2014 Pending Fishing Regulations Master Thread

[CaptBob]

Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 18, 2013

PRESS CONTACT: Mary Clark

(302) 674-2331 (ext. 261)

Council and Board Adopt 2014 Recreational Measures for Summer Flounder, Scup,
and Black Sea Bass

[1]PDF/Printer-friendly version

Annapolis, MD —The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council met jointly with the
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black
Sea Bass Board last week to adopt 2014 recreational management measures for
summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. During the meeting, the Board
approved Draft Addendum XXV for public comment. The addendum, which is intended
to provide more equity in recreational harvest opportunities, includes options
for regional management of summer flounder and ad-hoc regional management of
black sea bass. The Council and Board's recommendations for 2014 were based on
the current management systems for both fisheries, and some recommendations were
contingent on the outcome of the addendum. [2]Click here for more information
about Draft Addendum XXV on the Commission's website.

Summer Flounder
Based on the recreational harvest limit of 7.01 million pounds, the Council and
Board recommended the use of conservation equivalency for the recreational
summer flounder fishery in 2014. Conservation equivalency allows individual
states or voluntary regions to develop recreational measures that achieve a
region- or state-specific harvest target. The combination of state- or
region-specific measures would be equivalent to the Council- and Board-approved
non-preferred coastwide measures of an 18-inch TL minimum fish size, a 4 fish
possession limit, and a May 1 – September 30 season.

Black Sea Bass
The Council and Board recommended that the 7% coastwide reduction needed to
achieve the 2014 recreational harvest limit (2.26 million lbs) be taken in both
state and federal waters. If the state waters measures under Addendum XXV
address the required reduction, the Council and Board recommended that federal
waters measures include a 12.5-inch TL minimum size, a 15 fish possession limit,
and open seasons from May 19 – September 18 and October 18 – December 31. If the
addendum does not address the required reduction, then coastwide measures for
both state and federal waters would be set at a 13-inch TL minimum size, a 5
fish possession limit, and a June 1-September 30 season.

Scup
Based on the associated recreational harvest of 7.03 million pounds, the Council
and Board approved federal water measures including a 9-inch minimum size, a 30
fish possession limit, and open season January 1-December 31. In state waters,
the Board voted to continue using a regional approach to scup management under
which states may set different measures.

Additional information and background documents are available on the [3]December
2013 Council Meeting Page.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional councils
established by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act of
1976. The Council has primary responsibility for twelve species of fish and
shellfish in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) between 3 and 200 miles off the
Mid-Atlantic coast. Member states include New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,
Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. [4]Visit our website for more
information.

[SaltLife1980]

Summer Flounder
Based on the recreational harvest limit of 7.01 million pounds, the Council and Board recommended the use of conservation equivalency for the recreational summer flounder fishery in 2014. Conservation equivalency allows individual states or voluntary regions to develop recreational measures that achieve a region- or state-specific harvest target. The combination of state- or
region-specific measures would be equivalent to the Council- and Board-approved non-preferred coastwide measures of an 18-inch TL minimum fish size, a 4 fish possession limit, and a May 1 – September 30 season.




:eek: :eek: :eek: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[shrimpman steve]

Time to fly the pirate flag

[Jay]

Time to fly the pirate flag

I'll bring the eye patches! I understand about regulating, to keep the fishery stock, their just trying to screwing us all. Those numbers are absurd.:mad:

[PAMonger]

This essentially wipes out quite a bit of time for the charter/party boat business. The times of year when you would fish solely for sea bass (May and September), will meat fishermen go for 15 fish? Or how about the fluke sharpies in the July and August time, going for 4?

There are times in the season when they overlap and a combo trip with a half-day of sea bass and a half-day of fluke could create double limits.

But now, there's the slippery slope of adding pressure to striped bass, especially the big ones, in the late spring and early summer. It's already tough enough to find something to fish for in October, unless you like C&R togging.

I don't get it... if limits of a certain fish are being routinely met like sea bass, wouldn't that mean that it is rebuilt and the stock is in good shape, not that restrictions need to be tighter?

[GDubya07]

Many people called this years ago , they are slowly taking away our right to fish for a natural resource that is abundent and rebuilt. They want us off of the water , the part boat/charter business destroyed and torn apart so they can have for profit big money reduction boats kill everything . And I guarentee they will over fish and wipe out species in a single year .

The only motivation behind this is corporate fishing for profit/greed , God forbid somebody wants to work hard with a charter business/ party boat and make some money and have there own business , let alone fish for enjoyment

Personally within my lifetime I am sure I will not be allowed to fish anymore or if we do , it will be like what they did with flounder - 6 week seaason - 2 fish - yet go deep and see all of the 3,4,5 pounders you want to catch , we cant keep them but hey big money interests can.

Summer Flounder around here last year wasnt that good for most , not overfished but yet lets reduce the bag limit again why , because we want to. We didnt overfish and with Sandy and the participation and low catches last year WTF ???

