ML072060342

Asmfc Fisheries Focus - Species Profile: American Eel

ML072060342
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Site:	Oyster Creek
Issue date:	03/01/2003
From:	Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
To:	Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Davis J NRR/DLR/REBB, 415-3835
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FSTArE Volume 12, Iss I SMarch 2003 SKJ FISHERIESIOCUS Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission - 1444 Eye Street, N.W. - Washington, D.C.

Worling towardshealthy,self-sustainingpopulations for allAtlantic coastfish species, or successful restoration well in progress,by the year 2015.

ASMFC Approves Amendment 6 to - -- _-_/_

Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Striped Bass On February 26, 2003, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission approved Amendment 6 to the Interstate Fisherx, Management Plan for Atlantic Striped Bass. Four years in the making, the new Amendment charts the course for management of a healthy and viable striped bass resource. After years of constrained effort, recreational and commercial fishermen will begin to realize the benefits of a restored resource. The recreational harvest has the potential to increase by 10 to 15 percent starting in 2004 (if all coastal states increase to a two fish bag limit). The quota for the coastal commercial fishery will increase by 43 percent in 2003; this increase represents four percent of total striped bass landings from recent years.

To ensure that these increases do not jeopardize the recovery gains of the last two Inside This- issue0 decades, the Amendment implements a control rule that establishes target and threshold levels for the fishing mortality rate and femnale spawvning stock biomnass. Essentially, Upcoming Meetings Page 2' the fishing mortality rate target and threshold mirror those contained in Amendment Species Profile: American Eel , 5. The female spawning stock biomass target and threshold are new; however, and Page 4 provide another important indicator of the health of the resource. Currently, the American Lobster Board female spawning stock biomass is about 57 million pounds, well above the target of Initiates Emergency Action 38.6 million pounds established by Amendment 6. The Amendment has triggers to for Area 2 .. Page 6 initiate Management Board action if biomass falls below the target and/or fishing Board Approves Addendum IX mortality exceeds the target.

'} to the Scup *: FMP Page 6

• ,:% */* .,.:,::-::*.!>.:Am endm ent 6 C Control n r lR Rule l

Spiny Dpgfis~h Board Approves~

S2003 - 2004 Annual  :::: >4 *FISHING MORTALITY E.*PLOI:FATION RAT FEMALE SPAWNING STrOCK BIOMASS ..

RATE Specifications Page 7 Board Approves Draft Summer ARGET F =0.30* 24 percent 38.6 million pounds Flounder Addendum VIIlI f!or Public Comment -Page 8 'THRESHOLD F = 0.41 31 percent 30.9 million pounds ASMFCComings & Goings *The target fishing mortality rate for the Chesapeake Bay &

Page 8 Albemarle-Roanoke stock is F=0.27 (22% exploitation rate)

ASMFC Seeks Nominations for 20:2003 ,Annual Awards of The Amendment also includes a recommendation to the Secretary of Commerce to Excellencel, " Page 9 reopen the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) to striped bass fishing after a 13-year

..ASMFC Schedules Technical closure. This recommendation will initiate a lengthy review and decision-making process Committee Meeting Weeks by NOAA Fisheries. If reopened, the Management Board committed to annually

- -Pa e-9 evaluating the fishery impacts of the harvest within the EEZ so that more conserva-

• ACCSP: Rl Goes Live with Web-'* tive measures could be implemented if needed.

.based Reporting.. Page 10_

What is th aaQult c Copies of the Amendment will be available by the end of March.and can be ob-Anyway? <{" Page,11,. tained by contacting the Commission at (202)289-6400 or via the website at wvww.asmfc.org . For more information, please contact Megan Gamble, Striped ASMFC Honors First Employee kOf the Quarter *Page 12

,,' Bass Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at (202)289-6400 or

<mgamble@asmfc.org>.

QýA-Z ASMR iooSýX

Upcoming Meetings 3/26 & 27" ASMFC Interstate Tagging Committee, Embassy Suites BWI, 1300 Concourse Drive, Linthicum, Maryland. For more infor-FisheriesCommission wasformed by mation, please contact Geoffrey Whýite at <gwhite@asmfc.org>.

the MA tlantc coastal states~n ,n 411 &2."

ASMFC Power Plant Committee, Holiday Inn-Brownstone 1942 for the promotion and Hotel, 1707 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, North Carolina; www.brownstonehotel.com; (800)331-7919. For more infor-protection ofcoas*tal fishery mation, please contact Dr. Lisa Kline at <lkline@asmfc.org>.

iresources. The Cýmmission serves as 4/2 &3:

Joint meeting of the GSNMFC and ASMIFC Artificial Reef Com-a deliberative body of the mittees, Hilton Jacksonville Riverfront, 1201 Riverplace Bou-levard., Jacksonville, Florida; (800)445-8667. For more infor-mation, please contact Carrie Selberg at

<cselberg@asmfc.org>.

4/7- 1L:

ASMFC Technical Committee Meeting Week, Sheraton Inter-national Hotel BWI, 7032 Elm Road, Baltimore, Maryland; (800)638-5858 or (410)859-3300. For more information, please contact Robert Beal at <rbeal@asmfc.org>.

4/8 & 9.

ASMFC Habitat Committee, Chesapeake Bay. Foundation, Annapolis, Maryland. For more information, please contact Carrie Selberg at <cselberg@asmfc.org>.

4/14 & 15.

ACCSP Intercept Subcormmittee, Loews Annapolis Hotel, 126 West Sreet, Annapolis, Maryland; (800)526-2593. For more in-formation, please contact Shannon Bettridge at

<shannon.bettridge@accsp.org>.

