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Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting June 23-24, 2009 Carambola Beach Resort & Spa St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

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Page 1: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures

(AMs)Caribbean Fishery Management Council

131st Council MeetingJune 23-24, 2009

Carambola Beach Resort & SpaSt. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Page 2: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Location and Dates of Public Meetings

April 27, 2009, San Juan, Puerto RicoApril 28, 2009, Ponce, Puerto RicoApril 29, 2009, Fajardo, Puerto RicoMay 4, 2009, Mayagüez, Puerto RicoMay 6, 2009, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin IslandsMay 7, 2009, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Page 3: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Number of AttendeesN Deponents

San Juan 22 2 (1 representing 21)

Ponce 2 0

Fajardo 0 0

Mayagüez 10 4 + 2 written

St. Thomas 49 (STFA*) 14 + 5 written

St. Croix 48 (STXFA*) 12 + 4 written

Page 4: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

What are ACLs and AMs?Annual Catch Limits (ACL) is the level of

annual catch of a stock or stock complex that serves as the basis for invoking accountability measures.

AMs are management controls to prevent ACLs, including sector-ACLs, from being exceeded, and to correct or mitigate overages of the ACL if they occur.

These need to be determined for all fisheries in the US.

Page 5: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Cat

ch (

lbs)

Incr

easi

ng

Overfishing Limit (OFL) Corresponds with yield at MFMT (FMSY)

Estimated during stock assessments

MFMT is the maximum fishing mortality threshold.It is the fishing mortality rate that produces the maximum sustainable yield (or a proxy thereof)

OFL is an annual amount of catch that corresponds to the best estimate of MFMT applied to a stock or complex’s abundance; MSY is the long-term average of such catches.

3. How does one determine the actual values for the ACLs?

Page 6: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Cat

ch (

lbs)

Incr

easi

ng

Acceptable Biological Catch

Overfishing Limit (OFL)

Set by Council’s SSC

ABC ≤ OFL

Should account for scientific uncertainty (from stock assessment)

ABC is a level of a stock or stock complex’s annual catch that accounts for the scientific uncertainty inthe estimate of OFL

3. How does one determine the actual values for the ACLs?

Page 7: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Cat

ch (

lbs)

Incr

easi

ng

Annual Catch Limit

Acceptable Biological Catch

Overfishing Limit (OFL)Set by Council

ACL ≤ ABC ≤ OFL

Triggers accountability measures if met or exceeded

ACL is the level of annual catch of a stock or stock Complex that serves as the basis for invoking accountability measures.

3. How does one determine the actual values for the ACLs?

Page 8: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Stocks and Stock Complexes Needing Action in this Amendment

The following species need action before 2010:

Parrotfishes – 10 speciesSnapper Unit 1 – silk, blackfin, black and

vermillion snapper (wenchman)Grouper Unit 4 – yellowfin, tiger, red, black

(yellowedge and misty)Queen conch (only in St. Croix, USVI)

Page 9: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 1: Amending the Stock Complexes in the Reef Fish Fishery Management Unit

Alternative 1. No Action. Do not change the stock complexes in the Reef Fish FMU COMMENT: Preferred by all deponents in the

USVI

Alternative 2. Modify the FMU by:

Sub alternative A. Separating the Parrotfish Unit into 2 complexes. Parrotfish Unit 1 would include princess, queen, redfin, redtail, stoplight, redband, and striped parrotfishes and Parrotfish Unit 2 would include blue, midnight, and rainbow parrotfishes

Page 10: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Blue (azul)

Midnight (judio) Rainbow (guacamayo)

New Parrotfish Unit 2

Page 11: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 1: Amending the Stock Complexes in the Reef Fish Fishery Management Unit

Alternative 2. Modify the FMU by:

Sub alternative B. Separate Grouper Unit 4 into 2 complexes and add black grouper to Grouper Unit 4. Grouper Unit 4 would include yellowfin, red, tiger, and black grouper and Grouper Unit 5 would include yellowedge and misty grouper.

Page 12: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 1: Amending the Stock Complexes in the Reef Fish Fishery Management Unit

Alternative 2. Modify the FMU by:

Sub alternative C. Add cardinal snapper (Pristipomoides macrophthalmus) to Snapper Unit 2 (with the queen snapper) and move wenchman (Pristopomoides aquilonaris) into Snapper Unit 1.

Page 13: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Pristipomoides aquilonaris

Pristipomoides macrophthalmus

Moved to Snapper Unit 1

Added to Snapper Unit 2

Page 14: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Complex (Unidad) Current (Al Presente) Proponed (Propuesto)

Snapper Unit 1Unidad de pargos 1

Silk (chillo)Black (pargo prieto)Blackfin (alinegra)Vermilion (besugo)

Silk (chillo)Black (pargo prieto)Blackfin (alinegra)Vermilion (besugo)Wenchman (Pristopomoides aquilonaris) (limosnera)

Snapper Unit 2Unidad de pargos 2

Queen (cartucho)Wenchman (Pristopomoides aquilonaris) (limosnera)

Queen (cartucho)Cardinal (Pristopomoides macrophthalmus) (muniama de afuera)

Snapper Unit 3Unidad de pargos 3

Gray (pargo gris)Lane (arrayao)Mutton (sama)Dog (pargo colorao)Schoolmaster (pargo amarillo)Mahogany (rayao de yerba)