This is not about science or conservation - it is all about big money greed and taking our rights away just like evrything else

Raise the flags and let me know if you need someone to sail

Go Fluke Yourself

[Irish Jigger]

it will be interesting how many people will vote for 3 at 17.5 like last year. That worked out well right?

[Gerry Zagorski]

Make no mistake about it, this is the result of "Big Government". More laws, more restrictions to protect us from ourselves because the American Public can't be trusted with these decisions :rolleyes:

The government wants to control everything because:
- They want the power which puts them in a position to grant political favors
- They want us to be dependent on them for everything which gives them even more power

Even if you believe the statements made above are Fear Mongering ask yourself this question... Do you think the Government does a good job managing anything we've entrusted them with? Not only do they lack the talent but their thought process in regulating things have political motivations. It goes to the highest bidder or who has the clout to get them reelected... A vicious circle where individuals and small businesses who are of little value to them get left out in the cold.

The only sensible thing for individuals and small businesses to do is band together in a group to wield more clout. Supporting and getting involved in groups like the RFA, SSFFF and JCAA is the only shot we have to be players in the circle. Although you might not agree on some smaller things within these groups, you need to look at the bigger picture since one thing we all have in common is protecting our rights to fish.

[Blackfish Doug]

Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 18, 2013

PRESS CONTACT: Mary Clark

(302) 674-2331 (ext. 261)

Council and Board Adopt 2014 Recreational Measures for Summer Flounder, Scup,
and Black Sea Bass

[1]PDF/Printer-friendly version

Annapolis, MD —The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council met jointly with the
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black
Sea Bass Board last week to adopt 2014 recreational management measures for
summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. During the meeting, the Board
approved Draft Addendum XXV for public comment. The addendum, which is intended
to provide more equity in recreational harvest opportunities, includes options
for regional management of summer flounder and ad-hoc regional management of
black sea bass. The Council and Board's recommendations for 2014 were based on
the current management systems for both fisheries, and some recommendations were
contingent on the outcome of the addendum. [2]Click here for more information
about Draft Addendum XXV on the Commission's website.

Summer Flounder
Based on the recreational harvest limit of 7.01 million pounds, the Council and
Board recommended the use of conservation equivalency for the recreational
summer flounder fishery in 2014. Conservation equivalency allows individual
states or voluntary regions to develop recreational measures that achieve a
region- or state-specific harvest target. The combination of state- or
region-specific measures would be equivalent to the Council- and Board-approved
non-preferred coastwide measures of an 18-inch TL minimum fish size, a 4 fish
possession limit, and a May 1 – September 30 season.

Black Sea Bass
The Council and Board recommended that the 7% coastwide reduction needed to
achieve the 2014 recreational harvest limit (2.26 million lbs) be taken in both
state and federal waters. If the state waters measures under Addendum XXV
address the required reduction, the Council and Board recommended that federal
waters measures include a 12.5-inch TL minimum size, a 15 fish possession limit,
and open seasons from May 19 – September 18 and October 18 – December 31. If the
addendum does not address the required reduction, then coastwide measures for
both state and federal waters would be set at a 13-inch TL minimum size, a 5
fish possession limit, and a June 1-September 30 season.

Scup
Based on the associated recreational harvest of 7.03 million pounds, the Council
and Board approved federal water measures including a 9-inch minimum size, a 30
fish possession limit, and open season January 1-December 31. In state waters,
the Board voted to continue using a regional approach to scup management under
which states may set different measures.

Additional information and background documents are available on the [3]December
2013 Council Meeting Page.

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional councils
established by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act of
1976. The Council has primary responsibility for twelve species of fish and
shellfish in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) between 3 and 200 miles off the
Mid-Atlantic coast. Member states include New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,
Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. [4]Visit our website for more
information.


Not one mention of winter Flounder??? Why is it that Mass & CT get a greater quota vs us??? Look at their limits it's sickening. There's something wrong here why doesn't anybody care? That mudhole fishing is totally untapped it's a disgrace.

[1captainron]

I would like to Thank all the "Ghost"boats that were fishing by the thousands in June, July and August, for taking all those Fluke.
Pretty amazing seeing how our Harbor wasn't ready for boats until Mid August. The local area's, Bay, Knoll, Reach, Ambrose out to Scotland looked like a dessert on a daily bases, the stocks were fine last year, now there not? This crap is getting old, same shit every year yet we will all sit on the computer and piss and moan then, take it, as usual.

No Flounder, No Weakfish, No Sea Bass, and only Stripers to fish for in the Spring, another brilliant move putting that much pressure on one species. 2015 will be down to 1 Striped Bass.

