Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission March 2004 Meeting Summary ATLANTIC HERRING SECTION (March 8, 2004) Meeting Summary The Atlantic Herring Section reviewed public comment on the Public Information Document for the development of Amendment 2 to the Interstate Management Plan for Atlantic Herring. After reviewing public comment, the Section directed the Atlantic Herring Plan Development Team (PDT) to develop options for all of the PID issues (e.g. goals and objectives, spawning area restrictions, internal waters processing, and fixed gear fisheries). Additionally, the Section created a work group charged with developing options for a limited access program in state waters. At its next meeting, the Section will review a draft of the amendment and provide the PDT with direction for further development. The Section approved Plan Review Team’s Compliance Report for 2003, allowing a two-week grace period for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to submit a compliance report to the Commission. In response to a letter from the Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission to the New England Fishery Management Council, the Section directed staff to look into the logistics of meeting and improving coordination with the Council. The final action taken by the Section was to nominate Eric Smith as Vice Chair. For more information, please contact Megan Gamble, FMP Coordinator, at (202)289-6400 or mg*****@as***.org. Click “Read More” Below
Motions
Move to refer Issues 6 and 7 to a working committee to develop options taking into account the range of public comments for the Section’s further consideration.
Motion made by Mr. R. White, second by Mr. P. White. Motion passes.
Move to nominate Eric Smith as vice chair.
Motion made by Mr. P. White, second by Mr. Abbott. Motion passes without objection.
Move that the Section support the March 1, 2004 letter from Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission to the NEFMC.
Motion made by Mr. Freeman, second by Mr. Adler. Motion tabled.
Move to table until the next Section meeting.
Motion made by Mr. Fote, second by Mr. P. White. Motion carries.
WINTER FLOUNDER MANAGEMENT BOARD (March 8, 2004)
Meeting Summary
The Winter Flounder Management Board met to review the current draft of Amendment 1 to the Fishery Management Plan for Inshore Stocks of Winter Flounder. The Board reviewed recent additions and changes to the draft amendment, including recent work by the Winter Flounder Technical Committee to clarify options and attempt to quantify measures that may be taken inshore to reduce fishing mortality on the Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic winter flounder stock, which is currently overfished and on which overfishing is occurring. The Board requested additional work by the Technical Committee and Plan Development Team to clarify measures that may be taken inshore to reduce fishing morality on the SNE/MA stock, as well as by the Habitat Committee to provide more specific information on recommendations regarding inshore winter flounder habitat. For more information, please contact Lydia Munger, FMP Coordinator, at (202)289-6400 or lm*****@as***.org.
Motions
Move to nominate George Lapointe as the Vice Chair of the Winter Flounder Management Board.
Motion made by Mr. Colvin, second by Mr. Adler. Motion carries.
AMERICAN LOBSTER MANAGEMENT BOARD (March 8, 2004)
Press Release
ASMFC American Lobster Board Approves Addendum V
Area 3 Trap Cap Set at 2200
Alexandria, VA – The Commission’s American Lobster Management Board approved Addendum V to Amendment 3 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The Addendum amends the Area 3 (offshore waters) transferable trap program established under Addendum IV by setting the maximum trap cap at 2200 traps. It also institutes conservation taxes for the transfer of traps.
“I commend the Area 3 Lobster Conservation Management Team for proactively bringing forward a plan that meets both the conservation objectives of the lobster management program and the needs of their industry,” states Lobster Board Chair, Patten White of Maine.
The program allows Area 3 lobstermen to transfer trap tags to other lobstermen, with a 2200 overall trap cap and a two-tiered tax system. The system includes a 10% conservation tax (or reduction) on all transfers for those owning up to 1800 traps and a 50% tax for those with 1800 to 2200 traps.
Copies of the Addendum will be available by the end of March and can be obtained from the Commission’s website at www.asmfc.org under the Breaking News page or by contacting the Commission office at (202)289-6400. For more information, please contact Carrie Selberg, American Lobster Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at (202)289-6400 or <cs******@as***.org>.
### PR04-05
Meeting Summary
In addition to taking action on Addendum V, the Board discussed the upcoming 2004 Stock Assessment. The Board approved the Terms of Reference for the Assessment which included guidance to the Technical Committee to use new models and input parameter estimates developed as appropriate, as well as any input parameter estimates and models used in the last stock assessment; to evaluate and revise if necessary the boundaries of the stock assessment areas; to update the current biological reference point (F10%) and develop additional biological reference points including limits, thresholds and targets for F and biomass if feasible.