4/16 & 17-ACCSP Operations Committee, Loews Annapolis Hotel, 126 West Sreet, Annapolis, Maryland; (800)526-2593. For more in-formation, please contact Shannon Bettridge at

<shannon.bettridge@accsp.org>.

5/6- 8.

Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, W'Wstin New York, 255 W 42nd Street (at 8th Avenue), New York, New York.

.5/20 - 22:

New England Fishery Management Council, Courtyard by Marriot, Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

6/9- 12."

ASMFC Meeting Week, Doubletree Crystal Cit), 300 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, Viginia; (703)416-4100.

2 ASMFC Fisheries Focus, Vol. 12, Issue 1, March 2003

The Commission's Annual Meeting is an occasion for a saying you could not have reached your goals without report from the Executive Director. For those of you our support. I've been here long enough to know we who couldn't be 'With us in Williamsburg, here is a con- have some work to do wvith some folks in that area.

densed version of my report to the Commissioners. Assessing our environment and setting priorities will be a key part of our strategic planning process for I am delightcd to be able to report what we accom- 2003. 1 am looking forward to working wvith you on plshed last year and share my view of the challenges this important project; it will define our success for that lie ahead. Before doing that, I want to recognize the the next five years. I would ask you give careful thought entire ASMFC staff for their dedication and profession- to these issues, discuss them widely with your con-alism. They have done a superb job breaking in a new stituents and share your ideas with us.

boss, while not missing a beat carrying out their impor-tant work at the Commission. Our fisheries management function sets us apart from the other interstate commissions. We must stay fo-Our outgoing Chair, Susan Shipman, and John Nelson cused on the health of the stocks under our care as a have been terrific. Susan has been especially support-measure of the Commission's effectiveness. Our cur-ive to the staff, taking a personal interest in their de-rent vision statement reflects this concept and I would velopment and welfare. Thank you both for taking so challenge you all to help ensure our actions contrib-much time out of your incredibly busy (lays to help us. I also want to thank our Commissioners for your ute to rebuilt stocks by 2015.

t-or strong support and sincere words of encouragement.

This focus is particularly relevant in view of the Pew Succeeding someone as good as Jack Dunnigan is and U.S. Oceans Commissions. Both groups are daunting. Thank you all for making that easier for me.

hearing the growing sentiment that our present fish-Since April, my first priority has been to establish cred- cries management system lacks the political will to ibility xvith Commissioners and Conmnission staff. My make short-term sacrifices to achieve long-term gains strategy has been to meet people, listen and learn. I have of healthy and restored stocks. We have an oppor-visited 14 of your states. I have attended meetings of tunity to serve as counter example to this premise.

the three fishery management councils, as well as Com- We need to expand our winning record beyond mission public hearings. I have been underway on a striped bass, wvhile guarding carefully against stock variety of commercial, state and charter boats. I have collapses.

met many interesting people and have seen a lot. My goal has been to learn how I can help you succeed. We also need to think about how our nation's focus has changed since 9/11. The new office of Home-I am a person who has committed 33 years of ny life land Security will be the largest reorganization of our to public service. This is the fourth time I have moved government since the 1940s and will consume resources between the resource rich North Pacific and the At- and legislative attention. As a result, natural resource lantic. The contrasts are apparent. I've seen the clear and environmental issues will be below the national and long-term economic and social benefits of conser- radar screen for the next several years. Our state di-vative management and healthy stocks. I've reached rectors will be challenged by funding deficits and cuts the conclusion that without a resource there can be no to existing programs and staffs. These two realities recreational or commercial sectors. Despite what some alone make it more important than ever for us to Wvould argue, I am convinced stocks cannot be rebuilt cooperate and collaborate. Collectively, we must find by overfishing. Our Commissioners instinctively know ways for the Commission to do things better, more this. I am committed to help you stand firm when efficiently, and with greater benefit to the health of others try to convince you otherwise, especially for the resources under our stewardship.

stocks that were in trouble when I left the East Coast

'for the first time 14 years ago. Keep in mind the challenges our nation faced in 1942. Despite the demands of World War II Con-My next priority- will be to work with you all to iden- gress found time to ratify the Commission's Com-tify ways the Commission can provide value to the states. pact, as leaders still saw it important to tend to the I have told staff our job is to ensure the states achieve proper management of fisheries resources. If they success. I'll measure our progress from your reports could do it then, we can do it now.

ASMFC Fisheries Focus, Vol. 12, Issue 1,March 2003 3

Species Profile: American Eel Plan Seeks to Improve Our Understandingof the Species through Data Collection Introduction American eel (n~guilla rostra/a) are an important resource from both a biodiversity and hu-man use perspective. In all its life stages, eel serve as an impol:tant prey species for many fish, aquatic mammals, and fish eating birds. Eel continue to support valuable commercial, recre-ational, and subsistence fisheries coastwide, although fisheries are at a fraction of what they were historically.

American eel are a particularly challenging species to conserve and manage on a coastwide basis for a number of reasons. Throughout its lifespan from multiple juvenile life stages through adulthood, American eel will have inhabited and traversed a wide range of habitats from inland riverine systems through estuaries and far out into the Atlantic Ocean. During this journey, they will have moved through a myriad of jurisdictions and management au-thorities from inland and coastal states to the federal government.

From a biological perspective, there is a lot that is still not known about the species. Informa-tion on abundance and status at all life stages, as well as habitat requirements are very limited.