Sure hope those Whales that have been showing up the past couple years don't go away!!!! Oh wait, maybe they will pass a law that you can't come within 3 miles of them also. Just great..........Merry Christmas.:mad:

[TAGGED FISH]

Everyone needs to grow a set of balls. . Tell them we are tired of their bogus data an regulations that make no sense in anyone's mind. They say stocks are rebuilt but want more regs. Wtf...Fish were over fished in this area. By who ? Where were the boats that over fished them ? Who dreams this sht up.. Rules are great if they are within the realm of sanity... let us go home with a fresh fish dinner. Let a kid take a fish home to show mom .. thats not asking for much.
If not than everyone should make a stand an say . Im taking dinner home regardless of what you say. Im going fishing regardless of when they think the season should be open or closed. If we keep bending over an just taking taking this. They will keep pushing for the end of fishing...
Make it fair or break out the dexter russell.

[TAGGED FISH]

Everyone needs to grow a set of balls. . Tell them we are tired of their bogus data an regulations that make no sense in anyone's mind. They say stocks are rebuilt but want more regs. Wtf...Fish were over fished in this area. By who ? Where were the boats that over fished them ? Who dreams this sht up.. Rules are great if they are within the realm of sanity... let us go home with a fresh fish dinner. Let a kid take a fish home to show mom .. thats not asking for much.
If not than everyone should make a stand an say . Im taking dinner home regardless of what you say. Im going fishing regardless of when they think the season should be open or closed. If we keep bending over an just taking taking this. They will keep pushing for the end of fishing...
Make it fair or break out the dexter russell.

[Capt Sal]

Make no mistake about it, this is the result of "Big Government". More laws, more restrictions to protect us from ourselves because the American Public can't be trusted with these decisions :rolleyes:

The government wants to control everything because:
- They want the power which puts them in a position to grant political favors
- They want us to be dependent on them for everything which gives them even more power

Even if you believe the statements made above are Fear Mongering ask yourself this question... Do you think the Government does a good job managing anything we've entrusted them with? Not only do they lack the talent but their thought process in regulating things have political motivations. It goes to the highest bidder or who has the clout to get them reelected... A vicious circle where individuals and small businesses who are of little value to them get left out in the cold.

The only sensible thing for individuals and small businesses to do is band together in a group to wield more clout. Supporting and getting involved in groups like the RFA, SSFFF and JCAA is the only shot we have to be players in the circle. Although you might not agree on some smaller things within these groups, you need to look at the bigger picture since one thing we all have in common is protecting our rights to fish.
Jerry,It is true that banding together makes us stronger.The truth of the matter is that a lot of people bitch but never show up for one single meeting.It is not only up to the for hire capts but everyone that is a recreational fisherman.With all the info out there on the web I am still amazed at how the average angler is misinformed.

[Capt. Lou]

Therin lies the true problem , lack of knowledge , support & couldn't care less attitudes !
Handful of guys trying to help thousands , that couldn't care less !
The last Washington March was evident that even then support had slackened !
It keeps going this way they siI railroad us out of all fisheries!

[Angler Paul]

Here is my take on the situation and it includes what you can do to help. I hesitate to post specific numbers because every time I do so it seems MRIP revises their numbers the next day. Anyway, the ASMFC is not expected to make any decision until thier next meetiing in February. The addendum was just released today.




More Stringent Fluke Regulations Loom on the Horizon
By Paul Haertel – JCAA President Elect


Just when it seemed that New Jersey had dodged a bullet aimed at significantly reducing our recreational fluke, things have changed once again. The preliminary MRIP figures had shown that we had over fished our quota by approximately 47% and that did not even include the wave 5 data (September-October). Under the state conservation equivalency format that we have been utilizing since 2001, each state is given a quota. Each state is then allowed to develop regulations pertaining to size, possession and season limits. After years when the quota is exceeded, regulations must be made more stringent the following year. Therefore, had the preliminary MRIP numbers been allowed to stand, draconian measures would have had to be taken in 2014.
The good news was that the wave 4 data (July-August) was recently revised. More specifically, the wave 4 data was changed from 1,159,303 to 730,086 fish, which resulted in a reduction of 429,217 fish. That was welcome news but even more recently, the MRIP numbers were also revised for wave 3 (May-June). Unfortunately they showed an increase from 279,658 fish to 337,983 fish which is an increase of 58,325 fish. Further, the preliminary wave 5 data (September-October) was just released on 12/16 and it shows that an additional 129,388 fluke were harvested. That makes our total harvest for the year 1,197,457 fish. Our original quota was for 977,998 fish but ASMF later approved an extra 88,000 fish so our total quota for the year ended up being 1,065,998 fish. That makes us 131,459 fish over our quota which equates to having over fished our quota by approximately 12.3%. That would not be too bad except for the fact that the overall coast wide quota is being reduced by about 8%. That means that if we continue to use conservation equivalency and the MRIP numbers do not change yet again, we are looking at a cut of close to 21%. Under this scenario I anticipate that the New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council would develop various options for the public to consider. Most likely there will once again be a battle between those who prefer a shorter season so the size limit can remain at 17.5” and those who favor a longer season with an 18” size limit.
Under this scenario there is also a possibility that the ASMFC could approve some extra fish for us in 2014 once all the states have set their regulations as they did in 2013.
It is also possible that the NJMFC could use data from our own state’s recreational saltwater angler survey to develop more favorable regulations.
Of course all of the above assumes that fluke will be managed the same way as they have been in the past and we are not changed to a regional approach. New York’s Senator Charles Schumer has introduced the “Fluke Fairness Act” which would result in New Jersey being placed in a region with New York and other states. Further the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Council has now developed addendum XXV to the Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan. The addendum also includes options for regionalization and again New Jersey would be placed in a region with New York and other states. The end result would most likely be that New York’s regulations would become more lenient and New Jersey’s more stringent. Still all options should be considered. Those interested in reviewing the addendum which also addresses managerial options for sea bass may do so by going to: http://www.asmfc.org/files/PublicInput/SF_BSB_DraftAddendumXXV_PublicComment_Dec2013.pdf