Motions
Move that the Lobster Management Board endorse option two as presented in Draft Addendum V.
Motion made by Mr. Gibson, second by Mr. Nelson. Motion carries.
Move to adopt an implementation date of June 1, 2005 for implementation of Addendum V.
Motion made by Mr. Augustine, second by Mr. Nelson. Motion carries
Move to adopt the draft terms of reference as presented to the Lobster Management Board.
Motion made by Mr. Colvin, second by Mr. Nelson. Motion carries
Motion to nominate John Nelson for Vice-Chair.
Motion made by Mr. Colvin, second by Mr. Lapointe. Motion carries without objection.
ATLANTIC STURGEON MANAGEMENT BOARD (March 9, 2004)
Meeting Summary
The Atlantic Sturgeon Management Board met for the first time in over two years. The Board approved the Plan Review Team’s (PRT) State Compliance Report. The Report recommended that the Board find all member jurisdictions in compliance with Amendment 1 to the FMP. The PRT also recommended that states continue and expand Atlantic sturgeon tagging and bycatch monitoring programs.
The Board reviewed a stocking project proposed by New York and the US Fish & Wildlife Service and the Sturgeon Culture and Stocking Committee’s recommendations regarding the proposal. It approved the proposal for an early Spring 2004 release of 25 animals from five to ten years old and a late spring/early summer 2004 release of 325 animals of the same age range. All animals will be tagged, released in the Hudson River, and monitored in an effort to obtain information on habitat use, movement, post release behavior, and emigration rates of older immature hatchery-raised sturgeon.
The Board heard a brief presentation on proposed activities to support advancing Atlantic sturgeon restoration in the Chesapeake Bay region. It asked those Board members involved to report back to the Board on progress of those activities. The Technical Committee Chair presented to the Board a summary of a stock status workshop. State, federal, university, and private scientists and administrators exchanged information on trends and data collected since the coastwide moratorium went into effect in 1998. A comprehensive report of the information presented at the workshop should be available by the end of May 2004. For more information, please contact Braddock Spear, FMP Coordinator, at (202)289-6400 or <bs****@as***.org>.
Motions
Move to nominate Lew Flagg as the Chair of the Atlantic Sturgeon Board.
Motion made by Mr. Cupka. Motion carries.
Move to approve the proposal as presented by NY and the USFWS for both phase 1 and phase 2 releases.
Motion made by Mr. Colvin, second by Mr. R. Miller. Motion carries.
AMERICAN EEL MANAGEMENT BOARD (March 9, 2004)
Press Release
ASMFC American Eel Board Calls for
Development of Amendment 1 to the Interstate Plan
Plan to Address Continued Stock Declines
Alexandria, VA – The Commission’s American Eel Management Board authorized development of Amendment 1 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for American Eel to address concerns regarding coastwide declines in abundance. Canadian and US data show 2003 commercial landings are the lowest on record since 1945 and there are indications of localized recruitment failure in the Lake Ontario/St. Lawrence River system. The International Eel Symposium at the 2003 American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting reported a worldwide decline of eel populations, including the Atlantic coast stock of American eel.
“In initiating the development of an amendment, the Board recognizes the necessity of taking additional action to protect the coastwide stock of American eel from further decline,” stated Board Chair, Jack
Travelstead of Virginia. “The amendment is just one approach. The Board is also committed to working with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to ensure coordinated management.”
Issues to be addressed by the amendment include changes in the management programs for recreational and commercial fisheries, an evaluation of non-fishing sources of mortality, and a review of the plan’s current monitoring requirements. The American Eel Technical Committee recommended these items for consideration by the Board. The Board may move more quickly to address some of these issues through an addendum.
Additionally, the Board requested the Commission co-sponsor a workshop on American eel passage. The Commission also recommended that the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) consider American eel in the Lake Ontario/St. Lawrence River/Lake Champlain/Richelieu River system as a candidate for listing as a Distinct Population Segment under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The Board also recommended that the USFWS and the NMFS consider designating the entire coastwide stock as a candidate for listing under the ESA.
For more information, please contact Lydia Munger, American Eel Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at (202)289-6400 or <lm*****@as***.org>.
Motions
Move that the American Eel Management Board request that the FWS and NMFS undertake an evaluation of the appropriateness of DPS listing for at least the Lake Ontario/St. Lawrence, Lake Champlain and Richelieu River.
Motion made by Mr. Colvin, second by Mr. Frillici. Motion carries
Move to include in the recommendation an evaluation of the entire Atlantic coast stock.