The life history of the species, such as late age of maturity and a tendency of certain life stages to aggregate, can make this species particularly vulnerable to overharvest.

Life History American eel are a catadromous fish species, spending most of their life in freshwater or estuarine environments, returning to the ocean to reproduce. Adult eel migrate to spawning grounds located in the Sargasso Sea, a large portion of the western Atlantic Ocean east of the Bahamas and south of Bermuda. The Gulf Stream then transports and disperses fertilized eggs and larval eel, called leptocephali, along the entire U.S. East Coast and into Canadian waters.

American eel are known to exhibit a multitude of life stages including leptocephali, glass eel, elver, yellow eel, and silver eel stages. Leptocephali metamorphose into glass eel as they

.. r~ migrate toward land and freshwater bodies. Glass eel develop into the pigmented elver stage as they move into brackish or freshwater. Usually by age two, elvers make the transition into the yellow eel stage. Yellow eel inhabit bays, estuaries, rivers, streams, lakes and ponds where they feed.pritnarily on invertebrates and smaller fishes. Sexual maturity of yellow eel can occur any tine between eight and 24 years of age according to data in the Mid-Atlantic region. When yellow eel reach sexual maturity they, begin a downstream migration toward the Sargasso Sea spawning grounds. During this migration yellow eel metamorphose into the adult silver eel phase, undergoing several physiological changes that enable the animals to move from a freshwater to a saltwater environment. Adult silver eel are believed to spawn in the Sargasso Sea dur-ing winter and early spring. Life Cycle Commercial & ....... W Recreational Fisheries ' /

Since the earl), 1 7' century, Native Americans have har- z rig vested eel for food and cultural sustenance. Today, com- ,,.

mercial and recreational fisheries for American eel are -

seasonal, but remain economically important by provid- OUAN ing both direct and indirect employment. Such employ-ment includes gear manufacturing, food processing and shipping. Commercial landings of American eel fluctu- \. * -

ate widely, as the fisheries are market-driVen. Since the "U fishery's peak in the mid-1970s at 3.5 million pounds, 4 ASMFC Fisheries Focus, Vol. 12, Issue 1, March 2003

commercial landings have declined signifi- American Eel Commercial Landings & Recreational Harvest cantlv to a near record low of 868,215 pounds in 2001. Recreational data con- 160,000 3.5 cerning eel harvest appears to indicate a 140,000 A 3.0 0 decline in abundance. According to the it 120,000 *_ 2.5 2 3*=.

National Marine Fisheries Service's Marine -6 100,000 2'0 -

Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey, rec- 2At r^

80,0000 o . 00000-1.5 o reational harvest in 2001 was 10,805 eel, a Z 60,000 40,000 I\ 1.0 0

a significant decrease from the peak of 20,000 / , -% 0.5 w 106,988 eel in 1982.

0.0 Atlantic Coast Management Considerations Year Increasing demand for eel by Asian mar- - -Recreational Harvest - Commercial Landings kets and domestic bait fisheries, coupled with concern about declining eel abundance Sour'e: Personal comlueneaionn Jaim the National \laane Fisheries Servce. Fishenes Statistis and Economi.cs Division.

and limited assessment data, spurred plan development in the mid-90s, with final plan ai pproval in 1999. Plan Requirements & Recommendations The plan identified a number of factors cont ributing to pos- To address these issues, the plan requires states to implement sible declines in eel abundance along the Atlanitic coast, includ- conservative commercial and recreational regulations, as well ing intense harvest pressure and habitat loss. It provided several as monitoring programs. The plan's primary focus is on data reasons why heavy harvest pressure may advers ely affect Ameri- collection to further our understanding of American eel biol-can eel populations. These include (1) a slow rate of matura- ogy, behavior, habitat requirements and the fisheries themselves.

tion, requiring eight to 24+ years to attain sexu al maturity; (2) a All states are required to perform an annual young-of-the-year tendency for glass eel to aggregate seasonally d uring migration, (YOY) abundance survey. This survey, conducted over a six-making them vulnerable to directed harvest; (3 ) yellow eel har- week time period each year, provides an annual estimate of vest is a cumulative stress, over multiple years, on the same year juvenile abundance. It will be the primary source of fishery-class; and (4) all fishing mortality occurs prior to spawning. independent data used in the upcoming stock assessment, sched-uled for 2004. Data from the YOY survey can also provide Habitat losses have been a chronic problem for hundreds of managers with information on the effectiveness of coastwide years. Blockage of stream access, pollution and nearshore habi- management programs since juvenile abundance is influenced tat destruction lhinit habitat availability for eel. Current data in- by factors that affect spawning, larval survival, transport, meta-dicate that oceanic changes may also contribute to decline in eel morphosis and recruitment.

abundance. Research in the late 90s has estirn ated that species that depend on access to Atlantic coastal wat ersheds may be In addition, the plan specifies that states will maintain their ex-deterred from reaching up to 84 percent of up stream habitats. isting commercial fishery regulations, unless opting for more conservative regulations. Recreational fisheries management Management Hindered by Data ANvailability measures require states and/or jurisdictions to establish uni-The greatest hinderance to the development and implementa- form possession limits, including a minimum sLix-inch size limit tion of an effective management program fc)r American eel and possession of no more than 50 eels per person for bait has been the lack of long-term data sets desc ribing eel abun- purposes during fishing, including crew members involved in dance at any life stage. Although eel have be*en continuously party/charter (for-hire) employment. Identification and pro-harvested, consistent data on harvest are often not available tection of existing eel habitat, as well as restoration of historic and, when available, are not good indicator s of abundance habitat, are also addressed in the plan through recommenda-because eel harvest is dependent on demand. A dditionall; timost tions concerning upstream and downstream passage and habi-of the data sets are of short duration and data collection pro- tat monitoring.

tocols were not standardized between manage ment agencies.