JCAA will continue to be involved in this process and we will keep you informed. However, we also encourage all interested individuals to become involved and give their opinions. Below is some information as to how you can go about doing that.

Public Comment Process and Proposed Timeline
At the December 2013 Commission meeting, the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea
Bass Management Board approved a motion to initiate the development of an addendum
to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black
Sea Bass. The addendum will address the recreational management of the Summer
Flounder and Black Sea Bass FMP. The Board is developing recreational management
options for Summer Flounder and Black Sea Bass. This draft addendum presents
background on the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASMFC)
management of summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass; the addendum process and
timeline; and a statement of the problem. This document also provides options of
management for public consideration and comment.
The public is encouraged to submit comments regarding this document at any time during
the public comment period. The final date comments will be accepted is January 24,
2014 at 5:00 p.m. You may submit public comment in one or more of the following
ways:
1. Attend public hearings in your state or jurisdiction.
2. Refer comments to your state’s members on the Summer Flounder, Scup, and
Black Sea Bass Management Board or Advisory Panel, if applicable.
3. Mail, fax or email written comment to the following address:
Mail: Kirby Rootes-Murdy Email: krootes-murdy@asmfc.org
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Phone: (703) 842-0740
1050 North Highland Street, Suite 200A-N Fax: (703) 842-0741
Arlington, VA 22201
Draft

A public hearing will be held on the addendum as listed below:

New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife
January 13, 2014 at 7 PM
Ocean County Administration Building
Public Hearing Room 119
101 Hooper Avenue
Toms River, New Jersey
Contact: Tom Baum at 609.748.2020

[SaltLife1980]

Everyone needs to grow a set of balls. . Tell them we are tired of their bogus data an regulations that make no sense in anyone's mind. They say stocks are rebuilt but want more regs. Wtf...Fish were over fished in this area. By who ? Where were the boats that over fished them ? Who dreams this sht up.. Rules are great if they are within the realm of sanity... let us go home with a fresh fish dinner. Let a kid take a fish home to show mom .. thats not asking for much.
If not than everyone should make a stand an say . Im taking dinner home regardless of what you say. Im going fishing regardless of when they think the season should be open or closed. If we keep bending over an just taking taking this. They will keep pushing for the end of fishing...
Make it fair or break out the dexter russell.


Well said

[Capt Sal]

Everyone needs to grow a set of balls. . Tell them we are tired of their bogus data an regulations that make no sense in anyone's mind. They say stocks are rebuilt but want more regs. Wtf...Fish were over fished in this area. By who ? Where were the boats that over fished them ? Who dreams this sht up.. Rules are great if they are within the realm of sanity... let us go home with a fresh fish dinner. Let a kid take a fish home to show mom .. thats not asking for much.
If not than everyone should make a stand an say . Im taking dinner home regardless of what you say. Im going fishing regardless of when they think the season should be open or closed. If we keep bending over an just taking taking this. They will keep pushing for the end of fishing...
Make it fair or break out the dexter russell.
They more than half way there!Capt Chad of all people knows about what has been taken away.Weakfish limit of one!!Winter flounder limit of two!!!If this happens with fluke,blackfish and stripers there will be no for hire boats anywhere.The average angler has to get involved.Cold windy fall with most of the private boats on drydock and they will say we overfished the blackfish!

[SaltLife1980]

http://www.thefisherman.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=feature.display&feature_ID=701&ParentCat=19


Anyone else see this..


"Despite the fact participation in NJ's recreational fluke fishery was significantly off during 2013, the preliminary MRIP wave data showed that we had over fished our quota by approximately 47 percent. "



"This is similar to what happened this year when NJ was eventually were granted an eight-day extension to its season. However, even if something along similar lines is approved for 2014, it appears that NJ will be forced into having a shorter season, a higher size limit and perhaps a lower bag limit if the MRIP numbers are allowed to stand. The numbers are preliminary, meaning that they could be changed - but don't bet on it. "

[Angler Paul]

Below is a more updated version of what is going on. I posted it on another thread a day or two ago.

Here is my take on the situation and it includes what you can do to help. I hesitate to post specific numbers because every time I do so it seems MRIP revises their numbers the next day. Anyway, the ASMFC is not expected to make any decision until thier next meetiing in February. The addendum was just released today.




