ML072060330

Asmfc Fisheries Focus - Species Profile: Winter Flounder

ML072060330
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Site:	Oyster Creek
Issue date:	06/01/2003
From:	Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
To:	Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Davis J NRR/DLR/REBB, 415-3835
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Volume F2 Issue 4 FISHERI ES fOCUS Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission - 1444 Eye Street, . N.W.

• Washington, D.C.

Working towards hcalthlu; self-sustainingpopula tions for all Atlantic coast fish species or successfil restoration well in progressby the year 2015.

ASMFC Initiates Development of 2004 - 2008 Strategic Plan Public ParticipationSought throughout Development Process As the first step in charting the course of its activities for the issues, data collection and management, fisheries governance, next five years, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commis- socioeconomic concerns, law enforcement and legal/legisla-sion met during its June meeting week to identify challenges tive activities. These issues and others are detailed in a Source.

and opportunities in Atlantic coastal fisheries conservation Document to the Strategic Planning Workshop, available on and mariagenient, and articulate goals for the future. The the C'onmmission website. T i document is intended to sun-Commissioners also affirmed their commitment to the marize the activities and discussions of the Workshop, serve Commission's vision of achieving healthy, self-sustaining as a reference for both Workshop attendees and those who populations of all Atlantic coast fish species or of successful were not able to attend, as well as provide a vehicle to begin restoration well underway by the year 2015. to solicit public input.

During the Stra- "A critical component of this process will be the active par-Itegic Planning ticipation and input of Commission partners, stakeholders Workshop, Coin- and constituents," stated ASMFC Executive Director, John Upcoming Meetings, Page 2 rmissioners re- V. O'Shea. "At this point, we want to hear from folks about "Species Profile: Winter viewed the cur- their concerns regarding fisheries conservation and manage-

-Flounder Page p' 4 rent plan (1999 ment along the coast, and their ideas on how Commission

• *..v?*;*:

• *... . ; :: ' *:.:!,:::* *,. 2003), evalu- priorities can be refocused to more effectively achieve our Lobster Board Initiates 2 ,

Draft Addendum Page 6 atel accomplish- V\ision."

.nents, and out-Spiny Dogfish Board Maintains .. lined driving The Commission is seeking input through its website 8.8Mililion Pound-Quot.a 3,, forces and priori- (www.asmfc.org), asking the public to identify issues and Pae 6" ,ties the new Stra- concerns with fisheries conservation and management along Summer Flounder Board , tegic Plan should the coast, as well as to provide suggestions for future actions.

Postpones Action on ~ >- address. Identi- This feedback will ensure the Commission considers pub-Addendum VIIIl , >"Page 7 fled challenges licly-identified issues during its strategic planning.

Horseshoe Crab Board and opportuni-Approves Development Draft*Addendu.m*;* >. of...... ::, ....

;f ties ties ude included ASMFC Chair, John [. Nelson, Jr. of New Hampshire added,

- Page7 funding, educa- "Commissioners highly value public input and participation Winter Flounder PD Ava.ilable' tion and out- in all ASMFC activities and programs. In this case, the pub-for Public Comment Page8 reach, fisheries lic has a unique opportunity to help chart the future of At-conservation and lantic coastal fisheries conservation and management. Please ASMFC Seeks Nominations for David H.Hart Award Page 9 management, take the time to share with us your vision for the future."

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• ,,. :,,, ,- v;:,:::,*,, eco sy s tem /

ASMFC Comings & Goings< ; c osystem 1 Your input can be submitted to the Commission at the ad-Pa.,g 9 based manage-AAE RecbipientsCelebrate ., ent, habitat, dress or fax number below, or via email at

<comments@asmfc.org>. Comments received through mid-Page11 conflict resolu- July will be considered in the development of a first draft of Circle Hook Errata Page 12, tion to address the Strategic Plan. The next opportunity for public com-Y,,'2: , polarization of ment will be in August with the release of the first draft.

C&A7. A~mC, Zoosb

m Upcoming Meetings 718 & 9.

L he Atlantic States Marine ACCSP Recreational Technical Committee, Marriott New-port Rhode Island, 25 America's Cup Avenue, Newport, FisheriesCommission was formed by Rhode Island.

the 15 A tlantic coastalstates in 7/8- 10:

1942 for the promotion and ASMFC Atlantic Menhaden Stock Assessment Workshop, Na-tional Marine Fisheries Service. Southeast Fisheries Science Cen-protection of coastalfishery ter, 101 Pivers Island Road. Beatifort, North Carolina.

resources. TIhe"Commission serves as. 7/9 (I0 AM- 5P M) &i0 (9 AM- 3 PM):

ASMFC Striped Bass Tagging Subcommittee, Sheraton Ho-a deliberativebodY of the Atlantic: tel at BWI, 7032 Elm Road, Baltimore, Maryland.

coastal states, coordinatingthe 714 (10 AM/- 5 PA):

ASMFC Atlantic Herring Section, Holiday Inn by the Bay, conservation and management of 88 Spring St., Portland, Maine.

nearshorefishejry resources , 7/15 & 18..