On the international front, the Commission has begun to meet Few other long-term data sets are available fr om fish ladders, with American eel researchers through the International Coun-impingement sampling, research collections and monitoring cil for the Exploration of the Sea Working Group on Eels and programs. In additionL changes in year-class strength ate not Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans to exchange readily recognizable because most samples inc lude individuals information and discuss issues related to assessing stock size in of similar sizes but from an unknown number of year classes, data poor situations. These efforts are helping to ensure that A compilation of all available information on eel fisheries and the Commission will be able to perform the best possible stock biology suggests that the data are fragmented anid incomplete. assessment with the limited data available.

5 ASMFC Fisheries Focus, ASMFC Fisheries 12, Issue Vol. 12, Focus, Vol. 1, March 2003 Issue 1, March 2003 5

ASMFC Lobster Board Initiates Emergency Action for Area 2 in Light of Stock Declines & Accepts Massachusetts Proposal to Implement Zero Tolerance V-Notching On February 26, dumn will be developed in 2003 for imple- the states will be holding public hearings 2003, the mentation in 2004. on the Emergency Action.

Commission's American Lob- In August 2002, based on concern for In addition this action, the Common-ster Board acted potential stock declines in Area 2, the wealth of Massachusetts indicated that it on two key lob- Board directed its Technical Committee will implement a zero tolerance v-notch-ster management to evaluate the magnitude and extent of ing definition for Area 1 by March 15, issues. The these declines. Fall trawl survey abundance 2003, as required under Addendum III Board took indices from Massachusetts and Rhode to FMP. Now all the states in Area I Emergency Ac- Island have dropped substantially from (Maine, Massachusetts and New Hamp-tion in response the late 1980s and early 1990s. The 2001 shire) have a zero tolerance v-notching to declining abundance indices from both surveys are definition.

stock conditions in Area 2, which includes significantly below the average over the past twenty years for all sizes of lobsters "I am pleased that the states in Area 1 the inshore and offshore waters of Rhode from juveniles to legal sized. From 1999 will all have a* zero tolerance definition Island and southern Massachusetts. As a result, states are required to increase the to 2001, total landings from both the in- for v-notcting within a few weeks," stated shore and offshore waters of Massachu- Board Chair, George Lapointe of Maine.

gauge size in Area 2 to 3 11/32" immedi-ately and to 3 3/8" on July 1, 2003. setts and Rhode Island declined 26 and "Consistent management measures across 29 perceht below the ten-year average, our area are critical to effective lobster In taking this action, the Board acknowl- respectively. management. I applaud Massachusetts for edged that additional measures are needed finding a solution to this on-going issue."

and has taken action to initiate the devel- The Emergency Action shall be effective for a period of up to 180 days and may For more information, please contact opment of an addendum to the Inter-be renewed by the Management Board Carrie Selberg, American Lobster Fish-state Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for for two additional periods of up to one ery Management Plan Coordinator, at American Lobster. The purpose of the year each provided that the Board has (202)289-6400 or Addendum is to reduce the fishing mor-initiated action to amend the FMP. <cselberg@asmfc.org>.

tality rate in Area 2 to a level that will al-low for stock rebuilding. The Adden- Throughout March, the Commission and ASMFC Board Approves Addendum IX to the Scup FMP Addendum Allows for Increases in RecreationalHarvest from Rhode Island through New York On February 24, 2003, the Commission's Summer Flounder, Due to the recent increase in scup stocks, states from Rhode Scup and Black Sea Bass Management Board. approved Ad- Island through New York will be permitted to develop state-dendum IX to the Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass specific management measures that achieve a maximum 38.8 Fishery Management Plan (FMP). Specifically, Addendum IX percent increase relative to 2002 landings. As in 2002, these provides the states with a mechanism for effectively managing states will have the option of implementing mode-specific regu-their 2003 recreational scup fisheries on a state-specific basis. lations for their recreational fisheries (i.e., party/charter boat versus private boat/shore-based angler) upon review and ap-A prior addendum addressed the 2002 recreational fishery, es- proval by the Technical Committee and Board. Mode-specific tablishing a combination of state-specific and regional regula- data used in state proposals must have a maximum percent tions. This document expired at the end of 2002, necessitating standard error of 20 percent. Based on 2003 state shares, the development of a new mechanism for managing the recre-ational scup fishery in 2003. continued on page 7 ASMFC Fisheries Focus, Vol. 12, Is sue 1, March 2003 6 ASMFC Fisheries Focus, Vol. 12, Issue 1, March 2003