Motion made by Mr. Colvin, second by Mr. Frillici. Motion carries
Move to take no action on recommendation number 2.
Motion made by Mr. Carpenter, second by Ms. Davenport. Motion carries (12 in favor, 2 opposed).
Move to appoint a Plan Development Team to develop an Amendment and or Addendum to the FMP to address recommendation numbers 3-6.
Motion made by Mr. Colvin, second by Mr. Cole. Motion carries without objection
Move that the PDT be charged to conduct an evaluation of the bait and food fisheries in the various states.
Motion made by Mr. Smith, second by Mr. Adler. Motion carries (16 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstention).
Move to request that staff pursue the Technical Committee’s recommendation for co-sponsoring and convening an American eel passage workshop.
Motion made by Mr. Colvin, second by Mr. Cupka. Motion carries
Move to nominate Mr. Colvin as Vice-Chair.
Motion made by Mr. Pate, second by Mr. Augustine. Motion carries
ATLANTIC STRIPED BASS MANAGEMENT BOARD (March 9, 2004)
Meeting Summary
The Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board approved Delaware’s recreational fishery proposal for 1 fish 24-28 inches and a second fish 28 inches or larger with a 33% reduction in striped bass harvest. The Board also adopted a motion for Maryland and Virginia to work together on determining the most appropriate method for estimating the Baywide F. Gary Nelson presented the Technical Committee Report covering topics on the recreational fishery in North Carolina’s Oregon Inlet; increasing MRFSS coverage of the North Carolina’s winter ocean striped bass fishery; an upcoming workshop on survey indices used in the virtual population analysis (VPA) for striped bass; the implications of exceeding the target fishing mortality rate; an update on using otoliths, instead of scales, to age older striped bass; and a proposal to modify the state compliance report format and due date. Copies of the Technical Committee Report (#2004-1) can be requested from the Commission.
The motion tabled during the December 2003 Board meeting on the development of a single biologically-based reference point for a minimum size standard was withdrawn. The Board addressed a second tabled motion on the development of an addendum to address the prohibition of fishing on the striped bass spawning ground. This motion failed. New Jersey submitted a proposal for status quo in the recreational fishery giving consideration to closures on the spawning grounds and estuarine waters at specific times of the year as well as a reduction in the bonus fishery. New Jersey’s proposal has been referred to the Technical Committee for a determination on conservation equivalency.
The National Marine Fisheries Service updated the Board on the rule-making process for considering the re-opening the EEZ to the harvest of striped bass. The draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement on this action should be available in the summer of 2004. For more information please contact, Megan Gamble, Fisheries Management Plan Coordinator, at (202) 289-6400 or <mg*****@as***.org>.
Motions
Move that the Delaware proposal be accepted.
Motion made by Mr. Miller, second by Mr. Augustine. Motion carries unanimously.
Move that the Board approve the Maryland proposal to change the Spring Striped Bass Tagging Program with the condition that Maryland continue to work with Virginia on the four recommendations that the Technical Committee made followed by an evaluation of the need for a fall tagging program.
Motion made by Mr. Jensen, second by Mr. Carpenter. Motion fails (6 in favor, 7opposed).
Move that Maryland and Virginia follow the Technical Committee recommendation in regards to direct enumeration of F and come back to the Board with the Technical Committee review of that information.
Motion made by Mr. Palmer, second by Mr. Frillici. Motion carries.
Move that the Striped Bass Management Board endorse that a working group of Board members, Technical Committee members and staff be formed to explore the issue of implementing a single standard egg production reference point for the entire striped bass fishery. Specifically, this working group would report to the Management Board on the 1985, 1995, and current size class availability in the Chesapeake Bay and migration rates in and out of the Bay, prior to the next Addendum to the Striped Bass FMP. The working group would also review the Commission’s records to determine if the Management Board intended for the differential egg production reference point to be a permanent management tool or a temporary one adopted mainly to protect the 1982 year class.
Motion made by Mr. Pope, second by Mr. Abbott. Motion fails.
Move that the staff begin preparation of Addendum I to Amendment 6 of the Striped Bass FMP to address providing protection of spawning areas.
Motion made by Mr. Freeman, second by Mr. Miller. Motion fails.
Move that the Striped Bass Management Board approve a daily bag limit of one fish from 24 to 28 inches and one fish from 28 inches and larger for the 2004 season in New Jersey. During this same time, New Jersey will close its spawning areas during April and May, close all its estuarine waters for taking striped bass during January and February when juveniles are most vulnerable, and forgo using 180,000 lbs of its bonus fish program (equal to 30,000 striped bass).