More Stringent Fluke Regulations Loom on the Horizon
By Paul Haertel – JCAA President Elect


Just when it seemed that New Jersey had dodged a bullet aimed at significantly reducing our recreational fluke, things have changed once again. The preliminary MRIP figures had shown that we had over fished our quota by approximately 47% and that did not even include the wave 5 data (September-October). Under the state conservation equivalency format that we have been utilizing since 2001, each state is given a quota. Each state is then allowed to develop regulations pertaining to size, possession and season limits. After years when the quota is exceeded, regulations must be made more stringent the following year. Therefore, had the preliminary MRIP numbers been allowed to stand, draconian measures would have had to be taken in 2014.
The good news was that the wave 4 data (July-August) was recently revised. More specifically, the wave 4 data was changed from 1,159,303 to 730,086 fish, which resulted in a reduction of 429,217 fish. That was welcome news but even more recently, the MRIP numbers were also revised for wave 3 (May-June). Unfortunately they showed an increase from 279,658 fish to 337,983 fish which is an increase of 58,325 fish. Further, the preliminary wave 5 data (September-October) was just released on 12/16 and it shows that an additional 129,388 fluke were harvested. That makes our total harvest for the year 1,197,457 fish. Our original quota was for 977,998 fish but ASMF later approved an extra 88,000 fish so our total quota for the year ended up being 1,065,998 fish. That makes us 131,459 fish over our quota which equates to having over fished our quota by approximately 12.3%. That would not be too bad except for the fact that the overall coast wide quota is being reduced by about 8%. That means that if we continue to use conservation equivalency and the MRIP numbers do not change yet again, we are looking at a cut of close to 21%. Under this scenario I anticipate that the New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council would develop various options for the public to consider. Most likely there will once again be a battle between those who prefer a shorter season so the size limit can remain at 17.5” and those who favor a longer season with an 18” size limit.
Under this scenario there is also a possibility that the ASMFC could approve some extra fish for us in 2014 once all the states have set their regulations as they did in 2013.
It is also possible that the NJMFC could use data from our own state’s recreational saltwater angler survey to develop more favorable regulations.
Of course all of the above assumes that fluke will be managed the same way as they have been in the past and we are not changed to a regional approach. New York’s Senator Charles Schumer has introduced the “Fluke Fairness Act” which would result in New Jersey being placed in a region with New York and other states. Further the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Council has now developed addendum XXV to the Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan. The addendum also includes options for regionalization and again New Jersey would be placed in a region with New York and other states. The end result would most likely be that New York’s regulations would become more lenient and New Jersey’s more stringent. Still all options should be considered. Those interested in reviewing the addendum which also addresses managerial options for sea bass may do so by going to: http://www.asmfc.org/files/PublicInp...nt_Dec2013.pdf

JCAA will continue to be involved in this process and we will keep you informed. However, we also encourage all interested individuals to become involved and give their opinions. Below is some information as to how you can go about doing that.

Public Comment Process and Proposed Timeline
At the December 2013 Commission meeting, the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea
Bass Management Board approved a motion to initiate the development of an addendum
to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black
Sea Bass. The addendum will address the recreational management of the Summer
Flounder and Black Sea Bass FMP. The Board is developing recreational management
options for Summer Flounder and Black Sea Bass. This draft addendum presents
background on the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASMFC)
management of summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass; the addendum process and
timeline; and a statement of the problem. This document also provides options of
management for public consideration and comment.
The public is encouraged to submit comments regarding this document at any time during
the public comment period. The final date comments will be accepted is January 24,
2014 at 5:00 p.m. You may submit public comment in one or more of the following
ways:
1. Attend public hearings in your state or jurisdiction.
2. Refer comments to your state’s members on the Summer Flounder, Scup, and
Black Sea Bass Management Board or Advisory Panel, if applicable.
3. Mail, fax or email written comment to the following address:
Mail: Kirby Rootes-Murdy Email: krootes-murdy@asmfc.org
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Phone: (703) 842-0740
1050 North Highland Street, Suite 200A-N Fax: (703) 842-0741
Arlington, VA 22201
Draft

A public hearing will be held on the addendum as listed below:

New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife
January 13, 2014 at 7 PM
Ocean County Administration Building
Public Hearing Room 119
101 Hooper Avenue
Toms River, New Jersey
Contact: Tom Baum at 609.748.2020

[fin_s_guy]

Yup...

[broken bobber]

The following is a news release from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

States Schedule Public Hearings on Draft Addendum XXV
Addendum Seeks Input on Management Options for 2014 Summer Flounder and Black Sea Bass Recreational Fisheries

Arlington, VA – The Atlantic coast states of Massachusetts through Virginia have scheduled their hearings to gather public comment on Draft Addendum XXV to the Summer Flounder and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plans. The dates, times, and locations of the scheduled hearings follow.