Spiny Dogfish Board Approves ~1 2003-2004 Annual Specifications &

State Implementation Proposals On February 25, 2003, the Spiny Dog- state FMP assigns 57.9 percent of the The Board also took action on the state fish and Coastal Shark Management quota to harvest period one and 42.1 proposals to imnplement the FMP. Imple-Board approved the 2003-2004 annual percent to harvest period two. mentation proposals addressed: the abil-specifications for the commercial spiny ity, of states to close their waters to the dogfish fishery in state waters. The Board The Spiny Dogfish FMP, which comple- commercial landing, harvest and posses-also approved state implementation pro- ments the federal management plan for sion of spiny dogfish when the Commis-posals for the Interstate Fishery Manage- spiny dogfish, employs a constant fishing sion or NOAA Fisheries projects the ment Plan (FMP) for Spiny Dogfish. mortality (F = 0.03) strategy and directs quota to be harvested; reporting weekly the Management Board to establish an landings to NOAA Fisheries; weekly Starting May 1, 2003, the commercial annual commercial quota and trip limits. dealer reports; limiting the number of spiny dogfish fishery will reopen in state This quota is based on the status of the spiny dogfish collected under exempted waters with an annual quota of 8.8 mil- stock and is allocated between the same permits to 1,000 fish; and prohibiting the lion pounds and coastwide trip limit of two periods in the federal fishlry (period finning of spiny dogfish. The Manage-7,000 pounds. This is a departure from one is May 1 to October 31; period two ment Board approved the state manage-the proposed 2003-2004 management is November I to April 30). Using the ment programs for spiny dogfish and measures specified for federal waters, most recent stock information, the Tech- granted de minimnis status to Maine, Dela-which establishes a four million pound nical Committee reviewed two propos- ware, South Carolina, and Georgia. All quota, and a 600 pound trip limit for har- als for an annual quota - one proposing of the states will implement their man-vest period one and a 300 pound trip limit a four million pound quota and another agement programs by May 1, 2003.

for harvest period two. To ensure equi- for an 8.8 million pound quota. The Tech-table access to the annual quota, the Board nical Committee recommended a four Copies of the FMP are currently avail-million pound quota. The Management able and can be obtained by contacting also took action to allocate 57.9 percent (5,095,200 pounds) of the quota to Maine, Board, however, approved an 8.8 mil- the Commission at (202) 289-6400 or via New Hampshire and Massachusetts and lion pound quota for the 2003-2004 fish- the Commission's website at 42.1 percent (3,704,800 pounds) to Rhode ing year based on new information from ww-wasmfc.org. For more information, Island through Florida. The harvest of please contact Megan Gamble, Spiny the Commonwealth of Massachusetts these allocations is not restricted to any regarding its directed fishery and on low Dogfish Fishery Management Plan Co-portion of the fishing year, but the Inter- discard mortality rates for spiny dogfish. ordinator, at (202) 289-6400, ext. 317 or

<mgamble@asmfc.org>.

ASMFC Board Approves Addendum IX to the Scup FMP (continued from page 6)

MassaChusetts is permitted a 22 percent landings increase, how- While scup are managed jointly by the Atlantic States Marine ever, it has chosen to maintain its 2002 regulations for the 2003 Fisheries Commission and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Manage-season. ment Council, this recent action applies to state waters only.

Recreational measures were approved for New Jersey through Copies of the Addendum will be available by mid-March and North Carolina during the annual specification-setting meeting can be obtained by contacting the Commission at (202)289-in December. In the case of New Jersey, the Board approved 6400, or via the Commission's website at wwwasmfc.org. For a 10-inch minimum size, 50 fish bag limit and a season of July more information, please contact Michael Lewis, Fisheries 1 - December 31. Due to the very low landings in the south- Management Plan Coordinator, at (202)289-6400 or ern range of the species, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and North <mlewis@asmfc.org>.

Carolina will be permitted to maintain a 10-inch minimum size, 50 fish bag limit and open season.

7 March 2003 Fisheries Focus, ASMFC Fisheries Vol. 1.2, Focus, Vol. Issue 1, 12, Issue 1, March 2003 7

ASMFC Board Approves Draft Addendum VIII to the Summer Flounder FMP for Public Comment: States to Hold Hearingsin Early Spring On February 25, 2003, the Commission's manage the fishery, it is incumbent for the recreational fishery to its harvest limit.

Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Board to present these issues and pos- The 2003 recreational harvest limit has Bass Management Board approved Draft sible management options to the public been set at 9.32 million pounds.

Addendum VIII to the Summer Floun- for their review and comment."

der, Scupand Black Sea Bass Fishery While summer flounder is managed Management Plan (FMP) for public re- Recreational harvest limits have been ex- jointly by the Atlantic States Marine Fish-view and comment. The Addendum was ceeded since 1996. From 1996 to 1999, eries Commission and the Mid-Atlantic developed to address the problem of overages in the recreational landings Fishery Management Council, the Board's recreational landings consistently exceed- ranged from 13 to 67 percent. In 2000, actions regarding Draft Addendum VIII ing the harvest limit since 1996. Specifi- recreational landings were more than will be taken exclusively under the states' cally, it presents the public with a suite of double the harvest limit, while 2001 land- management authority.

management options for the 2003 recre- ings were 60 percent in excess of the har-ational summer flounder fishery, includ- vest limit. The impacts of these overages It is anticipated that most states from ing strategies that allow for the repayment on the fishery are significant and extend Massachusetts through North Carolina of harvest overages in the subsequent beyond the recreational sector. The an- will be conducting public hearings year(s), the carry-over of unused recre- nual TAL is calculated assuming the pre- throughout the early spring. Copies of the ational harvest from one year to the next, ceding year's TAL and discard level are Draft Addendum will be available by and the allocation of commercial quota not exceeded. When regulations fail to mid-March and can be obtained by con-based on a total allowable landings (TAL) constrain landings effectively the result- tacting the Commission at (202)289-6400 limits calculated without recreational ing exploitation rate is higher than the tar- or via the Commission's website at overages. It also includes the option to get, which leads to a state of overfishing wwwasmfc.org For more information, maintain the status quo. and thus slower stock recovery. please contact Michael Lewis, Fisheries Management Plan Coordinator, at "The Board fully recognizes that the The recreational fishery is allocated 40 (202)289-6400 or <mlewis@asmfc.org>.