Gray (pargo gris)Lane (arrayao)Mutton (sama)Dog (pargo colorao)Schoolmaster (pargo amarillo)Mahogany (rayao de yerba)

Snapper Unit 4Unidad de pargos 4

Yellowtail Snapper (colirubia) Yellowtail Snapper

Snapper Units

Page 15: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Complex (Unidad) Current (Al Presente) Proponed (Propuesto)

Grouper Unit 3Unidad de meros 3

Red hind (cabrilla)Coney (mantequilla)Rock hind (cabra mora)Graysby (mantequilla)Creole-fish (cabrilla rubia)

Red hind (cabrilla)Coney (mantequilla)Rock hind (cabra mora)Graysby (mantequilla)

Grouper Unit 4Unidad de meros 4

Yellowfin (guajil)Red (mero rojo)Tiger (tigre)Yellowedge (guajil amarillo)Misty (guasa)

Yellowfin (guajil)Red (mero rojo)Tiger (tigre)Black (mero prieto)

Grouper Unit 5Unidad de meros 5

Yellowedge (guajil amarillo)Misty (guasa)

Grouper Units

Page 16: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Complex (Unidad) Current (Al Presente) Proponed (Propuesto)

ParrotfishLoros o cotorros

Blue (loro azul)Midnight (judío)Princess (princesa)Queen (reina o vieja)Rainbow (guacamayo)Redfin (loro aletirojo)Redtail (loro colirojo)Stoplight (chaporra o loro verde)Redband (loro banda colorada)Striped (loro rayado)

Princess (princesa)Queen (reina o vieja)Rainbow (guacamayo)Redfin (loro aletirojo)Redtail (loro colirojo)Stoplight (chaporra o loro verde)Redband (loro banda colorada)Striped (loro rayado)

Parrotfish Unit 2Unidad de loros 2

Blue (loro azul)Midnight (judío)Rainbow (guacamayo)

Parrotfish Units

Page 17: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 1: Amending the Stock Complexes in the Reef Fish Fishery Management Unit

Alternative 3. Examine reef fish FMU and reassign species not targeted, retained, sold, or used for personal consumption as ecosystem component species.

Page 18: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Suggests that the midnight and rainbow parrotfish species be separated from the rest of the parrotfishes. Deep water species.

Red grouper is rarely seen in the free diving depth range, suggested it be treated as the Nassau grouper, as threaten.

Red grouper is a small grouper that has been fished and there is a need to evaluate the species and treat it as a separate unit.

Action 1, Alternative 2, Sub alternatives A, B and C

Action 1: Amending the Stock Complexes in the RF FMU Comments:

Page 19: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting
Page 20: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 2: Annual Catch Limits for Queen conch (Strombus gigas) off St. Croix

Alternative 1. Do not set an ACL for queen conch off St. Croix.

Alternative 2. Set the ACL for queen conch off St. Croix equal to:Sub alternative A. Zero for the EEZ and do

not establish a state water ACL. Sub alternative B. The average landings

during 1994-2006 = 90,000 pounds. The ACL would include both state and federal water landings.

Page 21: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 2: Annual Catch Limits for Queen conch (Strombus gigas) off St. Croix (cont.)Alternative 2. Set the ACL for queen

conch off St. Croix equal to: Sub alternative C. The current allowable

catch level established by the U.S.V.I. government for St. Croix = 50,000 pounds. The ACL would include both state and federal water landings. The season for queen conch would run from November 1 – June 30, or until such time the ACL is met; additionally, there would be a 200 conch per boat limit.

Sub alternative D. Zero in the EEZ. The state waters ACL would be set equal to the current allowable catch level established by the U.S.V.I. government for St. Croix = 50,000 pounds.

Page 22: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 2: Annual Catch Limits for Queen conch (S. gigas) off St. Croix: Comments

• Action 2, Alternative 1: Do not set an ACL for queen conch off St. Croix. No Action preferred by all deponents in the USVI (STFA, STXFA, Fishers, other stakeholders)

• (D.O./STT): “St. Croix was over harvesting its conch resources due to the negligence of DPNR in carrying out its management responsibilities. However in 2008, when I was Director of Fish and Wildlife, a 50,000 lb quota was established and the closed season expanded. On April 8, 2009 DPNR announced that the quota had been exceeded and that the season would be closed until next November. Current Territorial rules are sufficient to regulate conch fishing which occurs primarily within Territorial waters.”

Page 23: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Comments On Queen Conch Comment (F.L./PR Fisher) : “The Queen Conch Fishery in

the EEZ has been closed for over Five Years and I was wondering, "What is the state of the Queen conch population in the west coast of Puerto Rico EEZ“ Answer; No one knows, In state waters the catch of Queen Conch has been steady for the past five years, logic suggests that would mean that the Queen Conch population in the EEZ has been rebuilt.

Suggestion: The council might consider issuing 5 limited entry permits to fisher(s) in the region who can be trusted to submit daily catch data, this could be done over a three year period. That data might prove that the Queen Conch is not over fished, however fishers might choose to keep the area closed for stock enhancement purposes or allow some limited fishing be performed. (This idea would also allow fishers to have more input, which can lead to less confrontation between legislators and the user groups)”

Page 24: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Comments On Queen Conch

• (D.O./STT): “Puerto Rico. PRDNER studies are clearly indicating resource recovery of the conch resource there. Therefore prior overfishing is not currently taking place.”

