BLUEFIN TUNA ANGLING CATEGORY ADJUSTMENT
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has adjusted the Atlantic bluefintuna (BFT) daily retention limits that apply to vessels permitted in the Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling category and the HMS Charter/Headboat category (when fishing recreationally for BFT) effective April 30, 2017, through December 31, 2017, as follows: In deciding these retention limits, NMFS considered the regulatory determination criteria regarding inseason adjustments, which include available quota, fishery performance in recent years, availability of BFT on the fishing grounds, and the effects of the adjustment on the stock and on accomplishing the objectives of the 2006 Consolidated HMS Fishery Management Plan (FMP)
ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA TROPHY ANGLING CATEGORY SOUTH AREA CLOSING MARCH 20, 2017
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) will close the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) Angling category fishery for large medium and giant “trophy” BFT (measuring 73” or greater) in the southern area effective 11:30 p.m. local time, Monday, March 20, 2017, through December 31, 2017. The southern area is the area south of 39°18’N (off Great Egg Inlet, NJ), outside the Gulf of Mexico. Bluefin Tuna angling regions. South area (closed as of 3/20/17 to 12/31/17) highlighted in green. Based on reported landings from the NMFS Automated Catch Reporting System and the North Carolina Tagging Program, NMFS projects that the
TBF’S 2017 ARTIST OF THE YEAR – DENNIS FRIEL
TBF proudly announces the selection of South Florida native Dennis Friel as its 2017 Artist of the Year. “Combustion” by Dennis Friel Dennis fondly recalls “as a kid growing up in South Florida fishing, surfing and diving the waters from Palm Beach to the Keys, I always drew fish and the sea. To build those childhood experiences into a career has made me feel very fortunate.” As an avid tournament angler, Dennis’ ability to visually portray the saltwater lifestyle is unique. He also draws from his south Florida roots to discover new points of inspiration. Fusing both traditional
AMENDMENT 5B – DUSKY SHARK PROTECTIONS – UPDATE
NMFS released the Final Environmental Impact Statement for Amendment 5b to the 2006 Consolidated Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan in mid- February, 2017. A new Preferred Alternative (A6d) “requires the use of non-stainless steel circle hooks by all HMS permit holders with a shark endorsement when fishing for sharks recreationally south of 41 degrees 43’ latitude, except when fishing with flies or artificial lures.” In other words, if fishing for sharks with flies or artificial lures, circle hooks are not required. But if you are fishing for sharks you must obtain a Shark Endorsement. If you do not want to use circle hooks all
DEBATE ON BILLFISH CONSERVATION ACT
The 2012 Billfish Conservation Act (BCA) has yet to be implemented and again is under Congressional review to attempt to resolve debated language so no Pacific billfish can be imported into the continental U.S. The BCA language in question follows. Sec. 2 – Findings Congress finds the following: Subsection (3) – “Ending the importation of foreign-caught billfish for sale in the United States aligns with U.S. management measures of billfish and protects significant economic benefits to the U.S. economy of recreational fishing and marine commerce and the traditional cultural fisheries.” Was the legislative intent in (3) to stop importation and sale of only foreign-caught
UPDATE ON LONGLINES IN FLORIDA’S EAST COAST CLOSED ZONE
The NMFS has extended the deadline to March 29, 2017 for accepting public comments on the application for an Exempted Fishing Permit. If approved, six pelagic longline vessels will fish for three years in Florida’s East Coast Closed Zone. Email your comments to [email protected]. A webinar on the subject is scheduled for March 27, 2017 between 1 – 4 pm (EST) to facilitate public comments from across the U.S. commercial Atlantic Pelagic Longline fishery. Join the webinar here. TBF’s submitted comments are posted here with a draft letter you may draw from to write your comments. Help TBF fight this direct threat by submitting your letter
The Billfish Foundation’s International Tag & Release Awards – 2016 Award Winners
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CALL TO ACTION: NO LONGLINES IN CLOSED ZONE
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission also opposes this, read their official comments below. Recently, the NMFS received an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application from Dr. David Kerstetter, Nova Southeastern University, to authorize a research project using 6 longline boats within Florida’s East Coast Longline Closed Zone. The project proposes to evaluate the effectiveness of the 16 year closure by comparing fishing results in the closed waters to results in open waters. Fish caught during the research period would be sold to offset expenses. The zone was closed in 2001 to protect juvenile swordfish primarily and other species taken
Call to Action: No Longlines In Closed Zone
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission also opposes this, read their official comments below. Recently, the NMFS received an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application from Dr. David Kerstetter, Nova Southeastern University, to authorize a research project using 6 longline boats within Florida’s East Coast Longline Closed Zone. The project proposes to evaluate the effectiveness of the 16 year closure by comparing fishing results in the closed waters to results in open waters. Fish caught during the research period would be sold to offset expenses. The zone was closed in 2001 to protect juvenile swordfish primarily and other species taken
THE CARIBBEAN BILLFISH PROJECT – GOOD FISHERIES MANAGEMENT?
The Caribbean Billfish Project, a $1.95 million exercise supported by the UN and the World Bank, and executed by the Western Central Atlantic Fisheries Commission (WECAFC) in Barbados, proposes a ” rights-based” billfish management strategy for commercial, recreational and coastal fishers. “Rights-based” strategies limit fishing access and allocations through a variety of tools, including licenses, marine reserves, fishery-wide quotas based on catches not landings, stakeholder group administration, cooperatives and payment of fees (rents), etc. One published paper from the Project provides “enough value exists in the recreational fisheries sector to compensate losses in the commercial fisheries sector.” This transfer