ASMFC American Lobster Technical Committee, Hampton Inn including marine, shellal.d New Bedford, I Hampton Way, Fairhaven, Massachusetts.

anadromousspeciees. The fifteen member states of the Commission 7/15- 17 New England Fishery Management Council, Holiday Inn by the Bay, Portland, Maine.

are. Maine, New Htampshire, 7122-24.'

Massachusetts,'Rhode Island., ASMFC Striped Bass Stock Assessment Subcommittee, Sheraton Hotel at TF. Green Airport. 1850 Post Road, Connecticut, New York, Newjersey, Warwick, Rhode Island.

enn*ylvania, Dela ware, MarvIand, 8/5-7.

Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, Wyndham Ho-Viginia, North Carolina, South tel & Resort, 101 West Fayette Street, Baltimore Inner Har-bor, Maryland.

Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

8/5- 7.

Atlantic States Marine.FisheriesConinussion ,",

Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program John I. NelsonJr, (NH) Chair (SEAMAP) Annual Meeting, Hilton Myrtle Beach, 10000 P*iston Pate J,. (NC) Vice Chair Beach Club Drive, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

John lil V 'V ( Executive'Director..

Shea 8/10-14.

Robert E. BealcDitector, Interstate Fisheries American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Quebec City,

. nMarsement: Program Quebec, Canada.

Dr Lisa L K*lrine Directoi of Reseaich & Statistics Lauira C Leach, Director of Fmince & Administration 8/25- 28:

Tina L Belrger fdto i n ASMFC Meeting Week, Doubletree Crystal City, 300 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, Virginia; 703/416-4100.

(202)289-6400 Phone* (202)_,Y'-0)51 Fax

+)wwwasm*tfc org - ,,

-:*{;! ,::*,:

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ACCSP Advisory Committee, location to be determined.

2 ASMFC Fisheries Focus, Vol. 12, Issue 4, June 2003

If you spend any time in fisheries management, you Dr. Eileen Setzler'l-lamnilton and Colonel Clarence Wayne will soon ap)preciate the broad cross section of people from all fields who share a common and enthusiastic Lee were postlumously recognized for their passionate commitment to marine resource conservation and man- t_*rl interest in marine fisheries and their sustainable inan- agernent. For nearly 20 yeas. Dr. Setzler-Hamilton rep-agement. While most in this arena can easily be de- resented the Potomac River Fisheries Commission on the scribed as passionate, a few truly exceptional individu- MSC and species technical committees for American eel, als stand out for their ideas and accomplishments. The Atlantic striped bass, and shad and river herring. Dr.

highlight of tile Commission's Spring Meeting Week Setzler-Hamilton loved the Chesapeake Bay and was com-was our Annual Awards of Excellence ceremony, recog- initted to preserving its resources throutgh her work as a nizing those who have made a positive, difference in managing and conserving Atlantic coastal fisheries.

researcher for the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory. N_

Here is a summary of their special efforts. A gentleman and true conservationist. Colonel Lee sup-ported the Commission since tile mid-1990s, serving John Mason of the New York State Department of En- as North Carolina's recreational fishing representative vironmental Conservation received the management and on striped bass, summer flounder and weakfish advi-policy award. For nearly a quarter of a century, lie served sory panels. He chaired the Weakfish AP, guiding it on the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and through the development of Amendment 4. In that on countless ASMFC species management boards and position, lie was respected by all for his thoroughness, committees. A founding visionary of the Atlantic fairness, and leadership. Most recently, Colonel Lee Coastal Cooperative Statistics Program (ACCSP) and was Vice-Chair of tile South Atlantic Fishery Manage-charter member of the ACCSP Operations Commit- ment Council. Colonel Lee served his country through tee. Mr. Mason has tirelessly advocated a robust fisher- a long and distinguished career in tie U.S. Air Force ies data collection system to support effective fisheries officer and was a decorated Vietnam veteran.

management.

Sergeant Francis Floor of tile Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and Special Agent

1Z 4b Jean Flemina, now' Executive Director of the Prairie Rivers Network, was recognized for her 13 years of ser- Kevin Flanagan of NOAA Fisheries, Office of Law En-vice on the [louse Committee on Resources and its forcement were recognized for their work in the area of law enforcement. As part of a joint effort, they dili-predecessor, the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Com-mittee. She established herself as a true friend of the gently persevered over countless obstacles to expose a fish dealer for fraudulently reporting the purchase and Commission and supporter of Atlantic coastal fisheries management, lending her expertise and conservation sale of summer flounder. Their investigation ultimately ethic to many important fisheries laws. These include led to a $225,000 fine from NOAA Fisheries for filing the Striped Bass Conservation Act of 1984; the Atlan- false, reports and a $50,000 fine from Rhode Island for tic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act of 75 counts of illegal sales of summer flounder.

