint fishery management - Joe Love/Dave Blazer Handout: Recommendations for tournaments at Leesylvania State Park Desired Outcome: Inform Announcements - Water Reporter meeting, upcoming presentation - Joe Love/Nick Kuttner Desired Outcome: Inform 6:20 pm Announcements - Bowhunting and Largemouth Bass (Tom Bateman) Handout: Video of bow hunted largemouth bass Desired Outcome: Advise department on actions that are not currently being used to prevent bowhunting of largemouth bass 6:40 pm Non-tidal Black Bass Fisheries (John Mullican) Desired Outcome: Inform 7:00 pm Management action plans and content (Dennis Fleming/Scott Sewell) Handout: Table of black bass surveys and data availability Desired Outcome: Advise department on important fisheries (non-tidal and tidal) to fishing community and the content of proposed action plans (e.g., identify problem, identify solutions) 7:30 pm Discussion about existing regulations for black bass fisheries (Dennis Fleming) 1) Limiting live possession during July and August to 6 hours or restricting creel 2) Lifting spring possession restrictions in non-tidal waters (e.g., Conowingo Reservoir) Handout: Presentation by Hal Schraam regarding keeping bass alive Desired Outcome: Advise department on whether to consider revising regulations 8:20 pm Agenda Topics for Next Meeting and Public Comments* – Dennis Fleming 8:30 pm Closing Remarks/Adjourn

Light refreshments (sandwiches, drinks) will be served. We're sorry, but travel funds cannot be reimbursed. **Public comments are recorded the last 10 minutes of every meeting. For topics on the agenda, the Chair will try to provide an opportunity for comment, taking into account the time allotted on the agenda for the topic. For public topics that are not on the agenda, the Chair will use a public sign-up list to allocate the available time on the agenda.

https://www.facebook.com/bill.hamilton.9406/videos/10211349819484469/

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2018 SFAC/TFAC Penalty Workgroup Discussion Topics and Recommendations

Commercial • Add violation of COMAR 08.02.08.02 (buy station violation) – what is appropriate penalty? Other

“operating without required license” violations fall under 30 points/1 year suspension category. With shellfish, especially given the public health concern, it seems appropriate to have a similar violation for failing to sell to a buy station/be a buy station dealing in shellfish

o RECOMMENDATION: On a second or subsequent offense, make the penalty 30 points/1-year suspension. Concern with an immediate penalty is the potential for honest confusion over the rules.

• Fail to submit shellfish buy ticket for oyster tax report – tier by number of bushels? o RECOMMENDATION: Add tiered penalty

1-9 bushels: no administrative penalty 10 – 25 bushels: 5 points (no immediate suspension if no prior points

accumulated) 26 -50 bushels: 10 points (30-day suspension) 51 bushels or more: 30 points/1-year suspension

• Softshell clam distance violations for Sandy Point State Park (other distance violations such as NOBs are 10 points for within 150’, 15 points for on an NOB)

o RECOMMENDATION: Do not add penalty • Failure to refrigerate soft-shell clams – tier by number of bushels?

o RECOMMENDATION: Do not add penalty • Polluted areas – currently falls under same distances/penalties as HRA/sanctuaries – do we have

more concern because of public health risks? IE should there be a more severe penalty for violation of polluted areas because those oysters have the potential to cause damage to public health and/or affect industry via shutdown if disease is traced back to MD?

o RECOMMENDATION: Do not change current penalties • NSSP violations – discussed this last year but more citations have been issued – problem is the wide

range in potential violations – everything from waste bucket to failure to deliver product on day of harvest. Fear continues to be public health. Should it carry at least 5 points so multiple violations result in administrative penalty?

o RECOMMENDATION: Add NSSP violations other than waste bucket violations as 10 point violations (30-day suspension). No administrative penalty for waste bucket violations

• Failure to allow inspection – problem is encountered a number of times every year where an individual dumps catch as NRP approaches despite being given a lawful order to cease and desist. Failure to allow inspection citation is currently issued, but no administrative penalty. Should it be at least 10 points/30 days?

o RECOMMENDATION: Add penalty as a Tier II penalty (10 points/30-day suspension)

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• Untagged oyster bushels – not on the original topic list, but discussed at workgroup meeting – RECOMMENDATION: change from specified number of bushels to percentage of catch (point increments are not changing):

o 0 – 24% of catch: no administrative penalty o 25 – 49% of catch: 5 points o 50 – 74% of catch: 15 points o 75 – 99% of catch: 20 points o 100% or more of catch: 30 points

Recreational • Add illegal use of barbed hooks during striped bass pre-season catch and release season (180

days would align it with the “common” gear violations) o RECOMMENDATION: Do not add penalty

• Setting crab trotline within 100 feet of other gear (we’ve discussed this before and said don’t add it, we’ve just seen additional citations and want to make sure the answer is still no – potentially could add it as a 90-day suspension)

o RECOMMENDATION: Do not add penalty • Exceeding oyster daily limit – 90 days for 1 bushel, 180 days for more than 1 bushel?

o RECOMMENDATION: Add penalty as described – 90 days for up to 1 bushel over; 180 days for more than 1 bushel over

• Fishing with other than artificial lure or fly in artificial/fly-only trout area – currently have possession of bait in Delayed Harvest Area at 365 days

o RECOMMENDATION: Do not add penalty or remove current penalty – leave as-is Charter

• Housekeeping – update COMAR references for gear violations from COMAR 08.02.05.01 to COMAR 08.02.25 (no change to penalties, just updating COMAR reference)

Seafood Dealer – Will treat the same as commercial • Add violation of COMAR 08.02.08.02 (buy station violation) – what is appropriate penalty? Other

“operating without required license” violations fall under 30 points/1 year suspension category. With shellfish, especially given the public health concern, it seems appropriate to have a similar violation for failing to sell to a buy station/be a buy station dealing in shellfish

o RECOMMENDATION: On a second or subsequent offense, make the penalty 30 points/1-year suspension. Concern with an immediate penalty is the potential for honest confusion over the rules.

• Fail to submit shellfish buy ticket for oyster tax report – tier by number of bushels? o RECOMMENDATION: Add tiered penalty

1-9 bushels: no administrative penalty 10 – 25 bushels: 5 points (no immediate suspension if no prior points

accumulated) 26 -50 bushels: 10 points (30-day suspension) 51 bushels or more: 30 points/1-year suspension

Meeting Summary

Oyster Advisory Commission May 14, 2018

1

SUMMARY

Meeting Summary

Oyster Advisory Commission (OAC) Meeting

Calvary United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall

301 Rowe Blvd, Annapolis, MD

(6:00 PM – 9:15 PM)

May 14, 2018

LIST OF ATTENDEES

Commissioners Present:

Kelley Cox (Co-Chair) Phillips Wharf Environmental Center (PWEC)

Scott Eglseder (Co-Chair) Eglseder Wealth Management Group, Inc.

J.D. Blackwell 38° North Oysters

Tom Bradshaw Maryland Watermen, Dorchester County

Robert T. Brown Maryland Watermen’s Association

Sean Corson National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),

Chesapeake Bay Office

Jeff Harrison Talbot Watermen Association, Inc.

Bill Kilinski Charles County Watermen’s Association

Ken Lewis Coastal Conservation Association (CCA)

Deborah Rey State Delegate

Eric Schott University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

(UMCES)

Angie Sowers U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Baltimore District

Commissioners Unable to Attend:

Kelton Clark Open Shell Environmental

Allison Colden Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF)

Ron Fithian County Commissioners, Kent County

Matt Gray University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

(UMCES)

Steve Hershey State Senator

Greg Kemp Talbot Seafood Heritage Association

Doug Legum Douglas Legum Development, Inc.

Jim Mathias State Senator

Johnny Mautz State Delegate

Jim Mullin Maryland Watermen’s Association (MOA)

Ann Swanson Chesapeake Bay Commission

Aubrey Vincent Lindy’s Seafood

Meeting Summary


2

SUMMARY

Other Meeting Attendees Present:

Chesapeake Bay Commission: Mr. Mark Hoffman

Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF): Mr. John Page Williams

Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage: Mr. Stanley Watkins

Citizen: Ms. Ann Attanasio, Mr. Daniel Lathrop

Friends of St. Clements Bay: Ms. Liz Curtz

Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR): Ms. Jodi Baxter, Mr. Chris Judy

Maryland Environmental Service (MES): Ms. Maggie Cavey

Marylanders Grow Oysters (MGO): Mr. Fred Millhiser

Midshore Riverkeeper Conservancy (MRC): Mr. Matt Pluta

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): Ms. Stephanie Westby

OysterFutures: Dr. Elizabeth North, Dr. Mike Wilberg, Dr. Lisa Wainger, and Ms. Melanie

Jackson of University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

Oyster Recovery Partnership (ORP): Ms. Megan Munkacsy, Mr. Ward Slacum

St. Mary’s River Watershed Association: Mr. Bob Lewis

Wicomico River: Mr. Charles Denton

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE): Ms. Gayle McCowin

University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES): President Emeritus Dr.

Donald Boesch

Handouts:

● Meeting Agenda

● February 12, 2018 Draft Meeting Summary

● Presentation – Review of Monitoring Process for Large-Scale Oyster Restoration in

Maryland

● Report – Oyster Futures’ Recommendations for Oyster Management and Restoration in the

Choptank and Little Choptank Rivers

Note: Meeting agendas, handouts and approved meeting summaries will be available on the OAC

webpage: http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Pages/mgmt-committees/oac-meetings.aspx

Action Items:

● DNR will verify that the Eastern side of MOW was a part of the original dredging permit

shared with the OAC.

● OystersFutures will provide the OAC with an explanation regarding the distinction

between the modeled and non-modeled recommendations per Delegate Rey’s request.

Meeting Summary


3

SUMMARY

● Once available, OysterFutures will provide the OAC with the economic analysis of the

recommendations including a discussion of cumulative analysis and best return on

investment options per Ms. Sower’s and Delegate Rey’s requests.

MEETING SUMMARY:

Welcome and Meeting Summary Approval Ms. Kelley Cox, Co-chair

Ms. Cox welcomes new member, Mr. Tom Bradshaw, who will be representing the Maryland

Watermen, Dorchester County. The Commissioners introduced themselves and moved to

approve the February meeting summary as written.

Man-O-War Shoal Shell Dredging Permit Update Mr. Chris Judy, DNR The Man-O-War Shoal shell dredging permit application status is the same as reported in prior

OAC meetings: the next step is for the application to go to the Maryland Board of Public Works

(this meeting date has not been set yet).

A change was recently made to the proposed project: the sanctuary portion of Man O War Shoals

was dropped from the project. No shell dredging will be conducted there. The USACE

regulatory office informed DNR that the Eastern side of the proposed area to be dredged was

located within a sanctuary and the boundaries of the dredging area needed to be adjusted in order

for the application to move forward. DNR made the necessary adjustments to the project

(removal of the sanctuary portion from the area to be dredged) and the application was modified

to reflect this change (DNR will update the website with the updated documents). The OAC was

reminded that a portion on the Western side of the shoal had already been excluded from the

dredging area due to seed planting activities by DNR and the Baltimore County Oyster

Committee. There are still 10 dredging cuts proposed in the application but they will all fall

within the midsection of the Man-O-War Shoals area.

Mr. Harrison noted that the Knapps Narrows navigation channels (a portion of which are

located within the boundaries of an oyster sanctuary) are dredged regularly.

o Mr. Judy stated that the Knapps Narrows navigation channel dredging is

conducted within a federal channel, which must be maintained to federal

standards.

Ms. Rey expressed concern that a portion of the area proposed for dredging that the OAC

had agreed upon was located within the boundaries of an oyster sanctuary. She indicated

that it had not been the intention of the OAC to propose dredging within a sanctuary area.

Mr. Judy stated that this location for dredging had been in the original proposal.

DNR could review the minutes and determine when the initial plan had been

presented to the OAC and the date when the OAC approved the plan.

Mr. Brown and Ms. Rey asked how the shell would be distributed.

o Mr. Judy explained that DNR would work to determine the ratio of distribution to

sanctuaries, industry and aquaculture by working with the many stakeholders,

including the OAC

Meeting Summary


4

SUMMARY

Mr. Brown noted that with the removal of the Eastern side of the area originally proposed

for dredging, all the shell being dredged would be removed from public bottom. He asked

if the number or size of cuts would be changing with the adjustment.

o Mr. Judy stated that there would still be 10 dredging cuts made. Untouched areas

will separate the cuts and the locations of the cuts will be staggered. DNR has

created a revised map of the potential cuts that includes information about the size

of the cuts. DNR will provide this map to the OAC.

Mr. Lewis requested that DNR provide the OAC with a copy of the request from the

USACE’s regulatory office to DNR regarding the sanctuary portion.

o Mr. Judy stated that it will be provided.

OysterFutures Project Results Dr. Elizabeth North, UMCES

Ms. North provided a presentation on the results and recommendations that were generated

through the work of the OysterFutures Stakeholder Workgroup over the last two years. Ms.

North’s full presentation can be found on the OAC website. The report of the results and

recommendations can be found on the OysterFutures website at the following URL:

https://oysterfutures.wordpress.com/reports/

Ms. Rey congratulated Ms. North and the OysterFutures Workgroup on their work. She

asked if the modeled and non-modeled options were identified within the report.

o Ms. North stated that the options that were assessed using modeling and the non-

modeled options were not distinguished from one another in the presentation but

OysterFutures could provide the OAC with that information.

Ms. Rey asked if the OAC should take action based on the OysterFutrues package of

recommendations.

o Ms. Cox explained that the results and findings must first be presented to

Secretary Belton. DNR may ask the OAC for input.

Mr. Kilinski asked why the efforts of the OysterFutures Workgroup were isolated to

Dorchester and Talbot County.

o Ms. North explained that the initial idea was to look at the entire state but DNR

and NOAA CBPO suggested focusing on the Choptank and Little Choptank

Rivers for an initial test of the process. She explained that a larger scale would

have made it more challenging to find the right stakeholders for the research

project.

Mr. Kilinski stated that it sounds like there may have been some negotiating to achieve

the final results. He asked how many times recommendations were discussed before a

consensus was reached.

o Ms. North stated that recommendations were discussed many times and a

diversity of views, options and opinions were brought to the table. The

stakeholders really did a lot of hard work to find common ground, and the

strength of the consensus recommendations is in the inclusion of so many

https://oysterfutures.wordpress.com/reports/

Meeting Summary


5

SUMMARY

different viewpoints. She stated that they had planned for eight meetings but held

nine meetings, mostly because of the delays resulting from building the

OysterFutures model, which was something entirely new. Once the model was

complete, the meetings occurred every month and progress was made quickly.

Mr. Kilinski asked for Ms. North to confirm that the OysterFutures recommendations

were in fact a package of recommendations rather than a set of recommendations that

could be selected individually.

o Ms. North confirmed that the OysterFutures’ recommendations were a package of

recommendations.

Mr. Blackwell asked if Ms. North felt the outcome of the small-scale Workgroup would

be similar if conducted on a statewide scale.

o Ms. North explained that the smaller scale allowed them to test the Consensus

Solutions process and prove that it can be effective. She explained that the process

could be a bit more challenging if run state-wide but she thinks it would be very

effective.

o Mr. Blackwell asked if Ms. North thought the outcomes would be similar on a

large scale.

o Ms. North stated that the Workgroup was able to be very specific while looking at

the Choptank and the Little Choptank Rivers but might be less specific statewide

because the same level of information is not available statewide. Still, Ms. North

expects similar consensus building could be achieved, that the Consensus

Solutions process works, and would work at the statewide scale.

o Mr. Blackwell sought clarification on Ms. North’s slide regarding investment vs.

harvest. He wanted to confirm that if $2 million were invested annually that by

the twenty-fifth year, the model predicted a $6 million harvest revenue over

Status Quo.

o Ms. North confirmed that the chart was depicting a $2 million annual invest could

lead to a $6 million annual harvest revenue above the Status Quo. She also

explained that each point represented one recommendation.

o Mr. Blackwell also sought clarification on the “Revenue=Cost” line.

o Ms. North explained that the line was where cost was equal to revenue meaning

that points below the line would not make back the initial investment (breakeven).

Ms. Sowers asked about the graphs in the presentation and the results of the twenty-fifth

year.

o Ms. North explained that the modeling shown predicts that $6 million harvest

revenue over Status Quo would be achieved if a $2 million investment was made

annually. She added that the models did not show much benefit until the tenth

year.

o Mr. Wilberg, lead developer of the OysterFutures model, stated that they had not

developed a cumulative Cost vs. Harvest Revenue for all twenty-five years. He

added that it could be developed and Ms. North stated that the cumulative analysis

could be made available on the website.

Meeting Summary


6

SUMMARY

Ms. Sowers noted that the recommendations were developed based on the Choptank and

Little Choptank River modeling. She asked if these recommendations could be adapted

and adopted on a statewide scale. Ms. North noted that the results of the modeling

simulation could be used by the OAC to help them to develop recommendations

regarding restoration projects.

o Mr. Judy stated that Secretary Belton would be presented with the results and

recommendations and would consult with DNR staff and legal department

regarding how to proceed.

Mr. Schott asked if the Workgroup had discussed monitoring check points for years five,

ten, fifteen, etc. or whether there would just be the end results at twenty-five years.

o Ms. North stated that there was no discussion about implementing monitoring but

the model could be used to provide benchmarks which could be assessed using a

monitoring program to make sure expected outcomes were being achieved.

Mr. Schott noted that a project with a twenty-five-year timeline would span political

elections and asked if political issues could be considered.

o Ms. North stated that the Consensus Solutions process helps to take the politics

out of the equation. The stakeholders involved in the process represented industry,

government, citizens, and nonprofit organizations and were able to come together

and produce one package of recommendations which have broad, long-lasting,

support.

Ms. Rey asked if OysterFutures could provide data on which options may be more likely

to provide the best returns on investment.

o Ms. North stated that the economic analysis is underway and this information will

be available once the analysis is completed.

Mr. Blackwell asked if bottom leased for aquaculture was included in the modeling.

o Ms. North stated that aquaculture was not part of the model -- only sanctuaries

and public bottom were incorporated in the model. Two of the OysterFutures

stakeholders are aquaculturalists to ensure that the voice of this important part of

the industry was represented at the table.

3 Year Check-in Monitoring Methodology Ms. Stephanie Westby, NOAA

Mr. Ward Slacum, ORP Ms. Westby and Mr. Slacum provided a presentation on the monitoring methodology that is

being used to assess the success of large-scale oyster habitat restoration projects in Maryland.

Mr. Slacum presented an overview of the biological metrics monitoring process and Ms. Westby

reviewed the structural metrics monitoring process. The full presentation is available on the OAC

website.

Mr. Harrison asked about biological monitoring performed by divers and how this

methodology differs from the methodology used for patent tong surveys. Mr. Harrison

sought clarification on where the grid was placed in reference to the anchor.

Meeting Summary


7

SUMMARY

o Mr. Slacum explained that the grid is placed right in front of the anchor.

Mr. Harrison stated that he would be interested in speaking with the divers to see if their

placement is consistent. Mr. Harrison also asked if monitoring data for the thirty-one

maintenance plantings 2017 would be included in this year’s report.

o Ms. Westby stated that they were not due for monitoring this year.

Public Comment

Ms. Cox asked for closing comments from the Commissioners prior to opening the meeting to

public comment.

Ms. Rey announced that the HB0572 would be signed by the Governor on Tuesday, May

15th, 2018. She invited anyone who was interested to join her during the signing.

Mr. Boesch thanked Ms. Rey for her work concerning HB0572. He pointed out that many

of the OysterFutures Stakeholders’ recommendations involve habitat enhancement and

stated that there is no future for oyster population recovery without habitat restoration. He

encouraged the OAC to keep externalities in mind when exploring options. He noted that

restoration work depends heavily on availability of shell. He noted that the recycled shell

program would be helpful but the oyster shell from this program is small compared to

what is needed. He concluded by stating that the only thing that makes sense is focusing

on habitat restoration.

Next Meeting

● The next OAC meeting will be held on June 11, 2018 at the Calvary United Methodist

Church’s Fellowship Hall.

__________________________________________________________________

Topics for Discussion for Future Commission Meetings:

1. Potential future sources of shell for restoration projects.

2. Recommendations that were made by the OAC in past years.

3. Land use patterns along the Chesapeake Bay shore and how land use affects oyster

population and the commercial fishing industry.

4. Economic and cultural issues related to oyster harvests and sanctuaries.

5. Preference of oyster spat for various substrates.

6. Recommendations for future practices (e.g. rotational harvesting).

7. Establishment of shucking houses in Maryland

8. Comparisons of the spat sets within the sanctuaries between the years prior to 2010 and

more recent years.

9. Review and discussion of proposals submitted by the county commissions.

10. Review the status of outstanding permits.

of 1

Aquaculture Coordinating Council

Purpose: Regular bi-monthly meeting

Date & Time: Thursday, July 12, 2018, 6:30 pm (refreshments at 5:30 pm)

Location: Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Tawes State Office Building, C-1 Conference Room

580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis MD

Agenda

Call to order

Administrative

Approval ofMay 2018 meeting minutes

Announcements and introductions – Chairman Websterand members

Reports

Aquaculture Division – Mr. Roscher

MARBIDCO Financing – Ms.Arnold, MARBIDCO

Natural Resources Police (NRP) Patrol & Enforcement Activities – Lt. Medellin

MDA Marketing - Mr. Buckhalt

Presentation

Maryland Shellfish Growers Network project – Dr. Colden, CBF

Continuing Business

Theft Prevention Workgroup – Mr. Ferguson

Tiger Team Update – Mr. O’Donnell, DNR

2018 Council Annual Report – Chairman Webster

New Business

Rotation of Council Officers and Election of Vice-Chair – Mr. Ferguson

Public Comments

Adjourn - Next regular meeting will be held Thursday, September 13, 2018

1

Maryland Aquaculture Coordinating Council Minutes – May 10, 2018 Members Attending

Donald Webster

Karl Roscher

Eric Wisner

Lt. Catherine Medellin

Kim Coulbourne

Ron Buckhalt

Michael Kiko (representing Del. Johnny Mautz)

Terry Witt

Guests Attending

Allison Colden (CBF)

Chris Aiken (Industry)

Larry Jennings (CCA)

Steve Schneider (DNR)

Rebecca Thur (DNR)

Kari Bradberry (DNR)

Alyssa Cranska (DNR)

Bill Cox (Industry) Nicole Cook (UMES) Nat Warning (DNR) Linda Arnold (MARBIDCO) M.J. Dubois (Industry) Rob Witt (Industry) George O’Donnell (DNR) John Walker (Industry)

Brian Russell (Industry) Ted Cooney (Industry) Fredrika Moser (MD Sea Grant) Bill Anderson (DNR) David Tibbetts (Industry) Amber DeMarr (PEARL) Andrew Rubin (Attorney)

Call to Order Chairman Webster called the meeting to order at 6:32pm and asked members and guests to introduce themselves. Administrative

Approve March Minutes The March 8, 2018 meeting minutes were approved as submitted to the Council. Announcements Chairman Webster announced the following upcoming events:

• May 30, 2018 - Cultchless Seed Setting and Nursery Operations - 1 - 2:30, Horn Point

• May 30, 2018 - Water Column Gear Equipment - 2:45 - 4 pm, Horn Point

• June 4, 2018 - Statewide Remote Setting Training Program demonstration

• June 13, 2018 - Oyster Cooling Demonstration – Dr. Liu

• June 15, 2018 – Morgan State University PEARL Open House Chairman Webster thanked Senator Klausmeier and Delegate Johnny Mautz for their assistance in the legislative session this year. Reports Aquaculture and Industry Enhancement Division Report (Mr. Roscher, DNR) The division received 19 new shellfish lease applications since the last meeting. Eight new Shellfish Lease Agreements have been executed since the March meeting. Since September 2010, the division has received 502 lease applications. The state has issued 253 new commercial shellfish aquaculture leases totaling about 5,464 acres. An additional 137 lease applications are in process. There are currently 412 active leases covering 6,802 acres. So far in 2018, 53 Shellfish Import Permit applications were received and 44 have been issued. In 2017, there were 74,066 bushels of oysters harvested, with the most harvest occurring during the months of April, May and June.

