RJ
04-15-2008, 04:24 PM
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) met in Annapolis, Maryland last week and approved two items for Secretarial consideration and action. The first item concerned Framework 6 to the Joint Monkfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP), and the second item dealt with Amendment 1 to the Tilefish FMP.
During a full day of discussions, the Council reviewed 19 tilefish management issues addressed in Amendment 1 to the Tilefish FMP. Preferred alternatives were selected for each of the following issues: implementing an Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) program; establishing an IFQ transfer of ownership mechanism among any interested party; establishing an IFQ leasing mechanism; establishing an IFQ share accumulation limit; establishing a fee system for cost recovery; establishing flexibility to revise/adjust the IFQ program; establishing IFQ reporting requirements; modifying the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) reporting requirements; implementing a recreational permit and reporting system requirement; implementing a recreational bag-size limit; improved monitoring of tilefish commercial landings; expanding the list of management measures that can be adjusted via the framework adjustment process; modifying the current Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) designation; modifying the current Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (HAPC) designation; and, implementing measures to reduce gear impacts on EFH. Complete descriptions of the Councils preferences are available at the Council's office. It is anticipated that the complete submission package for Amendment 1 will forwarded to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) by the end of May.
The Council also passed Framework 6 to the Joint Monkfish FMP. This framework, if also adopted by the New England Council, will eliminate the "backstop" provision adopted in Framework 4. That provision could adjust, and potentially close, the directed monkfish fishery in 2009 if the landings in the current fishing year exceed the target total allowable catch (TTAC). The backstop provision is no longer considered necessary since a 2007 assessment of the monkfish stock indicates that the stock is rebuilt and is above its biomass target.
During a full day of discussions, the Council reviewed 19 tilefish management issues addressed in Amendment 1 to the Tilefish FMP. Preferred alternatives were selected for each of the following issues: implementing an Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) program; establishing an IFQ transfer of ownership mechanism among any interested party; establishing an IFQ leasing mechanism; establishing an IFQ share accumulation limit; establishing a fee system for cost recovery; establishing flexibility to revise/adjust the IFQ program; establishing IFQ reporting requirements; modifying the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) reporting requirements; implementing a recreational permit and reporting system requirement; implementing a recreational bag-size limit; improved monitoring of tilefish commercial landings; expanding the list of management measures that can be adjusted via the framework adjustment process; modifying the current Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) designation; modifying the current Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (HAPC) designation; and, implementing measures to reduce gear impacts on EFH. Complete descriptions of the Councils preferences are available at the Council's office. It is anticipated that the complete submission package for Amendment 1 will forwarded to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) by the end of May.
The Council also passed Framework 6 to the Joint Monkfish FMP. This framework, if also adopted by the New England Council, will eliminate the "backstop" provision adopted in Framework 4. That provision could adjust, and potentially close, the directed monkfish fishery in 2009 if the landings in the current fishing year exceed the target total allowable catch (TTAC). The backstop provision is no longer considered necessary since a 2007 assessment of the monkfish stock indicates that the stock is rebuilt and is above its biomass target.