• (D.O./STT): “St. Thomas/St. John. There is virtually no fishery for conch. Prior studies contained in the CFMC conch management plan indicate potential yield over 200,000 lbs. Recent yields have been less than 10,000 lbs. Clearly there is no overfishing.”

Page 25: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting
Page 26: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 3: Annual Catch Limits for Parrotfish Unit 1 and Parrotfish Unit 2

Alternative 1. No Action.

Sub Alternative A. Do not set an ACL for Parrotfish Unit 1 or Parrotfish Unit 2.

Sub Alternative B. Do not establish an ACL for Parrotfish Unit 2, but include Parrotfish Unit 2 in the ACL for Parrotfish Unit 1.

Page 27: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 3: Annual Catch Limits for Parrotfish Unit 1 and Parrotfish Unit 2: Comments Alternative 1. No Action.

STFA St. Thomas stakeholders (n=8) STXFA St. Croix Fisher (n=1) St. Croix Fisher not clear if No Action and re-

evaluate in 5 years or ACL=0 in EEZ and re-evaluate in 5 years

Page 28: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 3: Annual Catch Limits for Parrotfish Unit 1 and Parrotfish Unit 2 (cont.) Alternative 2. For Parrotfish Unit 2:

Sub alternative A. Set the ACL equal to zero in the EEZ and do not establish a state water ACL but rely on the data collection program described later in this document and revisit ACL for parrotfish 5 years after implementation.

Sub alternative B. Set the ACL equal to zero in the EEZ and recommend to Puerto Rico and the U.S.V.I. that the ACL be set equal to zero in state waters.

Page 29: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 3: Annual Catch Limits for Parrotfish Unit 1 and Parrotfish Unit 2: Comments Alternative 2. For Parrotfish Unit 2:

Limit of 1 of the 3 parrotfish per person per day; the records are from Puerto Rico (largest individuals) for midnight and rainbow.

Allow only recreational harvest.

Page 30: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 3: Annual Catch Limits for Parrotfish Unit 1 and Parrotfish Unit 2 (cont.) Alternative 3. Set the ACL for Parrotfish Unit 1

off Puerto Rico equal to:Sub alternative A. Zero for the EEZ and do not

establish a state water ACL, but rely on the data collection program described later in this document and revisit ACL for parrotfish five years after implementation.

Sub alternative B. The average landings during 1999-2006 = 80,000 pounds (ACLG February 2009 recommendation)

Sub alternative C. The average landings during 1994-2006 multiplied by an uncertainty scalar (see Action 7 for uncertainty scalar).

Page 31: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 3: Annual Catch Limits for Parrotfish Unit 1 and Parrotfish Unit 2: CommentsAlternative 3. Set the ACL for Parrotfish Unit

1 off Puerto Rico equal to:Sub alternative A. Zero for the EEZ and do not

establish a state water ACL, but rely on the data collection program described later in this document and revisit ACL for parrotfish five years after implementation.

One Fisher in Puerto Rico supported this alternative.

Page 32: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 3: Annual Catch Limits for Parrotfish Unit 1 and Parrotfish Unit 2: Comments Alternative 3. Set the ACL for Parrotfish Unit

1 off Puerto Rico equal to Proposes to establish an ACL for parrotfish

units and divide it on a 50/50 between the commercial and recreational fishers. For example, multiply the average amounts calculated from the commercial catch by 2 and then divide it by 2. (e.g., 80,000 x 2 = 160 ÷ 2= 80,000 pounds for each sector). [The commercial and recreational fishers fish the same kind of fish and in the same areas. There are many more recreational fishers than commercial fishers.]

Page 33: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 3: Annual Catch Limits for Parrotfish Unit 1 and Parrotfish Unit 2 (cont.) Alternative 4. Set the ACL for Parrotfish Unit

1 off St. Thomas/St. John equal to:Sub alternative A. Zero for the EEZ and do not

establish a state water ACL, but rely on the data collection program described later in this document and revisit ACL for parrotfish five years after implementation.

Sub alternative B. The average landings during 1999-2006 = 50,000 pounds (ACLG February 2009 recommendation)

Sub alternative C. The average landings during 1994-2006 multiplied by an uncertainty scalar (see Action 7 for uncertainty scalar).

Page 34: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 3: Annual Catch Limits for Parrotfish Unit 1 and Parrotfish Unit 2 (cont.) Alternative 5. Set the ACL for Parrotfish

Unit1 off St. Croix equal to:Sub alternative A. Zero for the EEZ and do not

establish a state water ACL, but rely on the data collection program described later in this document and revisit ACL for parrotfish five years after implementation.

Sub alternative B. The average landings during 1999-2006 = 250,000 pounds (ACLG February 2009 recommendation)

Page 35: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 3: Annual Catch Limits for Parrotfish Unit 1 and Parrotfish Unit 2 (cont.) Alternative 5. Set the ACL for Parrotfish

Unit 1 off St. Croix equal to:Sub alternative C. The average landings

during 1994-2006 multiplied by an uncertainty scalar (see Action 7 for uncertainty scalar).

Sub alternative D. The average landings during 1976-1990 = 82,000 pounds (discussed at the ACLG and SSC February 2009 meeting).