2

Aquaculture Division staff have been working with the Shellfish Program to make sure there are no conflicts between existing leases and possible restoration sites in the St. Mary’s River. A blueprint of target restoration areas is coming soon. Andy May and staff from Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) were recently invited to tour shellfish nurseries in response to issues related to shellfish nursery permitting. The tour provided MDE staff with a better understanding of the operational activities and gear used to produce seed for growout. Chairman Webster introduced Dr. Fredrika Moser, Maryland Sea Grant Director, who has been working with growers to identify industry research needs. Shellfish Aquaculture Financing Programs (Ms. Arnold, MARBIDCO) In fiscal year 2018 MARBIDCO approved five shellfish aquaculture loans totaling $500k, one remote setting loan for $30k, and one southern Maryland revolving loan for $20k. There have been 65 shellfish aquaculture loans totaling over $3.7 million and 3 remote setting loans totaling $90k. Over $1.6 million in principal repayments has been received in the regular program and approximately $460k has been repaid to the remote setting program. There is more than $2.1 million remains to lend in the program and over $90k for the remote setting program. Interested leaseholders are encouraged to apply. Natural Resources Police (NRP) Patrol & Enforcement Activities (Lieutenant Medellin, NRP) Activity has increased in Anne Arundel County but there were no notable aquaculture cases. NRP officers recently underwent aquaculture related training after concerns were raised about their understanding of applicable regulations. Mr. Roscher thanked them for their work. Lt. Medellin encouraged leaseholders to contact her if they had any questions, stating that she would put them in contact with an officer in their region to ensure they were familiar with the laws and requirements associated with aquaculture activities. MDA Marketing (Mr. Buckhalt, MDA) The Seafood Marketing Advisory Commission last met on May 9, 2018. The True Blue program is being re-launched, with new point of sale materials, to bring value to the program. Mr. Buckhalt mentioned the dire situation at some major crabmeat plants on the Eastern Shore. Only half have H-2B visa workers this year. The federal administration has discussed the possibility of an additional 15,000 visas being released but it is unclear if they will also be based on a lottery system or if local plants will receive any. Canadian seafood buyers will be visiting locations on the Eastern and Western shores on June 4-5, 2018. The next scheduled Seafood Marketing Advisory Commission meeting is October 23, 2018. Continuing Business Theft Prevention Workgroup (Chairman Webster) Council legislative representatives requested information and recommendations to deal with the theft of shellfish from leases. Monthly meetings will be held from May through August to develop recommendations for the Council on this expanding problem. Meetings will be held at the DNR Tawes building in Annapolis or the UMD Wye Research & Education Center in Queenstown. Final recommendations are due to the Council, for review and approval, by Sept. 13, 2018 and the final report due to the legislative representatives by Oct. 1, 2018. The workgroup will be chaired by Colby Ferguson and have 12 members. The workgroup is charged with the following:

1. Review current laws protecting private aquaculture products to determine their adequacy 2. Survey industry to determine the extent of the theft problem 3. Review recent cases brought against violators; assess outcome(s) and reported penalties 4. Provide information on other states’ prevention/sanction laws and regulations

3

5. Recommend changes in Maryland laws and regulations, enforcement activities and procedures to better ensure protection of private property

6. Provide report to ACC legislative representatives for further action DNR Listening Sessions/Tiger Team Update (Mr. O’Donnell, DNR) Mr. Anderson (DNR) and Mr. O’Donnell (DNR) completed a statewide listening tour concerning aquaculture, fisheries and boating issues. To verify and assess the information gathered during the tour, the department has put together a tiger team. Members of the team include: Karl Roscher, Chris Judy, Louis Wright, Julia Solomon, Bill Anderson, Major Rob Kersey and other transient members, as needed. A workgroup is also in the process of being formed, with members to be selected by Secretary Mark Belton. It will be charged with assessing a wide array of issues and making recommendations to be forwarded to the Aquaculture Coordinating Council, Tidal Fisheries Advisory Commission and Secretary Belton. The workgroup and tiger team will develop solutions to improve the application process and reduce conflicts and protests, while considering the needs of other natural resources the department is charged with managing. Mr. O’Donnell promised to provide updates to the Council. New Business 2018 Coordinating Council Annual Report, Development of Priorities (Chairman Webster)

Chairman Webster asked Council members to consider recommendations to be included in the 2018

annual report, which is due on July 1, 2018. The following recommendations were discussed:

1. Water quality monitoring – additional funds to support the MDE shellfish program

2. Shellfish disease diagnostic services – additional resources for the Cooperative Oxford Lab

3. Aquaculture Innovation Fund – an industry grant program to support development of new

concepts, ideas and methods for production of aquaculture products in Maryland

4. Protection of property – additional resources to support NRP and aimed at theft prevention

Motion: Roscher/Medellin

The Council voted unanimously to include the four recommendations. PSFAs and Aquaculture Leases (Mr. Roscher, DNR) Members of the Tidal Fisheries Advisory Commission recently requested additional information on

Public Shellfish Fisheries Areas (PSFA), aquaculture leases and natural oyster bars after concerns over PSFA declassification were identified. The department drafted a document which detailed the four types of categorized oyster bottom: Yates bars, non-Yates bars, natural oyster bars and PSFAs. To date, only 31.7 acres of PSFAs have been declassified. Of the 501 shellfish lease applications received, only 17 or 3.4% have been located in a PSFA. Approximately 70% of leased oyster bottom in Maryland is on non-categorized oyster bottom. While there has been a recent interest in declassifying PSFAs in St. Mary’s County, the department has not seen applicants specifically targeting these areas. A final version of the report will be provided to the Council when it becomes available.

Public Comments Mr. Cooney expressed frustration with the long timelines of the Madhouse Oyster Company’s most recent lease application and the issuance processes. He stated that he has a great deal invested in his aquaculture business and waiting for a prolonged time for lease issuance has become a financial burden to him and his partners. Mr. Roscher commented that he has been working closely with Mr. Cooney to address ongoing issue and lease issuance is currently on hold, pending guidance from Secretary Belton. Adjourn The meeting was adjourned at 7:47pm. The next regularly scheduled meeting to be held on Thursday, July 12, 2018 at 6:30pm in the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, C-1 Conference Room.

Tawes State Office Building – 580 Taylor Avenue – Annapolis, Maryland 21401 410-260-8DNR or toll free in Maryland 877-620-8DNR – dnr.maryland.gov – TTY Users Call via the Maryland Relay

Blue Crab Industry Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Wednesday, June 13, 2018, Tawes State Building, C1 Conference Room from 6–8:00 p.m. Attendance: Dave Blazer, Mike Luisi, Genine McClair, George O’Donnell, Heather Brown, Shaun Miller, Steve Lay, Mike Tarquini, Tim Mortus, Bobby Jobes, Blair Baltus, Willy Dean, Robert T. Brown, Allison Colden, Ryan Mould, Chuck Collier, John Milligan, Richard Young, Bubby Powley, Curtis Phillips, Bob Whaples, Aubrey Vincent

• 2018 Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey Results o Staff presented the Winter Dredge Survey results. o Committee members requested the scientific report to accompany the results being presented. o The Chesapeake Bay Stock Assessment Committee (CBSAC) annual report that details the

specifics of this survey will be distributed to the committee upon its completion. • Management Alternatives Review and Discussion

o Staff presented the management options for season length and female bushel limits for the fall/summer and spring crabbing seasons. These options were developed based on CBSAC’s recommendation to keep things status quo. All of the options presented would result in an equivalent amount of harvest in 2018, as compared to 2017.

o The committee requested the department look into an equivalent management option with a season closure on December 15.

o If the December 15 closure is not feasible, the committee unanimously voted to approve a motion to select option 3 for the summer/fall crabbing season (see below).

o The committee unanimously agreed to wait on determining spring management until Virginia has a clearer picture of what they will be doing, the committee will take the vote up at that time.

Option 3 Season Closure on Nov. 30 (modifications in Nov.)

Month License LCC CB3 CB6 CB9

July 2 (0) 10 (0) 14 (0) 17 (0) August 2 (0) 10 (0) 14 (0) 17 (0)

September 5 (0) 19 (0) 29 (0) 35 (0) October 5 (0) 19 (0) 29 (0) 35 (0)

November (1-30) 2 (0) 4 (-1) 8 (-2) 12 (-3) Numbers in parentheses indicate difference in bushel limits from Option 1 – Same limits as 2017 • Update on the Evaluation of Male Abundance Measures

o At the last meeting the department committed to looking into benchmarks for the male fishery and presented a conceptual idea that might help set those benchmarks to the group.

o Some committee members expressed concern with the approach presented, and proposed a motion to recommend the department stop looking into that approach. Motion failed (a majority did not vote in favor of the motion).

o Staff asked for feedback on what management tools would be appropriate for the male fishery should liberalization or reduction be necessary.

o Multiple members indicated that bushel limits is not an option the committee was interested in pursuing. A motion was made that the committee not look into bushel limits unless the Tidal Fisheries Advisory Committee (TFAC) asks the committee. Motion carried with a 2/3 majority.

o The committee felt the tools that were worth exploring included; adding an additional day to have a 7-day work week, using the size limit switch (from 5 to 5 ¼ inches) and increasing the workday hours.

o The committee requested staff look into the effects on male and female harvest with a 7-day work week for future discussion.

• Closing Remarks / Other Business / Adjourn o There were a number of concerns the department was hearing from the industry, including the slow

start to the season and lack of workers for picking houses, therefore the department secretary requested the group discuss extension of the 5-inch crab season. The group briefly discussed the issue and no motions were made during this discussion.

o No other business was brought forward by the Committee.

2nd MORE Commission Meeting May 14, 2018, 1-4pm

Woodmont Lodge, Hancock, MD

14 Commissioners present: Secretary Belton, Sean Mann, Brian Raines, Paul Edwards, Rick Decker, T.J. Jenkins, Matt Liddle, Joel Dunn, Tamika Newkirk, Cathy Bramble, Liz Fitzsimmons, Steve Green, Walter Ficklin, Deanne McCue 2 Commissioners absent: William Pickrum, Anna Chaney Staff: Deputy Secretary Throwe, Diana Carroll, Kelly Collins Choi, Stephen Schatz, Angie Hummer, Scott Knoche Secretary Belton - Welcome, history of Woodmont Lodge John F. Wilson, DNR - LPRP Update

Process - Recreational lands inventory/Level of Service/Gaps & needs analysis. Public input & stakeholder regional workshops held throughout state. Public survey data available. Frostburg University conducting Economic Analysis Regional Trail meetings also identified gaps, ie. Baltimore City to Patapsco SP

What is current LWCF funding annually? $1.2M annually from DOI/NPS How does this tie into POS? Identifies gaps to direct funding Changes since 2014 LPRP? Public needs consistent Liz Fitzsimmons - State Tourism

Fish & Hunt Maryland website; Visitmd.org telling the story of Maryland. Destination consultant stressed highlighting recreational trail system and connectivity throughout the state. Need to help small outdoor recreational businesses overcome barriers to entry and attract manufacturing businesses, ie. sailboats, kayaks. Branding needs to focus on “excitement factor.”

What is the Tourism budget? $8.5M operating, $2.5M to locals 1st Stakeholder Panel Dan Spedden, President, Hagerstown-Washington County CVB

Independent Organization with $1.2M budget, 1.2M visitors annually bring $256M in spending. #1 beneficiaries are restaurants, then retail, transportation, lodging. Recommendations include: WMD Rail Trail extension to Fort Frederick SP. Purchase and develop John Brown property as new State Park. Develop Weaverton-Roxbury Rail Trail. Fund Trail Town program to assist communities along C&O in recreation based economic development. Preserve Antietam Creek as a river valley park from PA to Potomac.

Liz Shatto, Executive Director, Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area

HA funds grants to gov and non-profits in Washington/Frederick/Carroll Ctys, ex. Heritage bicycle tour maps. HA blog includes “virtual triathlons.” Tour & student groups visit DC & Gettysburg, opportunity to gain visits to battlefields in MD, and outdoor recreation component enhances popularity. DNR historic and cultural resources need funding. Geocaching trails present new opportunity, combine history and outdoor recreation for young families and diverse groups.

Lee Baihley, Owner, River and Trail Outfitters

Largest outfitter in the region with 3 offices in MD and 1 in WV. Employee 130 people, ½ seasonal staff are high school/college students. “America Outdoors” data says outfitters within 50-70 mi of city see growth. Most popular trips are “specialty trips” ie. kayak-winery tours for DC visitors. Partnerships with campgrounds for better marketing. Want better train access to campgrounds, ie New Brunswick. Training staff through partnerships, ie Sandy Spring Adventure camp for ziplining & ropes courses. Business challenges: Keeping up with minimum wage (10% differential); Healthy Working Families Act for sick leave to seasonal youth staff; Sales/amusement taxes are higher in MD than WV.

Discussion

How do we assure funds are going back to the natural resources, and also demonstrate their value? Look at small numbers, not big ones, ie economic tools can model how participation and revenue change when public lands added or removed. It’s about salesmanship, State Parks don’t make money, but everyone else does, ie summer jobs, local businesses. Need reports on how they provide wider economic benefits, and provide to legislators. How best to enhance Antietam? Rural Legacy, MALPH, other easements preserve landscape, need more easements along Sharpsburg Pike. Antietam & Monocacy seeing increased visitation, Gettysburg stagnant. What is stopping trail connections? Non-willing landowners. What is the obstacle to development of the Weaverton-Roxbury trail? Ownership challenges

2nd Stakeholder Panel Jenny Willoughby, Sustainability Manager, City of Frederick

Frederick City Watershed is unique - owned by City as water supply, so managed for water quality and forest stewardship, RTEs, also recreation component in Watershed Master Plan and management agreement with DNR. Popular biking/hunting/fishing destination with 1 sanctioned trail and 80 miles of illegal trails, working with Ad Hoc Committee and Mid-Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts to close illegal trails and build sustainable ones.

Clyde Hicks, Owner, The Trail House

Retail business owner for 34 years, and working on Frederick City Watershed trails. Grant leveraging Heritage Area, RTP, MHT funds for sustainable trails. Connectivity opportunity, between Cunningham Falls SP and Gambrills SP. Recommends connecting City of Frederick connect to C&O Canal.

Robin Zanotti, President, C&O Canal Trust

Trail Towns/Canal Towns partnership - 8 towns working together to improve economic impact, but no sustainable funding and need staff. NPS budgets declining, C&O Canal Trust raises funds for preservation and programming, aim to bring people to the park. Towpath critical infrastructure and needs maintenance, aim to fix 80 worst miles.

Discussion Data on C&O Canal through-cyclists? No data, but strava heat map, estimates are 75,000 through cyclists, may be busiest in country. Talk to ACA and other groups about needs, perhaps TEP be used for trail maintenance. Who is protecting C&O Canal viewsheds, any University support? NPS easements and purview. How can we bring Frederick City Watershed sustainable trails online faster? Need to protect downhill sections, more law enforcement needed, NRP spread thin. Give alternative trails. How do we encourage more cities to hire Sustainability Managers? Need to attract folks with wide skill-set, ie. natural and water resources, planning, etc.

Wrap-up/Commission Feedback Common themes for the day are: Partnerships, Connectivity, Cultural Heritage Would like more information on various grant funds available to help organizations and NRP/law enforcement needs. Would like consistent visitation data and economic data. Delve into Bureau of Economic Analysis data at future meetings Would like to hear more from small business owners, especially on risk/reward of growth. Focus on getting more small business entry. Future stakeholder panels with consistent question, ie: How can we best help you? Next meeting - End of July in Central Region, will solicit dates.

MORE Commission Meeting July 25th, 2018

North Point State Park 8400 North Point Rd, Edgemere, MD 21219

9:00-10:30am Hart-Miller Island Tour - (2024A Riverview Rd, Baltimore MD)

Maryland Environmental Service Guided Trip 11:00-11:30am MORE Meeting at North Point State Park

Welcome & Park History

11:30-12:30pm Panel 1: Local Opportunities & Issues Kristi Williams, Chief Public Affairs and Community Partnerships, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Mike Lofton, Chairman, Anne Arundel County Water Access Committee Molly Gallant, Outdoor Recreation Manager, Baltimore City Recreation & Parks Hal Ashman, Owner, Ultimate Water Sports

12:30-1:30pm Lunch

Health & Wellness: John Henderson, Executive Director, Park Rx Workforce Development: Joanne Throwe, Deputy Secretary, DNR and Susan Zellers, Executive Director, Marine Trades Association of Maryland

1:30pm - 1:45pm Break 1:45pm - 3:00pm Panel 2: Recreational Boating

Chris Edmonston, President, BoatUS Foundation Carla Fleming, Director, Waterway Improvement & Infrastructure, DNR Dan Cowens, CEO, Oasis Marinas Rhonda Bollinger, Owner, Outstanding Marine

3:00pm - 3:30pm Wrap-up/Feedback

A Striped Bass Forage Indicator for Maryland’s portion of Chesapeake Bay

Jim Uphoff

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Fishing and Boating Services

Fish Habitat and Ecosystem Program

Executive Summary

Maryland’s fisheries managers and some stakeholders want to know whether there is

enough forage to support Striped Bass in Maryland’s portion of Chesapeake Bay (hereafter, the

Bay). Absolute abundance and biomass estimates of Striped Bass and most forage species in the

Bay are lacking due to cost and difficulty in mathematically separating migration from mortality.

Past efforts to launch ecosystem based fisheries management in Chesapeake Bay have been

comprehensive and complex, but have not resulted in integration into management. An index-

based (Index of Forage) approach could integrate forage into Maryland’s resident Striped Bass

management at low complexity and cost. The Index of Forage represents a framework for

condensing complex ecological information so that it can be communicated simply to decision

makers and stakeholders.

Monitoring of Striped Bass health (1998-2017), relative abundance (1983-2017), natural

mortality (1986-2017), and forage relative abundance in surveys (1959-2017) and fall diets of

Striped Bass (1998-2000 and 2006-2017) provided indicators to assess forage status and Striped

Bass well-being in the Bay. Striped Bass recreational catch (harvest and releases) per trip

provided an index of relative abundance. Forage-to-Striped Bass ratios for focal prey species

(Atlantic Menhaden, Bay Anchovy, Spot, and Blue Crab) and proportion of Striped Bass in fall

with empty guts provided trends in prey supply relative to predator demand based on relative

abundance and diet sampling, respectively. The percent of resident Striped Bass without visible

body fat and an index of survival of young Striped Bass prior to reaching harvestable size were

indicators of well-being. The percent of Striped Bass without body fat anchored our approach,

providing a measure of condition and potential for starvation that was well-related to feeding of

Striped Bass in the laboratory. Statistical analyses provided evidence that forage and Striped

Bass abundance and well-being were inter-related. Analyses were split into two size classes,

small less than 18 inches) and large greater or equal to 18 inches) due to sampling

considerations. The small class had the most diverse diet and was most sensitive to forage. Diet

based indicators of forage availability were based smaller fish.

Targets and thresholds were then developed for each of these indicators to assign them

scores. A score of 1 indicated threshold (poorest) conditions indicating vulnerability to

starvation; a score of 5 indicated the best feeding conditions observed; and scores of 2-4

indicated grades between. Time-periods where body fat indicators (1998-2017) were at best or

threshold conditions provided a time-frame for evaluating other indicators. Annual scores for

each variable were averaged for a combined annual Index of Forage score.

The Index of Forage indicated poor feeding conditions during 1998-2004 and

improvement after. Best Index of Forage scores occurred during 2008-2010 (approximately 4

and above) and all components reached their targets in 2010. The Index of Forage has fallen to

between 2 and 3 (near or avoids threshold) in 2015-2017. High variability in component scores

was evident as the Index of Forage improved after 2004. This increase variability may have

reflected sampling issues, nonlinear relationships among variables, lagged responses, potential

insensitivity of some indices, behavioral changes that could increase feeding efficiency,

influence of episodes of good foraging conditions outside of those monitored in fall, and

combinations of the above.

A Striped Bass Forage Indicator for Maryland’s portion of Chesapeake Bay

Jim UphoffFishing and Boating Services

July 2018

MD response to 2014 Chesapeake Bay Agreement Forage Goal

http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/

MD striped bass indicator approach

• Rockfish MD’s main year-round predator & important fishery

• Assess major forage + rockfish well-being. (How much forage + is it enough?)

• Major forage = menhaden, spot, anchovies, blue crab (90% of diet in past studies)

• Use existing data and surveys (low cost)• 5 indicators with 1 final combined score• Can be changed, improved over time

Condition: percent of Striped Bass (11 - 34 inches) without body fat during October-November. Targets and thresholds

for other indices from when condition was good or poor.

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

Perc

ent w

ithou

t fat

Target = 1990

Threshold

1998-2004 average

Poor

Good

Rockfish abundance index with target & threshold. Catch per MD private boat trip, Sept – Oct (no migratory rockfish & longest open season).

00.5

11.5

22.5

33.5

44.5

1981

1983

1985

1987

1989

1991

1993

1995

1997

1999

2001

2003

2005

2007

2009

2011

2013

2015

2017

Cat

ch p

er p

rivat

e bo

at tr

ip MRIP index Threshold Target

Catch = number harvested & released

Long-term major prey trends, 1959-2017. Indices standardized to common years (1 = 1989-2017

average) for same graph.

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

Stan

dard

ized

inde

x

Menhaden SeineAnchovy SeineAnchovy TrawlSpot SeineSpot TrawlBlue Crab dredge

Potential attack success: forage index / Striped Bass index during years with body fat indices

(standardized to 1989-2017)

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

Stan

dard

ized

rat

io

Menhaden S Anchovy S Spot SSpot T Anchovy T Blue crab DAverage

S = seineT = trawlD = dredge

Percent Striped Bass less than 18 inches with empty guts in fall (major forage most available).

Jim Price 2006-2013, then diet added to existing health survey.Hook-and-line.

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60% Body fat threshold breachedBody fat target met

Overton

Griffin

Hollis

Relative survival before harvest of male Striped Bass to age-3 (spring gill net index / JI in yr-3). Values are not % survival.

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Rel

ativ

e su

rviv

al

Relative S Target Threshold

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020

Scor

e

Average Abundance AttackBody Fat Survival Empty guts

Average score summarizes all indices. Individual scores indicate uncertainty.

BEST

WORST

Indicator Issues• Sampling (opportunistic, hook & line, etc)• Low forage contrast – rockfish low-high,

forage low• Mix of linear, abrupt, and lagged indicator

responses• Indicators sometimes contradictory• Fall diet may miss other feeding• Forage availability ≠ forage abundance

– Older bass become more efficient– Spot & menhaden can be too big for small bass

Management Thoughts– Major prey stuck at low– High rockfish popular, but not best for balance– Managing for abundant forage difficult because

of weak influence of spawning stock– Harvest of more and-or smaller bass (if allowed

and accepted) may not entirely balance prey– Worst conditions may be avoidable, best hard to

meet– Natural mortality may have increased– Expected rockfish outcomes from low fishing

mortality in Bay may not be realized

Questions, comments?

Contact: [email protected]

Longer version: https://www.chesapeakebay.net/channel_files/26905/uphoff_sfac_tfac_indicators_2018_short.pdf

Management Thoughts 1• Coastal assessments may miss regional

issues• Natural mortality not constant as assumed• Expected bass outcomes from low fishing

mortality in Bay may not be realized– Escapement of young females– Yield from Bay fisheries

Grams prey consumed per gram of small (11-18 in) Striped Bass in fall hook-and-line samples. Age-0

forage dominates.

0

0.005

0.01

0.015

0.02

0.025

0.03

0.035

Gra

ms

fora

ge p

er g

ram

Bas

s Anchovy Spot Blue crab White perch Striped bass Other

Menhaden

Percent of small (<18 in) Striped Bass diet represented by major forage groups, by number, in fall.

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Other Blue Crab Spot Bay Anchovy Atlantic Menhaden

Grams of prey consumed per gram of large (18-34 in) Striped Bass during October-November. Fall

consumption dominated by YOY forage.

0

0.005

0.01

0.015

0.02

0.025

0.03

0.035

Gra

ms

fora

ge p

er g

ram

Bas

s

Anchovy Spot Blue crab White perch Striped bass Other

Menhaden

Use fall diet as indicator of prey availability

• Striped bass & forage well mixed• What did striped bass feed on?• How well did they feed?• CBEF diet study (2006-2013)• Fall diet from health sampling since 2014• Other seasons require new effort ($$$$)

Availability index: fall diet of “small” striped bass

• 11 to 18 inches• Varied diet compared to larger fish• Important they survive to legal size

(fishery based on this)• We don’t ignore “large” rockfish (> 18 in)• Size break necessary for analysis due to

CBEF permit restriction (Jim Price), 2006-2015

By 2016, develop a strategy for assessing the forage base

available as food for resident Striped Bass in MD’s portion of

Chesapeake Bay

Maryland’s 2014 Chesapeake Bay Agreement Forage Goal

Previous Bay diet studies indicate important prey

Ages 3+

Age 1

Age 0

Maryland’s fisheries managers want practical guidance on….

(1) What forage is eaten?(2) Is there enough?(3) Can 1 & 2 be answered at low

cost?