New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife
January 13, 2014 at 7 PM
Ocean County Administration Building
Public Hearing Room 119
101 Hooper Avenue
Toms River, New Jersey
Contact: Tom Baum at 609.748.2020

Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries
January 16, 2014 at 5 PM
Bourne Fire Station #3, Meeting Room
53 Meetinghouse Lane
Sagamore Beach, Massachusetts
Contact: Nichola Meserve at 617.626.1531

Rhode Island Division of Fish & Wildlife
January 15, 2014 at 6 PM
University of Rhode Island, Corless Auditorium
South Ferry Road
Narragansett, Rhode Island
Contact: Jason McNamee at 401.423.1943

Connecticut Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection
January 14, 2014 at 7 PM
Marine Headquarters
Boating Education Center, Building 3
333 Ferry Road
Old Lyme, Connecticut
Contact: David Simpson at 860.434.6043

New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation
January 14, 2014 at 6 PM
Bureau of Marine Resources
205 North Belle Mead Road, Suite 1
East Setauket, New York
Contact: Steve Heins at 631.444.0435

Delaware Dept. of Natural Resources & Environmental Control
January 10, 2014 at 6 PM
DNREC Auditorium
89 Kings Highway
Dover, Delaware
Contact: John Clark at 302.739.9108

Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources
January 9, 2014 at 5 PM
Ocean Pines Library
11107 Cathell Road
Berlin, Maryland
Contact: Steve Doctor at 410.213.1431

Virginia Marine Resources Commission
January 8, 2014 at 6 PM
2600 Washington Avenue
4th Floor Conference Room
Newport News, Virginia
Contact: Rob O’Reilly at 757.247.2247
 
Draft Addendum XXV proposes management approaches for the 2014 summer flounder and black sea bass recreational fisheries. For summer flounder, the Draft Addendum includes options that allow for management measures by region and the sharing of unused quota – both with the intent of providing more equity in recreational harvest opportunities along the coast. The specific regions being considered are (1) Massachusetts; Rhode Island through New Jersey; Delaware through Virginia; and North Carolina and (2) Massachusetts and Rhode Island; Connecticut through New Jersey; Delaware through Virginia; and North Carolina.

The Draft Addendum was initiated to address a growing concern that current summer flounder management measures (as established under the Fishery Management Plan) are not providing recreational fishermen along the coast with equitable harvest opportunities to the resource. Those measures, involving state-specific recreational management measures under conservation equivalency are increasingly being viewed as problematic due to several factors. These factors include: reliance upon recreational harvest estimates for a single year (1998) as the basis for individual state targets; a change in the abundance of the resource; and changes in the socio-economic characteristics of the fishery. The impact of the management program seemed to affect New York the most, with a 21” size limit (by 2009) and a short season including mid-season closure. In 2013, with a fully recovered stock, New York’s minimum size (19”) was at least one inch higher than any other state, one and a half inches higher than its bordering states.

The Draft Addendum proposes a more flexible and equitable conservation approach that allows the management program to adjust to past, current, and future changes to the resource and the fishery. The biological characteristics of the summer flounder have changed with the restoration of this stock. In particular, there has been a substantial expansion in the size and age composition, with greater overall abundance and increased numbers of larger fish.

The Draft Addendum also proposes two options for the 2014 black sea bass recreational fishery (1) coastwide measures (currently proposed at 13” TL minimum size, a 5 fish possession limit, and a season from June 1 to September 30) or (2) the continued use of management measures by northern (MA – NJ) and southern regions (DE – NC). The regional management approach has been used since 2011 and offers some advantages over coastwide regulations, which can disproportionately impact states within the management unit. Specifically, regional measures can address geographic differences in the stock (size, abundance and seasonality) while maintaining the consistent application of management measures by neighboring states.

Fishermen and other interested groups are encouraged to provide input on Draft Addendum XXV, either by attending state public hearings or providing written comment. The Draft Addendum is available on the Commission website on the Public Input page at http://www.asmfc.org/about-us/public-input . It can also be accessed directly at http://www.asmfc.org/files/PublicInput/SF_BSB_DraftAddendumXXV_PublicComment_Dec2013.pdf . Public comment will be accepted until 5:00 PM (EST) on January 24, 2014 and should be forwarded to Kirby Rootes-Murdy, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, 1050 N. Highland St., Suite 200 A-N, Arlington, VA 22201; 703.842.0741 (fax) or via e-mail at krootes-murdy@asmfc.org (Subject line: Draft Addendum XXV).
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Tina Berger
Director of Communications
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
1050 N. Highland Street, Suite 200A-N
Arlington, VA 22201

703.842.0740
tberger@asmfc.org
www.asmfc.org
Visit us on Facebook and Twitter

Healthy, self-sustaining populations for all Atlantic coast fish species or successful restoration well in progress by the year 2015.

hey lets all go ask for 16 inch size limit with a 4 fish per year per person ruling to save the industry

[GDubya07]

Physically Impossible

Time for Steve - the Pirate - RRRRRRRR - Dodgeball

[tautog]

Ask for 14" 10 fish and negotiate towards the center. Every year they start off with a silly number, why do we always counter with a fairly sensible one?