problem of overages rests with the man- percent of the annual TAL. Though agement program And in no way assigns regulations have historically applied to the blame to the recreational fishing industry entire coast, geographic variations in the for the harvest overages," stated Board fishery contributed to interest in allowing Chair, Bruce Freeman of New Jersey. states to develop regulations on an indi-

"However, given the persistent issue of vidual basis. First implemented in 1999, recreational harvest overages and the im- conservation equivalency requires states to pact of these overages on" the resource, develop and implement measures that can other users and our ability to effectively reasonably be expected to constrain the ASMFC Comings & Goings Commissioners my brothers were fishermen -- it is only Damon's balanced perspective. Welcome Senator Dennis Damon -- Shortly af- because of my father's urging that I broke aboard, Senator!

ter his election as Senator to Maine's the mold." Senator Damon believes that coastal Hancock county, Senator Damon more safeguards are necessary to ensure David Etnier -- Since 2001, David also became Maine's new Legislative Ap- that stocks are not overfished. At the Etnier served as Maine's Legislative Ap-pointee to the Commission. Senator same time, he has stated that regulators pointee to the Commission. During that Damon brings to both Maine's legislature do not pay enough attention to time, he was an active member of the and the Commission a strong commit- fishermen's viewpoints and that stock American Lobster Management Board ment to fisheries conservation, having depletion is often caused by natural causes and Northern Shrimp Section. After leav-come from a family of fishermen. In his such as increased predation. The Com- ing the legislature in late 2002, he was own words, "My father was a fisherman, mission is sure to gain from Senator continued on page 9 ASMFC Fisheries Focus, Vol. 12, Issue 1, March 2003 8 ASMFC Fisheries Focus, Vol. 12, Issue 1, March 2003

ASMFC Seeks Nominations ASMFC Schedules Technical for 2003 Annual Awards Committee Meeting Weeks In May 2002, the Interstate Fisheries Management Program (ISFMP)

In 1998, in an effort to recognize the many people Policy Board approved a series of improvements to the Commission who contribute to the success of the Atlantic coastal technical support structure. Part of this approval was a pilot study.to fisheries conservation and management, the Commis- evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of conducting Commission sion established its Annual Awards of Excellence Pro- Technical Meeting Weeks. The hope is that these meeting weeks will gram. Each year, awards are presented in the catego- reduce the number of travel days for members of the technical sup-ries of Scientific/Technical/Advisry; Congressional/ port groups, as well as reduce the travel costs for the Commission.

Legislative; Law Enforcement; and Management/

The Commission has scheduled two Technical Committee Meeting Policy.

Weeks for 2003. The first meeting week will be held in Baltimore from If you know of an individual or individuals who has April 7 - 10, 2003, followed by a second meeting from October 20 -

24, 2003, tentatively scheduled to be held in the Providence, Rhode (have) made highly significant contributions to the man-agement and conservation of Atlantic coastal fisheries Island area.

in any of the above areas, please forward the During the April Technical Committee Meeting Week, the Atlantic nomination(s) to:

Croaker Technical Committee, Black Sea Bass Stock Assessment Sub-Laura Leach committee and the Atlantic Menhaden Technical Committee will be Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission initiating new stock assessments that will be peer reviewed later in 2003.

1444 Eye Street, NW, Sixth Floor Also during the April meeting the newly appointed Stock Assessment

\Vashington, DC 20005 Committee will be holding its first meeting. The Committee will re-

.(202)289-6051 (fax) view the 2003 and 2004 species stock assessment schedule and develop lleach@aslnfc.org recommendations to the SFNMP Policy Board for realistic timelines to, complete these' assessments. The Committee will also discuss the over-Contributions must be for work on conservation is- all stock assessment process and develop recommendations for several sues of Atlantic interstate, regional or coastwide iin- species stock assessment peer reviews.

portance. The nomination letter should include the fol-lowing information: name of nominee; name of nonmi- The April Meeting Week will conclude with a meetings management nator; award category for which they are being nomi- seminar for the Chairs and Vice-Chairs of the Commission's Technical nated; narrative description of their contribution (not Committees. The purpose of this seminar will be to provide training to exceed 2 pages). Nominations must be received by for the leadership of the Commission's technical support groups on April 10, 2003. meeting management and consensus building.

The Annual Awards of Excellence will be presented at A copy of the full agenda is available on the Conmmission's website at the Commission's Spring Meeting in June. For more wwwasmfc.org under the Events page. For more information, please information, please contact Laura Leach at (202)289- contact Robert Beal, Director, ISFMP, at (202) 289-6400 or 6400. <rbeal@asmfc.org>.

ASMFC Comings & Goings (continued from page 8) named Deputy Commissioner to Maine's Staff ogy from Fairfield University in Connecti-Department of Marine Resources in late Nancy Wallace -- Nancy is the newest cut and a Master of Arts in Marine Af-February. In Ihis new position, Mr. Etnier addition to our staff, joining the Com- fairs and Policy from the University of will be responsible for assisting Commis- mission this past February as a Fisheries Miami. She last worked for the sioner Lapointe in conserving and devel- Management Plan Coordinator. In this Evergaldes and Dry Tortugas National oping Maine's marine resources, as well position, Nancy will assume the coordi- Parks, coordinating the development of as ensuring the adequate enforcement of nation responsibilities for Atlantic croaker, the visitor experience and resource pro-state laws relating to marine resources. Ad- Atlantic menhaden, red drum, Spanish tection plan. Nancy is a great addition to ditionally, he will oversee the Department's mackerel, spot, spotted sea trout. the Commission staff. Welcome, Nancy!

policies, budget and general administration.