Resident striped bass

• After spawning, most males & some immature females stay in MD mid-Bay (residents)

• Important fishery

• Main year-round large predator

Mostly females from spawning rivers to New England

Mostly males

MD

Baltimore

VA

DE

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=ERQmpSQLsLOiCM&tbnid=1SJtR1PqxJsuFM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://ian.umces.edu/imagelibrary/displayimage-5833.html&ei=xpLOU4LtDoG1yASg2YCIBA&bvm=bv.71198958,d.cWc&psig=AFQjCNHW7UNlnJwtjn2ZEOx6RBdHt_Tnhg&ust=1406133250373844

Bass forage Indicator – keep it simple, inexpensive, and (hopefully) meaningful

• Tractable for available staff

• Understandable to public, managers• (Human brain processes about 7 items

without shutting down)

• Targets (good) and limits (bad) for indicators to judge status

• Summarize with a combined score

Forage and striped bass metrics

Factor Metric

Resident bass abundance

Catch per recreational boat trip (Sept-Oct)

Potential attack success

Forage index / bass abundance index

Forage availability

Proportion of bass in fall with empty guts

Bass Condition

Proportion in fall without visible body fat

Bass Survival Age 3 index / juvenile index 3 years earlier

Proportion with visible body fat (fish condition) is key metric

• Other indicators’ targets and thresholds calibrated to body fat

• Visible body fat index compared well to “gold standard” nutrition analysis (Jacobs et al. 2013)

• Fat index indicates overall food intake & potential for starvation

• Body fat responds fairly quickly (weeks)• Longest body fat time-series in fall (Fish Health

Program)

Status summary for each indicator

Score Description

1 At threshold

2 Near threshold

3 Avoid threshold

4 Approach target

5 At target

Indicator Issues (1)• Forage availability ≠ relative abundance

– Menhaden consumption varies more than JI– More abundant menhaden than index indicates

and-or feeding efficiency changes? Sampling issue with menhaden JI or diet?

– Small bass: Ratio of menhaden and spot size to bass size seems to influence feeding success (Small menhaden and spot easier to catch and handle)

– Older bass may become more efficient at obtaining prey (behavior and learning?)

Indicator Issues• Sampling • Low data contrast? – Low forage, bass vary• Mix of linear, abrupt, and lagged responses

of condition and survival• Indicators sometimes contradictory• Diet and condition not sampled year-round• Fall diet may miss other episodes• Forage availability ≠ relative abundance

– Older bass may become more efficient– Spot & menhaden can be too big for small bass

Indicator Issues (3)• Convenience vs designed sampling

• Statistical vs biological & management significance

• Working on including benthic invertebrate index (MD biomass density from BIBI)

of 2

Fishing and Boating Services Regulatory & Penalty Update

Dates Covered: 4/10/18 to 7/13/18

Public Notices Issued View Public Notices at http://dnr.maryland.gov/Fisheries/Pages/Pub_Notices.aspx

Black Sea Bass

o 2018 Recreational Black Sea Bass Fishery — Effective 5/15/18 — Posted on website

5/10/18

Blue Crab

o 2018 Female Blue Crab Importation Dates — Posted on website 4/12/18

o Chesapeake Bay Commercial Mature Female Hard Crab Catch Limits and Crew

Requirements — July 2018 through October 2018 — Posted on website 6/22/18

Blueline Tilefish

o Changes to the Recreational Blueline Tilefish Season — Effective 7/1/18 — Posted on

website 6/29/18

Horseshoe Crab

o Commercial Horseshoe Crab Fishery — Effective 5/1/18 — Posted on website 4/25/18

Shark

o Commercial Spiny Dogfish Landing Limits — Effective 5/1/18 — Posted on website

4/19/18

o 2018 Commercial Shark Catch Limits — Effective 5/13/18 — Posted on website

2/10/18

Shellfish Aquaculture

o Application For Shellfish Aquaculture Lease — Harry J. Insley, Sr. & Paula F. Insley

— Wicomico County — Posted on website 4/10/18

o Application For Shellfish Aquaculture Lease — John C. Tolzman, August Tolzman &

Paul G. Tolzman — St. Mary’s County — Posted on website 4/10/18

o Application For Shellfish Aquaculture Lease – Harvey H. Waller, Jr. & Sandra J.

Waller — Dorchester County — Posted on website 4/26/18

o Application For Shellfish Aquaculture Lease — Gregory S. Frey & Charles Coleman —

Dorchester County — Posted on website 4/26/18

o Application for Shellfish Aquaculture Leases – PJH Oyster Leases, LLC & Philip J.

Harrington, III — Somerset County — Posted on website 6/10/18

o Application for Shellfish Aquaculture Lease — Western Shore Oyster Company &

Melinda Paglierani — St. Mary’s County — Posted on website 6/21/18

o Application for Shellfish Aquaculture Lease — AJi Partners, LLC — Queen Anne’s

County — Posted on website 6/21/18

o Corrected Public Notice — Application for Shellfish Aquaculture Lease — Western

Shore Oyster Company & Melinda Paglierani — St. Mary’s County — Posted on

website 6/27/18

o Application for Shellfish Aquaculture Lease — Jason Wilford & Jennifer Selfridge —

Dorchester County — Posted on website 7/3/18

o Application for Shellfish Aquaculture Lease — Shell, LLC — Dorchester County —

Posted on website 7/12/18

Striped Bass

o 2018 Chesapeake Bay Commercial Striped Bass Temporary Transfer Rules — Posted

on website 4/27/18

http://dnr.maryland.gov/Fisheries/Pages/Pub_Notices.aspx

http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Documents/PubNotFemaleBlueCrabImport2018_April2018.pdf

http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Documents/PubNotSpinyDogfish2018CommercialFishery_4-16-18.pdf

http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Documents/Insley_405_PN.pdf

http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Documents/Tolzman_369-PN.pdf

http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Documents/Tolzman_369-PN.pdf



of 2

o 2018 Chesapeake Bay Commercial Striped Bass Permanent Transfer Rules — Posted

on website 4/27/18

o Commercial Striped Bass Common Pool Hook and Line Season Modification — Posted

on website 5/30/18

o Commercial Striped Bass Common Pool Hook and Line Season Modification — Posted

on website 7/3/18

Regulations that became Effective View Regulatory Actions at http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Pages/regulations/changes.aspx

Fish, Striped Bass, Gear — 08.02.05.02; 08.02.15.03, .09 and .10; and 08.02.25.01 and .03

— Effective 7/2/18 — Rules for May 16-Dec 15 of 2018 and 2019 – circle hooks, J hooks,

striped bass size and season — this action replaces the emergency action that was approved

by AELR in May; the emergency action is no longer in effect.

Regulations that have been Proposed and are Following the APA Process View Maryland Register at http://www.dsd.state.md.us/MDR/mdregister.html

View Regulatory Actions at http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Pages/regulations/changes.aspx

None

Emergency Regulations in Effect None. The emergency action for striped bass and circle hooks that was approved in May is no

longer in effect because the proposed action that includes the longer time frame is now effective

and replaces the emergency action.

Aquaculture and Commercial Fishing Suspension and Revocation List View List at

http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Documents/Commercial_SuspensionsRevocations.pdf

Last updated 7/13/18 — List is provided in a separate document.

Recreational Fishing Suspension and Revocation List View List at http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Documents/RecSuspensions.pdf

Last updated 6/29/18 — List is provided in a separate document.

http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Pages/regulations/changes.aspx

http://www.dsd.state.md.us/MDR/mdregister.html

http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Pages/regulations/changes.aspx

http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Documents/Commercial_SuspensionsRevocations.pdf

http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Documents/RecSuspensions.pdf

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Fishing and Boating Services Regulatory Scoping July 2018

Please review the following possible regulatory changes. DNR is looking for your advice on how to

proceed with scoping (i.e. open houses, web feedback only, etc.).

Black Drum The department would like to reopen its historical commercial black drum fishery within the

Chesapeake Bay at levels commensurate with other south Atlantic states. Discussion: The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) approved Addendum 1 to

the Black Drum Interstate Fishery Management Plan which allows Maryland to reopen its black

drum commercial fishery in the Chesapeake Bay. Currently, the commercial harvest of black drum

is prohibited in Chesapeake Bay which is the most conservative management among the south

Atlantic states. Maryland is requesting to re-open the Chesapeake Bay fishery with a 28 inch

minimum size and a limit of up to 10 fish per vessel per day. The minimum size ensures that

harvested black drum will be sexually mature and will have had the opportunity to spawn. The

vessel limit will equate to a maximum weight of approximately 500 pounds per vessel per day

which is equivalent to other south Atlantic states. This proposal is justifiable now because the

Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has classified the black drum stock as healthy and this

limited Maryland harvest would have limited impact on coastwide harvest. Scoping Recommendation: Scope on the Department’s website, GovDelivery Communications,

Facebook and Twitter.

Oysters — Commercial Divers and Attendants The department needs to update regulations for commercial oyster divers and required attendants

based on legislation.

Discussion: House Bill 1137, which addressed commercial oyster divers, was passed during the

2018 legislative session. The bill modifies Natural Resources Article, 4-1015.1, Annotated Code of

Maryland and becomes effective October 1, 2018. This bill modifies the tidal fish license and

oyster authorization requirements for persons aboard a boat who are using diving apparatus to catch

oysters for commercial purposes from the waters of the State. Further, the bill alters the catch limits

for certain commercial oyster divers. The bill prohibits more than two commercial oyster divers

from working on a boat at a time. Additionally, the bill limits the oyster catch to no more than twice

the daily limit as written in regulation, and requires each commercial oyster diver to have an

attendant on the boat. The department needs to add the number of divers per vessel and the

attendant requirements to regulation.

Additional Information: House Bill 1137 Scoping Recommendation: Scope on the Department’s website, GovDelivery Communications,


Oyster Shell Recycling Tax Credit — Housekeeping

The department needs to update the regulations for the tax credit a person may receive for recycling

oyster shells.

Discussion: The law allows for a person to receive a State income tax credit for recycling oyster

shells. Legislative changes require the department to update our regulations. The credit for

recycling oyster shells is $5 per bushel up to a maximum of $1500 per year.

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&stab=01&id=hb1137&tab=subject3&ys=2018RS

of 5

Oysters/Shellfish Aquaculture — AEZs and PSFAs The department would like to remove the Aquaculture Enterprise Zones (AEZ) that are located in

the Patuxent River, Calvert County.

Discussion: There are two aquaculture enterprise zones located in the Patuxent River, near

Broome’s Island that were established by regulation in 2009. Subsequent to the establishment of the

aquaculture enterprise zones and the approval of new lease laws, the department implemented a new

shellfish aquaculture leasing program that reduced the utility and function of aquaculture enterprise

zones. Consequently, a leasing program for the aquaculture enterprise zone areas was never

developed. The department, after consultation with the Aquaculture Coordinating Council and the

Tidal Fish Advisory Commission would like to remove Jack's Bay and Island Creek Aquaculture

Enterprise Zone designations and convert these two areas into Public Shellfish Fishery Areas

(PSFA) for use in the public oyster fishery.

The department conducted oyster population surveys of the two areas in April 2018. Survey

findings show a mix of oyster size classes within the two areas indicating that recruitment is

recurring and growth and survivorship is favorable. These conditions support use by the public

fishery that will help to increase the productivity of the sites through future shell and seed plantings.

The aquaculture enterprise zone located in Jack’s Bay will become part of PSFA 121. The

coordinates of PSFA 121 will be modified to include the entire area. Most of the aquaculture

enterprise zone located in Island Creek will become part of PSFA 119. Only the portion of the zone

that is on a natural oyster bar will be classified as a public shellfish fishery area. The portion of the

zone that is not on a natural oyster bar will not be classified to preserve clamming opportunities.

Scoping Recommendation: Scope on the Department’s website, GovDelivery Communications,


Sheepshead

Recreational anglers have asked the department to consider changing the creel limit for sheepshead

(Archosargus probatocephalus).

Discussion: The department has been managing sheepshead in accordance with NOAA Fisheries

South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. NOAA fisheries identified sheepshead as a species

that do not need federal management and were therefore removed from the federal Snapper-Grouper

Fishery Management Plan. This requires states to manage this species.

Currently, in the Code of Maryland Regulations sheepshead are grouped with 46 other

species as part of the snapper grouper complex. A person cannot keep more than 20 of any one or

combination of the species in that group. Meaning, someone could keep 20 sheepshead per day.

Anglers have expressed concerns about local depletion of sheepshead in state waters. The

department is considering the following options:

1) 4 fish per person per day — consistent with Virginia rules

2) 2 fish per person per day — recommended by some anglers

3) 10 fish per person per day — similar to other states in the South Atlantic Fishery

Management Council

4) No change



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Sharks — Recreational Fishery

The department is considering two changes for recreational shark regulations.

1) Remove the recreational possession limit for smoothhound sharks (smooth dogfish).

Discussion: The department would like to update the recreational smoothhound rules because

both the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and the National Marine

Fisheries Service (NMFS) allow recreational anglers an unlimited number of smoothhound

sharks.

2) Implement requirements for increasing a shark’s chance of survival after release.

Discussion: The department is considering a change to recreational shark regulations that would

require sharks to be released in a manner that maximizes their survivability. Proper handling of

sharks is important as there are many prohibited, undersized, or sharks not kept for

consumption in this area. To increase the chance that the shark will survive after release a

person should remove fishing gear as safely as possible to reduce the chance of entanglement

with trailing gear. Practices like dragging the shark out of water or propping its jaws open

remove the shark’s gills from contact with water, cutting off their supply of oxygen and placing

the animal under stress which reduces the shark’s chances for survival after release. The

measures being considered are complimentary to federal Highly Migratory Species shark rules

and would help shark populations, such as the dusky shark, rebuild.

The following changes would apply to all recreational anglers (shore, pier, and vessel):

Sharks that you are not going to keep (prohibited species, undersized or those that you don’t

want to keep) must be released in the water with a minimum of harm. This change will

prevent a person from dragging a shark onto the beach. Sand can be extremely abrasive on

a sharks skin, and can do damage if it gets into a shark’s gills. Requiring release in the

water will also protect anglers from illegal activity because dragging a shark onto the beach

or into a boat for photos puts the shark into your possession and with many species it is

illegal to have them in your possession.

You may not sit on a shark. Sitting on a shark may cause internal as well as external

damage and stress.

You must use corrodible, non-offset circle hooks when targeting sharks unless you are

fishing with artificial flies or artificial lures.

Dehooking devices help to increase a shark’s chance for survival. With practice, they are

very efficient and safe to use as seen in the video by Captain Mark Sampson. Please send

us your feedback about using a dehooking device, specifically its ease of use for sharks,

angler experience level with using the device, local availability, and cost.

Additional Information:

Amendment 5b to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery

Management Plan

NOAA APEX Predator Maximum Survivability Guidelines

NOAA Careful Catch Brochure

NOAA Highly Migratory Species Compliance Guides

NOAA Dusky Shark Conservation Outreach Plan

Scoping Recommendation for both changes: Scope on the department’s website, GovDelivery

Communications, Facebook and Twitter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZ3FfFDap6I&feature=youtu.be

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/amendment-5b-2006-consolidated-hms-fishery-management-plan-atlantic-shark-management

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/amendment-5b-2006-consolidated-hms-fishery-management-plan-atlantic-shark-management

https://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/nefsc/Narragansett/sharks/survive.html

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/outreach-and-education/careful-catch-and-release-brochure

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/atlantic-highly-migratory-species/atlantic-highly-migratory-species-fishery-compliance-guides

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/webdam/download/64518539

of 5

Snapper Grouper Complex

1) Minor spelling errors were recently discovered so the department needs to change the scientific

names of two species.

Black margate — from Anistotremus surinamensis to Anisotremus surinamensis

Smallmouth grunt — from Haemulon chrysargeryum to Haemulon chrysargyreum

2) The department would like to add the ability to adjust size and possession limits by public notice

so that Maryland may implement management measures of the National Marine Fisheries Service in

a timely manner.

Discussion: Most of the species in this complex are managed by the National Marine Fisheries

Service. The current regulation allows a season to be modified, but not sizes or catch limits.

Allowing changes by public notice will maintain consistency with federal rules and make it easier

for everyone to know the rules. Having differences in state and federal waters can be confusing and

could lead to unnecessary enforcement issues. The changes would be published on the

department’s website at least 48 hours in advance, stating the effective hour and date. The changes

will also be distributed using various other sources to reach as many people as possible.



Golden Tilefish

The department needs to update golden tilefish regulations for consistency and compliance with the

Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Golden and Blueline Tilefish Fishery Management

Plan.

Discussion: This plan was previously known as the Tilefish Fishery Management Plan. Updating

these regulations will provide consistency between federal and state waters for conservation of these

species. The department is implementing regulations for Framework Adjustment 2 to the

management plan. This framework makes modest changes to improve and simplify the

administration of the golden tilefish fishery. These changes will affect anyone who fishes for

golden tilefish in the Mid-Atlantic, including the recreational fishery, the incidental commercial

fishery, or the individual fishing quota (IFQ) fishery. The specific measures changing are:

Recreational Changes

The golden tilefish (Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps) recreational creel limit will be eight per

person per trip.

In order to keep any golden tilefish, anglers must exclusively fish with rod and reel fishing

gear. They may use a manual or electric reel.

Commercial Changes

The commercial golden tilefish landing limit will be 500 pounds or 50 percent, by weight,

of all fish, including the golden tilefish, on board the vessel, whichever is less. This limit

does not apply to vessels fishing under a tilefish IFQ allocation permit.

All commercial tilefish must be landed with the head and fins naturally attached but may be

gutted.

Commercial vessels are prohibited from discarding golden tilefish, unless fishing under the

incidental catch limit.

Tilefish may be sold only to persons possessing a valid federal tilefish dealer permit.

General Change

The department would like to add the ability to adjust possession limits by public notice so

that Maryland may implement management measures of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery

Management Council’s Golden and Blueline Tilefish Fishery Management Plan in a timely

manner. The current regulation allows a season to be modified, but not possession limits.

of 5

Allowing changes by public notice will maintain consistency with federal rules and make it

easier for everyone to know the rules. Having differences in state and federal waters can be

confusing and could lead to unnecessary enforcement issues. The changes would be

published on the department’s website at least 48 hours in advance, stating the effective hour

and date. The changes will also be distributed using various other sources to reach as many

people as possible.



6/29/2018

Department of Natural Resources

Recreational Fishing and Crabbing Suspensions

Revised 6-29-18

Name Species Suspension

Start Date

Suspension

End Date

Suspended

From

Abarca Coreas, Gabriel A Striped Bass 09/15/17 09/14/18 Fishing

Adjula, Abdilla Tahalul Jr Striped Bass 02/19/18 05/19/19 Fishing

Aguilar-Aguilar, Jose Ramon Striped Bass 02/19/18 08/17/18 Fishing

Aguilar Gonzalez, Wilson Jonas Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/19 Fishing

Alcantara, Gladys Crabs 04/01/18 09/27/18 Crabbing

Aleman Carranza, Jose Wilfredo Striped Bass 04/09/18 04/07/20 Fishing

Alvarado, Ricardo Alberto Canizalez

Fishing

Suspended

License

05/27/16 05/25/19 Fishing

Alvarenga Granados, Elmer

Ezequiel Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

Alvarenga, Cruz Medrano Striped Bass 04/09/18 04/07/20 Fishing

Alvarenga, Miguel A Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

Alvarez, Rene Dagoberto Striped Bass 03/22/17 09/17/18 Fishing

Arevalo, Misael Antonio Mendez Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/22 Fishing

Argueta, Alexis Argueta Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/19 Fishing

Arteaga, Cristian Josue River Herring 02/19/18 02/18/19 Fishing

Avila Acosta, Olvin Omar Striped Bass 03/22/17 03/21/19 Fishing

Avila Molina, Carlos Alberto Striped Bass 02/19/18 02/18/19 Fishing

Barahona, Jose Lucas Striped Bass 01/15/18 04/14/19 Fishing

Barahona-Cruz, Maria Yohana Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

Barahona-Cruz, Marvel E Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

Barrios Maldonado, Wilfredo

Armando Striped Bass 05/25/18 05/24/19 Fishing

Benitez Martinez, Jose Celcis Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

Benitez Monterrosa, Carlos A Striped Bass 04/09/18 04/08/19 Fishing

Benitez, Celso Striped Bass 01/15/18 04/14/19 Fishing

Bentura, Hermilo G Striped Bass 01/15/18 07/13/19 Fishing

Berganza Bueco, Raul A Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

Birney, Charles Ray Jr Striped Bass 02/19/18 08/17/18 Fishing

Blames, Ruperto Cruz Carino Striped Bass 01/15/18 04/14/19 Fishing

Blanco, Glenda Maricela Striped Bass 04/09/18 07/07/18 Fishing

Bolanos Garcia, Juan A Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/09/19 Fishing

Bonilla, Jose Cirilo Striped Bass 04/05/17 07/03/18 Fishing

Bono, Kenny Alexander Striped Bass 04/09/18 04/08/19 Fishing

Borjas, Selvin Javier Striped Bass 06/15/18 06/13/20 Fishing

Bowers, Harvey Thomas Oysters;

License 03/01/18 02/28/19 Fishing

Bueco Luch, Edinson Leonel Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

Bueco Luch, Ferdy Misael Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

6/29/2018


Start Date

Suspension

End Date

Suspended

From

Cabrera Ramirez, Carlos Enrique Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

Campos-Avila, Angie Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

Canjura Morales, Mauro Gerardo Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

Carlson, Wilbur Allen Jr Striped Bass 02/19/18 08/17/18 Fishing

Carranza Enriquez, Pedro Salgado Striped Bass 04/05/17 04/04/19 Fishing

Castillo Robles, Juan Ernesto Croaker 04/09/18 10/05/18 Fishing

Castro, Jose L. Striped Bass 09/15/17 09/14/18 Fishing

Castro, Omar Ezequiel Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

Centeno Romero, Jose Oscar Red Drum;

Striped Bass 04/09/18 10/05/18 Fishing

Centeno Romero, Wilbur Antonio Red Drum;


Cetino, Abner Lorenzo Striped Bass 02/19/18 08/17/18 Fishing

Chavez, Williams Richard Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

Colindres Navarrete, Eli Barve Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

Contreras Gonzales, Jose A Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

Coreas, Joel Avenidac Black Drum 04/01/18 03/31/19 Fishing

Cortes Marin, Heriberto Striped Bass 04/09/18 10/05/18 Fishing

Crespo, Raul Striped Bass 04/05/17 07/03/18 Fishing

Cruz, Juan Angel Striped Bass 09/15/17 09/14/18 Fishing

Cruz-Castro, Juan Carlos Red Drum 04/09/18 07/07/18 Fishing

Cruz-Martinez, Carlos A Striped Bass 01/20/17 01/19/19 Fishing

Cruz Escobar, Hugo Ernesto Red Drum 02/19/18 02/18/19 Fishing

De La Cruz, Orlando Hernandez Striped Bass 01/20/17 01/19/19 Fishing

De La O Soriano, Edilberto A Striped Bass 02/19/18 02/18/20 Fishing

De Vargas, Margarita Perea Striped Bass 04/05/17 04/04/19 Fishing

Delgado, Hector Rene Striped Bass 04/09/18 04/08/19 Fishing

Duarte Villafuente, Oscar Anibal Striped Bass 04/09/18 10/07/18 Fishing

Duran Lopez, Jaime A Striped Bass 02/19/18 02/17/21 Fishing

Enamorado, Evelyn Xiomara Striped Bass 02/19/18 08/17/18 Fishing

Flores, Eliud Daneris Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

Flores, Julio Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

Flores, Yemi J Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

Franco Melgar, Fredy Alexi Striped Bass 02/19/18 05/19/19 Fishing

Fuentes Tobias, Juan Gabriel

Spotted Sea

Trout; Striped

Bass

04/09/18 10/05/18 Fishing

Galdamez, Natividad Interiano Striped Bass 02/19/18 08/17/18 Fishing

Galeano Baquedano, Luis Enrique Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

Garcia Aguilar, Waldy Natanahel Striped Bass 04/09/18 07/07/18 Fishing

Garcia Barahona, Bani Asael Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

Gilberto, Lopez Moreno Crabs 04/01/18 12/26/18 Crabbing

Gomez, Jose Marten Striped Bass 09/15/17 09/14/18 Fishing

Gomez Rosales, Hugo Leonel Striped Bass 04/09/18 07/06/20 Fishing

6/29/2018


Start Date

Suspension

End Date

Suspended

From

Gonzales, Nery Antonio Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

Gonzales, Ramon A Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

Gonzalez, Cesar Diego Crabs 04/01/18 03/30/20 Crabbing

Gonzalez, Luis A Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

Granados, Guillermo Rig Zaldana Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/19 Fishing