1993, and the Sustainable Fisheries Act of 1996. Her The entire New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, contributions will help ensure there are ample stocks Marine Law Enforcemeht Region, District 8 was hon-of Atlantic coastal fish for future generations to enjoy. ored for its work in the area of law enforcement. Dis-trict 8 officers uncovered a large-scale illegal commer-Dr. Stu Kennedy of the Florida Marine Research Insti-tute was recognized for his scientific, technical and ad- cial sea bass and tautog fishery occurring on a party boat. Tile 14-month investigation documented over visory contributions. Since 1976, Dr. Kennedy has 150 violations, involving 22 individuals including the advised the Commission as a member the South At-captain, owner and mates. Resultant penalties totaled lantic Board, the ISFMP Policy Board and the Man-more than $48,000, sending a strong signal about the agement and Science Committee (MSC). Dedicated importance of fisheries conservation laws and the com-to the collection and management of sound fisheries mitment of the State of New Jersey to enforce them.

data, lie was a key architect of the ACCSP. He was a driving force in working with state agencies to estab- Congratulations again to all of the recipients. They lish the cooperative shrimp statistics program. This represent a small portion of so many people who freely initiative has become the model in the Southeast re- give their time and talent to support the Commission gion for other important data programs such as process and make it work. To you all, I say, thank you, SEAMAP, COMFIN and MARFIN. and well done!

3 ASMFC Fisheries rocus, ASMFC 12, Issue Vol. 12, Focus, Vol. 4,June Issue 4, 2003 June 2003 3

Species Profile: Winter Flounder New ASMFC Amendment Under Development Introduction Winter flounder are an inmportant commercial and recreational fish throughout New En-gland and the Mid-Atlantic, although both fisheries are at a fraction of what they once were historically. Ihshore habitat degradation and overfishing have contributed to serious stock declines throughout the species' range. However, efforts of the Atlantic coastal states and the New England Fishery Management Council (Council) to.reduce fishing mortality and identify essential habitat have allowed stocks to begin to recover. The Gulf of Maine (GOM) stock has shown the greatest improvement, with the current estimate of spawning stock biomass well above the target established in the federal plan. The Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic (SNE/MA) stock, however, still has a long way to go. The Com-mission amendment, curi'ently under development, will seek to continue the recovery of the GOM stock and to rebuild the SNE/MA stock.

Life History Winter flounder are found in estuaries, coastal waters, and offshore fishing banks of the Atlantic coast from Labrador, Canada to Georgia in the U.S.. but are most conilOl from southern Newfoundland to the Chesapeake Bay. Adults spawn from winter through spring and tend to return to the same spawning grounds every year. Females usually produce between 500,000 to 1.5 million eggs. but up to 3.3 million have been reported. Tempera-tIure and salinity appe ar to control sorvival of e"""s during the two to three roonths of larval development. Larvae settle to the bottom as metamorphosis approaches at about five to six weeks after hatching. After eight weeks, the left eye -migrates to the right side of the body and metamorphosis is complete. Young-of-the-year and some one year-old fish remain in natal estuaries throughout the year. Juvenile flounder prefer sand or sand-silt bottoms and tolerate a wide range of salinity (from fresh to saltwater) and temperature (32-77°F). Precla-tory fish such as striped bass and bluefish, as well as birds. invertebrates, and marine mammals prey on the larvae and juveniles.

Research has found substantial variability in.length and age of Winter flounder by region, with faster growth occurring in southern waters. Winter flounder undertake a generalized seasonal migration, with adults typically leaving nearshore waters during summer months for cooler, deeper, offshore waters. Their movements may also depend on the availability of food. Flounder move back into shoal waters with declining autumn temperatures.

Winter flounder north of Cape Cod make localized migrations and remain nearshore, while. south of Cape Cod winter flounder disperse a considerable distance offshore.

Commercial & Recreational Fisheries Gulf of Maine Throughout the 1960s and 19 7 0s, commercial landings from the GOM stock fluctuated around 2.2 million pounds. In t982, landings peaked at 6.0 million pounds and then steadily declined to a time series low of 701,190 pounds in 1999. This decline may be attributed to extended spring closures in the Gulf of Maine. Landings have remained near 1.1 million pounds since 1999. Recreational landings from the GOM stock fluctuated around 4.4 million pounds in the early 19 8 0s before declining to under 220,000 pounds in 1991. Recreational landings have remained below 220,000 pounds since 1995. On average, recreational landings comprised 40 percent of the total catch from 1979-1990. Since 1991, recreational landings have como5rised between five and 13 percent of the total landings.

Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic Commercial landings from the SNE/MA stock averaged 18.7 million pounds from 1964 to 1972 before declining to around 10.6 million pounds throughout the mid- to late 19 7 0s. Landings increased in the early 1980s to a record high of 24.6 million pounds, 4 ASMFC Fisheries Focus, Vol. 12, Issue 4, June 2003

but then declined to an all-timne low( of 4.9 million

.i.... ..... ........... t..

Winter Flounder, Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic p)ounds in 1994. Commercial ladinigs in 2001 were 9.7 million pounds, with the majority of those landings comning from offshore areas (>3 miles). Rec-reational landings from the SNE/MA stock peaked at 12.7 million pounds in 1984 before declining to a low of 844,515 pounds in 1992. Landings have 80

.i . .

Total and Spawning Stock Biomass Source: 36th Northeast Regional Stock Assessment Workshop, NEFSC 2003 ranged between 1.2 and 1.5 million pounds in re-cent years, with 2001 landings estimated at 1.2 mil-lion pounds. On average, recreational landings corm-so-iL 040 i~ nf ~BiornC)35 prised 27 percent of the total landings (1981-1996).