Motion made by Mr. Freeman. Issue referred to Technical Committee.
Move to nominate Mr. Paul Diodati as Vice Chair of the Management Board.
Motion made by Mr. Abbott, second by Mr. Augustine. Motion carries.
HORSESHOE CRAB MANAGEMENT BOARD (March 10, 2004)
Press Release
Alexandria, VA – The Commission’s Horseshoe Crab Management Board approved Addendum III to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Horseshoe Crab. The Addendum seeks to further the conservation of horseshoe crab and migratory shorebird populations in and around the Delaware Bay. It reduces harvest, implements seasonal closures and revises the Plan’s monitoring requirements.
“Through its actions today, the Board continues to recognize the unique relationship between horseshoe crabs and migratory shorebird populations,” stated Board Chair Bruce Freeman of New Jersey. “I want to especially acknowledge the efforts of the States of New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland in taking steps to ensure the integrity of the Delaware Bay ecosystem.”
The Addendum responds to recommendations of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Shorebird Technical Committee to reduce horseshoe crab harvest in New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. The intent is to increase the abundance of horseshoe crabs eggs to meet the energetic requirements of migratory shorebirds that stopover in Delaware Bay.
Specifically, the Addendum caps annual harvest in New Jersey and Delaware at 150,000 crabs/state and sets Maryland’s annual quota at its 2001 landings level (170,653 crabs). Further, it requires the three states to prohibit the harvest and landings of horseshoe crab for bait from May 1 to June 7. Addendum III also encourages states with both bait and biomedical fisheries to allow biomedical companies to bleed harvested crabs prior to their use as bait. This would eliminate mortality associated with the process of bleeding and returning crabs to the waters from which they were harvested.
Copies of the Addendum will be available by mid-April and can be obtained from the Commission’s website at www.asmfc.org or by contacting the Commission office at (202) 289-6400. For more information, please contact Braddock Spear, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at (202) 289-6400 or bs****@as***.org.
Motions
Move to adopt options 2 for the harvest level threshold, closed seasons and the biomedical exceptions.
Motion made by Mr. Miller, Second by Mr. Augustine. Motion divided.
States that have bait and biomedical fisheries should consider allowing biomedical companies to use horseshoe crabs harvested under a bait permit for biomedical purposes and allowing the subsequent return of the horseshoe crabs to the bait market. Crabs used in this way count against the state’s bait quota.
Friendly amendment agreeable to the maker of the motion and the seconder.
Move to divide the motion to include Issue 1 (Harvest Level Threshold) Option 2 and Issue 2 (Closed Season) Option 2 in one motion and Issue 3 in a second motion.
Motion made by Mr. Jensen, Second by Mr. Nelson. Motion passes.
Move to amend Issue 2 Option 2 to allow the biomedical harvest from May 1 to June 7th.
Motion made by Mr. Adler, second by Mr. Carvalho. Motion withdrawn.
Move to amend Option 2 of Issue 2 “New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland shall prohibit the harvest and landings of horseshoe crabs for bait from May 1 through June 7.
Motion made by Mr. Miller, second by Mr. Colvin. Motion carries.
Move to support Option 2 of Issue 1 (Harvest Level Threshold) and Option 2 of Issue 2 with the language passed in the previous motion.
Motion made by Mr. Miller, Second by Mr. Augustine. Motion carries.
Move to adopt Option 2 of Issue 3 (Exceptions) with modifications from the friendly amendment.
Motion made by Mr. Miller, second by Mr. Augustine. Motion carries.
Move that any state with landings less then 5% of the annual total will only be required to report total crabs landed by month. In any year in which landings exceed 5% of the total, full reporting will be required in the subsequent year.
Motion made by Mr. Smith, second by Mr. Flagg. Motion passes unanimously.
Move that the Board vote on Addendum III as corrected today.
Motion made by Mr. Augustine, second by Mr. Freeman. Motion carries.
ISFMP POLICY BOARD (March 10, 2004)
Meeting Summary
The Interstate Fisheries Management Program Policy Board met to address a number of issues. The first item discussed was the White Paper on ASMFC Process Consistency. The states were asked to provide examples of when the commission process was not handled consistently. The intent of this White Paper is to highlight areas where additional guidelines may need to be developed to ensure that the Commission process is handled consistently.