Sub alternative E. The average landings during 1983-1990 = 82,000 pounds (SEFSC recommended time frame for pre-gillnet fishery).

Page 36: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 3: Annual Catch Limits for Parrotfish Unit 1 and Parrotfish Unit 2 (cont.) Alternative 6. Set the ACL for Parrotfish

Unit 1 in the U.S. Caribbean equal to:Sub alternative A. Zero for the EEZ and do not

establish a state water ACL, but rely on the data collection program described later in this document and revisit ACL for parrotfish five years after implementation.

Sub alternative B. The average landings during 1999-2006 = 380,000 pounds.

Sub alternative C. The average landings during 1994-2006 multiplied by an uncertainty scalar (see Action 7 for uncertainty scalar).

Page 37: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Comments on Parrotfishes

“Puerto Rico. One of the NMFS proposals is to set the ACL at 80,000 lbs (current landings levels). By definition, the ACL is less than the overfishing level. Therefore Parrotfish in Puerto Rico (by the MSRA definition) are not overfished.” (D.O./STT)

“St. Thomas/St. John. One of the NMFS proposals is to set the ACL at 50,000 lbs (current landings levels). By definition, the ACL is less than the overfishing level. Therefore Parrotfish in St. Thomas/St. John are not over fished.” (D.O./STT)

“St. Croix. In April 2008, DNER closed the primary fishing technique for Parrotfish in St. Croix which was accounting for as much as 90% of the parrotfish landings. This clearly should address claims of overfishing.” (D.O./STT)

Page 38: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Comments on ParrotfishesAllow for recreational harvestRequested that a quota be established for recreational

fishers (free divers). Free divers are interested in record fish by spear fishing and he stated that the divers can select the largest fish.

Limit of 1 of the 3 parrotfish per person per day; the records are from Puerto Rico (largest individuals) for midnight and rainbow.

The commercial and recreational fishers fish the same kind of fish and in the same areas.

There are many more recreational fishers than

commercial fishers. No change in amount of parrotfish harvested commercially

Page 39: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting
Page 40: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 4: Annual Catch Limits for Grouper Unit 4

Alternative 1. No Action. Do not set an ACL for Grouper Unit 4 COMMENTS:

STFA St. Thomas stakeholders (n=8) STXFA St. Croix Fisher (n=1) St. Croix Fisher not clear if No Action and re-

evaluate in 5 years or ACL=0 in EEZ and re-evaluate in 5 years

Page 41: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 4: Annual Catch Limits for Grouper Unit 4 (cont.) Alternative 2. Set the ACL for Grouper Unit 4

off Puerto Rico equal to: Sub alternative A. Zero in the EEZ and do not

establish a state water ACL, but rely on the data collection program described later in this document and revisit ACL for Grouper Unit 4 five years after implementation.

Sub alternative B. The average corrected landings for identified Grouper Unit 4 species during 1994-2006 = 10,000 pounds. The ACL would include both state and federal water landings.

Page 42: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 4: Annual Catch Limits for Grouper Unit 4 (cont.) Alternative 2. Set the ACL for Grouper Unit

4 off Puerto Rico equal to (cont.): Sub alternative C. The average corrected

landings for identified Grouper Unit 4 species during 1994-2006 plus the average proportional corrected landings estimate for Grouper Unit 4 species landed in the generic “Sea Basses” category during 1994-2006 = 15,000 pounds.

Sub alternative D. A sufficient level of catch for collecting needed data on the fishery. This catch level would be established by SEFSC, in cooperation with Puerto Rico, for purposes of scientific data collection.

Page 43: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 4: Annual Catch Limits for Grouper Unit 4: COMMENTS

Alternative 2. Set the ACL for Grouper Unit 4 off Puerto Rico equal to (NEW):

“Sub alternative E. Establish a preliminary 50,000 lb ACL in the EEZ and do not establish a state water ACL, but rely on the data collection program described later in this document and revisit ACL for Grouper Unit 4 five years after implementation.” (F.L./PR: Commercial fisher disagrees with all other sub-alternatives. No rationale provided in the written comments.)

Page 44: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 4: Annual Catch Limits for Grouper Unit 4 (cont.)

Alternative 3. Set the ACL for Grouper off St. Thomas/St. John at:

Sub alternative A. Zero for the EEZ off St Thomas/St John and do not establish a state water ACL, but rely on the data collection program described later in this document and revisit ACL for Grouper Unit 4 five years after implementation.

Sub alternative B. The average landings during 1994 - 2006 for all Grouper species = 61,000 pounds as part of a Grouper ACL

Sub alternative C. The average landings during 1994 - 2006 for all Grouper species multiplied by an uncertainty scalar (see Action 7 for uncertainty scalar).

Page 45: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 4: Annual Catch Limits for Grouper Unit 4 (cont.) Alternative 4. Set the ACL for Grouper off St.

Croix at:

Sub alternative A. Zero for the EEZ off St Croix and do not establish a state water ACL, but rely on the data collection program described later in this document and revisit ACL for Grouper Unit 4 five years after implementation.

Sub alternative B. The average landings during 1994 - 2006 for all Grouper species = 32,000 pounds as part of a Grouper ACL

Sub alternative C. The average landings during 1994 - 2006 for all Grouper species multiplied by an uncertainty scalar (see Action 7 for uncertainty scalar).