• 0 4  : + J+ + , - . . . - - +

Stock Status Gulf of Maine N 0)

O) C ) ON

) O N3 .) O)

N N O)

N N N0Yao ON Year In December 2002, the 36th Northeast Regional Stock Assessment Workshop/Stock Assessment Re-view Committee (SAW/SARC) concluded the GOM Atlantic Coastal Management Considerations winter flounder stock is not overfished and overfishing is Winter flounder are cooperatively managed by the Commis-occurring. Fishing mortality in 2001 was well helow sion and the Council. The stock is divided into three lart-estimate of F ,, and spawning stock biomass in 2001 agement units (1) the COM unit, ranging north of Cape estimated to be about 44 percent above the estimate of Cod, (2) the SNE/MA unit, extending from south of Cape (see figure below). The average recruitment from 198; Cod to the Delaware-Maryland border; and (3) the Georges 2001 is 6.7 million age-1 fish. Recruitment to the stock Bank unit, occurringt in federal waters.

been above or near average since 1995.

The Commission Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Inshore Stocks of Winter Flounder addresses the Winter Flounder, Gulf of Maine first two management units. The FMP and subse-Total and Spawning Stock Biomass quent Addenda contain specific fishery management Source: 36th Northeast Regional Stock Assessment Workshop, NEFSC 2003 measures to reduce fishing mortality over several years, with the ultimate target of ;'4V (a rate that would al-low the population size of the spawners to remain at 0

40 percent of an unfished population) by 1999.

The Commission is currently amending the FMP to Biormass 0

0 1---- SSB revise the objectives of the management program, up-ell date overfishing definitions and fishing mortality tar-gets, and identify FMP compliance components as 0

mandated by the Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Coopera-tive Management Act of 1993.

The first step in this process is the widespread distri-Year bution of a Public Information Document (PID) to facilitate public comment on future winter flounder conservation and management activities. The PID out-

.Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic lines nine specific issues that may be addressed in Amend-The 36th SAW/SARC concluded the SNE/MA winter floun-ment 1. Each issue is accompanied by a series of questions der stock is overfished and overfishing is occurring. Fishing designed to focus public comment. The PID will be avail-mortality in 2001 was well above F y, and spawning stock able for public comment by the beginning of July, with state biomass in 2001 was estimated to be about 25 percent of the hearings scheduled in late July and early August. The Man-estimate of B,.,y (see figure above right). The average recruit-agement Board is scheduled to meet in August to review ment from 1981 to 2001 was 23.9 million age-I fish. Re-public comment from the PID and identify potential man-cruitment to the stock has been below average since 1989.

agement alternatives to be included in the first draft of the The 2001 year class, with only 5.6 million fish, is the small-amendment. Final amendment approval is scheduled for est in the 2 2 -year VPA time series.

spring 2004. For more information on the PID and the amendment process, please see page 8 of this issue.

ASMFC Fisheries Focus, Vol. 12, Issue 4, June 2003 5

ASMFC Lobster Board Initiates Development of Draft Addendum to Address Stock Declines in Area 2 In response to declines in the lobster condition of the resource. The Corrirnis-resource in the waters off of Massachu- sion is committed to providing adequate setts and Rhode Island, the plublic input and working cooperatively Commission's American Lobster Man- with Area 2 fishermen to rebuild the agement Board has called for the clevel- lobster resource in this region.

opment of' a Draft Addendum to Amendment 3 to the interstate Fishery [n March 2003. based oui concern for Additionally, the Draft Atldendum will Management Plan for American Lobster. stock declines in Area 2, the Lobster propose a change to the circular vent size To initiate the process, the Board has Board took Emergency Action to in- from 2 1/2 inches to 2 5/8 inches to be, directed staff to prepare a list of options crease the minimum size of lobsters compatible with a 2-inch rectangular for inclusion in the Draft Addendum landed in Area 2 to 3 3/8 inches by July vent size. Lastly, the Board moved for-that will allow for stock rebuilding in Area 1, 2003. As part of this action, the ward with a proposed modification to

2. This draft will he presented to the Board committed to prrceeding with the the interpretation of the roost restric-Board for its consideration in August. development of a Draft Addendum, tive rule for multi-area fishermen.

outlining additional measures to reduce "The development of this Addendum the fishing mortality rate in Area 2 to a The Board is scheduled to meet in Au-shows the Board's desire to move for- level that will allow for stock rebuilding. gust to further discuss these issues.

ward in a timely way to address some Upon approval by the Board, the Draft pressing issues in American lobster man- Another issue to be addressed in the Addendum will made available for public agement," stated Board Chair, George Draft Addendum is a proposal brought comment. The Commission anticipates.

Lapointe of Maine. "Public comment forward by the Area 3 Lobster Conser- holding public hearings later in 2003.

will be a particularly important com- vation Management Team (offshore wa- For more information, please contact ponenrt of this process, given that the ters) to institute an active trap reduc- Carrie Selberg, Fisheries Management measures being considered for Area 2 tion schedule for years 2007 and 2008, Plan Coordinator, at (202)289-6400 or will be incredibly tough because of the as well as a trap transferability program. <cselberog@asmrfc.org>.