Granados Umanzor, Angel Ismael Red Drum 04/09/18 04/08/19 Fishing

Guerra, Elser Roque Striped Bass 09/15/17 09/14/18 Fishing

Guerra, Erick M Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

Guerra, Marvin Omar Larios Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

Guevara, Jose Striped Bass 09/29/17 09/28/18 Fishing

Gutierrez, Jose Francisco Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

Gutierrez Ramos, Manuel De Jesu Striped Bass 02/19/18 08/17/18 Fishing

Guzman, Francisco Merlos Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

Guzman, William Martinez Crabs 04/01/18 06/29/19 Crabbing

Guzman-Ruiz, Wilber Rentery Striped Bass 09/15/17 09/14/18 Fishing

Harris, Crystal Lynn Crabs 04/01/18 09/27/18 Crabbing

Harris, Robert Jr Weakfish 04/09/18 07/07/18 Fishing

Henriquez, Erick Ariel Striped Bass 09/15/17 09/14/18 Fishing

Hernandez, Erick O Striped Bass 04/09/18 04/08/19 Fishing

Hernandez, Felipe Canuto Black Drum;


Hernandez, Jose Luis Crabs 04/01/18 09/27/19 Crabbing

Hernandez, Miguel Ange Martinez Striped Bass 09/29/17 09/28/18 Fishing

Hernandez, Noe Miranda Striped Bass 09/29/17 09/28/18 Fishing

Hernandez, Reynerio Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

Hernandez Lopez, Nelson Alberto Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

Hernandez Santos, Jose Ricardo Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/22 Fishing

Herrera Roman, Miguel Angel Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

Ignacio, Alberto Striped Bass 04/09/18 04/07/21 Fishing

Interiano Galdamez, Ivan Alexis Striped Bass 01/15/18 07/13/19 Fishing

Isabet, Medrano Ernesto Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

Isael De Jesus, Amaya Cuevas Striped Bass 02/19/18 08/17/18 Fishing

Jandres Benavides, Josue F. Crabs 04/01/18 09/27/18 Crabbing

Jimenez Cuellar, Genesis Ivania Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

Juarez Velasquez, Yeny Sarai Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

Kozakos, Ioannis Black Drum 01/20/17 01/19/19 Fishing

Labastida, Eden Ramirez Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/19 Fishing

Lara Mata, Anibal Striped Bass 01/15/18 04/14/19 Fishing

Lazaro, Jorge Obispo Striped Bass 02/19/18 08/17/18 Fishing

Lazo, Manuel Dejesus Striped Bass 09/15/17 09/14/18 Fishing

Lazo Parada, Daniel Arsides Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

Lima, Anselmo Luna Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/19 Fishing

Lizama, Jose Carlos Striped Bass 04/09/18 10/05/18 Fishing

Lopez, Alejandro Lopez Striped Bass 02/19/18 08/17/18 Fishing

6/29/2018


Start Date

Suspension

End Date

Suspended

From

Lopez, Edgar Armando Black Drum;


Lopez, Maynor Coyoy Striped Bass 09/29/17 09/28/18 Fishing

Lopez Landaverde, Jose Gerardo Striped Bass 02/19/18 08/17/18 Fishing

Lopez Mejia, Adriana Beatriz Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

Lovos, Israel Antonio Black Drum 04/09/18 04/08/19 Fishing

Lucas Maldonado, Adrian Roman Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/19 Fishing

Machan, Tranqulino Sutuj Striped Bass 01/20/17 01/19/19 Fishing

Majano-Canales, Moises De Jesus Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

Malave, Epifanio Striped Bass 04/09/18 04/07/20 Fishing

Malis, Carlos Adan Crabs 04/01/18 12/26/18 Crabbing

Manga, Wilfred Silyain Essinki Striped Bass 04/09/18 07/07/18 Fishing

Marquez Melendez, Alexis Jhona Striped Bass 06/16/17 09/13/19 Fishing

Marroquin, Abner Sabino Striped Bass 02/19/18 08/17/18 Fishing

Martinez Carpio, Hector Samuel Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

Martinez Monroy, Sergio Noe Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

Martos, Sergio D Striped Bass 09/15/17 09/14/18 Fishing

Matamoros-Sanchez, Jonathan Ant Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/19 Fishing

Mckenry, Denise C Croaker 02/19/18 08/17/18 Fishing

Medrano, Jose Roberto Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

Medrano Canales, Jomn Bradak Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

Melendez Romero, Erick I Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

Melgar Serrano, Henry O Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/19 Fishing

Membreno Guevara, Victor Omar Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

Mencho, Maria Juliana Crabs 04/01/18 03/30/20 Crabbing

Miranda, Jose M Black Drum 02/19/18 02/18/20 Fishing

Molina, Victor M Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/19 Fishing

Monge, Rene Echeverria Crabs 04/05/17 10/01/18 Crabbing

Morales, Felipe Rodriguez Striped Bass 01/15/18 04/14/19 Fishing

Moran, Julio Mauricio Baquedano Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

Najera Bueco, Esvin Leonel Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

Najera Maldonado, Julio Cesar Striped Bass 04/05/17 04/04/19 Fishing

Najera Morales, Edin Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

Nanduca Munoz, Karina Landy Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

Navarrete, Jose Ismael Red Drum;


Nolasco Pacheco, Canded Samuel Striped Bass 01/15/18 10/11/18 Fishing

Nowland, Vernon Robert Ii Striped Bass 02/19/18 08/17/18 Fishing

Orduna-Zamudio, Felipe Striped Bass 09/15/17 09/14/18 Fishing

Orellana, Erick Gerardo Striped Bass 06/22/18 06/21/19 Fishing

Orellana, Hernan L Oysters 01/15/18 07/13/18 Fishing

Orellana Arias, Carlos Alberto Striped Bass 12/02/16 12/01/18 Fishing

Ortez, Hector D Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

Ortiz, Abrahan Duron Striped Bass 09/29/17 09/28/18 Fishing

6/29/2018


Start Date

Suspension

End Date

Suspended

From

Ortiz Aroche, Elvir Rigoberto Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

Ortiz Osorio, Elder Humberto Striped Bass 01/20/17 01/19/19 Fishing

Osorio, Marlon Miranda Striped Bass 09/29/17 09/28/18 Fishing

Ostoro-Galld, Gustavo Adolfo Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

Padilla Cubas, Melvin Jhovany Striped Bass 04/09/18 04/07/21 Fishing

Palacios Bautista, Julio A Striped Bass 04/09/18 04/07/20 Fishing

Pan, Phen Bluefish 02/19/18 02/18/19 Fishing

Park, Moon Kwon Striped Bass 02/19/18 08/17/18 Fishing

Penado, Jose A Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

Perez, Salvador Alvarez Croaker 02/19/18 08/17/18 Fishing

Perez Diaz, Eustreberto Striped Bass 02/19/18 08/17/18 Fishing

Plummer, Randall Oysters 05/26/18 05/25/19 Fishing

Portillo Rivas, Josue Javier Striped Bass 04/05/17 07/03/18 Fishing

Portillo Vasquez, Jose Arnoldo Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

Potter, Charles T. Striped Bass 04/09/18 01/03/19 Fishing

Puac Cardona, Walfred Rodolfo Striped Bass 04/09/18 10/05/18 Fishing

Quincin Lemus, Abel Estuardo Striped Bass 06/08/18 06/07/19 Fishing

Ramirez, Ermelinda M Crabs 04/01/18 09/27/19 Crabbing

Ramirez, Juan Roberto Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

Ramirez, Julio Murillo Striped Bass 04/05/17 04/04/19 Fishing

Ramirez, Omar Martinez Striped Bass 01/15/18 04/14/19 Fishing

Ramos, Carlos M Striped Bass 04/05/17 04/04/19 Fishing

Ramos, Gildaberto Perez Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/19 Fishing

Ramos, Leonel Amilcar Striped Bass 04/09/18 10/05/18 Fishing

Ramos, Nelson L Striped Bass 02/19/18 02/18/20 Fishing

Ramos, Praxedes Funes Red Drum 09/29/17 09/28/19 Fishing

Ramos, Praxedes Funes Crabs 09/29/17 09/28/18 Crabbing

Ramos Ramirez, Mario Abel Striped Bass 04/09/18 07/07/18 Fishing

Redd, James Vernon Jr Striped Bass 03/03/18 07/15/18 Fishing

Reyes, Douglas Javier Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

Reyes, Wilmer E. Mejia Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/22 Fishing

Reyes Portillo, Edgar Fernando Striped Bass 09/29/17 09/28/18 Fishing

Ridgell, John Huriah Jr Oysters 04/09/18 10/07/18 Fishing

Rivas Pereira, Ignacio Dejesus Striped Bass 02/19/18 02/18/20 Fishing

Rivera, Josue Emmanuel Alberto Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

Rivera Alvarenga, Rutilio Jacob Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

Rivera Salguero, Ramiro Estuard Striped Bass 02/19/18 05/19/19 Fishing

Rodriguez, Rafael Striped Bass 02/19/18 02/18/19 Fishing

Rodriguez, Romeo I Croaker 02/19/18 02/18/19 Fishing

Rodriguez Cristales, Luis Alberto Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/19 Fishing

Rodriguez Soto, Carlos Black Drum 02/19/18 02/18/20 Fishing

Romero, Byron Alidio Monroy Striped Bass 04/09/18 07/07/18 Fishing

Romero, Silas Excequiel Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/19 Fishing

Salinas, Jose Efrain Striped Bass 02/19/18 08/17/18 Fishing

6/29/2018


Start Date

Suspension

End Date

Suspended

From

Sanchez Arevalo, Santos Medardo Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/22 Fishing

Santos Pineda, Juan Jose Striped Bass 04/09/18 07/07/18 Fishing

Saravia Mata, Odir Humberto Striped Bass 09/15/17 09/14/18 Fishing

Schultz, Zachary David Striped Bass 04/09/18 07/07/19 Fishing

Serrando, Julio Armando Striped Bass 02/19/18 02/18/20 Fishing

Servellon, Kelvin G Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/19 Fishing

Servellon Mercado, Cinthia Y Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

Smith, James Ralph Jr Red Drum 02/19/18 08/19/18 Fishing

Soriano, Gerardo Israel Black Drum;


Soriano, Magdaleno Black Drum;


Soriano-Vasquez, Oblin Adaly Striped Bass 02/19/18 02/18/20 Fishing

Soriano Portillo, Jose Arcides Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

Sosa, Ariel Crabs 04/01/18 09/27/18 Crabbing

Soto, Arnoldo Larios Striped Bass 04/09/18 04/07/20 Fishing

Stancil, Alphonso Jerome Weakfish 04/09/18 10/05/18 Fishing

Tarleton, Kevin Steven, Sr. Crabs 04/01/18 03/31/19 Crabbing

Tarleton, Steven Kevin Crabs 04/01/18 12/31/18 Crabbing

Ticas, Cristobal N Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/22 Fishing

Ticas, Jose G Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/22 Fishing

Ticas, Josue G Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/22 Fishing

Tobar, Jamie D Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/22 Fishing

Torres-Duenas, Luis F Striped Bass 09/15/17 09/14/18 Fishing

Toto, Armando Organista Striped Bass 04/09/18 04/07/20 Fishing

Turcios Rodriquez, Edgar Osmin Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

Vasquez Perez, Jose Luis Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/19 Fishing

Velasquez Garcia, Pablo Black Sea Bass 02/19/18 08/17/18 Fishing

Valencia, Jose Ramon Crabs 04/01/17 03/31/19 Crabbing

Valenzuela, Rene Humberto Striped Bass 04/09/18 04/07/20 Fishing

Valladares, Oscar Enrique Crabs 04/01/18 09/27/18 Crabbing

Vasquez Bautista, Fernando Geov Striped Bass 04/09/18 04/08/19 Fishing

Viera, Jose Aristides Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

Villatoro, Jose E Striped Bass 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

Waters, Rodney David Striped Bass 05/25/18 05/23/21 Fishing

Watts, Wyatt Hunter Crabs 04/05/17 10/01/18 Crabbing

Young, Granville Gary Striped Bass 04/09/18 01/03/19 Fishing

Yoo, Jaecheon Striped Bass 04/09/18 04/08/19 Fishing

Yu, Yunkai Striped Bass 04/09/18 10/05/18 Fishing

Zheng, Yong Kuai Striped Bass 9/29/17 9/28/19 Fishing

Zelaya Garcia, Guadalupe C Striped Bass 4/5/18 4/4/20 Fishing

Zepp, Richard Louis Trout 5/25/18 11/21/18 Fishing

1 7/13/18

Department of Natural Resources

Commercial Fishing Suspensions/Revocations and Aquaculture Suspensions

7/13/18 Update

This list is updated frequently. If you have any questions about a suspension or revocation

please contact Cynthia Goshorn at 410-260-2402 OR Karla Schaffer at 410-260-8608.

COMMERCIAL SUSPENSIONS

Jerry L. Bloodsworth, Sr. – Crab Authorization under TFL # 7831 Suspended

o Prohibited from engaging in ANY commercial crabbing activities during the

following period: 4/1/18 – 12/31/18.

Jake A. Fluharty – Entitlement to Engage in Commercial Fishing Activities Suspended

o Prohibited from engaging in ANY commercial fishing activities during the following

period: 6/23/18 – 8/21/18.

Kristopher D. Graves – Entitlement to Engage in Commercial Fishing Activities Suspended


period: 7/9/18 – 7/8/19.

Walter J. Kersey, Jr. – Tidal Fish License # 76173 Suspended


period: 6/1/18 – 7/30/18.

Hans E. Kuntze, Sr. – Tidal Fish License # 65536 Suspended


periods: 4/1/17 – 3/31/18; 10/1/18 – 3/31/19 and 10/1/19 – 3/31/20.

Daniel M. Mariano, Sr. – Tidal Fish License # 64881 Suspended


period: 5/21/18 – 8/18/18.

Christopher L. Moore – Entitlement to Engage in Commercial Fishing Activities Suspended


period: 7/15/18 – 7/14/19.

Matthew W. Morgan – Entitlement to Engage in Commercial Fishing Activities Suspended


period: 7/14/18 – 7/13/19.

Randall W. Plummer – Entitlement to Engage in Commercial Fishing Activities Suspended


period: 5/26/18 – 5/25/19.

David T. Schulte, Jr. – Fishing Guide Authorization under TFL # 2537 Suspended

o Prohibited from engaging in the guiding of fishing parties during the following

period: 3/1/18 – 3/1/19.

2 7/13/18

Kevin S. Tarleton, Sr. – Crab Authorization under TFL # 97706 Suspended



Steven K. Tarleton – Crab Authorization under TFL # 2206 Suspended



COMMERCIAL REVOCATIONS

Adam R. Antes – Tidal Fish License # 15887 Revoked

o Effective: 1/15/16

o Permanently prohibited from engaging in ANY commercial fishing activities.

Richard M. Barnes, Jr. – Oyster Authorization/ Entitlement Revoked under TFL # 88521 Revoked


o Permanently prohibited from engaging in the commercial harvest of wild oysters in

Maryland.

Jerry L. Bloodsworth, Sr. – Oyster Authorization/ Entitlement Revoked under TFL # 7831 Revoked



Maryland.

Matthew J. Booze – Oyster Authorization/ Entitlement Revoked

o Effective: 5/3/17


Maryland.

Harvey T. Bowers – Oyster Authorization/ Entitlement under TFL # 77003 Revoked



Maryland.

Alan D. Bozman – Oyster Authorization/ Entitlement under TFL # 7820 Revoked

o Effective: 4/7/17


Maryland.

Benjamin S. Byers – Oyster Authorization/ Entitlement Revoked



Maryland.

o May not possess an Unlimited TFL during ANY oyster season (October 1st - March

31st).

3 7/13/18

Vaughn E. Collins, Jr. – Oyster Authorization/ Entitlement Revoked under TFL # 15290 Revoked



Maryland.

Jeffrey S. Cummings, Sr. – Tidal Fish License # 825 Revoked



James A. Faulkner, Jr. – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 2502 Revoked



Maryland.

Walter W. Fields – Oyster Authorization/ Entitlement Revoked

o Effective: 4/7/17


Maryland.

Richard N. Fluharty – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 1061 Revoked



Maryland.

John L.W. Griffith – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 2756 Revoked



Maryland.

Edward E. Grimes, Jr. – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 16426 Revoked

o Effective: 6/5/12


Maryland.

Daniel Franklin Haddaway – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 60633 Revoked



Maryland.

Joseph B. Janda, Jr. – Tidal Fish License # 5580 Revoked

o Effective: 5/8/13


Hans E. Kuntze, Sr. – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 65536 Revoked



Maryland.

4 7/13/18

William J. Lednum – Striped Bass Permit/Entitlement under TFL # 3936 Revoked


o Permanently prohibited from engaging in all aspects of the commercial harvest of

striped bass in Maryland.

Edward B. Lowery, Jr. – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 69618 Revoked



Maryland.

Franklin W. Marshall, Jr. – Authorizations/Entitlements Revoked



Christopher L. Marvel – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 3157 Revoked

o Effective: 6/6/12


Maryland.

Roy W. Meredith, Jr. – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 21028 Revoked



Maryland.

Bryan J. Mister – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 793 Revoked

o Effective: 6/9/16


Maryland.

Bartlett W. Murphy, Jr –

Tidal Fish License #17631 Revoked



Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL #17631 Revoked


o Permanently prohibited from engaging in the commercial harvest of wild oysters

in Maryland.

Andrew P. Nelson – Oyster Authorization/ Entitlement Revoked

o Effective: 8/4/16 (set in District Court)


Maryland.

James P. Nelson – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 271 Revoked



Maryland.

5 7/13/18

Robert S. Nelson, Jr. – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 3601 Revoked



Maryland.

Richard D. Nordhoff – Oyster Authorization/ Entitlement under TFL # 933 Revoked



Maryland.

Thomas W. Pannebaker – Authorizations/Entitlements Revoked


o Prohibited from engaging in ANY commercial OR recreational fishing activities.

Adam V. Reihl – Oyster Authorization/ Entitlement Revoked



Maryland.

o Prohibited from obtaining a tidal fish license from 10/1/15 through and including

10/1/20.

Benjamin L. Reihl – Authorizations/Entitlements Revoked



William L. Reihl, Sr. – Oyster Authorization/ Entitlement under TFL # 16430 Revoked



Maryland.

Todd H. Ruark –

Tidal Fish License # 20008 Revoked



Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 20008 Revoked

o Effective: 3/9/17

o Permanently prohibited from engaging in the commercial harvest of wild

oysters in Maryland.

Kent C. Sadler – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 826 Revoked

o Effective: 6/2/14


Maryland.

Zachary W. Seaman – Tidal Fish License # 3828 Revoked



EXCEPT he may deal blue crabs.

6 7/13/18

John E. Smith, IV – Authorizations/Entitlements Revoked



Mark N. Sneade – Authorizations/Entitlements Revoked



Michael David Sterling – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 3145 Revoked

o Effective: 7/7/14


Maryland.

Kevin S. Tarleton, Jr. – Authorizations/Entitlements Revoked



Kevin S. Tarleton, Sr. – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 97706 Revoked



Maryland.

Keith Eric Thomas – Oyster Authorization/ Entitlement under TFL # 202 Revoked



Maryland.

Joshua T. Tieder – Tidal Fish License # 12531 Revoked



Paul F. Tyler III –

Authorizations/Entitlements Revoked



Oyster Authorization/ Entitlement under TFL #16421 Revoked


o Permanently prohibited from engaging in the commercial harvest of wild

oysters in Maryland.

Vaughn A. Watson, Sr. – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 99210 Revoked

o Effective: 3/3/17


Maryland.

7 7/13/18

Ronald F. Welch – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 16727 Revoked

o Effective: 5/9/12


Maryland.

David T. Wheatley, II – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 92759 Revoked



Maryland.

David T. Wheatley, Sr. – Oyster Authorization/ Entitlement Revoked



Maryland.

Earl D. Willey – Authorizations/Entitlements Revoked



AQUACULTURE SUSPENSIONS

David T. Messick – Shellfish Aquaculture Harvester Permit Suspended

o Prohibited from engaging in ANY shellfish aquaculture activities during the


Alvin Oberender, III – Shellfish Aquaculture Harvester Permit Suspended

o Prohibited from engaging in ANY shellfish aquaculture activities during the


Vision: Sustainably Managing Atlantic Coastal Fisheries 2018 Spring Meeting

Alexandria, VA April 30 – May 3, 2018

Toni Kerns, ISFMP, or Tina Berger, Communications

For more information, please contact the identified individual at

703.842.0740

Meeting Summaries, Press Releases and Motions TABLE OF CONTENTS: SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP AND BLACK SEA BASS MANAGEMENT BOARD JOINTLY WITH THE MID-ATLANTIC FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL (APRIL 30, 2018) ............................................................. 3

Meeting Summary ...................................................................................................................................3 Motions ....................................................................................................................................................5

BLUEFISH MANAGEMENT BOARD JOINTLY WITH THE MID-ATLANTIC FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL (APRIL 30, 2018) .................................................................................................................................. 6


COASTAL SHARKS MANAGEMENT BOARD (MAY 1, 2018) ..................................................................... 7


LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEE (MAY 1, 2018) ................................................................................. 9

Meeting Summary ...................................................................................................................................9

TAUTOG MANAGEMENT BOARD (MAY 1, 2018) ................................................................................. 10

Meeting Summary .................................................................................................................................10 Motions ..................................................................................................................................................11

LEGISLATORS AND GOVERNORS’ APPOINTEES (MAY 1, 2018) ............................................................ 11

Meeting Summary .................................................................................................................................11

ATLANTIC STRIPED BASS MANAGEMENT BOARD (MAY 1, 208) .......................................................... 12


ATLANTIC HERRING SECTION (MAY 1, 2018) ...................................................................................... 13

Meeting Summary .................................................................................................................................13

Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission

2018 Spring Meeting Summary

2

Motions ..................................................................................................................................................14

NORTHERN SHRIMP SECTION (MAY 1, 2018)...................................................................................... 14


ATLANTIC COASTAL COOPERATIVE STATISTICS PROGRAM COORDINATING COUNCIL (MAY 1, 2018) .. 15


ANNUAL AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE (MAY 1, 2018) .............................................................................. 16

Press Release .........................................................................................................................................16

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (MAY 2, 2018) ............................................................................................. 18


ATLANTIC MENHADEN MANAGEMENT BOARD (MAY 2, 2018) ........................................................... 19

Press Release .........................................................................................................................................19 Meeting Summary .................................................................................................................................20 Motions ..................................................................................................................................................20

AMERICAN LOBSTER MANAGEMENT BOARD (MAY 2, 2018) .............................................................. 21


WINTER FLOUNDER MANAGEMENT BOARD (MAY 2, 2018) ................................................................ 22


INTERSTATE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PROGRAM POLICY BOARD (MAY 3, 2018) .............................. 22


SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP AND BLACK SEA BASS MANAGEMENT BOARD (MAY 3, 2018) .................. 26

Press Release .........................................................................................................................................26 Motions ..................................................................................................................................................27

SOUTH ATLANTIC STATE/FEDERAL FISHERIES MANAGEMENT BOARD (MAY 3, 2018) ......................... 27

Press Release .........................................................................................................................................27 Meeting Summary .................................................................................................................................28 Motions ..................................................................................................................................................29

3

SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP AND BLACK SEA BASS MANAGEMENT BOARD JOINTLY WITH THE MID-ATLANTIC FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL (APRIL 30, 2018) Meeting Summary The Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Management Board (Board) and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) met jointly to consider a number of issues. These include (1) approving a joint Summer Flounder Commercial Issues Amendment Public Hearing Document (PHD) for public comment; (2) a draft discussion document regarding a strategic plan for reforming recreational black sea bass management; (3) draft alternatives for the recreational management framework and addendum for all three species; and (4) preliminary harvest estimates from the February 2018 recreational black sea bass fishery. Summer Flounder Commercial Issues Amendment Public Hearing Document The PHD serves as an abridged version of the Draft Summer Flounder Commercial Issues Amendment, which the Board also approved for public comment. This action proposes potential modifications to the commercial summer flounder fishery, as well as the existing fishery management plan objectives for summer flounder. This amendment was initiated in 2014 in response to stakeholder feedback received during the Council’s visioning project regarding concerns with the current summer flounder commercial management program. Specifically, the Draft Amendment seeks public input on four issues: 1. Requalifying criteria for federal commercial moratorium permits to address latent effort in the

fishery – Federal permit qualification criteria have not changed since establishment in 1993. Some stakeholders believe the original permit qualifications criteria resulted in the current number of federal permits being too high relative to recent stock size estimates and resulting quotas. Additionally, given restrictions and stock trends in other fisheries, there is concern that inactive permits may reenter the summer flounder fishery, putting further economic strain on participating vessels. The Amendment offers options to reduce the number of commercial federal moratorium permits based on qualifying criteria.

2. Modifying commercial quota allocation – The current commercial allocation was last modified in

1993 and is perceived by many as outdated given its basis in 1980-1989 landings data. Summer flounder distribution, biomass, and fishing effort have changed since then, and some believe the initial allocations may not have been equitable or were based on flawed data; therefore, stakeholders requested evaluation of alternative allocation systems. The Amendment offer a range of options to modify and re-allocate the current annual commercial state by state quota allocations.

3. Adding commercial landings flexibility as a framework issue in the Council's FMP – Landings

flexibility policies would give commercial vessels greater freedom to land or possess summer flounder in the state(s) of their choice. Although such policies may be more effectively developed by state level agreements, the Board and Council are interested in having the option to pursue broader landings flexibility policies via framework action/addenda in the future if necessary. This action does not consider implementing landings flexibility policies at this time.

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4. Revise the FMP objectives for summer flounder – Many managers and stakeholders believe that the current objectives have become outdated and could provide more meaningful guidance if updated. Although the revisions to FMP objectives are not proposed as an explicit set of options in the Amendment, they are provided for public comment.

The Board and Council will determine the public comment period as well as the schedule of public hearings following the June Council Meeting, and notify the public through a joint press release. The Board and Council will consider taking final action on this amendment in December 2018. Draft Strategic Plan for Reforming Recreational Black Sea Bass Management A draft discussion document on reforming recreational black sea bass management was developed by the Board Chair and Vice-Chair in response to wide-ranging concerns with the current management program. The draft is aimed at providing a starting point for discussion on the development of a comprehensive reform initiative. At the meeting, the draft was presented and briefly discussed. The Board and Council offered support for continued development of the strategy over the next few months, first, through direct input from members, then through a joint working group process. The draft document, as modified through the initial review process, will be brought back before the Board and Council. Draft Alternatives for the Recreational Management Framework and Addendum The Council and Board considered draft alternatives for the Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Recreational Management Framework and Addendum. This action was initiated at the December 2017 joint meeting. After considering the recommendations of the Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT), and the Council’s Demersal Committee and a subset of the Board, the Board and Council approved alternatives to include in a draft public hearing document. The draft alternatives include options for conservation equivalency for recreational black sea bass, conservation equivalency rollover, slot limits in recreational fisheries for all three species, and Block Island Sound transit provisions. The transit provision alternatives include two alternative transit zone areas that could apply to recreational fisheries only, or both commercial and recreational fisheries for all three species, depending on the alternatives selected. The Board and Council considered but chose not to include alternatives for evaluating and modifying recreational management measures based on a comparison of catch to the Annual Catch Limit in this action. A draft document will be presented at the August joint meeting of the Board and Council with final action tentatively scheduled for December 2018. Preliminary February 2018 Recreational Black Sea Bass Harvest Estimates Finally, the Board and Council received a report on the preliminary harvest estimates for the February 2018 black sea bass recreational fishery. Virginia and North Carolina were the only states to participate in the fishery, and the total harvest between both states is estimated between 4,826 and 5,206 pounds of black sea bass. For more information on black sea bass, please contact Caitlin Starks, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at [email protected] and Kirby Rootes-Murdy, Senior Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at [email protected] for more information on summer flounder and scup.

mailto:[email protected]


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Motions Summer Flounder Draft Amendment Move to include two additional options to the summer flounder draft amendment: • to negotiate new state quota shares • to include coastwide quota and management MAFMC: Motion made by Mr. DiLernia and seconded by Ms. Nolan. Motion fails (6 in favor, 10 opposed). ASMFC: Motion made by Mr. Hasbrouck and seconded by Mr. Gates. Move to develop two additional options to the summer flounder draft amendment: • to negotiate new state quota shares • to include coastwide quota and management MAFMC: Motion made by Mr. Heins and seconded by Ms. Nolan. Motion fails (Roll Call: In favor – Maniscalco, Heins, Nolan, DiLernia, Nowalsky, Warren, Pentony; Opposed – Baab, Michels, Gwin, DeFur, Mann, O’Reilly, Batsavage, Hemilright, Winslow). ASMFC: Motion made by Mr. Hasbrouck and seconded by Mr. Gates. Motion passes (Roll Call: In Favor- MA, RI, CT, NY, DE, NMFS; Opposed- NJ, MD, PRFC, VA, NC). Move to approve the draft summer flounder commercial issues amendment hearing document for public comment as modified today. MAFMC: Motion made by Mr. Mann and seconded by Mr. Batsavage. Motion carries (12 in favor, 4 opposed). ASMFC: Motion by Mr. O’Reilly, second by Mr. Clark. Motion passes (9 in favor, 2 opposed). Move to approve the Commission's Summer Flounder Commercial Issues Draft Amendment document for public hearings. Board: Motion made by Mr. O’Reilly and seconded by Mr. Clark. Motion carries (9 in favor, 2 opposed). Draft Alternatives for Framework/Addendum on Recreational Issues Move to include an additional option that defines a discrete transit zone from Rhode Island state waters around Block Island, Rhode Island to Rhode Island state waters to the north. Any legally Rhode Island permitted fisher fishing in Rhode Island waters for summer flounder, black sea bass, and scup will be allowed to transit the EEZ in this zone with legally harvested regulated species as long as gear stowage requirements are met and no fishing occurs in the zone while transiting. ASMFC: Motion made by Mr. Reid and seconded by Ms. Meserve. Motion passes by consent. MAFMC: Motion made by Mr. O’Reilly and seconded by Mr. Michels. Motion passes by consent. Move to approve the draft alternatives, as presented by staff and as modified today, for the recreational framework and addendum. MAFMC: Motion made by Mr. Heins and seconded by Mr. deFur. Motion carries unanimously. ASMFC: Motion made by Mr. Hasbrouck and seconded by Rep. Peake. Motion carries unanimously.

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BLUEFISH MANAGEMENT BOARD JOINTLY WITH THE MID-ATLANTIC FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL (APRIL 30, 2018) Meeting Summary The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) and the Commission met jointly to review and approve the scoping and public information document for an amendment to the Bluefish Fishery Management Plan (FMP) focused on allocation. The Board and Council approved the document for state public hearings, which will be conducted this summer. The Draft Amendment will involve a comprehensive review of the Bluefish FMP’s sector-based allocations, commercial allocations to the states, transfer processes, and goals and objectives. Specifically, the Council and Commission will consider whether modifications to the FMP’s goals, objectives, and allocation strategies for bluefish are needed. Scoping is the first and best opportunity for members of the public to raise concerns related to the scope of issues that will be considered. The public is encouraged to submit comments regarding the range of potential issues to be addressed in the amendment. In addition to comments on allocation and transfer processes, the Council and Commission are interested in comments on the following topics:

• Fishery productivity • Ecosystem considerations • Changes in the fishery • Changes in distribution of bait fish • Average fish size • Changes in availability, effort, and marketability • Impacts of changes observed over time

The scoping and public information document will be finalized and released in May 2018. State public hearings will occur this summer, with dates and locations to be determined. Additional information and updates will be posted at http://www.mafmc.org/actions/bluefish-allocation-amendment. For more information, please contact Caitlin Starks, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at [email protected] or 703.842.0740. Motions Move to approve the draft scoping document for public comment as modified today. MAFMC: Motion made by Mr. Batsavage and seconded by Mr. deFur. Motion carries (12 in favor, 1 abstention). ASMFC: Motion made by Mr. Batsavage and seconded by Mr. Borden. Motion carries (11 in favor, 1 opposed).

http://www.mafmc.org/actions/bluefish-allocation-amendment


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COASTAL SHARKS MANAGEMENT BOARD (MAY 1, 2018) Meeting Summary The Coastal Sharks Management Board met to consider a number of issues. These included recent stock assessment findings on Atlantic shortfin mako and sandbar sharks; NOAA Fisheries Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Draft Amendment 11 and recently implemented emergency rule measures; an update on the oceanic whitetip shark status under the Endangered Species Act (ESA); and the 2015 and 2016 Fishery Management Plan Review. Karyl Brewster-Geiz of NOAA Fisheries HMS presented the Atlantic shortfin mako stock assessment and recently implemented emergency rule measures. The Atlantic shortfin mako stock assessment indicates the resource is overfished and overfishing is occurring. The assessment included a new modelling approach, longer time series of catch data, sex-specific biological parameters, updated length composition information, and new satellite tagging data. To address the new stock status, the International Commission on the Conservation Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), at its November 2017 meeting, determined that all member countries need to reduce landings by approximately 72-79% from current levels to prevent further declines in the population and a reduction to zero landings is needed to rebuild the resource by 2040. To address the needed landings reductions, NOAA Fisheries implemented the following measures for shortfin mako sharks: an increase in the minimum size limit (fork length) for the recreational fishery from 54” to 83” and a prohibition on landings in the commercial fishery for all gear types with the exception of the pelagic longline fleet. For pelagic longline vessels that have an HMS permit, electronic monitoring devices are required in order to retain sharks that are dead at haul back. These emergency measures have been implemented on an interim basis through August and may be extended for up to 6 months at that time. At ICCAT’s next meeting in November, an evaluation of the reduction in landings will be conducted and different measures may be recommended to be implemented for member countries. To address management moving forward, NOAA Fisheries HMS has also initiated scoping on Draft Amendment 11 to rebuild the Atlantic shortfin mako stock. The Technical Committee (TC) presented its review of the assessment. The TC highlighted that most commercial and recreational landings occur in federal waters and that implementing the emergency rule measures would likely not have a significant impact in reducing landings. The TC did, however, recommended that states implement complementary measures on their own if possible. Staff highlighted that if the Board chose to implement the emergency rule measures through Board action, it have to be done through either an addendum or emergency action. Taking into consideration the stock assessment information and TC report, the Board decided not to implement the emergency rule measures due to the likelihood of the measures changing within the next year. Instead, the Board initiated an addendum to allow the Board to change management measures, such as adjusting minimum size limits, through Board action moving forward. The Board will consider the draft addendum at 2018 Summer Meeting for public comment. The Board was presented the sandbar assessment (SEDAR 21). A new modeling approach was used that included replication of the previous assessment (SEDAR 21) that matched the biomass trend over the last two decades. The stock status remains overfished but overfishing is not occurring. While the assessment passed peer-review, it has not yet been officially adopted by NOAA Fisheries HMS for management use. The TC reviewed the assessment. Given the fishery is a research take only and NOAA

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Fisheries HMS has not yet proposed any changes to the management, recommended maintaining status quo measures. The Board received an update on the ESA status change for oceanic whitetip sharks. The status review took into account life history parameters which include being long-lived species with late maturity, a lengthy gestation, and low fecundity. Additionally, the status review found within the global commercial fishery that fishing mortality is likely too high and there are inadequate regulations in other parts of the world. This, combined with the market demand for shark fins, has increased illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and trafficking. While NOAA Fisheries has changed the status to threatened under the ESA, there are additional consultations for relevant fisheries that may interact with the species before changes in management will be considered. The TC reviewed the status change, and given NOAA Fisheries HMS has not proposed any changes to the management, recommended maintaining status quo measures for now, but consider adding oceanic whitetip to the prohibited shark species list. The Board also approved the FMP Review of the 2015 and 2016 fishing seasons. Lastly, the Board elected Chris Batsavage with North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries as Vice-Chair. For more information, please contact Kirby Rootes-Murdy, Senior Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at [email protected] or 703.842.0740. Motions Main Motion Move to initiate an addendum to give the Board the flexibility to implement measures for all species within the Coastal Sharks FMP through Board action. Motion made by Mr. Nowalsky and seconded by Mr. Estes. Motion to Amend Move to amend to add that in the interim the ASMFC implement an emergency action to implement regulations consistent with HMS for shortfin makos in state waters. Motion made by Dr. McNamee and seconded by Mr. Hasbrouck. Motion fails (2 in favor, 11 opposed). Main Motion Move to initiate an addendum to give the Board the flexibility to implement measures for all species within the Coastal Sharks FMP through Board action. Motion made by Mr. Nowalsky and seconded by Mr. Estes. Motion passes unanimously (14 in favor). Move to approve the Fishery Management Plan Review for the 2015 and 2016 fishing season and approve de minimis request from Maine and Massachusetts. Motion made by Mr. Hasbrouck and seconded by Dr. McNamee. Motion carries unanimously. Move to nominate Chris Batsavage as Vice-Chair to the Coastal Sharks Board. Motion made by Mr. Boyles and seconded by Mr. Brady. Motion carries unanimously.


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LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEE (MAY 1, 2018) Meeting Summary The Law Enforcement Committee (LEC) met during the 2018 spring meeting of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) in Arlington, VA. The LEC welcomed alternate representatives Scott Simmons from Maryland and Jeff Ray from NOAA OLE. Scott Pearce was attending his first meeting as the representative from Florida, and the LEC welcomed back Rick Lauderman who will be representing Virginia. Request to ISFMP Policy Board The LEC discussed the strong possibility that the 2019 NOAA budget may include a significant or complete cut in funding for the Cooperative Enforcement Program. This program provides invaluable funding for enforcement resources to the states in aid of federal waters enforcement and has been in place for 18 years. The number of NOAA officers and agents is very small relative to the number of coastal state officers and the program has allowed state agencies to purchase and operate vessels and equipment essential to marine fisheries enforcement work. The uncertainty and inconsistency of funding will severely hinder state enforcement operations going forward. The LEC requests that the Policy Board consider an appropriate response to this issue in support of continued funding for the Cooperative Enforcement Program as a line item in the federal budget. Species Issues American lobster — Erin Summers from Maine’s Department of Marine Resources presented information to the LEC regarding developing interest and technologies for “ropeless” fishing gear that could be used to deploy and retrieve traps or other submerged gear without the need for buoy or vertical lines. Several different systems were reviewed, all involving technology that is either not available now, or is under limited development. The primary purpose of such gear would be to reduce large whale entanglements. After hearing the presentation and reviewing several videos demonstrating the gear, members of the LEC expressed the consensus view that in its present form such systems would remove the ability to enforce trap limits and would render law enforcement efforts to conserve the American lobster fishery moot. Application in other fisheries would likely have similar impacts. Among the concerns were the cost and time for enforcement agencies to re-fit for such systems, the extreme difficulty or even the impossibility of checking, hauling and re-setting traps or gear for enforcement purposes, the inability to access standardized, confidential signals or codes needed to locate and identify gear on the bottom, and the likely multiplicity of systems that would be developed among fisheries and/or jurisdictions. The LEC affirms that law enforcement agencies should always be receptive to possible new technologies in marine fisheries, but this concept in its present form is unworkable. Winter Flounder — Megan Ware and Kurt Blanchard briefed the LEC on a Rhode Island proposal to develop an aggregate weekly limit for state waters that would be more in line with harvest allowances in adjacent federal waters. Options being considered include a 250lb aggregate limit year-round; a 350lb aggregate weekly limit during 2 seasonal periods; and an aggregate limit with the additional requirement for a special permit and possible vessel monitoring system. It was noted that RI has a weekly aggregate for the summer flounder fishery and this is enforceable, aided by a requirement for participants to have a background check. While the LEC has typically expressed

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reservations about weekly aggregate limits as they are difficult to enforce at the dock, the possibility of background checks, special permits, and especially the requirement for VMS, would mitigate enforcement concerns. The LEC therefore supported the 3rd option for a permit and vessel monitoring requirement, with the addition of background checks of participants as safeguards for the fishery. Coastal Sharks— Kirby Rootes-Murdy presented information regarding NOAA emergency rule for protection of shortfin Mako sharks, and possible ASMFC interest in developing complementary regulations for state waters. The LEC provided input on the difficulties of inconsistency in regulations between state and federal waters and supports whatever processes can be implemented to ensure complementary regulations. Other Issues The LEC reviewed proposed 2018 Action Plan items and confirmed that its work will address the tasks outlined in Goal 3 of the plan once it is approved by the ASMFC. Commissioner Dennis Abbott updated the LEC on the memorial to honor Chris Schoppmeyer for his years of dedication to the Town of Newmarket, NH, and for his distinguished career in conservation enforcement. Col. Kyle Overturf is retiring and announced that this would be his last meeting with the LEC. All expressed their gratitude for his service, and his contributions to the work of the LEC will be missed. Members of the LEC discussed the graduation of the fifth class of the National Leadership Academy for conservation law enforcement officers, and the values of this program. Honnie Gordon of USFWS briefed the LEC on the latest international academies for African and Asian conservation enforcement leaders that follows a similar model. All agreed this is an outstanding program of mentoring and leadership development that will pay dividends long into the future. TAUTOG MANAGEMENT BOARD (MAY 1, 2018) Meeting Summary The Tautog Management Board met to consider approval of the Connecticut (CT) proposal for 2018 management measures for the tautog commercial fishery. The 2016 regional stock assessment indicated that the Long Island Sound (LIS) stock is overfished and overfishing is occurring, and a 20.3% reduction in total tautog harvest in LIS is required under Amendment 1, approved in October 2017. CT proposed to forgo the reduction in their commercial tautog fishery for 2018, and implement measures similar to 2017. The rationale provided is that the required 20.3% reduction would create a greater than expected hardship for CT’s commercial fishermen and allowing CT to maintain the same level of commercial landings in 2018 would result in a 0.1% projected overage (equal to 295 fish or 1,238 pounds).

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The Tautog Technical Committee reviewed CT’s proposed measures (Table 1) and agreed they are not likely to have a negative impact on the LIS stock, but noted that if 2018 harvest increases from 2017, the measures should be reevaluated. The Board approved CT’s proposed measures for the commercial tautog fishery, shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Approved Connecticut Commercial Tautog Measures

Minimum Length (inches)

Bag Limit Season Dates Total Season Days

16 10* 04/01-04/30 07/01-08/3

10/08-12/24

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*Unless holder of a restricted license; then 3 fish For more information, please contact Caitlin Starks, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at [email protected] or 703.842.0740 Motions Move to approve Connecticut’s proposal to implement commercial tautog measures of 16 inch minimum size, 10 fish possession limit for Moratorium License Holders and 3 fish for Restricted Commercial Licenses Holders and open seasons of April 1st through April 30th, July 1st through August 31st and October 8th through December 24th. Motion made by Mr. Davis and seconded by Ms. Davidson. Motion passes without objection. LEGISLATORS AND GOVERNORS’ APPOINTEES (MAY 1, 2018) Meeting Summary The Legislative and Governors’ Appointee Commissioners (LGA) held a lunch meeting to discuss the Commissioner collaboration and cooperation as well as the impacts of recent compliance actions. The LGAs agreed that fishery management is growing increasingly complex with more stakeholders relying on websites and blogs for their information about fisheries science and management. There is a large amount of misinformation on these sites, which detracts from the public’s ability to fully understand the issues. The Commission will need to continue to develop scientifically-based outreach materials to inform the fishing public on pending actions The LGAs also noted the increased level of political pressure that is applied to interstate fisheries management. Many stakeholders are seeking to have their issues addressed through elected officials rather than working through established fisheries management processes. The LGAs agreed to continue this discussion at the Commission’s Summer Meeting in August. For more information, please contact Deke Tompkins, Legislative Executive Assistant, at [email protected] or 703.842.0740.



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ATLANTIC STRIPED BASS MANAGEMENT BOARD (MAY 1, 208) Meeting Summary The Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board met to provide guidance to the Stock Assessment Subcommittee (SAS) regarding the types of biological reference points (BRPs) to pursue in the 2018 Benchmark Stock Assessment. A Board Guidance Work Group (comprised of Board, Advisory Panel (AP) and SAS members) was established in November 2017 to develop guidance recommendations for the Board to consider. To facilitate recommendation development, the Work Group developed a survey to solicit input from all Board and AP members. The survey asked questions regarding the most important values of a quality and viable fishery and overall satisfaction with the state of the stock and management under Amendment 6. In general, the survey was unable to identify an overwhelming majority regarding overall satisfaction with the management of striped bass under Amendment 6, nor with the current management triggers or reference points. That being said, results did indicate that respondents that are not satisfied with the current reference points felt that the spawning stock biomass (SSB) target is too conservative and/or unachievable under current conditions (e.g., environmental conditions or the conditions of predator and prey populations), and that the development of stock-specific reference points were very important to a successful and equitable management program. Results also indicated an interest in revisiting pre-Addendum IV reference points (e.g., SSB and/or fishing mortality (F) levels based during a period when the stock was considered in “good condition”). Accordingly, the Work Group recommended the SAS develop a range of fishing mortality (F) and SSB reference points, including revisiting the current and pre-Addendum IV reference point approaches, and to clarify the various implications of different reference point values to allow the Board to explore the tradeoffs of management objectives and characteristics of a quality fishery. The Work Group also recommended the SAS strive to develop stock-specific reference points where possible. The AP met via conference call to review the survey results and Work Group’s recommendations, and to develop alternative recommendations if warranted. However, there was similarly no overwhelming majority among the AP regarding overall satisfaction with the management program or reference points, and therefore the AP supported the Work Group’s recommendations. Following review, the Board tasked the SAS to develop a range of reference points according to the Work Group’s recommendations and explicitly including a biologically-based threshold for F and SSB. Additionally, the SAS will clarify the various implications of different reference point values to allow the Board to explore the tradeoffs of different management objectives and associated risks levels with each set of reference points. The Board also received a progress update on the 2018 benchmark stock assessment. The benchmark is schedule for peer-review in November 2018 at the 66th SAW/SARC. The first modeling workshop is scheduled for May 15-17, in Providence, Rhode Island, and a second modeling workshop will likely be in late summer or early fall. For more information, please contact Max Appelman, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at [email protected] or 703.842.0740.


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Motions Main Motion Move to task the Stock Assessment Subcommittee to develop a range of fishing mortality and spawning stock biomass reference points as part of the 2018 Benchmark Stock Assessment as recommended by the Board Guidance Work Group. Motion made by Mr. Luisi and seconded by Mr. Clark. Motion to Substitute Move to substitute to task the Stock Assessment Subcommittee to develop biologically-based threshold reference points (F and biomass) that consider the objectives of the FMP. Furthermore, develop a range of target reference points (F and biomass) that would provide a range of risk that the Board would consider in achieving the objectives of the FMP. Motion made by Mr. Grout and seconded by Mr. Keliher. Motion fails (6 in favor, 9 opposed). Main Motion Move to task the Stock Assessment Subcommittee to develop a range of fishing mortality and spawning stock biomass reference points as part of the 2018 Benchmark Stock Assessment as recommended by the Board Guidance Work Group. Motion made by Mr. Luisi and seconded by Mr. Clark. Motion to Amend Move to amend to add “and develop biologically-based threshold reference points (F and biomass) that consider the objectives of the FMP. Furthermore, develop a range of target reference points (F and biomass) that would provide a range of risk that the Board would consider in achieving the objectives of the FMP.” Motion made by Mr. Luisi and seconded by Mr. Grout. Motion passes (12 in favor, 3 opposed). Main Motion as Amended Move to task the Stock Assessment Subcommittee to develop a range of fishing mortality and spawning stock biomass reference points as part of the 2018 Benchmark Stock Assessment as recommended by the Board Guidance Work Group, and develop biologically-based threshold reference points (F and biomass) that consider the objectives of the FMP. Furthermore, develop a range of target reference points (F and biomass) that would provide a range of risk that the Board would consider in achieving the objectives of the FMP. Motion passes unanimously.

ATLANTIC HERRING SECTION (MAY 1, 2018) Meeting Summary At its Spring Meeting, the Atlantic Herring Section reviewed accountability measures in the Atlantic mackerel fishery, considered a Technical Committee (TC) report regarding the spawning re-closure protocol, and approved the 2018 FMP Review.

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First, the Section reviewed accountability measures in the mackerel fishery, specifically the trigger of a zero possession limit once 100% of the mackerel quota is projected to be caught. Given herring and mackerel can mix, even at minimal levels, a zero possession limit for mackerel could hinder the operation of the herring fishery. Staff reviewed actions which have been taken at the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC), including a framework action to consider possession limits of mackerel greater than zero for the remainder of the 2018 year. In addition, through the 2019-2021 specification process, the MAFMC is considering the implementation of trip limits which are progressively implemented as the quota is caught. These actions should provide both short-term and longer-term solutions to the accountability measures in the mackerel fishery. Next, staff presented results of the TC Report which considered sample sizes in the spawning re-closure protocol. In February, the Section had tasked the TC with analyzing methods to scale-up samples of herring below the required 100 fish sample size. This was prompted by concern that samples less than 100 fish, but greater than 90, could not be used in determining the need for a spawning re-closure. The TC recommended that priority be given to the composition of the sample (i.e. the requirement for 25% mature herring in the sample) rather than the size of the sample (i.e. 100 fish). Moreover, the TC expressed comfort with a baseline of 80 fish per sample, as long as the sample still meets the trigger of 25% mature fish. As a result, the Section modified the sampling re-closure protocol to read that a sample is defined as a minimum of 80 randomly selected adult sized fish, with a target of 100 fish, from a fishery dependent or independent source. Finally, the Section approved the 2018 FMP Review, state compliance reports, and de minimis status for New York. For more information, please contact Megan Ware, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at [email protected] or 703.842.0740. Motions Move to have the Atlantic herring spawning re-closure protocol to read that a sample is defined as a minimum of 80 randomly selected adult sized fish, with a target of 100 fish, from a fishery dependent or independent source. Motion made by Mr. Train and seconded by Mr. Kane. Motion carries unanimously. Move to approve the 2018 Atlantic Herring FMP Review, state compliance reports, and de minimis status for New York. Motion made by Mr. Grout and seconded by Mr. Train. Motion passes unanimously.

NORTHERN SHRIMP SECTION (MAY 1, 2018) Meeting Summary The Northern Shrimp Section met to discuss the potential addition of a second issue to Draft Addendum I which would consider extending the fishing season range stipulated in Amendment 3 (December 1 – May 31). The intent of this second issue would be to allow for increased fishing potential on age 4 and 5 fish which have dropped their eggs. After considering egg hatch data which shows that 90% of hatch


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typically occurs by mid-March, the Section decided not to add a second issue to Draft Addendum I given the current fishing season includes April and May. As a result, Draft Addendum I will include a single issue which considers providing states the authority to determine the distribution of quota between gear types. For more information, please contact Megan Ware, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at [email protected] or 703.842.0740. Motions No motions made. ATLANTIC COASTAL COOPERATIVE STATISTICS PROGRAM COORDINATING COUNCIL (MAY 1, 2018) Meeting Summary The ACCSP Coordinating Council met to receive Program and Committee updates and to consider approval of the FY19 Request for Proposals (RFP) package. The draft FY19 RFP package incorporated several new recommendations approved by the Operations and Advisory Committees at their joint annual meeting in Providence last September. These new recommendations included elevating the Biological module to equal standing with the Catch and Effort module so that the maximum primary module score for both of these two modules is 10 points. The Bycatch module continues to carry a maximum primary score of 6 points and the Socioeconomic module a maximum of 4. For secondary module scoring, the Catch & Effort, Biological, and Bycatch modules can earn a maximum of 3 points, while Socioeconomic can earn 1 point. The recommended changes also included: modifying the Other Factors scoring range to 0-3 points, combining the Innovation and New Technology scoring criteria into one, and adding a definition of in-kind to the Funding Decision Document. After reviewing these recommendations, the Coordinating Council approved the FY19 RFP package as recommended by the Operations Committee. The Council also heard a presentation on the challenges associated with stock assessment data timelines and validation procedures. ACCSP will continue to work with other ASMFC staff and the Partners to increase coordination and communication regarding ACCSP provision of data to stock assessment processes. The meeting concluded with a discussion of developing accountability standards to provide consistent guidance for incorporating verification methods into electronic reporting platforms. Council members expressed interest in exploring this topic further at its August meeting. For more information, please contact Mike Cahall, ACCSP Director, at [email protected] or 703.842.0740. Motions Move to accept the FY19 RFP Package as corrected. Motion made by Mr. Brust and seconded by Mr. Boyles. Motion carries.



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ANNUAL AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE (MAY 1, 2018) Press Release

ASMFC Presents Annual Awards of Excellence Arlington, VA - The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission presented Mr. Dan McKiernan, Dr. Larry Jacobson and Colonel Kyle Overturf with its Annual Awards of Excellence for their outstanding contributions to science and law enforcement along the Atlantic coast. “The Atlantic coast has no shortage of skilled and dedicated fisheries policy, science and law enforcement professionals. However, Dan, Larry and Kyle represent the cream of the crop’” said ASMFC Chair Jim Gilmore of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. “The Commission’s 2018 Annual Awards of Excellence reflect a diversity of accomplishments from management to science to law enforcement. It is an honor to provide the 2018 AAE to three exceptional individuals for their contributions to the management and conservation of Atlantic coast fisheries.”

Management & Policy Contributions Mr. Dan McKiernan, Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries Dan McKiernan has been a vital contributor to the Commission’s management and policy programs for over three decades. Throughout his career, he has worked tirelessly to meet the needs of Massachusetts’ fishermen while ensuring the health of the fisheries resources on which they depend. At the management board level, Mr. McKiernan approaches problem solving in a pragmatic, collaborative way. His recipe for success has been one part engagement and one part persuasion, bringing his colleagues together during board meetings or over a friendly meal to make his case for Massachusetts’ position while finding effective solutions to difficult interstate fisheries management problems.

From left: ASMFC Chair Jim Gilmore, AAE Recipients Dan McKiernan and Colonel Kyle Overturf, and ASMFC Executive Director Bob Beal

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Mr. McKiernan’s efforts on the development and adoption of Amendment 1 to the Tautog Fishery Management Plan illustrate his dedication to the collaborative process. Working closely with neighboring Rhode Island officials, he helped to develop uniform rules throughout the region. He was also a staunch advocate of a harvester tagging program to improve tracking of fish in commerce, thereby addressing a longstanding poaching problem in the fishery. Having spent much of his career working on science and management of the lobster fishery, there are few who are more passionate and dedicated to this species. As Chair of the American Lobster Management Board, Mr. McKiernan skillfully led the Board through difficult deliberations regarding the findings of the 2015 benchmark assessment and the future management of the species. In response to the decline of the Southern New England stock, Mr. McKiernan was integral to right-sizing the industry in Lobster Conservation Management Areas 2 (inshore Southern New England) and 3 (offshore waters) to the abundance of the resource. This was accomplished through trap reductions over a six-year period. Mr. McKiernan understands that on-the-water experience and talking to fishermen is a critical component of any fisheries manager job. That is why he has spent considerable time on fishing vessels acquiring the hands-on knowledge and perspective necessary to understand and respect fishermen’s views. Throughout his career, Mr. McKiernan has been a proponent of working with the fishing industry to understand their unique perspective, get advice about management issues, and engage them in cooperative fisheries research. Science, Technical & Advisory Contributions Dr. Larry Jacobson, formerly with NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center Dr. Larry Jacobson has greatly advanced the scientific understanding of American lobster biology through his contributions on the Commission’s American Lobster Stock Assessment Subcommittee. In 2004, Dr. Jacobson was one of the lead model developers for the Lobster Model Technical Review. He played an important role in shifting away from the historical Delury stock assessment model to the current statistical length-based approach developed by Dr. Yong Chen. Dr. Jacobson’s extensive knowledge in population dynamics and statistics, combined with his model programming skills, were invaluable during this transition and the continued development of Dr. Chen’s assessment model. During the 2015 lobster assessment, Dr. Jacobson took over the assessment responsibilities for the Gulf of Maine stock. Under his leadership, the assessment model was substantially improved to incorporate spatial dynamics within a stock and show changes in climate and stock productivity. These improvements allowed for accurate modeling of the Southern New England stock decline, as well as the rapid increase in the combined Gulf of Maine/Georges Bank stocks. The 2015 lobster assessment could not have been completed in a timely fashion without Larry’s skill and commitment. Dr. Jacobson’s willingness to step into a leadership role when needed, his commitment to seeking out and using the best scientific methods available, and his dedication to sharing his knowledge of lobster biology and stock dynamics with his colleagues are several reasons why American lobster is one of our best understood marine species.

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Law Enforcement Contributions Colonel Kyle Overturf, Connecticut Environmental Police Colonel Kyle Overturf exemplifies the lifelong commitment and spirit of public service that is common among his natural resource enforcement peers. Growing up hunting and fishing, Colonel Overturf learned the “game warden” lifestyle firsthand from his father, who served 25 years with Connecticut’s Environmental Police. Colonel Overturf began his law enforcement career in 1986, serving as a Conservation Enforcement Officer in the Central Marine Sector for the State Environmental Police. Progressing through his career, Colonel Overturf was promoted to Sergeant, then to Eastern District Supervisor in Recreational Law Enforcement. He later went on to serve as Captain and Commander of the State’s Western and Marine Districts. In recognition of his leadership and professionalism, Colonel Overturf was promoted to Colonel in 2010 and continues to lead the Connecticut Environmental Conservation Police as Director. That leadership and professionalism has been reflected in Colonel Overturf’s work throughout his career, where he has focused on the mentoring, instruction and professional development of fellow marine and conservation officers. Colonel Overturf has served as an instructor at the Connecticut Police Academy and currently serves as an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Connecticut, where he teaches Conservation Law Enforcement. He has been a leader in resource conservation at regional and national levels, serving in the National Association of Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs, including as President of the Northeast Association of Chiefs. He supported the development of an enforcement group within the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and for many years has been a positive presence on the Commission’s Law Enforcement Committee. Colonel Overturf served as Law Enforcement Committee Chair from 2011-2013. Reflecting his concern for professional development and training in the field of marine and conservation enforcement, Colonel Overturf has been a staunch advocate and supporter of a nationwide Conservation Law Enforcement Leadership Academy, administered through the National Association of Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs and with support from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. He serves on the Academy Steering Team and was a member of the first graduating class in 2014. He actively encourages and supports future leaders through this program, carrying on a tradition of care and passion for protecting all our natural resources that was bestowed on him by his father.

### PR18-13

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (MAY 2, 2018) Meeting Summary The Executive Committee met to discuss a number of issues. It approved the FY2019 budget. The Committee discussed recent concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the Commission’s financial disclosure policy. The Committee agreed that no changes are needed to the policy at this time and any concerns about conflicts of interest would be considered individually. The Committee revisited a previous decision to allow ongoing proxies to serve in Commission leadership roles. Based on further

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review of the Commission Compact, the Executive Committee modified the guidance to allow only Commissioners and permanent proxies to serve in leadership roles. The Committee received a report on the future scope of state involvement in recreational data collection. The Committee requested additional information on the staffing and workload associated with additional MRIP data collection tasks for consideration at a future meeting.

At its February meeting, the Committee discussed potential updates to the Appeal Process. An update on potential updates was presented and this issue will be added to the agenda in August.

The Committee received a report on future annual meetings locations and dates. The Committee also conducted the annual performance review of its Executive Director. For more information, please contact Laura Leach, Director of Finance & Administration, at [email protected] or 703.842.0740.

Motions On behalf of the AOC, I move approval of the FY19 Budget as presented. Motion made by Mr. Abbott on behalf of the Administrative Oversight Committee. Motion passes unanimously. Move that we rescind our prior decision about ongoing proxies serving as officers. Motion made by Mr. Boyles and seconded by Dr. McNamee. Motion passes unanimously. ATLANTIC MENHADEN MANAGEMENT BOARD (MAY 2, 2018) Press Release ASMFC to Notify the Commonwealth of Virginia of Potential Noncompliance Action

Arlington, VA – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Atlantic Menhaden Management Board initiated a noncompliance finding in response to the Commonwealth of Virginia’s failure to fully implement the mandatory provisions of Amendment 3 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan. Specifically, the Commonwealth has not established the Chesapeake Bay reduction fishery cap of 51,000 mt. Rather than forwarding that finding to the Commission’s Interstate Fisheries Management Program Policy Board, the Board postponed action on the noncompliance finding until the Commission’s Summer Meeting in August 2018. In the interim, the Board has requested the Commission send a letter to the Commonwealth of Virginia stating its intent to consider the noncompliance finding in August if the Commonwealth has not implemented Amendment 3’s Chesapeake Bay reduction fishery cap. Staff will monitor the fishery and inform the Board if harvest is approaching 51,000 mt in the Bay. There are several reasons why the Board postponed action. The Commonwealth’s General Assembly, which oversees Atlantic menhaden management in Virginia, is still in session and has an opportunity to implement the 51,000 mt Bay cap. The reduction fishery is just beginning for the year and is highly unlikely to exceed the Bay cap prior to August given the performance of the fishery for the past five years (i.e., reduction fishery in the Chesapeake Bay has been significantly below 51,000 mt over that time period).


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Upon notification by the Commission of a noncompliance finding, the Secretary of Commerce has 30 days to review the recommendation and determine appropriate action, which may include a federal moratorium on fishing for Atlantic menhaden in Virginia’s state waters. For more information, please contact Max Appelman, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at [email protected] or 703.842.0740.

### PR18-14

Meeting Summary The Atlantic Menhaden Management approved the Terms of Reference for the 2019 Atlantic menhaden single-species and ecosystem-based benchmark stock assessments and peer-reviews, and approved Stock Assessment Subcommittee membership which will conduct the single-species benchmark. The Board also approved the 2018 Fishery Management Plan (FMP) Review for the 2017 fishing season, and de minimis status for New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. The FMP Review included a review of state implementation plans for Amendment 3. The Plan Review Team determined that each state implemented the requirements of Amendment 3, with one exception: Virginia’s 2018 harvest reduction cap for the Chesapeake Bay is higher than that permitted under Amendment 3. Following review, the Board initiated a motion to find Virginia out of compliance for failing to fully implement the provisions of Amendment 3. However, the motion was ultimately postponed to the August Meeting, and in the interim, the Board requested the Commission send a letter to the Commonwealth of Virginia stating its intent to consider the noncompliance finding in August (see above press release for more details). For more information, please contact Max Appelman, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at [email protected] or 703.842.0740. Motions Move to approve the Terms of Reference for the 2019 Atlantic Menhaden Single Species Benchmark Stock Assessment and Peer Review. Motion made by Mr. Boyles and seconded by Ms. Patterson. Motion carries unanimously. Move to approve the Atlantic Menhaden Stock Assessment Subcommittee Membership. Motion made by Ms. Patterson and seconded by Mr. Miller. Motion carries unanimously. Move to approve the Terms of Reference for the 2019 Atlantic Menhaden Ecosystem-based Benchmark Stock Assessment and Peer Review. Motion made by Mr. Boyles and seconded by Mr. Ballou. Motion carries unanimously. Move to accept the 2018 Fishery Management Plan Review for Atlantic Menhaden and approve de minimis status for New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Motion made by Ms. Patterson and seconded by Mr. Kane. Motion carries unanimously.


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Move the Atlantic Menhaden Board recommend to the ISFMP Policy Board that the Commonwealth of Virginia be found out of compliance for not fully and effectively implementing and enforcing Amendment 3 to the Atlantic Menhaden Fishery Management Plan if the State does not implement the following measure from section 4.3.7 (Chesapeake Bay Reduction Fishery Cap) of Amendment 3: The annual total allowable harvest from the Chesapeake Bay by the reduction fishery is limited to no more than 51,000 mt. Motion made by Mr. Batsavage and seconded by Mr. Estes. Motion made postponed until August Meeting. Move to postpone to the August Commission Meeting Week and in the interim send a letter to the Commonwealth of Virginia detailing the contents of the postponed motion. Motion made by Mr. Keliher and seconded by Mr. Borden. Motion carries (16 in favor, 2 abstentions). AMERICAN LOBSTER MANAGEMENT BOARD (MAY 2, 2018) Meeting Summary The American Lobster Management Board met to analyze Lobster Conservation Management Team (LCMT) proposals to reduce latent effort, reviewed a report from the Law Enforcement Committee (LEC) regarding the enforceability of ropeless fishing in the lobster fishery, and heard a staff update on Draft Addendum XXVII. First, the Board reviewed proposals submitted by LCMTs 4, 5, and 6 intended to reduce latent effort in the fishery. This discussion was in response to a Southern New England (SNE) workgroup memo which considered future management of the SNE stock following the Board’s decision not to move forward with Addendum 25. The proposals submitted by LCMTs 4, 5, and 6 considered a variety of response levels (no action, reductions from current levels, reductions after a trigger) and included varying definitions of latent vs. active effort. Given the on-going 2020 Stock Assessment, continuing work on Draft Addendum 27, and on-going discussions regarding the status of the Atlantic right whale, the Board decided to not take action on the LCMT proposals at this time. Next, a representative of the LEC reviewed the Committee’s discussion regarding the enforceability of ropeless fishing in the lobster fishery. Overall, the LEC expressed significant concerns about the enforceability of the technology, as presented. Specific concerns included the inability to enforce current lobster regulations (i.e. vent sizes, trap allocations), additional costs and time associated with inspecting gear, the secure storage of location information, limitations on the ability to conduct covert operations, and the fact that all vessels, including mobile gear, would need to acquire an acoustic modem to determine where fixed gear is located. Finally, staff provided an update regarding the development of Draft Addendum XXVII, which was initiated to increase the resiliency of the Gulf of Maine/Georges Bank (GOM/GBK) stock. For more information, please contact Megan Ware, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at [email protected] or 703.842.0740.


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Motions No motions made. WINTER FLOUNDER MANAGEMENT BOARD (MAY 2, 2018) Meeting Summary At its Spring Meeting, the Winter Flounder Management Board reviewed a proposal by Rhode Island to implement aggregate weekly limits in the Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic (SNE/MA) commercial winter flounder fishery. The proposal was intended to provide greater equity between state and federally permitted fishermen given directed fishing is permitted in federal waters but there is a 50 lb daily possession limit in state waters. Analysis by the Technical Committee (TC) indicated that there are currently low levels of targeted fishing effort in the SNE/MA commercial fishery by state permitted fishermen. In addition, projections suggested that an aggregate weekly limit could alter fishermen behavior and increase landings in the fishery. Given the SNE/MA stock is depleted and the 50 lb possession limit was intended to achieve the lowest possible fishing mortality, the Board did not approve the proposal for aggregate weekly limits. As a result, a 50 lb daily possession limit remains in state waters for the SNE/MA commercial winter flounder fishery. For more information, please contact Megan Ware, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at [email protected] or 703.842.0740. Motions Move to accept the RI proposal allowing any SNE/MA state to enact, as a 2 year state-enacted pilot program, a permit program allowing for a 250 lb weekly aggregate limit subject to daily reporting requirements, VMS and background checks. Motion made by Mr. Ballou seconded by Mr. White. Motion fails (Roll Call: In Favor – ME, RI; Opposed – NH, MA, CT, NJ, NMFS, USFWS; Null – NY). INTERSTATE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PROGRAM POLICY BOARD (MAY 3, 2018) Meeting Summary The Interstate Fisheries Management Program Policy Board (Policy Board) considered the Northern Region’s black sea bass appeal and received reports from the Executive, Artificial Reef and Law Enforcement Committees. The Policy Board was provided an overview of the Appeal Process and the specifics of the appeal brought forward by the states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York regarding the 2018 recreational measures approved as a result of Addendum XXX. During the Board’s deliberations, the states, collectively referred to as the Northern Region, presented a potential management program for the 2018 black sea bass recreational fishery to replace the allocations specified in Addendum XXX. In support of the proposed management program, the Policy Board directed the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Management Board to approve the 2018 recreational black sea bass regulations 2018 as presented, as well as initiate new management action for the 2019 black sea bass recreational fishery and tasked the Plan Development Team to develop a white paper to consider the


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impacts of changes in black sea bass abundance and distribution to the management of commercial and recreational fisheries (see press release under Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea bass Board below for more details). ASMFC Chair Jim Gilmore provided an overview of the Executive Committee meeting earlier in the week (see Executive Committee meeting summary for more details). Dr. Lisa Havel provided an update on the Artificial Reef Committee, which met jointly with the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Artificial Reefs Subcommittee in February. Both groups discussed the success of the 2017 Artificial Reef Symposium at the American Fisheries Society Meeting in Tampa, Florida. Dr. Havel represented the Commission on the steering committee for the symposium. The groups also discussed the state of historical resource reviews for artificial reef permits, progress on BP-funded reef projects in the Gulf of Mexico, compared state SCUBA diving programs, and were provided a presentation on collecting reef use data using aerial surveys. There was a guest presentation on sea turtle considerations in reef module designs. Each state also provided updates. ASMFC will host the next meeting, which will take place in early 2019. The Committee plans to create a document containing each state’s artificial reef monitoring protocols, which can be used to aid in monitoring standardization along the coast. Per the request of the Policy Board, Dr. Havel will work with the Committee to look into artificial reef and recreational fishing potential in the planned wind farms off the Atlantic coast. Law Enforcement (LEC) Committee Coordinator Mark Robson updated the Board on the activities of the LEC (see LEC meeting summary). Based on a LEC recommendation, the Commission will send a letter of support to NOAA Fisheries to continue funding Joint Enforcement Agreements, which was zeroed out in the 2019 Presidents Budget Request. The Board will also send a letter to NOAA Fisheries asking for continued development on ropeless fishing technologies to address concerns raised by both the LEC and the American Lobster Management Board, and to pursue other actions to protect right whales. Kelly Denit (NOAA Fisheries) presented an update on the Marine Recreational Information Program’s (MRIP) transition to the Fishing Effort Survey (FES). The FES replaces the coastal household telephone survey and provides a more accurate estimates of fishing effort. As part of the transition to FES side-by-side benchmarking occurred where it was found: (1) estimates from the FES are several times higher than those from the CHTS; and (2) on average, the private boat estimates were almost three times higher, and in the shore mode, they were about five times higher. This varied by mode, state, and wave, so in some cases they were higher, and in others they were lower. The Transition Plan was developed by NOAA Fisheries, the states, Councils, and the Interstate Commissions. The Plan outlined a series of steps necessary to make a smooth transition from the CHTS to the FES: (1) side-by-side benchmarking to compare results from the two surveys, which has been completed; (2) develop and peer review a calibration model to go between the Fishing Effort Survey and the CHTS, which has been completed; (3) adjust the angler intercept survey and develop and peer review a calibration model to go between the Fishing Effort Survey and the CHTS, which has been completed; and (4) re-estimate total catch, which will be incorporated into stock assessments and management decisions. Members of the Board commend MRIP staff for their work on these very important changes to MRIP. For more information, please contact Toni Kerns, ISFMP Director, at [email protected] or 703.842.0740.


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Motions I move, based on the discussion today and the Northern Region Appeal, that the ISFMP Policy Board direct the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Management Board to: (1) address the northward shift in black sea bass abundance and distribution by initiating management actions to manage the recreational and commercial fisheries based on the distribution of the resource along with any other options recommended by the Management Board. The Policy Board requests a new action to address the 2019 recreational fishery, but recognizes that it may take more time to consider options for the commercial fishery; and (2) approve the recreational black sea bass regulations for 2018 as presented today. Motion made by Dr. Pierce and seconded by Mr. Hasbrouck. Motion didvided. Move to divide items 1 and 2. Motion made by Mr. Nowalsky and seconded by Mr. Abbott. Motion carries (8 in favor, 6 opposed, 2 abstentions). Divided Main Motion Part 1 I move, based on the discussion today and the Northern Region Appeal, that the ISFMP Policy Board direct the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Management Board to:

• address the northward shift in black sea bass abundance and distribution by initiating management actions to manage the recreational and commercial fisheries based on the distribution of the resource along with any other options recommended by the Management Board. The Policy Board requests a new action to address the 2019 recreational fishery, but recognizes that it may take more time to consider options for the commercial fishery.

Motion substituted. Motion to Substitute Move to substitute, based on the discussion today and the Northern Region Appeal, that the ISFMP Policy Board direct the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Management Board to:

• address the changes in black sea bass abundance and distribution by initiating management actions to consider management based on the distribution of the resource along with any other options recommended by the Management Board. The Policy Board requests a new action to address the 2019 recreational fishery.

• task the plan development team to develop a white paper that would identify the actions of considering the changes in the black sea bass abundance for future commercial and recreational management actions.

Motion made by Mr. Gilmore and seconded by Mr. Reid. Motion passes (16 in favor, 1 null). Divided Main Motion Part 1 as Substituted Move, based on the discussion today and the Northern Region Appeal, that the ISFMP Policy Board direct the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Management Board to:

• address the changes in black sea bass abundance and distribution by initiating management actions to consider management based on the distribution of the resource along with any

25

other options recommended by the Management Board. The Policy Board requests a new action to address the 2019 recreational fishery.

• task the plan development team to develop a white paper that would identify the actions of considering the changes in the black sea bass abundance for future commercial and recreational management actions.

Motion passes without objection (null vote by NC). Divided Main Motion Part 2 I move, based on the discussion today and the Northern Region Appeal, that the ISFMP Policy Board direct the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Management Board to:

• approve the recreational black sea bass regulations for 2018 as presented today. Motion passes without objection.

Note: cells are shaded to help with table readability and do not indicate regional alignment.

Table 1. State by State Black Sea Bass Recreational Measures for 2018

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SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP AND BLACK SEA BASS MANAGEMENT BOARD (MAY 3, 2018) Press Release

Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Management Board Revises Northern Region Recreational Management Measures

Arlington, VA – Upon the direction of the Commission’s Interstate Fisheries Management Program (ISFMP) Policy Board, the Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Management Board approved revised 2018 recreational measures for the Northern Region states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York (see Table 1). Further, the Board initiated new management action for the 2019 black sea bass recreational fishery and tasked the Plan Development Team to develop a white paper to consider the impacts of changes in black sea bass abundance and distribution to the management of commercial and recreational fisheries.

This action is taken in response to a Northern Region state appeal of the approved 2018 recreational measures under Addendum XXX. The appeal argued the Board’s action under Addendum XXX incorrectly applied technical data and was inconsistent with the Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan. After reviewing the appeal, Commission Leadership agreed there was adequate justification to bring portions of the appeal forward to the ISFMP Policy Board.