We wish David the very best! Nancy has a Bachelor of Science in Biol-9 Fisheries Focus, 12, Issue Vol. 12, March 2003 Issue 1,1, March 2003 ASMFC Fisheries ASMFC Focus, Vol. 9

Rhode Island DEM Goes Live with Real-time, Web-based Dealer Reporting MarylandDNR Is Next to Offer Web Solution J, to Its Seafood Industry On January 6, 2003, the Atlantic Coastal ing SAFIS for its colmnercial fisheries," of SAFIS, they also require an on-site co-Cooperativc Statistics Program (ACCSP), says Maury Osborn, ACCSP Director. ordinator, supported by the ACCSP.

a partnership of 23 state and federal "My staff and I are eager to help Mary-coastal resource management agencies, land modify and offer this dynamic sys-enabled the Rhode Island Department of tem to its seafood industry in the near ACCSP Partners Environmental Management to become the first state agency in the nation to offer future. I'm sure both states will enjoy the cost-savings SAFIS provides."

Discuss New a web-based reporting system to the sea- Electronic food industry, and inspired the Maryland "We are looking forward to the i-nplemen- Reporting tation of the new system," says Phil Jones Department of Natural Resources of the Maryland DNR_ "It has great po-Options at Forum (DNR) to follow tential to reduce the reporting burden on Tlic ACCSPdata managemrillt,'ff When Rhode Island fully deploys the new the fishing industry and provide better data."

hosted a f6rurn on electronic report-system, it will meet the ACCSP's com-ACCSP partners have traditionally em- 'ing in )Jnuri\ui in Tamp~aHond~a 'to mercial fisheries data collection standards.,

ployed staff to do much of the data en- spawn discussiOn of the issueS "d-riv-The ACCSP staff began working with sil. electronic reporti andaaltw-'

Rhode Island to build a web-based re- try associated with commercial fisheries..

SAFIS was designed to be more cost- partners developing solutions to[

porting system in the summer of 2002, effective, empowering dealers to enter presentitideas and colla*o*are. .

with the input of a panel of Rhode Is-land seafood dealers. The Maryland DNR data directly, and giving them timnediate The.34 patici*panrs Included AC'CP-staff was impressed by the results, and access to their own data, updated quota partner and induistry represenitatives asked that the ACCSP staff assist in modi- information and other management news.

amd-ACCSP staff The eight presenl fying the system for Maryland's data col- SAFIS allows dealers to instantly check Ktatlons over twvo da\:son current elec lection needs. The ACCSP staff quickly that their data of record are correct, a Itron1c reporttgringproj ects *t*itiated tl&e agreed, and dubbed the system "Standard first for any fishery data collection sys-discussions whichn helped establish Atlantic Fisheries Information System temn. SAFIS is designed to protect sensi-and strengthlen w\orking relationships (SAFIS)" to reflect its expansion to mul- tive financial information, fnd still down-TI'hle after hours networking oppor tiple Atlantic partners. load easily onto most Windows operat-Wtrnlties also allowed participants to" ing systems. It also offers the dealers busi-With the opening of SAFIS in Rhode Is- brailestormn and plan.

ness management tools, including receipt land, that state's seafood dealers will be and report functions. "KudCos to Milke Cah~all for organiz-the first to utilize a free on-line applica-ing this forumn and aseilngawide tion for real-time reporting of lobster, Coordinators who understand the states' va-irtcty oi -paitrtcipansintian solutions finfish and shellfish landings. Mandatory needs are integral in the implementation t)ocominercial f clccuonic tsheries re trip-level reporting is a new requirement of SAFIS. John Lake, the ACCSP's porting problern's,"'said ACCST D1 for Rhode Island dealers, who have been Rhode Island Coordinator, is spending rector, Mauri Osboin. "Ihave-re-reporting using an integrated voice re- the early months of 2003 visiting each of npliiits

.celved numerous co sponse system (IVR) for some quota-man- the state's 120 fish houses to assist sea-(opportunity ath*-he forumn ro"rded aged fisheries. Dealers licensed by the food dealers with the new system. He will for discus-sion of issues among a id National Marine Fisheries Service are con- provide hands-on support and be avail-varieyf Partner staff,and fr raisnI tinuing to use a federal IVR and weigh-out able to answer questions as dealers get ing the, level 4 awannareness tvrious slips during the implementation, for started. Rhode Island expects to have .all pr?6grains.1iT'p'articipantsirequested benchmarking purposes. dealers reporting trip-level landings data on-line by June of 2003. As Maryland A11e[I,.~hi ananua1 vet ndw "We are very pleased that Maryland will plans development and implementation follow Rhode Island's lead in implement-ASMFG Fisheries Focus, Vol. 12, Issue 1, March 2003 l0 10 ASMFC Fisheries Focus, Vol. 12, Issue 1, Mafch 2003

What is the Data Quality Act Anyway?

