SAFMC Takes Action On Longline Research

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) considered over 600 written comments and heard public testimony last week, before voting to send a letter to NOAA Fisheries expressing their concerns on an Exempted Fishery Permit (EFP) request to conduct research and evaluate pelagic longline catch rates in a portion of an area off the east coast of Florida currently closed to longline fishing. The majority of the comments received, including those from recreational fishing organizations, were in opposition to the permit, citing concerns about discards of recreational and commercially important species, impacts to protected resources, increased landings of dolphin fish

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna General Fishery Closes Until June

The National Marine Fisheries Service transferred 10 metric tons (2,2046 pounds) of Atlantic bluefin tuna quota from the Reserve category to the General January sub-category, until that quota is landed or March 31. The agency anticipates that transferred quota will be landed  by March 2, 2018, after which vessels in the General Category and HMS Charter/Headboat Category must cease retaining, possessing, or landing large-medium or giant bluefin tunas. The entire General Category will remain closed until June 1, 2018, at which time 233.3 metric tons (514,338 pounds) will be available through

Tell Policymakers to Keep Longlines Out of Conservation Zone

Note: the SAFMC public comment period ended on the day of the meeting, March 7, 2018. More comment periods will be coming, stay up to date by subscribing to our newsletter. The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) is accepting public comments on the possibility of the federal government issuing a second Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) to allow pelagic longline research inside the closed zone of Florida’s east coast. The first federally issued permit for the research was invalidated in December 2017 when Nova Southeastern University (NSU) withdrew as a research partner. The NSU scientist remains as the principal

Longline Research Permit Officially Announced Invalid

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) finally announced as “invalid” the Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) issued last year to a Nova Southeastern University (NSU) scientist granting permission to longline within the 16-year closed conservation zone off the east coast of Florida. The research was halted by the NSU president after The Billfish Foundation (TBF) informed him of potential negative impacts to the university’s reputation. As TBF reported in January, the same scientist submitted a second EFP application, but only yesterday did the NMFS clarify the application is identical to the first one with the exception that NSU is removed

NMFS Releases Dec. 2017 Summary of Bluefin Tuna Landings

Preliminary National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NMFS) statistics comparing Atlantic bluefin tuna landings in December 2017 to December 2016 indicate more fish were landed in 2017, but smaller in size and less in total weight. The same was true for bluefin tuna landed in the General Category, handline and harpoon, fisheries during the two years. Also more bluefin tuna were landed by pelagic longline gear in December 2017 than in December 2016, but the average weight was higher. The total number of bluefin tuna landed in December 2017 by all commercial gear was 5091 fish, weighing 842 metric tons (1,856,273.2

Billfish A Low-Value Food Item In Trinidad & Tobago

Recent images from the island nation of Trinidad & Tobago have again brought attention to the plight of billfish in the Caribbean. The photos show over a dozen billfish that were landed in Trinidad by local fishers, who likely are unaware of the economic benefits a live marlin can bring to their nation if left in the water. The sportfishing eco-tourism trade leads to greater economic benefits and jobs for the community than the one-time-use of the fish as food. According to numerous locals with whom TBF’s management has spoken, fishers in fact prefer to catch other pelagic species

Scientist Seeks to Advance Longline Research

NOVA Southeastern University Scientist and assistant professor, David W. Kerstetter, who received a federal Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) in 2017 to conduct longline research in Florida’s east coast closed zone, has submitted an application for a new EFP, but this time without including the university. In 2017, Dr. George L. Hanbury, NSU’s president, halted Kerstetter’s project when advised by TBF of the negative impacts the project could cast on the institution’s science and community relations credibility. Following that decision, on November 21, 2017, Kerstetter filed papers of incorporation for – Florida Fisheries Solution, LLC.  – in whose name the

Proper Billfish Handling Techniques

We all want that epic photo. Whether it’s the most beautiful bonefish you’ve ever reeled in, a tasty grouper you’ve pulled up from the reef, and especially the mighty sailfish or marlin you’ve fought from the depths. But have you ever thought about how that might affect the fish? When it comes to billfish, being pulled from the water and into a world with no oxygen after an exhausting fight can be deadly. Even if the fish arrived at the boat in good condition, the stress of being removed from the water can kill it. What’s more, billfish have

Reminder: Renew Your Fishery Permits Following Hurricane Season

The Southeast Permits Office of NOAA Fisheries is reminding permit holders that all limited access permits must be renewed by the termination date printed on the front of the permit. The region was impacted by a number of hurricanes this year, impacting many with loss of property including fishing vessels. The Office advises that if your permitted vessel was lost, you can transfer the permit to another vessel, or even a U.S. Coast Guard or state registered raft or dinghy to keep the permit viable. Call the southeast Permits Office toll free at (877) 376-4877 to ask about transfer provisions

Charter/Headboat Vessels Will Need Endorsement For Catch Sales in 2018

Beginning January 5, 2018, NOAA Fisheries will require vessels with Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) Charter/Headboat permits to also obtain a “commercial sale” endorsement in order to sell any catch of HMS. The new permit is obtainable for free when renewing or obtaining a 2018 HMS Charter/Headboat permit. This change creates a provision for the commercial sale of Atlantic HMS by HMS Charter/Headboat permit holders. Such permit holders are currently able to sell Atlantic tunas and swordfish, and can also sell Atlantic sharks if they hold a Federal commercial shark permit. Because of this, vessels with the HMS Charter/Headboat permit