[tuna john]

do you have a comment already written that we can just copy and paste? probably would make many more comment if it were that simple

thanls

[Fishfish]

Old news! While the issue needs to be kept fresh and relevant and in your/ our face, it is being complicated with too many threads on the same subject. Not good since members / posters may not read all the comment being contained on the other threads.

12-17-2013
Fluke Sea Bass options for 2014 set by ASMFC. You better comment! (Multi-page thread 1 2)
Fishfish

12-18-2013
MAFMC- Summer Flounder-Sea Bass-Scup ( 1 2)
CaptBob SHFA

[Fishfish]

As always Paul, thank you for your efforts and keeping NJfish members and all fisherman informed. The JCAA, RFA and Save the Summer Flounder all need support and participation. All of us need to be involved comment and attend these hearings. Fishing is more than just hopping on a boat. Without participation in protecting those rights, they will be gone! Fishfish Dennis

[Angler Paul]

JCAA has a committee that is reviewing the addendum and will formulate an official position on it. Once that is done we will be glad to share it on line.
We are also seeking ways to show that the MRIP figures are wrong as we strongly believe that we did not catch nearly as many fluke as the survey indicates. For example, there was about a 40% decrease in the number of individuals who signed up for our state's saltwater registry this year. We suspect that boat registrations were down signifcantly too this year and intend to obtain the exact numbers. Further we have found some flaws in the way the survey was conducted.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Keep them all here

[Gerry Zagorski]

Keep everything on one post

[dfish28]

This would be a great place to add the links to the organizations already mentioned that need support and membership- I bet you may get a few more this way.

Njf road trip to ocean county- who has the bus?

[captbogan]

Many people called this years ago , they are slowly taking away our right to fish for a natural resource that is abundent and rebuilt. They want us off of the water , the part boat/charter business destroyed and torn apart so they can have for profit big money reduction boats kill everything . And I guarentee they will over fish and wipe out species in a single year .

The only motivation behind this is corporate fishing for profit/greed , God forbid somebody wants to work hard with a charter business/ party boat and make some money and have there own business , let alone fish for enjoyment

Personally within my lifetime I am sure I will not be allowed to fish anymore or if we do , it will be like what they did with flounder - 6 week seaason - 2 fish - yet go deep and see all of the 3,4,5 pounders you want to catch , we cant keep them but hey big money interests can.

Summer Flounder around here last year wasnt that good for most , not overfished but yet lets reduce the bag limit again why , because we want to. We didnt overfish and with Sandy and the participation and low catches last year WTF ???

This is not about science or conservation - it is all about big money greed and taking our rights away just like evrything else

Raise the flags and let me know if you need someone to sail

Go Fluke Yourself


Man, my sentiments exactly --they want us off their ocean. I agree with everything you've said.

[AndyS]

.........and remember to sign the Saltwater Registry also.
Conger eel, aka Pout still at zero ? What about Weakfish ? Looks like I won't be buying any new saltwater equipment.

[scanman5]

When we write letters (or speak at a meeting) are we asking to shift some of the commercial quota to the recreational quota, or just asking them to be reasonable when making the regulations?
Andy

[italianfisherman]

when we write letters (or speak at a meeting) are we asking to shift some of the commercial quota to the recreational quota, or just asking them to be reasonable when making the regulations?
Andy

so true.

[fishguy]

The biggest flaw of all with the science being used to regulate our fishery is the assumption of a historical stock. Europeans started fishing here over 500 years ago but nobody started anything one could call a scientific count or assessment of fish populations until well into the 20th century. The only certain thing is that there were far fewer fish by the time anyone started counting and it sure as hell wasn't recreational fisherman doing the damage. We are being penalized for the last several centuries of poor management, overfishing, greed and shortsightedness of the commercial sector. Why should we suffer when we are a drop in the ocean as far as the damage already done? WE should be getting any scraps the NMFS deems worthy of doling out NOT the commercial guys.

[CaptBob]

Everyone we need to go to the public hearing asfmc if they drop us down to 4 fluke pp @ 18 it's gonna put us out of business and if they drop sea bass down to 5 fish we will suffer the same fate as the southern atlantic states !!!
New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife
January 13, 2014 at 7 PM
Ocean County Administration Building
Public Hearing Room 119
101 Hooper Avenue
Toms River, New Jersey

[Ahab123]

........ABSOLUTE BULLSHIT...........:mad:

[dales529]

Not sure if everyone has read the document through but here's an effort to try and simplify what the Public Comment Meetings are all about. Below is an excerpt from an RFA press release which pretty much sums up the options for comment on Summer Flounder and Seabass.

]"January 8, 2014 - The Atlantic coast states of Massachusetts through Virginia have scheduled hearings to gather public comment on Draft Addendum XXV to the Summer Flounder and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan.

For summer flounder, Draft Addendum XXV includes options that would allow for management measures by region, and the sharing of unused quota, both with the intent of providing more equity in recreational harvest opportunities along the coast.