Page 46: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 4: Annual Catch Limits for Grouper Unit 4 (cont.) Alternative 5. Set the ACL for Grouper in the

U.S. Caribbean equal to: Sub alternative A. Zero for the EEZ and do not

establish a state water ACL, but rely on the data collection program described later in this document and revisit ACL for Grouper Unit 4 five years after implementation.

Sub alternative B. The average landings during 1999 - 2006 = 203,000 pounds

Sub alternative C. The average landings during 1994 - 2006 multiplied by an uncertainty scalar (see Action 7 for uncertainty scalar).

Page 47: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Comments on Grouper Unit 4“Puerto Rico. One of the NMFS proposals is to set the ACL at

10,000 lbs (current landings levels). By definition, the ACL is less than the overfishing level. Therefore Grouper Unit 4 in Puerto Rico is not overfished.” (D.O./STT)

“St. Thomas/St. John. One of the NMFS proposals is to set the ACL at 61,000 lbs as part of a single grouper unit (current landings levels). By definition, the ACL is less than the overfishing level. In addition, the primary spawning aggregation for yellowfin groupers was closed in 2005 and the Hind Bank MCD has been shown to be highly effective in enhancing red hind average sizes and numbers. Many of the remaining species are Ciguatoxic and are simply not harvested. Therefore Grouper Unit 4 in St. Thomas/St. John are not overfished.”

“St. Croix. One of the NMFS proposals is to set the ACL at 32,000 lbs as part of a single grouper unit (current landings levels). By definition, the ACL is less than the overfishing level. Therefore Grouper Unit 4 in St. St. Croix are not overfished.”

Page 48: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting
Page 49: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 5: Annual Catch Limits for Snapper Unit 1 Alternative 1. No Action. Do not set an ACL

for Snapper Unit 1

COMMENTS: STFA St. Thomas stakeholders (n=8) STXFA St. Croix Fisher (n=1) St. Croix Fisher not clear if No Action and re-

evaluate in 5 years or ACL=0 in EEZ and re-evaluate in 5 years

Page 50: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 5: Annual Catch Limits for Snapper Unit 1

Alternative 2. Set the ACL for Snapper Unit 1 off Puerto Rico equal to:

Sub alternative A. Zero for the EEZ and do not establish a state waters ACL, but rely on the data collection program described later in this document and revisit ACL for Snapper Unit 1 five years after implementation.

Sub alternative B. The average corrected landings for identified Snapper Unit 1 species during 1999-2006 = 300,000 pounds

Page 51: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 5: Annual Catch Limits for Snapper Unit 1 (cont.)

Page 52: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 5: Annual Catch Limits for Snapper Unit 1(cont.)

Page 53: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 5: Annual Catch Limits for Snapper Unit 1: COMMENT Alternative 2. Set the ACL for Snapper Unit

1 off Puerto Rico equal to (NEW):

“Sub alternative I. Establish a preliminary 500,000 lb ACL in the EEZ and do not establish a state waters ACL, but rely on the data collection program described later in this document and revisit ACL for Snapper Unit 1 five years after implementation.” [F.L/PR-One fisher presented this alternative but there is no rationale in the written statement. Disagrees with all sub alternatives.]

“Sub alternative J: Suggests that equal amounts be established for commercial and recreational fishers of 374,000 pounds for each sector.” [R.P./PR-Total of 748,000 lbs.]

Page 54: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 5: Annual Catch Limits for Snapper Unit 1(cont.)

Alternative 3. Set the ACL for Snapper off St. Thomas/St. John at: Sub alternative A. Zero for the EEZ off St.

Thomas/St. John and do not establish a state waters ACL, but rely on the data collection program described later in this document and revisit ACL for Snapper Unit 1 five years after implementation.

Sub alternative B. The average landings during 1994 - 2006 for all Snapper species =160,000 pounds as part of a Snapper ACL

Sub alternative C. The average landings during 1994 - 2006 for all Snapper species multiplied by an uncertainty scalar (see Action 7 for uncertainty scalar).

Page 55: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 5: Annual Catch Limits for Snapper Unit 1(cont.)

Alternative 4. Set the ACL for Snapper off St. Croix at:

Sub alternative A. Zero for the EEZ off St Croix and do not establish a state waters ACL, but rely on the data collection program described later in this document and revisit ACL for Snapper Unit 1 five years after implementation.

Sub alternative B. The average landings during 1994 - 2006 for all Snapper species =112,000 pounds

Sub alternative C. The average landings during 1994 - 2006 for all Snapper species multiplied by an uncertainty scalar (see Action 7 for uncertainty scalar).

Page 56: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 5: Annual Catch Limits for Snapper Unit 1(cont.) Alternative 5. Set the ACL for Snapper in the

U.S. Caribbean at: Sub alternative A. Zero for the EEZ and do not

establish a state waters ACL, but rely on the data collection program described later in this document and revisit ACL for Snapper Unit 1 five years after implementation.

Sub alternative B. The average landings during 1994 - 2006 for all Snapper species =1,529,000 pounds

Sub alternative C. The average landings during 1994 - 2006 for all Snapper species multiplied by an uncertainty scalar (see Action 7 for uncertainty scalar).

