Public Hearings for Snapper Grouper Fishery Begin Next Week

 

Public Hearings for Snapper Grouper Fishery Begin Next Week
Issues include area closures to end overfishing of red snapper stock, deepwater closures for other species
 
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is holding a series of public hearings regarding federal fisheries management measures proposed for 73 species in the snapper grouper management complex within the South Atlantic region.  The measures will impact both commercial and recreational fishermen and include a proposed closure of the red snapper fishery to help end overfishing.  Large area closures where fishing for all snapper grouper species would be prohibited are also being considered in order to address the discard mortality associated with red snapper.  The alternatives for the closures stretch from offshore of South Carolina southward to Cape Canaveral, Florida.  Alternatives for a permitted fishing zone are also included as part of the red snapper management options.  To protect warsaw grouper and speckled hind from overfishing, the Council is considering a deepwater closure throughout federal waters.  These measures are being proposed in response to mandates outlined in the reauthorized Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act that require ending overfishing and the rebuilding of stocks.  Several other management measures are also under consideration.
 
The Council is soliciting public comment on three separate amendments to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan:
 
·   Amendment 17A to address overfishing and the overfished stock status of red snapper.  The amendment establishes Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) for red snapper, long-term measures to rebuild the red snapper stock, and a monitoring program for red snapper.  Management options include a closure of the red snapper fishery plus alternatives for area closures for all snapper grouper fishing to address bycatch of red snapper, a permitted fishing zone, and various monitoring program alternatives.
 
·   Amendment 17B to establish ACLs and AMs for 9 remaining species in the snapper grouper complex currently listed as undergoing overfishing.  Alternatives include a proposed deepwater closure (waters greater than 240 feet), allocations for golden tilefish, and aggregate ACLs for gag, black grouper, and red grouper.
 
·        Amendment 18 to address options to limit participation in the commercial black sea bass and golden tilefish fisheries, extension of jurisdictional boundaries for the snapper grouper management unit northward, separation of the snowy grouper quota into regions/states, changes to the golden tilefish fishing year, regional/state management of the gag recreational allocation, and improvements in fisheries statistics. 
 
The hearings will be open from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM (with the exception of the hearing in Virginia that begins at 6:00 PM).  Council staff will provide periodic presentations and be on hand to answer questions.  Local Council representatives will take formal comments on the public hearing documents any time between those hours.  The hearings will be video-streamed live online at USTREAM.com as they occur. 
 
The Council is also accepting written and email comments until5:00 p.m. on November 25, 2009.  Copies of the public hearing documents with details on how to submit written comments on each are posted on the Council’s web site at www.safmc.net and available by contacting the Council office at 843/571-4366 or Toll Free 866/SAFMC-10.
 
SAFMC Public Hearing Dates and Locations
 
 
Monday, November 2, 2009
Hilton Garden Inn
5265 International Blvd.
N. Charleston, South Carolina 29418
Phone: 843/308-9330
 
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Hilton New Bern Riverfront (formally the Sheraton)
100 Middle Street
New Bern, North Carolina 28562
Phone: 252/638-3585
 
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum
175 Bourne Avenue
Pooler, Georgia 31322
Phone: 912/748-8888
 
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Key Largo Grande
97000 S. Overseas Highway
Key Largo, Florida 33037
Phone: 305/852-5553
 
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Radisson Resort at the Port
8701 Astronaut Boulevard
Cape Canaveral, Florida 33920
Phone: 321/784-0000
 
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Crowne Plaza Riverfront
1201 Riverplace Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Phone: 94/398-8800
 
Monday, November 16, 2009 (begins at 6:00 PM)
VA Marine Resources Commission
2600 Washington Ave., 3rd Floor
Newport News, VA 23607
Phone: 757/247-2200

 

Public Hearings for Snapper Grouper Fishery Begin Next Week

Issues include area closures to end overfishing of red snapper stock, deepwater closures for other species

 

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is holding a series of public hearings regarding federal fisheries management measures proposed for 73 species in the snapper grouper management complex within the South Atlantic region.  The measures will impact both commercial and recreational fishermen and include a proposed closure of the red snapper fishery to help end overfishing.  Large area closures where fishing for all snapper grouper species would be prohibited are also being considered in order to address the discard mortality associated with red snapper.  The alternatives for the closures stretch from offshore of South Carolina southward to Cape Canaveral, Florida.  Alternatives for a permitted fishing zone are also included as part of the red snapper management options.  To protect warsaw grouper and speckled hind from overfishing, the Council is considering a deepwater closure throughout federal waters.  These measures are being proposed in response to mandates outlined in the reauthorized Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act that require ending overfishing and the rebuilding of stocks.  Several other management measures are also under consideration.