The specific regions being considered are (1) Massachusetts; Rhode Island through New Jersey; Delaware through Virginia; and North Carolina and (2) Massachusetts and Rhode Island; Connecticut through New Jersey; Delaware through Virginia; and North Carolina.

Under region 1 above for example, Massachusetts would have a five fish bag limit, 16-inch size and 132-day season, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey would all have a four fish bag limit, 18-inch size limit and 135-day season, while Delaware, Maryland and Virginia would each get a four fish bag limit, 16-inch size limit and a 365-day season. North Carolina meanwhile would maintain its six fish, 15-inch size limit and 365-day season.

The quota sharing concept is part of Option 2 in draft Addendum XXV which offers a mechanism to allow the transfer of unused summer flounder quota between states to offset overages or to allow states to liberalize regulations while maintaining the state by state baseline allocations set using MRFSS data from 1998.

The Draft Addendum also proposes two options for the 2014 black sea bass recreational fishery (1) coastwide measures, currently proposed at 13-inch TL minimum size, a five fish possession limit, and a season from June 1 to September 30, or (2) the continued use of management measures by northern (MA-NJ) and southern regions (DE-NC). The regional management approach has been used since 2011.[/B]

MY Interpretation and Opinion is below:

For Summer Flounder the Options as described above are:
1) Regional Management:
2) Status Quo with Quota Sharing between states (like we had last year)

MY opinion is that I would be opposed to Regional Management and accepting the Bag / Size Limits and seasons as described. I would favor the Option for Quota sharing which means the ability to request and have transferred unused quota from other states to NJ if available. This is how we got the 8 day season extension last year although that most likely wouldn't happen this year.

For Seabass the Options are as described above:
1) Coastwide measures which would include the 13" / 5 Fish Limit
2)The continued use of Regional measures as we have had since 2011.

Again MY opinion is this is a no brainer and I would be opposed to coastwide measures.

My understanding is that the meetings and public comments are being heard directly about this document and Landings / quota are a separate issue.
Basically you are commenting on HOW you want our Summer Flounder and Seabass "Managed" . After that determination is made then size and bag limits would be handled at a later time.

Again this is strictly MY understanding and opinions and not an Official position of any group although after speaking with some very knowledgeable and more so than me people that this viewpoint is aligned with their interpretation as well.

This Public Comment is VERY Important to all of us and as many who can attend the meeting or share a comment SHOULD. If you cant attend the meeting Comments can be sent via email or regular mail at:

You can also provide input through the commission website on the Public Input page at www.asmfc.org/about-us/public-input. The deadline for comment is 5 p.m. on January 24th.


Send comments to Kirby Rootes-Murdy, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, 1050 N. Highland St., Suite 200 A-N, Arlington, VA 22201; 703.842.0741 (fax) or via email at krootes-murdy@asmfc.org (Subject line: Draft Addendum XXV).

Make sure they hear YOU

[hartattack]

Thanks for posting this Dave. I have sent off my email as you suggested (I also sent them to: comments@asmfc.org)

& I urge everyone who reads this to do the same !!

[scanman5]

Thank you for the post Dave, this is exactly what is needed, what is being discussed at these hearings, the possible ramifications and a position. People can form their own opinions, but educating the public as to what is being discussed and providing some data will help to galvanize the fishing community and help us present an intelligent argument. I also think the more legitimate information we have the easier it is to get more people speak at public hearings.
Thanks again,
Andy

Please forgive my low post numbers, while I might be a bit of a jerk, I'm not a spammer. I'm not even sure what a spammer is.

[Ttmako]

Everyone needs to grow a set of balls. . Tell them we are tired of their bogus data an regulations that make no sense in anyone's mind. They say stocks are rebuilt but want more regs. Wtf...Fish were over fished in this area. By who ? Where were the boats that over fished them ? Who dreams this sht up.. Rules are great if they are within the realm of sanity... let us go home with a fresh fish dinner. Let a kid take a fish home to show mom .. thats not asking for much.
If not than everyone should make a stand an say . Im taking dinner home regardless of what you say. Im going fishing regardless of when they think the season should be open or closed. If we keep bending over an just taking taking this. They will keep pushing for the end of fishing...
Make it fair or break out the dexter russell.

I agree with this. I'm going to toms river tomorrow and hopefully say something similar to this. It's complete BS!

[Detour66]

These new regulations are ridiculous and have no basis in realty! The truth is they want the fish all for themselves. If it continues like this we are looking at a end of a era. Very sad indeed! They don't realize the money they will lose in cash spent on rec fishing which adds up to millions if not billions will be lost! But all they seem to be concerned with is the commercial end of the business and supplying fish to super markets and restaurants. Have you seen the price of "fresh fish" lately? It has gone through the roof. If you don't think this has anything to do with it you might want to reconsider that. The oceans are paved with gold.... and the are called fish! And they don't want you to have them! Follow the money trail and there lies your answer, good luck! :mad:

[AndyS]

........but you will lay down like a door mat for the Saltwater Registry, go figure ?