Page 57: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Comments on Snapper Unit 1Keep ACL for SU1 separate for Puerto Rico.“Puerto Rico. Analysis by Dr. Gedamke of the

SEFSC indicates a potential for a 20% expansion of fishing effort. It is therefore, not overfished in Puerto Rico in any sense of the word.”

“St. Thomas/St. John. Deepwater snappers are almost entirely unfished in St. Thomas with one fishermen fishing traps for 3 to 4 months each year. Clearly, these species are not overfished in St. Thomas.”

“St. Croix. The small line fishery cannot possibly be overfishing the resource.”

Page 58: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting
Page 59: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 6: Annual Catch Limits for the Recreational Sector

Alternative 1. No Action. Do not set ACLs for the Recreational Sector

COMMENTS: STFA St. Thomas fishers and stakeholders STXFA St. Croix Fishers and stakeholders

Page 60: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 6: Annual Catch Limits for the Recreational Sector Alternative 2. Use Puerto Rico recreational

average landings data from MRFSS during 2000-2007 to set recreational ACLs in the EEZ and state waters of Puerto Rico for Snapper Unit 1, Grouper Unit 4, and Parrotfishes. Use the proportion of Puerto Rican recreational landings relative to the total of recreational and commercial Puerto Rican landings to set an ACL proxy in the EEZ and state waters for the USVI Recreational Fishery. For the USVI, proportions would be assigned to fish family (e.g., groupers, snappers, parrotfishes), until sufficient landings data are available to specify ACLs by unit. ACLs would equal zero for queen conch in the EEZ off St. Thomas/St. John and Puerto Rico; the recreational ACL for queen conch in the EEZ off St Croix would be XXX (will depend on Council’s choice for commercial ACL in St. Croix). All island based recreational ACLs for Nassau grouper would equal zero.

Page 61: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 6: Annual Catch Limits for the Recreational Sector (cont.) Alternative 3. Use Puerto Rico recreational average

landings data from MRFSS during 2000-2007 to set recreational ACLs in the EEZ and state waters for Snapper Unit 1, Grouper Unit 4, and Parrotfishes. Use the proportion of Puerto Rican recreational landings relative to the total of recreational and commercial Puerto Rican landings to set an ACL proxy in the EEZ.

Alternative 4. Do not establish a recreational ACL in the USVI EEZ and state waters, but use the Commercial ACL for each unit or family as a proxy for the ACL for all sectors in the fishery.

Alternative 5. Set the recreational ACL in the USVI equal to 10% of each islands commercial ACL.

Alternative 6. Establish a separate charter boat sector ACL based on MRFSS data for Puerto Rico.

Page 62: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Comments on Recreational ACLs

(NEW) “Alternative 7. Set the recreational ACL in Puerto Rico equal to 50% of the islands EEZ commercial ACL and allow this number strictly for Recreational fishers to:Sub alternative A. Harvest all species managed

by the Council in the EEZ as well as state waters.

Sub alternative B. Harvest only fish species managed by the council that is not listed as "Over fished" or under going "over fishing" in the EEZ as well as state waters.”

Page 63: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Comments on Recreational ACLs

As in Alternative 3, use recreational fishing average landings in Puerto Rico, and if no data is available, establish a 50% for recreational and 50% commercial. [The ACL calculated for the commercial sector is used to establish the ACL for the recreational sector. See Action 5 above.]

The commercial and recreational fishers fish the same kind of fish and in the same areas.

There are many more recreational fishers than commercial fishers.

Need data from the recreational fishing activity.

Page 64: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Comments on Recreational ACLsSuggest that Charters be included in the

commercial sector. Numbers reported to MRFSS, be reported as commercial.

Recreational fishing licenses are needed.None of the Council managed species should

be harvested by recreational fishers. Species such as conch, red hind and silk snapper among others are rebuilding.

Recreational fishers harvest as much as commercial fishers but it is the commercial fishers who is always regulated.

Page 65: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Comments on Recreational ACLsAt present, as an example, the commercial freezers are

full of dolphin fish because even with the government regulations banning sale of fish by recreational fishers, they still sell the fish having a negative impact on the economy of the commercial fisher.

Need to establish a recreational quota and bag limits.Given the great number of recreational fishers in

Puerto Rico, allow recreational harvest of 25 -50% of the landings.

Given that commercial fishers land about 4 million pounds, recreational harvest should be an additional 1-2 million pounds.

Page 66: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting
Page 67: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 7: Accounting for Uncertainty Alternative 1. No Action. Set the ACL at the level

specified in the previous actions

Comments STFA St. Thomas fishers and stakeholders STXFA St. Croix Fisher PR 2 fishers

Page 68: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 7: Accounting for Uncertainty Alternative 1. No Action. Set the ACL at the level

specified in the previous actions Alternative 2. In the USVI, for ACLs based on

average catch, use: Sub alternative A. 90% of the specified level in the

previous actions to adjust for uncertainty. Sub alternative B. 75% of the specified level in the

previous actions to adjust for uncertainty (recommendation from the national SSC meeting).

Sub alternative C. 70% of the specified level in the previous actions to adjust for uncertainty.

Sub Alternative D. 50% of the specified level in the previous actions to adjust for uncertainty (recommendation from the national SSC meeting).