The next item addressed was the ASMFC appeal process. The Board was presented with a series of recommendations for changes to the current process. The states were asked to provide input of the proposals to staff within 30 days. The proposal will be updated and presented at the May ASMFC Meeting week for possible adoption by the Policy Board.
The Policy Board heard updates on the Commission’s activities regarding non-native oysters and the MARAD/Navy artificial reef program. The Policy Board passed a motion to endorse a letter requesting the US Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service undertake an evaluation of the appropriateness of Distinct Population Segment listing for the American eel populations in at least the Lake Ontario/St. Lawrence, Lake Champlain and Richelieu River.
The Board discussed potential changes to the National Marine Fisheries Service SAW/SARC process in the Northeast region. The proposed changes are being considered for a pilot study during the upcoming Spring SARC. The changes would change the make up of the assessment and peer review groups as well as shift the responsibility for developing management advice. The Board members were asked to provide input to the staff within one week.
The Policy Board also acknowledged receipt of a request for an appeal regarding the management program contained in Addendum IV to the American Lobster FMP.
For more information, please contact Robert Beal, ISFMP Director, at (202)289-6400 or rb***@as***.org.
Motions
Move to approve the proceedings from December 18, 2003.
Motion made by Mr. Augustine; second by Mr. P. White. Motion carries.
On behalf of the American Eel Management Board, I move that the ISFMP Policy Board endorse the American Eel Management Board’s motion to express to FWS and NMFS to undertake an evaluation of the appropriateness of DPS listing for at least the Lake Ontario/St. Lawrence, Lake Champlain and Richelieu River.
Motion made by Mr. Travelstead. Motion carried without objections.
ATLANTIC MENHADEN MANAGEMENT BOARD (March 11, 2004)
Press Release
ASMFC Initiates Development of Addendum I to the Atlantic Menhaden Plan
Alexandria, VA – The Commission’s Atlantic Menhaden Management Board approved the development of an Addendum to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan. The addendum proposes modifications to the plan’s biological reference points and schedule for stock assessments, as well as revisions to the FMP’s habitat section.
This action is based in part on the recommendations of the Menhaden Technical Committee in its 2003 stock assessment, which found that menhaden are not overfished and overfishing is not occurring on a coastwide basis. Peer-reviewed this past October by the Southeast Data, Assessment and Review Panel, the assessment uses a new modeling approach (Forward Projection Model) and fecundity-based biological reference points to determine stock status. These reference points are more accurate and take into account the number of mature ova (eggs). This is a significant departure from the way assessments have been conducted in the past.
The addendum also proposes changes to the plan’s fishing mortality target and threshold levels as recommended by the Menhaden Technical Committee and supported by the peer review. Rather than conducting a full-scale annual assessment, the addendum proposes a three-year assessment cycle to allow for the increased complexity and data requirements of the new model. The Technical Committee
will continue to meet annually to review the current year’s landings and indices. A new assessment may be initiated if there are indications of a significant change in stock status.
The Management Board will meet in May to approve the Draft Addendum for public comment. For more information, please contact Nancy Wallace, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at (202)289-6400 or nw******@as***.org.
###
PR04-08
Motions
Move to approve the 2003 Atlantic Menhaden FMP review for publication.
Motion made by Mr. Borden, second by Mr. Fote. Motion carries.
Move to approve the 2003 Atlantic Menhaden PRT Compliance Report.
Motion made by Mr. Jensen, second by Mr. Carpenter. Motion carries.
Move to initiate an addendum to update the biological reference points, F target and threshold, and adjust the frequency of stock assessments.
Motion made by Mr. Borden, second by Mr. Augustine. Motion carries.
Move to include in the addendum a suite of management options to assess and prevent the localized depletion of menhaden in Chesapeake Bay.
Motion made by Mr. Goldsborough, second by Mr. Freeman. Motion postponed.
Move to postpone this motion to the May meeting.
Motion made by Mr. Augustine, second by Mr. Freeman. Motion carries.
Move to nominate Mr. Carpenter to vice chair.
Motion made by Mr. Adler, second by Mr. Augustine. Motion carries.
SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP AND BLACK SEA BASS MANAGEMENT BOARD (March 11, 2004)
Press Release
ASMFC Board Takes Action on Scup, Black Sea Bass
and Summer Flounder Management Measures
Alexandria, VA – The Commission’s Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Management Board amended the state scup recreational reductions for the 2004 fishery, initiated an addendum for the 2005 and 2006 black sea bass commercial fishery, and considered a New York proposal on summer flounder recreational reductions.