ASMFC Spiny Dogfish Board Maintains 8.8 Million Pound Quota for 2003 - 2004 Fishing Year Following significant and lengthy dis- 1, 2003 though April 30, 2004), main- Additionally, the Board discussed con-cussion, the Commission's Spiny Dog- taining that it meets the Plan's fishing cerns raised by the North Carolina Ma-fish and Coastal Shark Management mortality target of 0.03. Further, the rine Fisheries Commission regarding the Board chose to maintain its 2003 - Board concluded implementing this state's access to the resource under the 2004 annual specifications for the spiny quota for one year would not compro- regional allocation scheme. The Board

'dogfish fishery. The decision to revisit mise the spawning stock biomass re- decided to remain with the scheme de-the issue was motivated by concern that building goals. The Board's decision was veloped in February 2003, with 57.9 some information was not vetted through based on evidence from the Massachu- percent (5,095,200 pounds) of the the Commission's Spiny Dogfish Techni- setts Division of Marine Fisheries that a quota allocated to Maine, New Hamp-cal Committee prior to the Board taking small scale directed fishery can be ex- shire and Massachusetts and 42.1 per-action on annual specifications. ecuted with virtually no discard mor- cent (3,704,800 pounds) allocated to tality on spiny dogfish. The Board noted Rhode Island and states south. How-After reviewing the Technical that the 4.8 million pound difference ever, State Directors committed to work-Committee's advice, the Board declined between the federal and state quotas rep- ing with staff to ensure that all states to change the coastwide 'quota of 8.8 resents about 0.6% of the total spiny million for the current fishing year (May dogfish biomass. continued on page 9 6 ASMFC Fisheries Focus, Vol. 12, Issue 4, June 2003

Board Postpones Action on Summer Flounder Addendum VIII:

Technical Committee Charged to Conduct FurtherAnalyses Tile Commission's Summer Flounder, sire to adopt a management program summer flounder fishery, including re-Scup and Black Sea Bass Management that is acceptable to recreational anglers payment of harvest overages in the sub-Board delayed app)roving Addendum and commercial fishermen alike," stated sequent year(s), carry-over of unused VIII to tile Summer Flounder, Scup and Board Chair Bruce Freeman of New Jer- recreational harvest from one year to the Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan sey "Thie Board is committed to dlevel- next, and allocation of commercial quota (FMP). and charged its Technical Corm- oping a management program that con- based on a total allowable landings mittee with Cvaluating alternative nica- tinues the rebuilding of thle summer (TAL) limits calculated without recre-stires to constrain the recreational fish- flotu1nde(r resource and ensures that all ational overages. It also included the ery to its annual quota. This action was sectors have the opportunity to land option to maintain the existing manage-taken following a review of extensive their annual allocation, while not ex- ment system.

public comment provided at the Board's ceeding it."

June meeting and gathered through state The Board also approved 2003 scup rec-public hearings and written correspon- Addendum VIII was developed to ad- reational management measures for the dence over tile last couple of months. dress the issue of summer flounder rec- States of Rhode Island. Connecticut and Once completed, the Board intends to reational fishery overages, which, with New York, concluding they were con-review the supplemiental analysis and the exception of 2002. have been a per- sistent with the requirements of Adden-take final action on the Addendum later sistent and significant problem since dumn VII to the FMP. For more infor-this year. 1996. The Draft Addendum was avail- mation, please contact Robert Beal, able for public comment throughout Director, Interstate Fisheries Manage-

"Tile Board's decision to postpone ac- April and May. It provi(led a suite of ment Program, at (202)289-6400 or tion of Addendum VIII reflects its de- management options for the recreational <rbeal@asmfc.org>.

ASMFC Horseshoe Crab Board Approves Development of Draft Addendum The Commission's Horseshoe Crab Management Board cal Committee. Tile Board cited the excellent work that approved the development of a Draft Addendum to the the Committee has clone to improve knowledge of shore-Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Horseshoe Crab bird and horseshoe crab population status and interac-to further conservation of horseshoe crab and migratory tion. The Board indicated that the, Committee would

shorebirdpopulations.:*Ttihe Draft Addendum will in- serve as an Important resource in the future, comple-clude options to reduce harvest, implement seasonal clo- menting the Commission's Horseshoe Crab Technical sures and revise the Plan's monitoring requirements. Committee. The first task of these Committees will be to provide guidance to the Board in implementing the This action responds to recommendations of the U.S. recommendations of the Shorebird Technical Fish and Wildlife Service's Shorebird Technical Commit- Committee's report.

tee to reduce horseshoe crab harvest in New Jersey, Dela-ware and Maryland. The intent is to increase the abun- "Coordination of this Committee with the Commission's dance of horseshoe crabs and their eggs to meet the ener- Horseshoe Crab Technical Committee is critical to the getic requirements of migratory shorebirds that stopover Commission making informed decisions on horseshoe in Delaware Bay. In a related action, the Board agreed to crab management and its implications on migratory request the States of New Jersey, Delaware and Mary- shorebird populations," stated ISFMP Director, Robert land voluntarily implement harvest restrictions and sea- Beal. "We hope that the Service will be able to maintain sonal closures prior to the adoption of the Addendum. this important and productive state-federal partnership."

Recognizing the need for ongoing research and monitor- For more information, please contact Braddock Spear, ing of the horseshoe crab-shorebird interaction, the Board Horseshoe Crab Fishery Management Plan Coordina-has requested the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service con- tor, at (202)289-6400 or <bspear@asmfc.org>.

tinue supporting the activities of the Shorebird Techni-7 ASMFC Fisheries Focus, ASMFC Fisheries 12, Issue Vol. 12, rocus, Vol. 4, June 2003 Issue 4.Junc 2003 7

ASMFC Releases Winter Flounder PID for Public Comment States to Hold Hearings in Late July & Early August The Commission's Winter Flounder Publication of the PID and announce- It is anticipated that most states from Management Board has approved the mnent of the Commissions intent to Maine through Delaware will be con-Public Information Document (PID) for amnend the existing Winter Flounder ducting public hearings on the PID in Amendment I to tihe Interstate Fishery FMP is the first step of the formal late July and early August. The Com-Management Plan (FMP) for Inshore amendment process. Following the ini- mission will provide the. details of those Stocks of Winter Flounder for public tial phase of information-gathering and hearings once they become available.

review and comment. In addition to public comment, the Commission will providling information on winter floun- identify tie potential nianagement al- Fishermen and other interested groups der management, commercial and rec- ternatives and issues to be included in are encouraged to provide input on the reational fisheries, and stock status, the the first draft of the amendment. Upon PID, either through attendinrg public hearings or providing written comments.

PID outlines several issues for public approval, the draft amendment will be comment. These include updating plan made available for public review and Copies of the PID can be obtained by objectives: redefining plan targets, comment. After this review and further contacting the Commission at (202) thresholds, and rebuilding goals; assess- consideration by the Board, a final draft 289-6400 or via the Commission's ing habitat needs' and standardizing the will be developed for Board approval. website at www.asmnfc.org. Public com-management programns of the CoullniS- Currently, the final amendment ap- nient will be accepted until Friday, Au-sion and New England Fishery Manage- proval is slated for spring 2004. A ten- gust 22, 2003, and should be forwarded ment Council. The PID also seeks in- tative schedule for completion of to Lydia Munger, Winter Flounder FMP put on broader management and re- Amendment I is shown in the figure Coordinator, 1444 Eye Street, NW, searcl issues such as declining recruit- below. Please nowe tire dates may change0 Sixth Floor, Washington, DC 20005:

ment, the effects of predation on winter if the Management Board or Technical (202) 289-6051 (FAX) or at flounder, and the inshore/offshore move- Committee needs additional time to <lmunger@asmfc.org>. For more infor-ments of winter flounder stocks at lower complete any of the listed tasks. mation, please contact Lydia Minger at levels of hiomass, (202) 289-6400.

The Commission is currently amend-ing the FMP to revise the objectives of Tentative schedule for develop.ment-and approval'of Winter the management program, update over- Flounder Amendment 1 fishing definitions and fishing mortal-ity targets, and identify FMP compli- Management Board Decides Need for Plan Feb. 2003 or Amendment ance criteria as mandated by the Arian-tic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Man-agement Act of 1993. Updated over- Feb 2003 Plan Development Team Established fishing definitions and fishing mortal-ity targets are needed based on the re- Spring 2003 - Public Information Document Developed I sults of the most recent stock assess- ] m.rthe Amendment Summer22003 - Public Information Meetings ments for the Southern New England/ Development Mid-Atlantic (SNE/MA) and Gulf of I

.4 Process .

tale "012003.EarlY 4[ First Draft of Amendment Produced Maine (COM) winter flounder stocks.

Specifically, the SNE/MA stock is over-Public Hearings fished and overfishing is occurring, and a reduction in fishing mortality is El 2a003 E 2004 : Second Draft of Amendment Produced needed to rebuild the stock to sustain-able levels of biomass. While the GOM ,,'prg, 20047 l Board Review & Final Approval stock was determined to be not over-fished and overfishing is not occurring, Spring 20044 Full Commission Review and Final Approval 44' limited data and a lack of observed fish from the northern part of the species Spring 2004 [ Final Plan Produced range raises concern about the possibil- 4. 444 444 44' 44 ity of localized depletion in inshore ar- Early Summer 2004F Plan Review Teamn ReviewI - 4 4 4 II, eas north of Massachusetts.

8 ASMFC Fisheries Focus, Vol. 12, Issue 4, June 2003

Dogfish Board Maintains 8.8 ment of Environmental Management Million Pound Quota (continued Robert K. Mahood, Executive Director, South Atlantic from page 6) Fishery Man agemnemt Council, 2001 Susan Shiplman. Chief of Marine Fisheries, Georgia Coastal wOuld have an opportunity to harvest the available regional Resources Division, 2000 quota. As a first step, the Board approved a regional overage penalty, deducting the overage from tije responsible region's Gordon C. Colvin, Director of Marine Resources for the New quota in the subsequent fishing year. York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 1999 The Board xvill meet this fall to determine the annual speci- Sergeant Robert Babula. Conservation Officer, New fications for the 2004 - 2005 fishing year, as required by the Hampshire Fish and Game Department. .1998 Interstate Fishery Management Plan. For more inforniation.

David M. Cupka, South Carolina Department of Natural please contact VMegan Gamble, Fisheries Management Plan Resources, 1997 Coordinator. at (202)289-6400 or <ingarnble@asmfc.org>.

Philip G. Coates, Director, Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. 1996 ASMFC Seeks Nominations for David H. Hart Award David G. Deuel, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1995 Richard H. Schaefer, Director, Office of Fisheries Conserva-Nominations are being sought for the Thirteenth Annual tion & Management, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1994 Captain David H. Hart Award. This award will be presented at the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's 6 2 nd Dr. Edwin B. Joseph, South Carolina Wildlife & Marine Annual leeting in New York City, December 14-18. 2003. Resour1ces. 1993 Anyone associated with the activities of the Commission is Representative Walter B. Jones of North Carolina, 1992 encouraged to nominate worthy candidates. A "worthy can-Irwin M. Alperin. Executive Director, Atlantic States clidate" is an individual (or individuals) who has (have) con-NMarine Fisheries Conmmission, 1991 tributed to the betterment of the fisheries of the Atlantic coast through significant biological, legislative, enforcement or management activities. The nomination should include a description of the candidate's achievements and their effect ASMFC Comings & Goings on the fisheries of the Atlantic coast. Candidates nominated Rhonda Ellis -- in May. Rhonda joined the Commission staff but not selected in previous years will not be carried over. Any-as Office Clerk, working part-time to assist the administra-one wishing to renominate those individuals is encouraged to tive staff with their various responsibilities. Welcome aboard, do so. Selection will be based on specific accomplishments and Rhonda!

other information included in the letter of nomination.

Joe Moran -- In May, Commission staff bid farewell to Joe Nominations will be accepted until July 18, 2003 and should Moran as he left to pursue a new career opportunity with be sent to Laura C. Leach, Director of Finance & Adminis-the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Fish Hatchery tration, at 1444 Eye Street, NW, Sixth Floor, Washington, System, Policy Development and Budget Branch. Joe worked DC 20005; (202) 289-6051 (FAX) or via email at at the Commission for the last four years, most recently as

<lleach@asmfc.org>. Please indicate on your nomination that Fisheries Specialist for Research and Statistics and before that it is a confidential document.

as Program Manager for the Atlantic Coastal Cooperative The Commission instituted the "Captain David H. Hart Statistics Program (ACCSP). His work with the Research Award" in 1991 to recognize individuals who have signifi- and Statistics Program included coordination of the North-cantly advanced marine fisheries conservation and manage- east Area Monitoring and Assessment Program and the ment along the Atlantic coast. The award is named after the Commission's Committee on Economics and Social Sciences.

Commission's oldest and longest-serving member, a He also worked on issues related to circle hooks and striped Governor's Appointee from New Jersey who was dedicated bass ageing protocols. As ACCSP Program Manager, Joe was to the advancement and protection of marine fishery resources. involved in the creation of most of the ACCSP's program-Past award recipients are: matic documents, including the ACCSP Program Design, Funding Decision Guidelines, Confidentiality Protocols, and

.David V.D. Borden, Assistant Director for Natural Re- the bycatch and discards module. We wish Joe the very best source Development and Protection, Rhode Island Depart- in new his new position; he is sure to be a valuable asset!

ASMFC Fisheries Focus, Vol. 12, Issue 4, June 2003 9

State and Federal Marine Fisheries Agencies Begin Survey of Recreational Fishing Vessels on the Atlantic Coast AC.CsaP In early June, the Atlantic Coastal Cooperative Statistics Pro- Given the success of the For-I-lire Survey in other areas, the gram announced the launch of the For-Hire Survey, a stan- resource managers of Connecticut; South Carolina. and the dardized data collection system designed to improve recre- Potomac River Fisheries Commission plan to phaseout their ational fishing and biological information from charter boats logbook requirements for vessels for-hire following a and party/headboats, providing fishery managers with more benchmarking period with the new survey.

credible data for responsible management of Atlantic fish [l addition to the catch and effort data collected through the stocks.

For-Hire- SOurvey, the party/headboat fleet will also be ran-The For-Hire Survey collects: (1) fishing effort data (such as doinly selected to carry at-sea samplers. Trained personnel numbers of trips and passengers taken in a given week) will pay the selected vessel's usual fare to collect length and through a telephone survey, sampling ten percent of for-hire weight measurements on caught and released species, as well vessels each week. (2) catch data through in-person inter- as other biological data while the boat is at sea. Combined

• views with for-hire patrons at dockside access-points, and (3) with other data from the For-Hire Survey, biological and validation data (through dockside observations) to correct bycatch data will help support stock assessment science.