Page 69: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 7: Accounting for Uncertainty (cont.) Alternative 3. In Puerto Rico, use:

Sub alternative A. 82% of the specified level in the previous actions to adjust for uncertainty (based on the ratio of the reported landings versus the 85% CI for calculated landings in Puerto Rico across all species groups by year).

Sub alternative B. 78% of the specified level in the previous actions to adjust for uncertainty (based on the ratio of the reported landings versus the 90% CI for calculated landings in Puerto Rico across all species groups by year).

Sub alternative C. 75% of the specified level in the previous actions to adjust for uncertainty (based on the ratio of the reported landings versus the 95% CI for calculated landings in Puerto Rico across all species groups by year).

Page 70: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting
Page 71: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 8: Alternative Methods for Reducing Fishing Mortality and Establishing ACL Proxies

Alternative 1. No Action. Do not implement alternative methods for reducing fishing mortality by establishing proxies for ACLs COMMENTS:

STFA St. Thomas fishers and stakeholders STXFA St. Croix Fishers and stakeholders

Page 72: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 8: Alternative Methods for Reducing Fishing Mortality and Establishing ACL Proxies

Page 73: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 8: Alternative Methods for Reducing Fishing Mortality and Establishing ACL Proxies: COMMENTS

No closed areas (No to Alternatives 2, 3, and 4)

STFA St. Thomas stakeholders St. Thomas Fishers STXFA St. Croix Fishers Sr. Croix stakeholders Legislators of the USVI PR Fishers (commercial and recreational) PR stakeholders

Page 74: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 8: Alternative Methods for Reducing Fishing Mortality and Establishing ACL Proxies: COMMENTS

No closed areas (No to Alternatives 2, 3, and 4)

(D.O./STT): “We totally oppose such an action. It would decimate our fishery and force all fishing effort into Territorial waters.”

Other areas are also closed to fishing (HOVENSA, Refinary, etc.)

Other restrictions in place (no nets)

Page 75: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 8: Alternative Methods for Reducing Fishing Mortality and Establishing ACL Proxies (cont.)

Alternative 5. Work with fishermen to develop measure to reduce fishing effort towards F=Fmsy.

Comments Instead of closing areas (a) establish daily

quotas for charters and recreational fishers, (b) catch and release for charters, (c) establish bag limits of 1 fish per day for recreational fishers, (d) use the recreational limits and regulations established by the PR-DNER (e.g. no SCUBA and spear for harvesting fish), (e) selectivity by gear (e.g., spears) also reduce by catch.

Page 76: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 8: Alternative Methods for Reducing Fishing Mortality and Establishing ACL Proxies (cont.)

Comments Limited entry programs Enforcement Monitoring of the regulations in place and the

fisheries Examine other issues (pollution, development) Socio economic impacts need assessment Data collection with fishers input Trap vents; changes in trap fisheries (poaching,

cost of materials, etc.) Catch and release for recreational fishers Compatible regulations are in place to curb

overfishing Foreign Fishing (longliners) Incentives

Page 77: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 8: Alternative Methods for Reducing Fishing Mortality and Establishing ACL Proxies (cont.)

Comments “The fishers or Puerto Rico have been filing data

sheets for years (My case 21 years). This data even though inaccurate has shown that fishers are willing to file data, however as a fisher myself, I have seen where the data that was collected, is subsequently used to close down our resource which has resulted in the confrontations seen at meetings past. Fishers need to be guaranteed in some way that the data rendered in future methods will in fact be used properly and with the users involvement. This would insure an easier transition to establish regulation changes.”

Page 78: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting
Page 79: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 9: Permits Alternative 1. No Action. Do not establish a permit

system for fishing in the EEZ

COMMENTS: STFA St. Thomas Fishers and stakeholders STXFA St. Croix Fisher and stakeholders

Page 80: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 9: Permits Alternative 2. Require a federal permit for fishing in

the EEZ.

Sub Alternative A. Require a federal permit for recreational fishing in the EEZ.

COMMENTS Need to establish a recreational license, once

established by the local government do not duplicate in the federal government. If there is a fee for the license/permit the money should go to the government of Puerto Rico. Only if moneys go to PR would they agree with the federal permits, otherwise, No Action.

Need a federal license for recreational fishers and bag limits

Page 81: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 9: Permits Alternative 2. Require a federal permit for fishing in

the EEZ.

Sub Alternative B. Require a federal permit for commercial fishing in the EEZ.

Page 82: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 9: Permits Alternative 2. Require a federal permit for fishing in

the EEZ.

Sub Alternative C. Require the use of trap tags for all (lobster and fish) trap fisheries in the EEZ.

Sub Alternative D. Require a federal permit for charter boats fishing in the EEZ.

Page 83: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 9: Permits (cont.)

Alternative 3. Require a federal permit to sell Council managed species.

Alternative 4. Require a federal permit to purchase

Council managed species.

[Council managed species are reef fish, lobster and queen conch]

Page 84: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Comments on Permits(F.L./PR): “I have chosen Alternative 2 and

all sub alternatives A thru D. Comment: By choosing all the Sub Alternatives

the council will have a tool to get an estimate of how many individual(s) are actually using the EEZ and information as to the numbers of Commercial, Recreational and Charter Boat activity, this is information we have been lacking for some time and is Vi[t]al for regulation frame work.”

Page 85: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting
Page 86: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 10: Monitoring and Enforcement of Annual Catch Limits

Alternative 1. No Action. Set the ACL at the level specified in the previous actions.