Table 1. State by State Black Sea Bass Recreational Measures for 2018

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During the ISFMP Policy Board’s deliberations regarding consideration of the appeal, a potential management program for the 2018 black sea bass recreational fishery was presented to replace the allocations specified in Addendum XXX. The revised management program was developed to meet the needs of the Northern Region without impacting the remaining states, while still constraining harvest to the 2018 recreational harvest limit of 3.66 million pounds. For more information, please contact Caitlin Starks, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at [email protected] or 703.842.0740.

### PR18-15

Motions On behalf of the Policy Board, stemming from the resolution of the appeal to Addendum XXX submitted by the states of MA, RI, CT, and NY, move to: 1) approve the 2018 recreational black sea bass regulations and make the necessary changes to Addendum XXX consistent with these regulations; 2) develop a new action for the 2019 recreational fishery to address the changes in black sea bass abundance and distribution that consider management based on the distribution of the resource along with any other options recommended by the Management Board; 3) task the plan development team to develop a white paper that would identify the actions of considering the changes in the black sea bass abundance for future commercial and recreational management actions. Motion made by Mr. Keliher on behalf of the ISFMP Policy Board. Motion carries without objection (2 abstentions – NOAA and USFWS; one null – NC) SOUTH ATLANTIC STATE/FEDERAL FISHERIES MANAGEMENT BOARD (MAY 3, 2018) Press Release

ASMFC South Atlantic State/Federal Fisheries Management Board Approves Addendum I to the Black Drum Fishery Management Plan

Arlington, VA – The Commission’s South Atlantic State/Federal Fisheries Management Board approved Addendum I to the Black Drum Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The Addendum allows Maryland to reopen its black drum commercial fishery in the Chesapeake Bay with a daily vessel limit of up to 10 fish and a 28-inch minimum size. In the late 1990s, Maryland closed its Bay commercial black drum fishery in order to conduct a tagging and migration study. The fishery was not reopened after the study. In 2013, the Black Drum FMP extended this closure by requiring states to maintain management measures in place at the time of the FMP’s approval. In approving Addendum I, the Board considered the status of the resource, which is not overfished nor experiencing overfishing, and the estimated relatively small size of the reopened commercial fishery. When the fishery was open in the 1970s under more liberal management than that in Addendum I, it


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was a small scale fishery with an average annual harvest of 11,475 pounds. Over the next year, Maryland will develop a management program for the commercial fishery with implementation by April 1, 2019. The Addendum will be available on the Commission’s website, www.asmfc.org (under Black Drum). For more information, please contact Dr. Mike Schmidtke, FMP Coordinator, at [email protected] or 703.842.0740.

### PR18-16

Meeting Summary The South Atlantic State/Federal Fisheries Management Board met to consider approval of Draft Addendum I to the Black Drum Fishery Management Plan (see above press release), review recommendations regarding changes to the traffic light analyses for spot and Atlantic croaker, and discuss next steps in the transfer of management authority for Atlantic migratory group cobia from federal management under the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) and Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council to the Commission. The Board revisited its discussion from the Winter 2018 Meeting concerning the Atlantic Croaker Technical Committee’s (TC) and Spot Plan Review Team’s (PRT) review of the annual traffic light analyses (TLA) for Atlantic croaker and spot. The TLA assigns a color (red, yellow, or green) to categorize relative levels of indicators on the condition of the fish population (abundance metric) or fishery (harvest metric). For example, as harvest or abundance increases relative to its long-term mean, the proportion of green in a given year will increase and as harvest or abundance decreases, the amount of red in that year will increase. The Board annually evaluates amounts of red against threshold levels to potentially trigger management action. Recent years of data have shown conflicting trends in the harvest and abundance metrics for Atlantic croaker and spot, with harvest on the decline and abundance increasing. Typically, harvest and abundance would be expected to show similar trends in the absence of changes in harvest effort or efficiency, neither of which seem to be responsible for the recent trends. Therefore, the TC and PRT were tasked to review the TLAs for Atlantic croaker and spot to determine any adjustments that could improve these analyses. The TC recommended several adjustments, including use of additional abundance survey indices, region-specific analyses, age-proportioning of abundance indices, updated reference periods, and a new management-triggering mechanism. The Board postponed a motion to initiate an addendum that would incorporate these adjustments until the Summer 2018 Meeting, when the TLAs for the 2017 fishing year will be reviewed. The Board also received updates on the SEDAR 58 Stock Identification and Benchmark Stock Assessment processes for Atlantic migratory group cobia. A Stock Identification Workshop was held in April 2018. Results from this workshop will be reviewed at the Peer Review Workshop in June 2018. The Board reviewed draft Terms of Reference (ToR) and a preliminary schedule for the benchmark stock assessment process, which is scheduled to begin in fall of 2018. The SAFMC will approve the ToRs and schedule at its June 2018 meeting.

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The Board also initiated an amendment to the Atlantic Cobia FMP that will reflect the removal of Atlantic cobia from the joint SAFMC and Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council Coastal Migratory Pelagics (CMP) FMP and establish recommendations for measures in federal waters. At its June meeting, the SAFMC will take final action on Amendment 31, which would remove Atlantic cobia from their CMP FMP and allow the Commission to assume sole management authority. If Amendment 31 is approved, the Commission would request management measures to be implemented by NOAA Fisheries in federal waters. The first step of the Commission’s amendment process is development of a draft Public Information Document (PID), which describes management options that should be considered in the draft amendment. The Board will review the draft PID at its Summer 2018 Meeting to determine whether the document is ready to be released for public comment. For more information, please contact Dr. Mike Schmidtke, FMP Coordinator, at [email protected] or 703.842.0740. Motions Move to approve Management Option 2: reopen Maryland’s commercial fishery for black drum in the Chesapeake Bay with a daily vessel limit of up to 10 fish and a 28 inch minimum total length size limit. Motion made by Ms. Fegley and seconded by Mr. Haymans. Motion carries without objection. Move to approve Addendum I to the Black Drum Interstate Fishery Management Plan as modified with an implementation date of April 1, 2019. Motion made by Ms. Fegley and seconded by Mr. Estes. Motion carries without objection. Move to initiate an addendum to the spot and croaker fishery management plans that incorporates the new traffic light analyses and management response to those analyses. Motion made by Mr. Batsavage and seconded by Mr. Gary. Motion postponed until August meeting. Move to postpone the motion until the August meeting. Motion made by Ms. Fegley and seconded by Mr. Nowalsky. Motion carries without opposition. Move to initiate an amendment to reflect the removal of Atlantic cobia from the joint South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council Coastal Migratory Pelagics Fishery Management Plan and establish recommendations for measures in federal waters. Motion made by Mr. Haymans and seconded by Dr. Rhodes. Motion passes without objection.


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1050 N. Highland Street • Suite 200A-N • Arlington, VA 22201 703.842.0740 • 703.842.0741 (fax) • www.asmfc.org

Vision: Sustainably Managing Atlantic Coastal Fisheries

MEMORANDUM

June 22, 2018

TO: Commissioners; Proxies; American Eel Management Board; Atlantic Herring Section; Atlantic Menhaden Management Board; Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board; Atlantic Sturgeon Management Board; Coastal Sharks Management Board; Executive Committee; ISFMP Policy Board; South Atlantic State/Federal Fisheries Management Board; Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Management Board

FROM: Robert E. Beal Executive Director

RE: ASMFC Summer Meeting: August 7-9, 2018 (TA 18-097)

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Summer Meeting will be held August 7-9, 2018 at The Westin Crystal City. A brief, preliminary agenda and directions to the hotel are included with this memorandum. Transportation options are included in the hotel directions. Materials will be available on July 25, 2018 on the Commission website at http://www.asmfc.org/home/2018-summer-meeting.

A block of rooms is being held at The Westin Crystal City, 1800 S. Eads Street, Arlington, VA 22202. Cindy Robertson will make Commissioner/Proxy reservations and will contact you regarding the details of your accommodations. Please notify Cindy of any changes to your travel plans that will impact your hotel reservations, otherwise you will incur no-show penalties. We greatly appreciate your cooperation. For all other attendees, please reserve online via Star Group Website at http://www.starwoodhotels.com/ or call The Westin Crystal City at 703.486.1111 as soon as possible and mention the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to obtain the group room rate of $175.00 plus tax single/dbl. Please be aware you must guarantee your room reservation with a major credit card or one night's advance payment. Hotel reservations must be made by Monday, July 9, 2018. Room availability will not be guaranteed beyond this date. If you are being reimbursed by ASMFC for your travel, please make your reservation directly with the hotel as reservations made through travel websites do not apply toward our minimum number of required reservations with the hotel. Please note, cancellations at The Westin must be made by 4:00 p.m. two days prior to arrival to avoid penalty and an early departure fee of $100 will apply when checking out prior to the confirmed date. If you have any problems at all regarding accommodations please contact Cindy at 703.842.0740 or at [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you at the Summer Meeting. If the staff or I can provide any further assistance to you, please call us at 703.842.0740. Encl.: Preliminary Agenda, Hotel Directions, TA 18-097, Travel Reimbursement Guidelines

James J. Gilmore, Jr. (NY), Chair Patrick C. Keliher (ME), Vice-Chair Robert E. Beal, Executive Director

http://www.asmfc.org/

http://www.asmfc.org/home/2018-summer-meeting

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/


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Public Comment Guidelines

With the intent of developing policies in the Commission’s procedures for public participation that result in a fair opportunity for public input, the ISFMP Policy Board has approved the following guidelines for use at management board meetings: For issues that are not on the agenda, management boards will continue to provide opportunity to the public to bring matters of concern to the board’s attention at the start of each board meeting. Board chairs will use a speaker sign-up list in deciding how to allocate the available time on the agenda (typically 10 minutes) to the number of people who want to speak. For topics that are on the agenda, but have not gone out for public comment, board chairs will provide limited opportunity for comment, taking into account the time allotted on the agenda for the topic. Chairs will have flexibility in deciding how to allocate comment opportunities; this could include hearing one comment in favor and one in opposition until the chair is satisfied further comment will not provide additional insight to the board. For agenda action items that have already gone out for public comment, it is the Policy Board’s intent to end the occasional practice of allowing extensive and lengthy public comments. Currently, board chairs have the discretion to decide what public comment to allow in these circumstances. In addition, the following timeline has been established for the submission of written comment for issues for which the Commission has NOT established a specific public comment period (i.e., in response to proposed management action).

1. Comments received 3 weeks prior to the start of a meeting week will be included in the briefing materials.

2. Comments received by 5:00 PM on the Tuesday immediately preceding the scheduled ASMFC Meeting (in this case, the Tuesday deadline will be July 31, 2018) will be distributed electronically to Commissioners/Board members prior to the meeting and a limited number of copies will be provided at the meeting.

3. Following the Tuesday, July 31, 2018 5:00 PM deadline, the commenter will be responsible for distributing the information to the management board prior to the board meeting or providing enough copies for the management board consideration at the meeting (a minimum of 50 copies).

The submitted comments must clearly indicate the commenter’s expectation from the ASMFC staff regarding distribution. As with other public comment, it will be accepted via mail, fax, and email.


Summer Meeting August 7 – 9, 2018

The Westin Crystal City Arlington, Virginia

of 5; 18-052

Preliminary Agenda

The agenda is subject to change. Bulleted items represent the anticipated major issues to be discussed or acted upon at the meeting. The final agenda will include additional items and may revise the bulleted items provided below. The agenda reflects the current estimate of time required for scheduled Board meetings. The Commission may adjust this agenda in accordance with the actual duration of Board meetings. Interested parties should anticipate Boards starting earlier or later than indicated herein. Tuesday, August 7 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. Executive Committee

(A portion of this meeting may be a closed session for Committee members and Commissioners only) • Consider Changes to the Appeals Process • Update on Right Whale Lawsuit • Update on Federal Appropriations • Discuss the Commission’s Role in Aquaculture Activities • Discuss Development and Use of Ecosystem Reports • Review White Paper on Future Scope of Recreational Data Collection

Programs 10:15 a.m. – Noon Atlantic Herring Section

• Review and Consider Approval of 2018 Benchmark Stock Assessment for Management Use

• Discuss Recent New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) Action on 2018 Quotas

• Reconsider ASMFC 2018 Sub-Annual Catch Limits • Provide Recommendation to NEFMC for 2019-2021 Fishery Specifications

Noon – 1:00 p.m. Lunch (On Your Own) 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Atlantic Herring Section (continued) 2:15 – 3:15 p.m. NOAA Fisheries Presentation on Revised Recreational Catch Histories Resulting

from Changes to the Marine Recreational Information Program Survey

of 5; 18-052

3:30 – 5:00 p.m. Atlantic Menhaden Management Board

• Consider Postponed Motion from May Board Meeting: Move the Atlantic Menhaden Board recommend to the ISFMP Policy Board that the Commonwealth of Virginia be found out of compliance for not fully and effectively implementing and enforcing Amendment 3 to the Atlantic Menhaden Fishery Management Plan if the State does not implement the following measure from section 4.3.7 (Chesapeake Bay Reduction Fishery Cap) of Amendment 3: The annual total allowable harvest from the Chesapeake Bay by the reduction fishery is limited to no more than 51,000 mt. Motion by Mr. Batsavage; second by Mr. Estes. • Elect Vice-Chair

Wednesday, August 8 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. American Eel Management Board

• Consider Addendum V for Final Approval • Review Maine Aquaculture Proposal

10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Atlantic Sturgeon Management Board

• NOAA Fisheries Update on 5-year Status Review of the Endangered Species Act Listing and Recovery Plan

• Review Technical Committee Report Regarding Highest Priority Data Sources for Stock Assessment

• Consider Approval of 2018 Fishery Management Plan Review and State Compliance Reports

12:15 – 1:00 p.m. Lunch (Provided for Commissioners, Proxies and Board Members) 1:00 – 2:15 p.m. Coastal Sharks Management Board

• Review of Draft Addendum V for Adjusting Coastal Shark Regulations Annually • Update on NOAA Fisheries Highly Migratory Species Draft Amendment 11 • Discuss Best Practices for Safe Handling and Release of Coastal Sharks from

Shore Sites 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Management Board

• Working Group Progress Report on Strategic Plan for Black Sea Bass Management

• Discuss Options for 2019 Black Sea Bass and Summer Flounder Recreational Management

• Consider Approval of 2017 Fishery Management Plan Reviews and State Compliance Reports for Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass

of 5; 18-052

4:45 – 5:30 p.m. Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board

• Consider Approval of 2018 Fishery Management Plan Review and State Compliance Reports

• Update on the Benchmark Stock Assessment Progress • Elect Vice-Chair

Thursday, August 9 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. Interstate Fisheries Management Program Policy Board

• Executive Committee Update • Review Annual Performance of the Stocks • Update on Risk and Uncertainty Policy • Discuss the Commission’s Role in Aquaculture Activities • Update on the Northeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program • Update on the Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership • Review Progress on Horseshoe Crab and Shad Benchmark Stock Assessments • Review Noncompliance Findings, If Necessary

10:30 – 11:00 a.m. Business Session

• Review Noncompliance Findings, If Necessary 11:15 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. South Atlantic State/Federal Fisheries Management Board (Lunch will be provided at an appropriate break time during this meeting)

• Review Progress on 2018 Traffic Light Analyses for Atlantic Croaker and Spot • Consider Postponed Motion to Initiate an Addendum to the Spot and Atlantic

Croaker Fishery Management Plans that Incorporate the New Traffic Light Analyses and Management Responses to Those Analyses

• Consider Approval of Public Information Document for Amendment 1 to the Cobia Fishery Management Plan for Public Comment

• Consider Approval of 2018 Fishery Management Plan Review and State Compliance Reports for Atlantic Croaker and Red Drum

• Elect Vice-Chair

June 2018 Council Meeting Summary June 5 - 7, 2018 Philadelphia, PA

The following summary highlights actions taken and issues considered at the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s June 2018 meeting in Philadelphia, PA. Presentations, briefing materials, and webinar recordings are available on the Council website at www.mafmc.org/briefing/june-2018.

Surfclams and Ocean Quahogs Excessive Shares Amendment The Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Committee met to review the draft recommendations on alternatives for the Excessive Shares Amendment developed by the Fishery Management Action Team (FMAT) (available here). The Committee recommended an additional alternative to be added to the set of alternatives developed by the FMAT and instructed the FMAT to continue development of the alternatives for inclusion in the Public Hearing Draft. The Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Advisory Panel (AP) members will have an opportunity to comment on the Public Hearing Draft before the Council meets again to approve this document for public hearings.

2019 Specification Review Next year the surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries will be in the second year of multi-year specifications previously set for the 2018-2020 fishing years. The Council reviewed updated catch and landings information for both stocks, as well as recommendations from staff, the surfclam and ocean quahog AP, and the SSC, and determined that no changes are warranted. The Council also voted to recommend suspending the minimum shell length for surfclams in 2019. These specifications are described in detail in the final rule published February 6, 2018: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/02/06/2018-02321/fisheries-of-the-northeastern-united-states-atlantic-surfclam-and-ocean-quahog-fishery-2018-2020

Atlantic Mackerel Closure Framework The Council met for a second meeting to discuss and take final action on the Atlantic Mackerel Closure Framework. This framework was initiated in April 2018 in response to concerns about the possible effects of an Atlantic mackerel closure on the herring fishery. Currently, the Atlantic mackerel fishery is projected to reach 100% of its quota at some point in late 2018. Under current regulations, a zero-possession limit will take effect once the quota is reached. During this meeting, the Council voted to recommend that NOAA Fisheries implement a 5,000 pound trip limit when 100% of the commercial quota is reached. This limit appears likely to minimize negative impacts from a zero-possession limit on the Atlantic herring fishery while likely avoiding an ACL overage for the Atlantic mackerel fishery.

Chub Mackerel Amendment The Council received an update on the Chub Mackerel Amendment and reviewed a fishery performance report developed by the Mackerel, Squid, Butterfish (MSB) Advisory Panel. The Council also reviewed recommendations from the FMAT, the MSB Advisory Panel, and the MSB Committee regarding amendment goals and objectives and other issues being considered as part of this action. The Council approved two modifications to the draft goals and objectives recommended by the Committee. These goals and objectives will be included in a public hearing document.

http://www.mafmc.org/briefing/june-2018

http://www.mafmc.org/actions/scoq-excessive-shares-amendment

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/511cdc7fe4b00307a2628ac6/t/5b04a80f8a922da81bb721ee/1527031839754/Tab02_Surfclam-and-Ocean-Quahog-Excessive-Shares-Amd.pdf

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/02/06/2018-02321/fisheries-of-the-northeastern-united-states-atlantic-surfclam-and-ocean-quahog-fishery-2018-2020

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/02/06/2018-02321/fisheries-of-the-northeastern-united-states-atlantic-surfclam-and-ocean-quahog-fishery-2018-2020

http://www.mafmc.org/actions/atlantic-mackerel-closure-provisions-framework


http://www.mafmc.org/actions/chub-mackerel-amendment

June 2018 Council Meeting Summary

2

Summer Flounder Commercial Issues Amendment The Council approved a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Summer Flounder Commercial Issues Amendment. The Council and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission had previously approved a public hearing document at their joint meeting in April 2018. The amendment DEIS will be submitted to NMFS for review, followed by public hearings tentatively scheduled to begin in September 2018.

Atlantic Herring Amendment 8 The New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) hosted a public hearing on Amendment 8 to the Atlantic Herring FMP. Amendment 8 addresses several goals: (1) To account for the role of Atlantic herring within the ecosystem, including its role as forage; (2) To stabilize the fishery at a level designed to achieve optimum yield; and (3) To address localized depletion in inshore waters. NEFMC staff presented an overview of the amendment and the alternatives being considered, followed by an opportunity for Council members and members of the public to provide oral comments. Additional information about this amendment is available on the NEFMC website at https://www.nefmc.org/library/amendment-8-2.

Regulatory Review On July 7, 2017, NOAA published a notice on “Streamlining Regulatory Processes and Reducing Regulatory Burden,” which solicited public input on identifying existing regulations and processes that can be further streamlined consistent with law. During the meeting, the Council reviewed a list of regulations identified by staff that may be appropriate for streamlining. These include both general recommendations as well as FMP-specific regulations that appear outdated, unnecessary, and/or ineffective. After a brief discussion the Council approved the list of regulations recommended by staff for streamlining.

Presentations Estimating and Reducing Black Sea Bass Discard Mortality Douglas Zemeckis (Rutgers University) presented the results of a research project on black sea bass discard mortality. Funded by the Council’s 2016-2017 Collaborative Fisheries Research Program, this project aimed to estimate the discard mortality rate of black sea bass following capture with rod-and-reel fishing gear at a deepwater offshore shipwreck in the Mid-Atlantic and identify the capture-related factors that influence discard mortality.

Northeast Observer Program The Council received an update on the Northeast Fisheries Observer Program from Amy Martins, Branch Chief of the Fisheries Sampling Branch with NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center. The presentation included an overview of observer activities and accomplishments from the past year and upcoming activities in the current year.

NMFS Climate Strategy Vincent Saba (NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center) presented an overview of climate change research within NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center. Much of this work falls under the umbrella of the NOAA Fisheries Climate Science Strategy. Current research indicates that the Northeast shelf has warmed faster than most other coastal waters globally and that continued distribution shifts of valuable commercial species are highly likely. Future research will focus on incorporating climate variables into ecosystem models and evaluating the impacts of climate change to inform stock assessments and management. For additional information, visit: https://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/ecosystems/climate/national-climate-strategy.

http://www.mafmc.org/actions/summer-flounder-amendment


http://www.mafmc.org/briefing/april-30-2018

https://www.nefmc.org/library/amendment-8-2

https://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/ecosystems/climate/national-climate-strategy

June 2018 Council Meeting Summary

3

Mid-Atlantic Coastal Acidification Network Monitoring Plan Sherilyn Lau (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) presented on the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Acidification Network’s (MACAN) Draft Monitoring Plan. The plan highlights existing monitoring of ocean acidification, best available technology, and optimization to improve understanding of carbonate chemistry variability while monitoring in an efficient way. Following the presentation, Council members had an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback on the draft plan.

Aquaculture in the Northeast The Council received a presentation on aquaculture in federal waters from Kevin Madley, Aquaculture Coordinator for NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office. Mr. Madley provided an overview of current trends in global aquaculture production, aquaculture operations in the Atlantic exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and U.S. research and innovation in aquaculture. The presentation also covered different regional approaches to aquaculture management in the EEZ.

Next Council Meeting Monday, August 13, 2018 – Thursday, August 16, 2018

Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront 3001 Atlantic Ave.

Virginia Beach, VA 23451 757-213-3000

2018 Planned Council Meeting Topics

as of 5/23/2018

June 5-7, 2018 – Philadelphia, PA

• Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog 2019 Specifications – Review • Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Excessive Shares Amendment – Review and approve

refined range of alternatives • Recommend regulatory streamlining options • Strategic Planning – Update and discussion • Collaborative research program review • NMFS Climate Science Strategy – Update and overview of recent research • 2018 Mackerel Closure Provisions Framework – Framework Meeting 2 (final action) • NEFMC Atlantic Herring Amendment 8 - Public Hearing • Chub Mackerel Amendment– Update on progress, approve draft goals and objectives, and

consider management unit alternatives for consideration by the SSC • Summer Flounder Commercial Issues Amendment – Review and approve Draft EIS

August 14-16, 2018 – Virginia Beach, VA

• Swearing-in of new and reappointed Council members • Election of officers • Bluefish 2019 Specifications – Develop and approve • Bluefish Allocation Amendment – Review scoping comments and present potential range of

alternatives • Atlantic Mackerel Rebuilding Framework With 2019-2021 Specifications and RH/S Cap and

Progress Update – Framework meeting 2 (final action) • Summer Flounder 2019 Specifications – Develop and approve • Scup 2019 Specifications – Review • Black Sea Bass 2019 Specifications – Develop and approve • Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Recreational Management Framework – Review

alternatives and impact analysis; approve ASMFC public hearing document • Black Sea Bass 2019 Wave 1 fishery – Review and approve • Draft 2019-2023 Strategic Plan – Review

October 2-4, 2018 – Cape May, NJ

• 2019-2021 Spiny Dogfish Specifications – Develop and approve • 2019 Specifications for Squids and Butterfish - Review • Commercial Fisheries eVTR Framework – Framework meeting 1 • 2019-2023 Strategic Plan – Approve • Chub Mackerel Amendment – Approve public hearing document • Industry-Funded Monitoring Amendment update – Decide whether to proceed

• Revised MSB goals and objectives – Adopt • Risk Policy Framework

December 11-13, 2018 – Annapolis, MD

• Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Excessive Shares Amendment – Approve public hearing document

• Bluefish Allocation Amendment – Approve range of alternatives for public hearings • Commercial Fisheries eVTR Framework – Framework meeting 2 (final action) • Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass 2019 Recreational Management Measures - Adopt • Summer Flounder Amendment: Commercial Issues/Goals and Objectives – Final action • Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Recreational Management Framework – Final

action • Black Sea Bass Amendment – Review initiation and identify issues for consideration • Chub Mackerel Amendment – Final action • 2019 Implementation Plan - Approve

Status of Council Actions Under Development AS OF 5/18/2018

FMP Action Description Status Staff Lead

Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass

Summer Flounder Commercial Issues Amendment

The Council and ASMFC are developing this joint amendment to consider revisions to the FMP goals and objectives for summer flounder and commercial management measures and strategies, including federal commercial moratorium permit requalification, commercial allocation, and landings flexibility FMP framework provisions. http://www.mafmc.org/actions/summer-flounder-amendment

The Council will review and approve a draft EIS at the June 2018 Council meeting. Public hearings are tentatively scheduled for September 2018.

Dancy

Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Recreational Management Framework

The Council and the ASMFC are developing a joint framework action and addendum to consider adding the following management options to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan: (1) Conservation equivalency for the recreational black sea bass fishery, (2) Summer flounder conservation equivalency rollover, (3) Transit provisions for Block Island Sound for all three species, and (4) Slot limits for recreational fisheries for all three species. http://www.mafmc.org/actions/sfsbsb-recreational-management-fw

A draft public hearing document will be presented at the Council and Board's August joint meeting, with final action tentatively scheduled for December 2018.

Beaty

Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Commercial Accountability Measures Framework

This framework considers alternatives to the existing commercial accountability measures for the commercial summer flounder, scup and black sea bass fisheries, with a focus on evaluating and accounting for commercial discards. http://www.mafmc.org/actions/sfsbsb-commercial-am-framework

The Council selected preferred alternatives and approved the framework at the Feb 2018 meeting. Staff is preparing the EA for submission to NMFS

Muffley

Recreational Black Sea Bass Wave 1 Letter of Authorization Framework

This framework considers opening the Wave 1 black sea bass fishery under a Letter of Authorization (LOA) program. http://www.mafmc.org/actions/bsb-wave-1-loa-framework

For 2019, a Wave 1 fishery will be considered through the recreational specification process. Staff will continue development of the LOA framework for potential implementation in 2020.

Muffley


http://www.mafmc.org/actions/sfsbsb-recreational-management-fw

http://www.mafmc.org/actions/sfsbsb-commercial-am-framework

http://www.mafmc.org/actions/sfsbsb-commercial-am-framework

http://www.mafmc.org/actions/bsb-wave-1-loa-framework


Mackerel, Squid, Butterfish

Chub Mackerel Amendment

This amendment considers adding Atlantic chub mackerel to the Atlantic Mackerel, Squids, and Butterfish FMP. The amendment will consider potential catch limits, accountability measures, and other conservation and management measures required for stocks to be considered “in the fishery.” http://www.mafmc.org/actions/chub-mackerel-amendment

Staff is developing alternatives. Beaty

Atlantic Mackerel Rebuilding Framework

This framework action considers rebuilding options for the Atlantic mackerel fishery. http://www.mafmc.org/actions/atlantic-mackerel-rebuilding-framework

The Council reviewed an initial range of alternatives in April 2018. Final action is expected in August 2018.

Didden

2018 Mackerel Closure Provisions Framework

This framework action will consider recommending that NOAA Fisheries implement a 5,000 or 10,000 pound trip limit when 100% of the commercial quota for Atlantic mackerel is reached. This action is being considered to allow for the continued operation of the Atlantic herring fishery in the event of a mackerel closure. http://www.mafmc.org/actions/atlantic-mackerel-closure-provisions-framework

Final action will be considered at the June 2018 Council meeting.

Didden

Bluefish Bluefish Allocation Amendment

This amendment considers potential revisions to the allocation of Atlantic bluefish between the commercial and recreational fisheries and the commercial allocations to the states. As part of this amendment the Council and ASMFC will also review the goals and objectives of the bluefish FMP and the quota transfer processes. http://www.mafmc.org/actions/bluefish-allocation-amendment

Staff is developing a scoping document. Scoping is expected to begin in late May 2018.

Seeley

Surfclams and Ocean Quahogs

Excessive Shares Amendment

This amendment considers options to ensure that no individual, corporation, or other entity acquires an excessive share of the Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) privileges. In addition, the goals and objectives for the SCOQ FMP will be reviewed and potentially revised. http://www.mafmc.org/actions/scoq-excessive-shares-amendment

Staff is continuing to refine the range of alternatives for Council consideration in June 2018

Montañez

http://www.mafmc.org/actions/chub-mackerel-amendment

http://www.mafmc.org/actions/atlantic-mackerel-rebuilding-framework

http://www.mafmc.org/actions/atlantic-mackerel-rebuilding-framework



http://www.mafmc.org/actions/bluefish-allocation-amendment

http://www.mafmc.org/actions/scoq-excessive-shares-amendment


Omnibus Industry-Funded Monitoring Amendment

This amendment considers measures that would allow the Council to implement industry-funded monitoring coverage in some FMPs above levels required by the Standard Bycatch Reporting Methodology in order to assess the amount and type of catch, monitor annual catch limits, and/or provide other information for management. The Amendment also considers specific coverage levels for the Atlantic mackerel fishery. http://www.mafmc.org/actions/omnibus-observer-funding

Action was postponed until completion of NMFS’ electronic monitoring pilot project being conducted by NMFS. The Council expects to receive an update and discuss next steps in October 2018.

GARFO/ Didden

Commercial Fisheries eVTR Framework

This framework considers requiring electronic submission of vessel trip reports for commercial vessels with permits for Council-managed species.

Staff is preparing initial analyses for Council consideration in October 2018.

Didden

Risk Policy Framework

The purpose of this framework action is to provide for a review of the ABC control rule framework and Council Risk Policy established in 2010 and to recommend any changes.

Development of the MSE model for summer flounder is continuing with a focus on further incorporation of social and economic factors. The Council will review initial MSE results later in 2018.

Muffley

Omnibus Amendment for Data Modernization

This amendment will address the regulatory changes needed to fully implement the Agency’s Fishery-Dependent Data Visioning Project

The Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (GARFO) and the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) are continuing to work on the Fisheries Dependent Data Visioning (FDDV) project

GARFO/ NEFSC

http://www.mafmc.org/actions/omnibus-observer-funding

Timeline and Status of Recent MAFMC Actions and Amendments/Frameworks Under Review As of 5/23/2018

Status Amendment/Framework Action Number Council Approval

Initial Submission

Final Submission

NOA Published

Proposed Rule Published

Approval/ Disapproval Letter

Final Rule Published

Regs Effective

Complete Tilefish Framework 2 Tilefish FW 2 4/13/16

10/23/17

3/13/18 4/12/18

Complete Blueline Tilefish Amendment

Tilefish AM 6 4/13/16

6/14/17 6/28/17 9/13/17 11/15/17 12/15/17

Complete Omnibus Unmanaged Forage Amendment

SFSBSB AM 20; MSB AM 18; SCOQ AM 19; Bluefish AM 6; Tilefish AM 5; Dogfish AM 5

8/8/16 11/23/16 3/20/17 3/28/17 4/24/17 6/19/17 8/25/17 9/27/17

Complete Omnibus eVTR Framework MSB FW 10; Bluefish FW 2; SFSBSB FW 10; Tilefish FW 3

8/10/16

11/17/16

5/24/17

9/11/17 3/12/18

Complete Omnibus ABC Framework MSB FW 11; Bluefish FW 3; SFSBSB FW 11; SCOQ FW 2; Tilefish FW 4; Dogfish FW 3

6/12/14

7/31/15

7/19/17

4/11/18 5/11/18

Complete Commercial Scup Quota Period Framework

FW 12 5/10/17 11/16/17 2/15/18 N/A 2/26/18

4/19/18 5/21/18

Open New Jersey Special Management Zones

12/12/16

2/13/18

Open Squid Amendment

6/7/17 12/12/17 3/21/18

Open Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Commercial Accountability Measure Framework

2/14/18

Timeline and Status of Current and Upcoming Specifications for MAFMC Fisheries As of 5/23/2018

Current Specifications Year(s) Council Approval

Initial Submission

Final Submission

Proposed Rule

Final Rule Regs Effective

Notes

Atlantic Mackerel 2016-2018 6/9/15

8/24/15 1/22/16 4/26/16 5/26/16

Bluefish 2016-2018 8/11/15

3/31/16 8/4/16 8/1/16

Spiny Dogfish 2016-2018 12/7/15 3/11/16 5/20/16 6/22/16 8/15/16 8/15/16

Summer Flounder 2017-2018 8/9/16 10/11/16 11/17/16 11/15/16 12/22/16 1/1/17

Black Sea Bass 2017-2018 2/15/17 3/15/17 5/1/17 4/14/17 5/25/17 5/25/17

Golden Tilefish 2018-2020 4/12/17

7/5/17 9/7/17 11/7/17 11/2/17

Blueline Tilefish (see note)

2018 4/12/17

6/28/17 11/15/17 12/15/17 2018 specifications set via final rule implementing Amendment 6 to the Tilefish FMP

Surfclam and Ocean Quahog 2018-2020 6/6/17

12/8/17 2/6/18 3/8/18

Squid and Butterfish 2018-2020 6/7/17

8/24/17 12/13/17 3/1/18 4/2/18

Scup 2018-2019 8/8/17 10/2/17 12/1/17 11/7/17 12/22/17 12/22/17

Blueline Tilefish 2019-2021 4/11/18

Summer flounder (recreational measures)

2018 12/12/17 3/5/18 4/10/18 4/11/18

Black sea bass (recreational measures)

2018 2/14/18 3/5/18 4/10/18 4/11/18

Upcoming Specifications Year(s) Council Meeting

(*subject to change) Bluefish 2019 August 2018 Summer Flounder 2019 August 2018 Black Sea Bass 2019 August 2018 Atlantic Mackerel 2019-2021 August 2018 Spiny Dogfish 2019-2021 October 2018

Stock Status of MAFMC-Managed Species

(as of May 23, 2018)

SPECIES

STATUS DETERMINATION CRITERIA

OVERFISHING

OVERFISHED

REBUILDING PROGRAM /

STOCK STATUS Overfishing Fthreshold

Overfished ½ BMSY

Summer Flounder

F35%MSP=0.31 69 million lbs Yes No

Most recent benchmark assessment was 2013. Most recent assessment update was 2016.

Scup

F40%MSP=0.22 96.23 million lbs No No

Most recent benchmark assessment was 2015. Most recent assessment update was 2017.

Black Sea Bass

F40%MSP=0.36 10.7 million lbs No No Most recent benchmark

assessment was 2016.

Bluefish

F35%SPR=0.19 111.7

million lbs No No Most recent benchmark assessment was 2015.

Illex Squid (short finned)

Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown

Most recent benchmark assessment was 2006; not able to determine current exploitation rates or stock biomass.

Longfin Squid

Unknown 46.7

million lbs Unknown No

Most recent assessment update was 2017; not able to determine current exploitation rates.

Atlantic Mackerel

F40%=0.26 217.0 million

pounds Yes Yes Most recent benchmark assessment was 2017

Butterfish

FProxy=2/3M

=0.81 50.3

million lbs No No Most recent assessment update was 2017.

SPECIES

STATUS DETERMINATION CRITERIA

OVERFISHING

OVERFISHED

REBUILDING PROGRAM /

STOCK STATUS Overfishing Fthreshold

Overfished ½ BMSY

Surfclam

F/Fthreshold = 1a SSB/SSBthreshold = 1b No No Most recent benchmark

assessment was 2016.

Ocean Quahog

F/Fthreshold = 1c SSB/SSBthreshold =1d No No Most recent benchmark assessment was 2017.

Golden Tilefish

F38%MSP=0.310 10.46

million lbs No No Most recent assessment update was 2017.

Blueline Tilefish

Unknown Unknown

South of Cape Hatteras: No

North of Cape

Hatteras: Unknown

South of Cape Hatteras: No

North of Cape

Hatteras: Unknown

Most recent benchmark assessment was 2017.

Spiny Dogfish (Joint mgmt with

NEFMC)

FMSY=0.2439

175.6 million lbs

Female SSB No No

Most recent assessment update was 2015. Most recent benchmark assessment was 2010.

Monkfish (Joint mgmt with

NEFMC)

NFMA & SFMA FMAX=0.2

NFMA - 1.25 kg/tow

SFMA - 0.93 kg/tow

(autumn trawl survey)

Unknown Unknown

Most recent benchmark assessment was 2010. Most recent operational assessment was in 2016.

SOURCES: Office of Sustainable Fisheries - Status Report of U.S. Fisheries; SAW/SARC, SEDAR, and TRAC Assessment Reports.

a Fthreshold is calculated as 4.136 times the mean F during 1982 - 2015 b SSBthreshold is calculated as SSB0/4 c Fthreshold is 0.019 d SSBthreshold is calculated as 0.4*SSB0

Stock Size Relative to Biological Reference Points(as of May 23, 2018)

22%

58%

85% 89%106%

127%141%

163%174%

206%

229%

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%

125%

150%

175%

200%

225%

250%

½ Bmsy

Overfished Threshold

Bmsy

Rebuilt

Not

Ove

rfis

hed

Ove

rfis

hed

Notes:• Unknown Bmsy - Illex squid, monkfish (NFMA & SFMA),

and blueline tilefish (North of Cape Hatteras)• Of the 14 stocks managed by the Council, 7 are above

Bmsy, 4 are below Bmsy, and 3 are unknown.

Year of data used to determine stock sizeAtlantic Mackerel 2016Black Sea Bass 2015Bluefish 2014Butterfish 2016Golden Tilefish 2016Longfin Squid 2016Ocean Quahog 2016Spiny Dogfish 2015Surfclam 2015Scup 2016Summer Flounder 2015

Fishing Mortality Ratios for MAFMC-Managed Species

(as of May 23, 2018)

0.06

0.25 0.30

0.630.75 0.80 0.83 0.88

1.26

1.81

0.00

0.25

0.50

0.75

1.00

1.25

1.50

1.75

2.00

F cur

rent

/Fm

sy

Ove

rfis

hing

is

occu

rrin

gO

verf

ishi

ng is

not

oc

curr

ing

Overfishing threshold

Note:• Unknown fishing mortality: Illex squid, Longfin squid, monkfish

(NFMA and SFMA), and blueline tilefish (North of Cape Hatteras).

Year of data used to determine stock sizeAtlantic Mackerel 2016Black Sea Bass 2015Bluefish 2014Butterfish 2016Golden Tilefish 2016Ocean Quahog 2016Spiny Dogfish 2014Surfclam 2015Scup 2016Summer Flounder 2015

Minutes from Black Bass Advisory Sub-Committee (BBAS) Meeting July 2, 2018

Meeting Location: Tawes Office Building, 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401

Called to order at 6:08 PM

Members in Attendance:

Dennis Fleming, Andrew Andrzejewski, Roger Trageser, Tom Bateman, Steve Hawks, Scott Sewell,

Steve Weimar, Steve Chaconas (phone)

DNR in Attendance:

Joe Love, Tony Prochaska, Branson Williams, John Mullican

Guests in Attendance:

Don Goff, Liz Goff, Stan Horne

Chairman Dennis Fleming introduced Don Goff this years’ winner of the Directors Black Bass

Conservation Award. Joe Love and Tony Prochaska presented Don with weigh in equipment and a

plaque.

Maryland and Virginia are recommending Bass Anglers’ Sportsman Society weigh in guidelines for

events held at Virginias’ Leesylvania State Park. The park is also receptive to a weigh in station being

constructed on site. Funding should be available for this project. Having constructed at least three

stations in Maryland the Maryland Bass Nation can offer assistance with this project.

Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia will conduct a future joint survey of the Potomac

River. This survey will most likely be designed by an outside party.

Joe Love and Habitat Coordinator Nick Kuttner discussed the use of the Water Reporter app for

individuals who wish to report pollution or other water degradation conditions. The app creator will

be invited to the October BBAS meeting.

Tom Bateman provided a video of a large mouth bass suffering from bow and arrow wound. Bow

fishing has become popular and the shooting of large mouth are becoming an alarming

consequence. Hunting commonly occurs at night with participants typically not caring about what

they shoot. Right now unless caught in possession shooting black bass would not be a chargeable

offense. There was discussion about creating a Wanton Waste law for fish that currently only exists

for wildlife. DNR legislative/regulation expert(s) will be invited to October’s meeting to discuss

further. Roger Trageser will bring this up with NRP representatives at July’s SFAC meeting.

DNR’s John Mullican gave reports on three non-tidal systems in the state. These systems were the

Upper Potomac River, Conowingo Lake and Deep Creek Lake. The report included young of year and

adult bass surveys along with state wide revenues generated by the popularity of bass fishing. Black

bass are the most popular and sought after gamefish in the state. According to John this holds true

for most states with a vibrant black bass population.

A table of over sixty black bass survey sites was provided to the committee. Committee members

engaged in a discussion about imposing special “no possession” spring regulations on some sites that

have being experiencing population drop offs. Sites in particular that came up were Middle River,

Gunpowder River system and the Bush River all Upper Bay tributaries. Past tournament pressure and

environmental and loss of habitat issues, particularly grasses, were outlined. It was decided to

continue to provide stocking support for some of these areas and monitor habitat. Fishing pressure

as of late has been light in these areas already so “no possession” discussions were dropped.

Haul seining continues to be of concern where its’ presence in the spring can potentially destroy

spawning areas. The committee will investigate the possibility of introducing a Bill that would

prevent this activity from occurring in spawning areas in the spring. This will require someone in the

legislature to support.

Agenda Items for October meeting:

Reporting habitat problems; Water Reporter App.

Creating a Wanton Waste law for fish.

Haul seine concerns.

Rational for 15 inch spring season.

Meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM

RECREATIONAL FISHING STATISTICS BY CALENDAR YEAR 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

2016

2017

Change from Cal.Yr. 2016 to 2017 (%)

RESIDENT NONTIDAL 105,893 108,600 112,919 115,525 119,993 117,204 108,448 -7.47% NON RESIDENT NONTIDAL 11,259 11,289 10,907 11,379 12,459 13,103 13,297 1.48% 3 DAY NONTIDAL 6,623 6,344 6,885 6,810 7,290 7,682 7,129 -7.20% 7 DAY NONTIDAL (5 Day prior to 2011) 8,175 8,094 8,695 9,190 8,993 8,252 7,954 -3.61% TROUT STAMP

RESIDENT TROUT STAMP (New 2011) 44,187 46,744 48,319 48,266 49,354 48,505 43,558 -10.20%

NON RESIDENT TROUT STAMP (New 2011) 6,827 6,986 6,724 6,541 7,112 7,406 7,151 -3.44% NONTIDAL BLIND 104 101 82 87 82 84 79 -5.95% SENIOR CONSOLIDATED LICENSE 23,224 24,675 25,985 26,216 26,940 27,584 27,871 1.04% RESIDENT BAY AND COASTAL SPORT 93,074 94,291 101,077 105,901 108,360 107,438 101,065 -5.93% NON RESIDENT BAY AND COASTAL SPORT 21,011 20,937 21,045 20,155 21,179 23,147 23,048 -0.43% 5 DAY BAY SPORT RESIDENT 7 DAY BAY AND COASTAL SPORT (New 2011) 7,032 6,410 7,227 7,395 6,377 5,134 4,921 -4.15% NON RESIDENT 7 DAYBAY AND COASTAL SPORT (New 2011) 17,274 16,880 17,289 17,126 16,915 16,020 15,455 -3.53%

PLEASURE BOAT DECAL 48,584 49,350 47,086 47,708 46,740 50,105 44,293 -11.60%

BAY AND COASTAL SPORT BLIND 160 122 70 76 74 84 73 -13.10%

BAY AND COASTAL SPORT REGISTRATION (New 2011) 58,683* 34,296 43,160 27,365 20,025 18,366 17,025 -7.30% RECREATIONAL CRABBING 44,478 44,981 39,737 45,599 49,334 52,163 48,404 -7.21%

NON RESIDENT RECREATIONAL CRABBING 6,745 6,359 5,272 4,649 6,263 7,375 6,575 -10.85%

RECREATIONAL CRABBING BOAT 4,645 5,078 5,985 5,305 5,202 7,223 7,669 6.17% PRIVATE PROPERTY CRAB POT REGISTRATION 2,603 1,963 2,851 2,834 -0.60% * Includes Potomac registrations. NOTE – Beginning Oct. 1, 2015, Maryland ceased selling recreational fishing and crabbing licenses by calendar year. As of Oct. 1, 2015, these licenses are valid for 365 days from date of purchase.

Recreational Fishing License Sales, Trends & Actions

SFAC MeetingJuly 24, 2018

License SalesRECREATIONAL FISHING LICENSE SALESBY CALENDAR YEAR

CALENDAR YEAR % Change 2016-20172011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

RESIDENT NONTIDAL 105893 108600 112919 115525 119993 117204 108448 -7.47

NON RESIDENT NONTIDAL 11259 11289 10907 11379 12459 13103 13297 1.48

3 DAY NONTIDAL 6623 6344 6885 6810 7290 7682 7129 -7.20

7 DAY NONTIDAL (5 Day prior to 2011) 8175 8094 8695 9190 8993 8252 7954 -3.61

RESIDENT TROUT STAMP (New 2011) 44187 46744 48319 48266 49354 48505 43558 -10.20

NON RESIDENT TROUT STAMP (New 2011) 6827 6986 6724 6541 7112 7406 7151 -3.44

NONTIDAL BLIND 104 101 82 87 82 84 79 -5.95

SENIOR CONSOLIDATED LICENSE 23224 24675 25985 26216 26940 27584 27871 1.04

RESIDENT BAY (and Coastal) SPORT 93074 94291 101077 105901 108360 107438 101065 -5.93

NON RESIDENT BAY (and Coastal) SPORT 21011 20937 21045 20155 21179 23147 23048 -0.43

RESIDENT 7 DAYBAY AND COASTAL SPORT (New 2011) 7032 6410 7227 7395 6377 5134 4921 -4.15

NON RESIDENT 7 DAYBAY AND COASTAL SPORT (New 2011) 17274 16880 17289 17126 16915 16020 15455 -3.53

PLEASURE BOAT DECAL 48584 49350 47086 47708 46740 50105 44293 -11.60

BAY (and Coastal) SPORT BLIND 160 122 70 76 74 84 73 -13.10

BAY AND COASTAL SPORT REGISTRATION (New 2011) 58683 34296 43160 27205 20025 18366 17025 -7.30

RECREATIONAL CRABBING 44478 44981 39737 45599 49334 52163 48404 -7.21

NON RESIDENT RECREATIONAL CRABBING 6745 6359 5272 4649 6263 7375 6575 -10.85

RECREATIONAL CRABBING BOAT 4645 5078 5985 5305 5202 7223 7669 6.17

PRIVATE PROPERTY CRAB POT REGISTRATION 2603 1963 2851 2834 -0.60

License Trends

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

60000

70000

80000

90000

100000

110000

120000

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Num

ber

of L

icen

ses/

Regi

stra

tion

s

Calendar Year

RESIDENT NONTIDAL

RESIDENT BAY AND COASTAL SPORT

PLEASURE BOAT DECAL

TROUT STAMP (RESIDENT+NONRESIDENT)

SENIOR CONSOLIDATED LICENSE

NONRESIDENT BAY AND COASTAL SPORT

NONRESIDENT 7 DAY BAY AND COASTAL SPORT

NONRESIDENT NONTIDAL

BAY AND COASTAL SPORT REGISTRATION

The term for annual fishing licenses, stamps and registrations was changed from calendar year to 365 days from purchase beginning Oct. 1, 2015.

Action 1:Renewal Reminders

• Beginning in February, the department began sending license renewal reminders.

• Email message is sent monthly to anglers with an annual license expiring that month.

• Message is resent one week later to recipients that do not open the first message.

Sample Reminder Message

Renew your license online, in person or by phone

Renewal Reminder Results:

• Open rates on message are consistently 40-50%. For those who don’t open first message and receive it again 1 week later, open rates are consistently 19%.

• Office Communications is tracking return on investment. For example, in May:– Out of 12,130 customers who got a renewal message, 1,997 clicked on the

COMPASS link to renew. Of those who clicked, 1,332 made a purchase.– About 11% of customers who received a renewal message made a

purchase; and 7.5% of COMPASS's total customer sales were made via renewal message.

Action 2: Autorenewal Grant Request

• Submitted grant request to RBFF to upgrade Compass licensing system to allow for autorenewal of licenses.

• While grant request was under review, the department identified several issues that need resolved before autorenewal would be possible so grant request was pulled. – Issues include new state contract for banking, incomplete work by

licensing vendor, cost of upgrades required for implementing autorenewal

Next Steps

• Continue renewal messages and efforts to identify and resolve barriers to providing autorenewal option for licenses.

• Attend 2018 RBFF Workshop to learn what other states are doing, and what we can do to recruit new anglers, retain loyal anglers, and reactivate lapsed anglers.

• FY 2018 Budget Report to SFAC will be completed winter 2018.