The Board amended scup reductions required by Addendum XI to the Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan (FMP). Addendum XI required states in the northern region (New York through Massachusetts) to reduce their landings by 53% through a regional management approach. Based on 2003 landings, the following percent reductions are now required: Massachusetts – 40%, Rhode Island – 25%, Connecticut– 57%, and New York – 58%. This change was collectively brought forward by the northern states, who represent 97% of the scup recreational harvest. The northern states
will submit scup recreational management measures for technical review within two weeks. The southern states management measures remain consistent. New Jersey has a 10-inch minimum size, 50 fish bag limit and a season of July 1 – December 31, and Delaware through North Carolina maintain an 8-inch minimum size, 50 fish bag limit and open season.
The Board also approved initiation of Addendum XII to the FMP. The addendum intends to extend the current state-by-state black sea bass allocation system for the 2005 and 2006 fishing years. State-specific shares are as follows: Maine – 0.5%, New York – 7%, New Hampshire – 0.5%, New Jersey – 20%, Massachusetts –13%, Delaware – 5%, Rhode Island – 11%, Maryland – 11%, Connecticut – 1%, Virginia – 20%, and North Carolina – 11%. The Addendum outlining the black sea bass commercial fishery management will expire on January 1, 2004. Public comment for the Addendum XII will be solicited after the May Commission Board meeting and final action on the addendum will be taken at the August meeting in Alexandria, Virginia.
The State of New York proposed to reduce its projected recreational summer flounder landings for 2004 by 20% if (1) the Technical Committee verifies that the final measures New York selects achieve a 20% reduction; and (2) New York maintains such measures in place for the 2004, 2005, and 2006 fishing years. New York faces a 48.5% reduction of its summer flounder recreational fishery due to the highest recreational catch estimate of fluke in New York since the start of the Marine Recreational Fishery Statistics Survey in 1981. This management approach would alleviate impact on New York anglers and recreational fishing businesses harvesting fluke. After thoughtful deliberation, the Board decided to not approve the proposal but agreed to continue to explore alternate approaches to effectively managing the recreational summer flounder fishery coastwide. For more information, please contact Toni Kerns at (202) 289-6400, ext. 330 or tk****@as***.org. PR04-09
Motions
Motion to amend the previous action of the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Management Board regarding scup recreational specifications to require that the following states reduce recreational landings, based on 2003 landings, by the following amount in 2004:
Massachusetts – 40%
Rhode Island – 25%
Connecticut – 57%
New York – 58%
Motion made by Mr. Borden, second by Mr. Calomo. Motion carries (12 in favor, 0 opposed, 0 abstentions, 0 null votes)
Move that each state must report the 2004 Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass recreational measures to the ASMFC by May 9, 2004.
Motion made by Mr. Pate, second by Mr. Augustine. Motion carries.
Move that the Board appoint a Plan Development Team to develop a Public Information Document that incorporates the various options in the staff’s March 2004 Management Options paper, and schedule hearings to receive public input on the options. Commission staff would also notify the public of the Board’s intent to consider extension of the current allocation system through 2005 for action by this Board at its May meeting.
Motion made by Mr. Colvin, second by Mr. Fote. Motion fails (4 in favor, 4 opposed, 4 abstentions, 0 null votes).
Move that staff prepare a draft Addendum to extend the current black sea bass allocation system for 2005 and 2006 for action at the May meeting.
Motion made by Mr. Borden, second by Mr. Goldman. Motion carries (7 in favor, 2 opposed, 3 abstentions, 0 null votes).
Motion to amend to remove the words “and 2006.”
Motion made by Dr. Pierce, second by Mr. Augustine. Motion fails (2 in favor, 6 opposed, 3 abstentions, 0 null votes).
Move that the Board approve the summer flounder proposals as presented in the staff memo.
Motion made by Mr. Pate, second by Mr. Fote. Motion carries (12 in favor, 0 opposed, 0 abstentions, 0 null votes).
Move that the Board approve New York’s proposal to reduce its projected recreational summer flounder landings for 2004 by 20%, on condition that: (1) the Technical Committee verifies that the final measures New York selects achieve a 20% reduction; and (2) New York maintains such measures in place for the 2004, 2005, and 2006 fishing years.
Motion made by Mr. Colvin, second by Mr. Carpenter. Motion fails (4 in favor, 6 opposed, 0 abstentions, 1 null votes).
Move to amend to remove “2005 and 2006” from the previous motion.
Motion made by Mr. Augustine, second by Mr. Smith. Motion fails (1 in favor, 8 opposed, 2 abstentions, 0 null votes) 13