And,Why Should the States Care?

by Maury Osborn Section 515 of the Treasury and General states) that is used in NOAA products. Dissemination is defined essentially as any Government Appropriations Act for Fis- This covers data supplied through fed- intended release or distribution to the cal Year 2001 (Public Law 106-554) is eral grants and contracts. NOAA could public that is "Agency initiated or Agency often called "The Data Quality Act" even also require, in grant and contract awards, sponsored", in any media.or form (e.g.,

though it applies to all information dis- that grantees and contractors meet its paper, web, CD). However, normal aca-seminated to the public - not just data. own standards rather than its third-party demic publication is not considered to be Section 515 directed the Office of Man- standards. This means recipients of agency dissemination and, therefore, is not agement & Budget (OMB) to issue gov- NOAA grants under the Atlantic Coastal covered by the guidelines, as long as it is ernment-wide guidelines to "provide ... Fisheries Cooperative Management Act clear that the information does not rep-guidance to federal agencies for ensuring (ACFCMA) or the Atlantic Coastal Co- resent the views of NOAA. Informa-and maximizing the quaity), objectivity, operative Statistics Program (and most tion first disseminated prior to October utility, and integrity of information ... likely other programs as well) may have 1, 2002, and disseminated after that date disseminated by federal agencies." Re- to certify in their grant proposals and re- (or continuously disseminated) will not sponding to this mandate, OMB issued port that the data comply with NOAA have to have pre-disseinination review, guidelines which directed all federal agen- Guidelines. but must meet the other standards and is cies to issue their own information qual- subject to the administrative correction ity guidelines. The deadline for such guide- \Vell, what does certification mean? It process.

lines was October 1, 2002, and the Na- means that (1) standard NOAA proce-tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin- dures and quality assurance processes What will states have to provide for cer-istration (NOAA) has met this deadline. must be followed and be fully docu- tification purposes? -low will states mented; and (2) pre-dissemination review have to respond if their data are sub-Quality is defined by utility, integrity and is required, meaning information must be jected to a request for review and cor-objectivity. Utility means that informa- developed, created, and reviewed with rection? That remains to be determined, tion is understandable, in context, acces- the quality standards in mind. States should and at the workshop I attended, I did sible, and unbiased. Integrity means that be aware that the Act requests, and the not get a definitive answer. At a mini-the information is safe from improper NOAA Guidelines contain administrative mum, I think we can all count on having access and that confidentiality is protected, procedures whereby affected persons to produce written documentation of all while objectivity means the information may request correction, including possi- standards and quality control processes is accurate, reliable and unbiased, and that bly withdrawal, of information they be- and, in some cases, establish and docu-it is presented in an accurate, clear, com- lieve does not comply with NOAA or mentpre-dissemination review processes plete and unbiased manner. Important OMB Guidelines. and results.

concepts for objectivity include reproduc-ibility, transparency and peer review. Examples of information quality stan- The full text of the NOAA Guidelines dards, as addressed by the NOAA is available at http://

The OMB and NOAA Guidelines sets Guidelines, include ensuring that (1) data ww xvnoaanews.noaa.gov/stories/iq.htm standards for information quality that are collected according to documented apply to both substance and presenta- procedures or by practices generally ac- The author extends her sincere thanks tion. "Information" as defined in the- cepted by the relevant scientific commu- to Dr. Bonnie Ponwith at NMFS for the OMB and NOAA Guidelines covers a ruty (standard operating procedures); (2) background information and workshop.

wide a variety of products, including data are quality checked before use or For more information, please contact Dr.

biological surveys; catch statistics; model dissemination; (3) third party, data are of Bonnie Ponwith at (301) 713-2363, outputs; oil spill trajectories; damage known quality; (4) analyses are conducted ext. 128.

assessments; buoy data; web sites; and on data of known quality and an)y limita-forecasts; warnings; and advisories. The tions identified and disclosed; (5) analysis NOAA Guidelines define standards for methods, assumptions, and limitations are third-party information that apply to documented; and (6) all products are pre-information from third parties (e.g., sented in context and in unbiased manner.

Ii ASMFC Fisheries Focus, Vol. Is sue 1,1,March 12, Issue Vol. 12, 2003 March 2003 11 Fisheries Focus,

Edith S. Carr Honored as ASMFC's First Employee of the Quarter For nearly six years, Edith Carr has been lobby receptionist. In addition to this training at the Great Lakes Naval Train-the first person most of you speak with formal award, on. a daily basis Edith en- ing Center. She is very active in her church when you call the Commission office. joys the respect and admiration of the and community, showing a big heart for Now, she has the honor of being the first entire staff. those less fortunate. Edith volunteers at person to be recognized as the local homeless shelters and missions, Commission's Employee of the Quar- and helps attend to the street people ter. In selecting Edith, the Directors who collect in the park across the noted that she has consistently added street from our office!

value to our organization through her professionalism and positive example. As an Employee of the Quarter, Most recently, she worked tirelessly and Edith received a $500 cash award, cheerfully to ensure our office reno- an engraved pewter pencil cup, and vation went smoothly with a minimum a letter of appreciation for her per-of disruptions. sonnel record. In addition, Edith's name will be engraved on the Em-The award is intend to recognize spe- ployee of Quarter Plaque displayed cial contributions and qualities in the area in the Commission's lobby; the first of teamwork, initiative, responsibility, name on what will certainly be a long and quality of work, positive attitude, and Edith is married with four grown daugh- distinguished list. Congratulations, Edith!

results. Edith has exemplified these traits ters and four grandchildren. Her grand-.

in her daily contact with the public and son William recently enlisted in the United the staff in her duties as telephone and States Navy and is currently undergoing Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission 1444 Eye Street, N.W., 6th Floor Washington D.C. 20005 Return Service Requested