 

The Council is soliciting public comment on three separate amendments to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan:

 

·   Amendment 17A to address overfishing and the overfished stock status of red snapper.  The amendment establishes Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) for red snapper, long-term measures to rebuild the red snapper stock, and a monitoring program for red snapper.  Management options include a closure of the red snapper fishery plus alternatives for area closures for all snapper grouper fishing to address bycatch of red snapper, a permitted fishing zone, and various monitoring program alternatives.

 

·   Amendment 17B to establish ACLs and AMs for 9 remaining species in the snapper grouper complex currently listed as undergoing overfishing.  Alternatives include a proposed deepwater closure (waters greater than 240 feet), allocations for golden tilefish, and aggregate ACLs for gag, black grouper, and red grouper.

 

·        Amendment 18 to address options to limit participation in the commercial black sea bass and golden tilefish fisheries, extension of jurisdictional boundaries for the snapper grouper management unit northward, separation of the snowy grouper quota into regions/states, changes to the golden tilefish fishing year, regional/state management of the gag recreational allocation, and improvements in fisheries statistics. 

 

The hearings will be open from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM (with the exception of the hearing in Virginia that begins at 6:00 PM).  Council staff will provide periodic presentations and be on hand to answer questions.  Local Council representatives will take formal comments on the public hearing documents any time between those hours.  The hearings will be video-streamed live online at USTREAM.com as they occur. 

 

The Council is also accepting written and email comments until5:00 p.m. on November 25, 2009.  Copies of the public hearing documents with details on how to submit written comments on each are posted on the Council’s web site at www.safmc.net and available by contacting the Council office at 843/571-4366 or Toll Free 866/SAFMC-10.

 

SAFMC Public Hearing Dates and Locations

 

 

Monday, November 2, 2009

Hilton Garden Inn

5265 International Blvd.

N. Charleston, South Carolina 29418

Phone: 843/308-9330

 

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Hilton New Bern Riverfront (formally the Sheraton)

100 Middle Street

New Bern, North Carolina 28562

Phone: 252/638-3585

 

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum

175 Bourne Avenue

Pooler, Georgia 31322

Phone: 912/748-8888

 

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Key Largo Grande

97000 S. Overseas Highway

Key Largo, Florida 33037

Phone: 305/852-5553

 

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Radisson Resort at the Port

8701 Astronaut Boulevard

Cape Canaveral, Florida 33920

Phone: 321/784-0000

 

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Crowne Plaza Riverfront

1201 Riverplace Boulevard

Jacksonville, FL 32207

Phone: 94/398-8800

 

Monday, November 16, 2009 (begins at 6:00 PM)

VA Marine Resources Commission

2600 Washington Ave., 3rd Floor

Newport News, VA 23607

Phone: 757/247-2200
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Introducing the New NAVCEN Maritime Safety Information Application!

Dear Users of the Marine Transportation System,

We’re excited to announce the launch of the U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center’s new Maritime Safety Information (MSI) Application! This enhanced platform is designed to improve your access to critical navigation safety information, including Local Notices to Mariners (LNM) and Light Lists.

Key Features of the New MSI Application:
‱ Near-Real-Time Updates: Stay informed with the latest changes and updates.
‱ GIS Display: Visualize navigation information directly on an interactive map.
‱ Customizable Searches: Narrow your searches to focus on specific waterways or regions of interest.

The application is available now and ready to support safer, more efficient maritime operations.

Access the New MSI Application:
Click HERE to explore the platform and take advantage of its features.

We’re committed to ensuring mariners have the tools and information they need to navigate safely and effectively. If you have any questions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Read More

NAVCEN’s Upgraded LNM & Light List Application Launching the Week of December 2nd

During the week of December 2nd, the U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center (NAVCEN) will launch its updated Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) and Light List application.  The application will feature GIS-based tools, customizable downloads, and GeoJSON integration for enhanced maritime safety information. 

The U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center (NAVCEN) is excited to announce the launch of its updated Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) and Light List application during the week of December 2nd, reaffirming our commitment to enhancing access to critical maritime safety information.

This upgraded application allows users to download and print LNMs for entire Coast Guard Districts or define their own area of interest using the GIS tools to zoom in and access localized data.  The form section enables users to organize and sort LNMs by waterway or category. For programmatic integration, GeoJSON files will be available to download for data ingestion into other applications.

We sincerely appreciate your patience and are confident this enhanced version will better serve the diverse needs of the maritime community.

Read More

Notice: Changes to the USCG Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) and Light Lists

Notice: Changes to the USCG Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) and Light Lists
The U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center announces upcoming changes to the Local Notice
to Mariners (LNM) and the Light List, as part of our efforts to modernize and improve the
accessibility, accuracy, and overall user experience for mariners and other stakeholders.

What Is Changing?

1. Transition From Paper Charts: In January 2025, NOAA will discontinue the production
of all paper charts. In alignment with this change, the Coast Guard will transition from
using NOAA Paper Chart Numbers and Editions/Dates for disseminating Marine Safety
Information (MSI) to using Official Waterway Names.

2. How You Will Access LNMs and Light Lists: The LNM and Light List data will now be
available in a geospatial format, which will allow you to visualize information interactively
on a map/chart. You can use your mouse wheel or the +/- buttons in the upper left portion
of the screen to zoom in or out and navigate to your desired area on the map/chart. Once
the area is displayed, you can generate a PDF of the LNM or Light List for that specific area,
which you can then save and/or print. Alternatively, you can use a fillable form on our
website to select your waterway by name from the Light List and generate the LNM or Light
List.

3. LNM and Light List Data Refresh Rate: LNM data will be refreshed every fifteen
minutes. Light List data will be refreshed every 24 hours. This will give you a much more up-to-
date operating picture, designed to enhance your efficiency and improve safety in your
area of transit or planned routes.

4. Elimination of Weekly Files: Weekly LNMs, Weekly Light List Correction Files, Daily
Discrepancy Files, and the Summary of Light List Changes will no longer be published to
focus on providing the most up-to-date and accessible format. In the near future, we will
also publish an Application Programming Interface (API) for interested parties to access the
data externally.

Why Are These Changes Being Made?
The modernization of MSI delivery is designed to improve the U.S. Coast Guard’s aid-to-navigation
data management and dissemination capabilities. By providing frequent
updates, geospatial visualization, and digital access, we hope to achieve our goals of:
‱ Enhancing Maritime Safety: By delivering the most current and precise information,
mariners can make better-informed decisions, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring
safer navigation.
‱ Improving Accessibility: The shift to geospatial visualization makes it easier for all users,
from commercial mariners to recreational boaters, to stay informed.
‱ Increasing Efficiency: The integration of LNM and Light List data into a geospatial format
to simplify the gathering of safety information and facilitate easy route planning.
When Will These Changes Take Effect?
The transition to the modernized LNM and Light List platform (the Navigation Center
website) will be completed by Monday, October 21st.
How to Access the New Features?
Starting October 21st, 2024, you will be able to access the updated Local Notice to
Mariners (LNM) and Light List through the NAVCEN website, with a User Guide available to
assist you. While legacy versions of these products will no longer be produced or posted
after October 31st, previously available versions will remain accessible for download
indefinitely. Additionally, users can now generate updated LNMs in real time, with data
refreshed every 15 minutes.

For any questions or assistance, please visit our Contact Us page, select ‘LNMs or Light
Lists’ from the Subject dropdown, and submit your inquiry.

Thank you for your continued support as we work to enhance the safety and efficiency of
maritime navigation.

U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center (www.navcen.uscg.gov)

Read More

LNM/Light List Application Delay

Good Day,

Availability of the modernized Local Notices to Mariners (LNMs) and Light List (LL) application will be delayed beyond the scheduled 30 September 2024 launch date as a result of Hurricane Helene.

The following legacy products will remain available on the NAVCEN website until 31 October to ensure customers maintain uninterrupted access to MSI products during the transition:

  • Weekly Local Notices to Mariners (pdf)
  • Light Lists (pdf)
  • Daily LNM Discrepancies and Temporary Changes (XML)
  • Weekly Light List files (PDF, XML)

We are working diligently to reschedule the application’s launch and will provide an update with the new release date as soon as it becomes available. 

For questions or comments, you may contact us via our contact us page (please select “LNMs or Light Lists” from the Subject pull-down menu).

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. 

Sincerely,
Navigation Center
U.S. Coast Guard
https://www.navcen.uscg.gov

Read More

Notice: Changes to the USCG Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) and Light Lists

Notice: Changes to the USCG Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) and Light Lists

The U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center announces upcoming changes to the Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) and the Light List, as part of our efforts to modernize and improve the accessibility, accuracy, and overall user experience for mariners and other stakeholders.

What Is Changing?

  1. Transition From Paper Charts: In January 2025, NOAA will discontinue the production of all paper charts. In alignment with this change, the Coast Guard will transition from using NOAA Paper Chart Numbers and Editions/Dates for disseminating Marine Safety Information (MSI) to using Official Waterway Names.
  2. How You Will Access LNMs and Light Lists: The LNM and Light List data will now be available in a geospatial format, which will allow you to visualize information interactively on a map/chart. You can use your mouse wheel or the +/- buttons in the upper left portion of the screen to zoom in or out and navigate to your desired area on the map/chart. Once the area is displayed, you can generate a PDF of the LNM or Light List for that specific area, which you can then save and/or print. Alternatively, you can use a fillable form on our website to select your waterway by name from the Light List and generate the LNM or Light List.
  3. LNM and Light List Data Refresh Rate: LNM data will be refreshed every fifteen minutes.  Light List data will be refreshed every 24 hours.  This will give you a much more up-to-date operating picture, designed to enhance your efficiency and improve safety in your area of transit or planned routes.
  4. Elimination of Weekly Files: Weekly LNMs, Weekly Light List Correction Files, Daily Discrepancy Files, and the Summary of Light List Changes will no longer be published to focus on providing the most up-to-date and accessible format. In the near future, we will also publish an Application Programming Interface (API) for interested parties to access the data externally.

Why Are These Changes Being Made?

The modernization of MSI delivery is designed to improve the U.S. Coast Guard’s aid-to-navigation data management and dissemination capabilities. By providing frequent updates, geospatial visualization, and digital access, we hope to achieve our goals of:

  • Enhancing Maritime Safety: By delivering the most current and precise information, mariners can make better-informed decisions, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring safer navigation.
  • Improving Accessibility: The shift to geospatial visualization makes it easier for all users, from commercial mariners to recreational boaters, to stay informed.
  • Increasing Efficiency: The integration of LNM and Light List data into a geospatial format to simplify the gathering of safety information and facilitate easy route planning.

 

 

When Will These Changes Take Effect?

The transition to the modernized LNM and Light List platform (the Navigation Center website) will be completed by Monday, September 30th.

How to Access the New Features?

Starting on September 30th, 2024, you will be able to access the updated LNM and Light List through the NAVCEN website. A User Guide will be available on the NAVCEN website. Customers will still have the ability to download legacy versions of these products until October 21st.

For any questions or assistance, please visit our Contact Us Page, select ‘LNMs or Light Lists’ from the Subject dropdown, and submit your inquiry.

Thank you for your continued support as we work to improve the safety and efficiency of maritime navigation.

U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center (www.navcen.uscg.gov)

Read More

Navigation Center Website Survey Request

We are eager to understand the primary reason for your visit to the Navigation Center website and how you use it, whether for recreational boating, professional purposes, data requests, educational reasons, or otherwise. Your feedback on the website’s ease of use, ability to find information, and if it’s your primary source for navigation-related information is crucial. We are committed to improving your experience and welcome any suggestions to enhance the site’s usability, information accessibility, and overall efficiency. Your insights are invaluable in helping us better meet your navigation needs.

 

Survey: Navigation Center Website Feedback Survey (surveymonkey.com)

 

 

 

 

U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center Website Customer Feedback Survey Privacy Notice

Authority: 14 U.S.C. §504; 14 U.S.C §505; and Executive Order 12862.

Purpose: To collect data that will be used to analyze and determine the kind and quality of services customers want and expect, as well as their satisfaction with U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center services. To maintain confidentiality, respondents are advised not to include any personally identifiable information in their responses.

Routine Uses: This survey solicits information that the Coast Guard will use to gauge feedback and improve overall customer service. DHS/ALL/PIA-069 DHS Surveys, Interviews, and Focus Groups provides coverage for this collection.

Disclosure: Furnishing this information is strictly voluntary

Read More

Navigation Center Website Survey Request

We are eager to understand the primary reason for your visit to the Navigation Center website and how you use it, whether for recreational boating, professional purposes, data requests, educational reasons, or otherwise. Your feedback on the website’s ease of use, ability to find information, and if it’s your primary source for navigation-related information is crucial. We are committed to improving your experience and welcome any suggestions to enhance the site’s usability, information accessibility, and overall efficiency. Your insights are invaluable in helping us better meet your navigation needs.

 

Survey: Navigation Center Website Feedback Survey (surveymonkey.com)

 

 

 

 

U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center Website Customer Feedback Survey Privacy Notice

Authority: 14 U.S.C. §504; 14 U.S.C §505; and Executive Order 12862.

Purpose: To collect data that will be used to analyze and determine the kind and quality of services customers want and expect, as well as their satisfaction with U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center services. To maintain confidentiality, respondents are advised not to include any personally identifiable information in their responses.

Routine Uses: This survey solicits information that the Coast Guard will use to gauge feedback and improve overall customer service. DHS/ALL/PIA-069 DHS Surveys, Interviews, and Focus Groups provides coverage for this collection.

Disclosure: Furnishing this information is strictly voluntary

Read More

Navigation Center Website Survey Request

We are eager to understand the primary reason for your visit to the Navigation Center website and how you use it, whether for recreational boating, professional purposes, data requests, educational reasons, or otherwise. Your feedback on the website’s ease of use, ability to find information, and if it’s your primary source for navigation-related information is crucial. We are committed to improving your experience and welcome any suggestions to enhance the site’s usability, information accessibility, and overall efficiency. Your insights are invaluable in helping us better meet your navigation needs.

 

Survey: Navigation Center Website Feedback Survey (surveymonkey.com)

 

 

 

 

U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center Website Customer Feedback Survey Privacy Notice

Authority: 14 U.S.C. §504; 14 U.S.C §505; and Executive Order 12862.

Purpose: To collect data that will be used to analyze and determine the kind and quality of services customers want and expect, as well as their satisfaction with U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center services. To maintain confidentiality, respondents are advised not to include any personally identifiable information in their responses.

Routine Uses: This survey solicits information that the Coast Guard will use to gauge feedback and improve overall customer service. DHS/ALL/PIA-069 DHS Surveys, Interviews, and Focus Groups provides coverage for this collection.

Disclosure: Furnishing this information is strictly voluntary

Read More

Navigation Center Website Survey Request

We are eager to understand the primary reason for your visit to the Navigation Center website and how you use it, whether for recreational boating, professional purposes, data requests, educational reasons, or otherwise. Your feedback on the website’s ease of use, ability to find information, and if it’s your primary source for navigation-related information is crucial. We are committed to improving your experience and welcome any suggestions to enhance the site’s usability, information accessibility, and overall efficiency. Your insights are invaluable in helping us better meet your navigation needs.

 

Survey: Navigation Center Website Feedback Survey (surveymonkey.com)

 

 

 

 

U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center Website Customer Feedback Survey Privacy Notice

Authority: 14 U.S.C. §504; 14 U.S.C §505; and Executive Order 12862.

Purpose: To collect data that will be used to analyze and determine the kind and quality of services customers want and expect, as well as their satisfaction with U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center services. To maintain confidentiality, respondents are advised not to include any personally identifiable information in their responses.

Routine Uses: This survey solicits information that the Coast Guard will use to gauge feedback and improve overall customer service. DHS/ALL/PIA-069 DHS Surveys, Interviews, and Focus Groups provides coverage for this collection.

Disclosure: Furnishing this information is strictly voluntary

Read More

Navigation Center Website Survey Request

We are eager to understand the primary reason for your visit to the Navigation Center website and how you use it, whether for recreational boating, professional purposes, data requests, educational reasons, or otherwise. Your feedback on the website’s ease of use, ability to find information, and if it’s your primary source for navigation-related information is crucial. We are committed to improving your experience and welcome any suggestions to enhance the site’s usability, information accessibility, and overall efficiency. Your insights are invaluable in helping us better meet your navigation needs.

 

Survey: Navigation Center Website Feedback Survey (surveymonkey.com)

 

 

 

 

U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center Website Customer Feedback Survey Privacy Notice

Authority: 14 U.S.C. §504; 14 U.S.C §505; and Executive Order 12862.

Purpose: To collect data that will be used to analyze and determine the kind and quality of services customers want and expect, as well as their satisfaction with U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center services. To maintain confidentiality, respondents are advised not to include any personally identifiable information in their responses.

Routine Uses: This survey solicits information that the Coast Guard will use to gauge feedback and improve overall customer service. DHS/ALL/PIA-069 DHS Surveys, Interviews, and Focus Groups provides coverage for this collection.

Disclosure: Furnishing this information is strictly voluntary

Read More
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