for reporting errors. Catch interviews are ongoing since 1981, as part of the Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey "We are pleased that the state and federal partners of the (MRFSS), but the new approach for charter and headboats Atlantic coast have adopted the For-Hire Survey," said Maury began June 9, 2003. Osborn, Director of the Atlantic Coastal Cooperative Statis-tics Program (ACCSP), a partnership of 23 state and federal "The traditional MRFSS never gave us adequate estimates of fishery management agencies. "This is the single largest im-catch and effort from charter boats and headboats. It's better provement that could be made to the accuracy and precision suited to private boats and shore fishing," said Bruce Joule of of data for the for-hire fishery."

the Maine Department of Marine Resources. 'The modified For-Hire procedure has proven a far better method for get- About the ACCSP ting information from the for-hire industry, both in statisti- The ACCSP is a cooperative state-federal program to design, cal accuracy and precision." implement, and conduct marine fisheries statistics data col-lection programs and to integrate those data into a single The For-Hire Survey began in Maine in 1995, and spread .to data management system that will meet the needs of fishery the Gulf of Mexico, Florida, and California based on its suc- managers, scientists, and fishermen. It is composed of repre-cess. Twelve other Atlantic coastal states have now adopted sentatives from natural resource management agencies the For-Hire Survey as the preferred methodology for col- coastwide, including the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries lecting data from the for-hire sector. They are New Hamp- Commission, the three Atlantic fishery management coun-shire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, cils, the 15 Atlantic states, Potomac River Fisheries Commis-New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, sion, D.C. Fisheries and Wildlife Division, NOAA Fisheries South Carolina, and Georgia. and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. For more information please contact Abbey Compton, ACCSP Outreach Coordi-The For-Hire Survey is not designed to replace for-hire log- nator, at (202)289-6400 or <abbey.compton@accsp.org>;

book programs mandated by statute, such as NOAA Fisher- or visit www.accsp.org.

ies Northeast Region's vessel trip reports and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources' logbook program. How-ever, the survey will be integrated with these programs to minimize reporting burden on vessel captains.

10 ASMFC Fisheries Focus, Vol. 12, Issue 4, June 2003

ASMFC Annual Awards of Excellence Recipients Celebrate!

On June 10, 2003, state and federal fisheries managers, scientists and fishermen recognized the contributions of several outstandinigindividuals to the conservation and rranagement Atlantic coastal resources at an evening reception of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. Commission Chair, John L. Nelson, Jr. and Awards Committee Chair, David Cupka had the honor of leading the ceremony of the Commissions F ifth Annual Awards of Excellence, presenting awards in the areas of legislation, law enforcement, management & policy, and scientific, technical & advisory contributions.

fn his Executive Director's Column, John V. O'Shea provides the details of the awards and the award recipients. Here are the pictures.

Olppositlipicture (truo left toi ight): Special Agent Kevin Flanagan ol NOAA Fisheries, Office of Law Enforcerent. M\4h. Joe Hamilton (accepting for the late Dr. Eileen Setzler Haniltom). Sergeant Francis Floor of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.

Mrs. Kay Lee and Mrs. Cathey Lancaster (accepting for the late Colonel Wayne Lee), Dr. Stu Kennedy of the Florida Marine Research Institute, and Ms. Catherine Ware (accepting for Ms. Jean Flemnma).

Opposite picture (from left to right)': The Officers of the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife, Marine Law Enforcement Region, District 8 -- Captain Joseph J. Meyer, Conservation Officer Jason Snellhaker, Conservation Officer Mark Canale. Lieutenant Gregory Honachefsky, and Lieutenant Karl P. Yunghans -- with ASMFC.

Executive Director. Jolhn V. O'Shea.

Opposite picture (from left to right): Mr. Joe Hamilton accepts the AAE Award on behalf of his late wife, Dr. Eileen Setzler-Hamilton from Awards Committee Chair, David Cupka of South Carolina.

Opposite picture (from left to right): ASMFC Chair, John 1. Nelson Jr.

of New Hampshire, ASMFC Executive Director, John V. O'Shea and Awards Committee Chair, David Cupka of South Carolina join Mrs.

Kay Lee and Mrs. Cathey Lancaster as they accept the award on behalf of their husband and father, respectively, the late Colonel Wayne Lee.

ASMFC Fisheries Focus, Vol. 12, Issue 4, June 2003 I1I

Errata

. The lead article in last month's issue of FiiheriesFocus presented the current research and, issues surrounding the Use of circle hooks. The table below revises the one that appears on page 6 of the May 2003 issue (see Lukakovic '00). Revisions have also been made to the Draft Circle Hook White Paper, referred to in the article and available on the ASMFC website (xvww.asmfc.org).

Author (yr) Species Hook Type Hook Location  % Mortality Jaw/Mouth Deep Foul Caruso (00) Striped Bass Circle 97% 2% 2% 3%

60% 24% 16% 16%

Lukakovic (00) Striped Bass Circle 97% 3% 1%*

83% 17% 9%*

Skomal et al. Bluefin Tuna Circle 94% 2% . 2% 4%

(02) J" 62% 34% 4% 28%

Aguilar et al. Red Drum Circle 96% 4% 0 (02) "J" 48% 52% 9%

• Mortality data 'for air temperature <95 degree 'Fahrenheit Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission 1444 Eye Street, N.W., 6th Floor Washington D.C. 20005 Return Service Requested