Comments STFA St. Thomas fishers and stakeholders STXFA St. Croix Fishers and stakeholders

Page 87: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 10: Monitoring and Enforcement of Annual Catch Limits

Alternative 2. Require any person landing Council managed species to submit an appropriate data collection form, as developed by the SEFSC or the Council’s SSC, after every trip with enough detail such that CPUE per species can be calculated for each gear.

Alternative 3. Require any federal permit holder to submit an appropriate data collection form, as developed by the SEFSC or the Council’s SSC, after every trip with enough detail such that CPUE per species can be calculated for each gear.

Page 88: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 10: Monitoring and Enforcement of Annual Catch Limits

Alternative 4. Develop an updated catch report form in coordination with the SEFSC, local and territorial governments, fishermen, and the Council’s SSC which has enough detail such that CPUE per species can be calculated for each gear

Comments: Preferred by fishers in PR

Page 89: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

COMMENTS on Monitoring and EnforcementDecreased use of traps because of poaching No enforcement of existing regulationsRecreational fishers selling their catch and

no enforcementMonitoring is very important, especially

managed species should be monitored Monitoring of management measures should

be done with the help of fishersMonitor the data collection

Page 90: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting
Page 91: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 11: Accountability Measures

Alternative 1. No Action. Do not establish Accountability Measures.

Comments STFA St. Thomas fishers and stakeholders STXFA St. Croix Fishers and stakeholders

Page 92: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 11: Accountability Measures

Alternative 2. Implement accountability measures for exceeding an ACL based on:

Sub alternative A. A single year of landings/catch.

Comment: Preferred in PR by free divers

Sub alternative B. A 2-year average of landings/catch.

Page 93: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 11: Accountability Measures

Alternative 2. Implement accountability measures for exceeding an ACL based on: Sub alternative C. A 3-year average of landings/catch.

Comment: Preferred by 1 commercial fisher in PR “Comment: This is a very slippery slope we walk on, I

understand this is for balancing a fishery and providing stability, however if a more acceptable data collection method is not developed, then I am afraid this accountability measure is useless. If we do not improve monitoring and include privately contracted fisherman in this process like is done in other states. Example Alaska receives federal money annually to monitor Salmon stocks and they use that information to adjust their ACL Accountability Measures. What funding do we have in Puerto Rico to conduct stock assessment •••••• NONE. When will Puerto Rico ever get funding to conduct such studies? Good question ••••••”

Page 94: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 11: Accountability Measures (cont.)

Page 95: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting
Page 96: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 12: Allowable Gear for Reef Fish

Alternative 1. No Action. Do not alter allowable gear in the U.S. Caribbean Comments

STFA St. Thomas fishers and stakeholders STXFA St. Croix Fishers and stakeholders

Page 97: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 12: Allowable Gear for Reef Fish

Alternative 2. Review the list of allowable gear under 50 CFR 600.725 Comments from PR free divers and 1 commercial fisher:

Allow spearfishing commercially and recreationally Do not allow powerheads for either commercial or

recreational fishing “Comment: I am a spear fisher and have been for 23 years, this is no

doubt one of the cleanest fishing methods in the Caribbean to date. Example; (l) there is no by-catch (2) you are not going to shoot the spear gun at a anything that might cause damage to the spear (costing average $ 40 - $ 60 a shaft) (3) If diving you are on a limited amount of time to catch the species your after. Example; If diving in 100 feet of water you have about 15 - 20 minutes to shoot reload and shoot again, if your good you might get three chances, because after all you can miss. Everyone thinks fish are just going to sit there after you shoot the one next to him! I don't think so, so now you reload and the chase is on for number two. You figure the rest out! Spear guns don't Kill fish, People Kill fish. Do not regulate the gear, regulate the man using the gear.”

Page 98: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting
Page 99: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Action 13: Establish Framework Measures for ACLs and AMs in the Reef Fish FMP

Alternative 1. No Action. Do not establish a framework for ACLs and AMs

Alternative 2. Establish a framework procedure for setting and adjusting ACLs and AMs Comment: Preferred by free divers and 1 commercial fisher from

Puerto Rico “Comment: I must point out my previous comment in section 4.11 and

I quote, if we do not improve monitoring and include privately contracted fisherman in this process like is done in other states. Example Alaska receives federal money annually to monitor Salmon stocks and they use that information to adjust their ACL Accountability Measures. Then we will have wasted all this time for nothing, and it just won't matter what amount you put for an ACL if fishers are not involved in the process they will not respect the regulations. Sounds familiar that is because it happens every day right now.”

Page 100: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

Comments: Summary

STT – No Action in all 13 Actions, Alternatives and sub-alternatives (STFA represents xx commercial fishers)

STT: 1 for table the actionsNO Closed AreasUse of the data (socioeconomics, etc.)No new data and no determination of effectiveness of

recently implemented compatible regulationsNo re-evaluation of the status after the implementation of

the SFA in 2005; ciguatera; escape ventsSTXFA–limited entry; evaluate the FMPs in place (seasnoal

closures, area closures, etc.) STX – other issues (development, sewage)

Page 101: Summary of Scoping Meetings on Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) Caribbean Fishery Management Council 131 st Council Meeting

CFMC Comments: