The State of Our Fisheries

It has been almost a month since the vermillion snapper closure in the South Atlantic, and many fishermen, me included, are feeling the strain. I have been a commercial fisherman in these waters for more than 14 years and have been running my own fishing business since 2006. Throughout the years I have seen fishery closures come faster and fishing conditions get more dangerous. This makes it hard for us to provide for our families and calls into question the future of our trade. The effects of our current management system can also be seen in seaside communities up and down the coast, with local restaurants and suppliers suffering from these shortened seasons.

Today I will be speaking before a Congressional appropriations subcommittee to let them know firsthand of the difficulties we are seeing in the South Atlantic. It is my hope, and that of all our SAFA members, that this will lead to adequate funding for fisheries management and the appropriate latitude to locally make management decisions based on what is best for our community.

While times have been tough and it looks like they might continue that way a little while longer, we at SAFA continue to look for different, more efficient, ways for our fishery to be managed. We understand that fishery management decisions are often complicated, contentious, and difficult. But what SAFA wants, as local stakeholders, is the opportunity to work with the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council to evaluate and adopt catch shares if that is what is best for the resource.

What we want is management that gives commercial fishermen flexibility and more time on the water. More effective management options, like catch shares, have been demonstrated as an effective approach to helping fishermen keep their jobs and sustain their livelihoods and ensure the long-term conservation of the resource.

With the management tools authorized by Congress, including catch shares, on the table, SAFA can work with its fishermen and members to determine, locally, what is best for our businesses and the future of South Atlantic fisheries. It should be our decision, not budget decisions or legislative enactments on appropriations bills that determine the use of catch shares in the South Atlantic.

We are all trying to make it through these difficult times. Now, while the trouble with the current management system is clearer than ever, is the time to look for a change. The future of our region's commercial fishing industry is at stake. We hope you'll continue to spread the word about SAFA and if you haven't already, we hope you'll join our organization and support our search for a more responsible management of our fisheries.

Fishermen need different approach

In December, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council decided to reduce the number of commercial black sea bass trap fishermen through a black sea bass endorsement program. This program will cut the number of black sea bass trap fishermen in South Carolina by 80 percent, which will deal a critical blow to South Carolina's already struggling commercial fishing industry.

In less than a year, fishermen will be required to have a federally issued black sea bass "endorsement" in order to trap black sea bass. To qualify, fishermen must have harvested a lot of black sea bass over many years. This is especially bad news for South Carolina's dual commercial and charter boat permit holders who make their living by participating in multiple commercial fisheries and leading charter fishing trips. A recent analysis of the black sea bass endorsement program by Cap Log Group shows the impacts of this program on different towns and counties in South Carolina. According to Cap Log Group, of 36 commercial black sea bass trap fishermen in South Carolina, only three fishermen in Georgetown and four fishermen in Little River will qualify for black sea bass endorsements. This eliminates all black sea bass trap fishermen in the remaining commercial fishing communities in South Carolina, including Charleston, McClellanville and Murrells Inlet.

In voting for this program, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council was trying to decrease the pressure on the black sea bass population while sustaining the resource and fishermen. This is a goal we agree with. But there are better ways to achieve this than a program that eliminates nearly half of an industry.

The South Atlantic Fishermen's Association is proposing a voluntary individual fishing quota (IFQ) program, which we think is a far better way to improve the black sea bass fishery. A voluntary IFQ program allocates the privilege to harvest a portion of the total commercial quota to individual fishermen based on their historical catches. Unlike the endorsement program, a voluntary IFQ has no eligibility requirement or minimum harvest requirements that eliminate fishermen. A voluntary IFQ will give participating fishermen the ability to fish year-round and run more stable businesses. A voluntary IFQ program also meets the council's goal by limiting the catch of black sea bass rather than by limiting the number of fishermen. IFQ programs work, and we'd like to try a voluntary IFQ program here.

Read the rest at The Sun's website.

Statement By Matt Ruby, President, SAFA On U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Legislating Hearing On Proposals To Amend Magnuson-Stevens Act

 The South Atlantic Fishermen's Association (SAFA) appreciates efforts by Congress to ensure that the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act provides the right management tools and ensures that sound science is used to support local decision-making in fishery management.  Unfortunately, a number of the proposals considered by the House Natural Resources Committee today would undercut those goals, especially with respect to the ability of the councils to utilize catch share programs.

Our members strongly support efforts to improve fishery management and have been active stakeholder participants with the regional councils, NOAA, and Congress to do just that.  But the legislative proposals by Reps. Runyan (H.R. 1646 and H.R. 2772) and Pallone (H.R. 594 and H.R. 3061), in particular, undermine the process and the very efforts being undertaken by the councils to preserve jobs, improve the livelihoods of fishermen and sustain our fishery resources.

We continue to believe that the Magnuson-Stevens Act has established a good approach to managing the resource – regional fishery management councils.  The council process, while it may not be perfect, is an effective means of ensuring fisherman input in decision-making on critical issues of management and conservation.  It must be preserved.

Most importantly, we strongly believe that fishermen should have the ability to consider all fishery management options and choose those that are best for their businesses and the future health of the fisheries in which they work.  The Magnuson-Stevens Act provides valuable tools to achieve those objectives, including permitting councils to consider catch share programs, which have proven successful in a number of fisheries throughout the nation. 

SAFA is disappointed to see the U.S. House of Representatives considering legislation that would undermine the council process, minimize the voices of fishermen in a stakeholder driven process, and take away proven fishery management options.  SAFA will continue to oppose such legislative efforts.

5 year review of Gulf Snapper IFQ: Program is a success

At August's Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council meeting in Austin, Texas there was positive buzz surrounding the Red Snapper IFQ Program.   A five year review of the IFQ showed that not only was it meeting the goals and expectations of reducing by-catch, reversing overfishing, and strengthening the economic viability of the fishery, but in some cases, it was actually exceeding its objectives. 

With implementation of the IFQ, derby fishing has ended along with its dangerous consequences, which makes this fishery much safer, and not to mention, more efficient as fishermen can take their time and fish at their own pace.

Another added benefit of the IFQ, is the year round supply of fresh and local seafood.  With more consumers demanding local seafood, this is great for markets and restaurants that support local fishermen and helps them to maintain their business. 

With all of this positive news, it is difficult for one to imagine that only several years ago the Gulf snapper fishery was experiencing overfishing, closures, size restrictions, trip limits, and other regulations.  All of these regulations led to a ten day fishing period during each month. This ten day period became a derby where the lives of fishermen were put into danger, stocks were further depleted, market value of snapper declined, and bycatch increased. 

Many of these problems are familiar to fishermen in the South Atlantic.  Regulations have drastically shortened the commercial vermillion snapper, black sea bass and golden tilefish seasons, and the red snapper fishery has been completely shut down.   Fishermen are struggling to keep up with their bills and some are relying on food stamps to feed themselves and their families. Communities that rely on fishing are impacted as well.  With seasons being opened for shorter periods, fresh and local seafood is not available during certain parts of the year.  Local seafood markets and restaurants are forced to import fish from other states and countries, which is a turn off to consumers, especially to tourists who expect to have a unique dining experience when they are visiting.

Imagine five years from now that fisheries in the South Atlantic would be reporting the same positive news that the Gulf recently reported: "Derby fishing has ended and fishermen are safely working  at their own pace",  "Restaurants and seafood markets are supplied with local seafood as tourism is bustling" or  "Overfishing has been reversed in the South Atlantic".  With an IFQ in the South Atlantic, this could be the reality. 

 

To read more about the success of the 5 year review, click here.

A letter to the South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council

Council Members,

 On April 7th, the South Atlantic Fisherman's Association (SAFA) sponsored an informal Q & A for in Murrells Inlet, SC for our local commercial fishermen to discuss management options for the SASG fisherywith Andy Strelcheck from NMFS (at the request of SAFA) and two fishermen from the Gulf of Mexico Reef fish Shareholder's Alliance (at the request of SAFA). 

Captains, deck hands, permit holders and boat owners from Morehead City, NC to Jacksonville, FLwere invited, and over 22 fishermen and permit holders attended.

The meeting lasted for more than four hours, and Andy provided clear answers and facts to South Atlantic fishermen on IFQs and other management options, and the fishermen from the Gulf talked to our guys about Gulf fisheries and their experiences in the Gulf.They answered many questions about IFQ's, days at sea, endorsements, derby fishing, and trip limits – they have been through almost all of those in the red snapper fishery. 

Both fishermen from the Gulf voted against IFQ'sin the red snapper referendum, but are now big proponents of IFQs.Should a referendum go outfor South Atlantic snapper grouper IFQs, we see it as only fair to show fishermen how an IFQ would work specifically for snapper grouper and provide more education about management, especially IFQs, before fishermen vote. 

Overall, I was very pleased with the meeting, as most fishermen came with an open mind and left with more information. We also have a few more guys here that now support IFQs in the SASG fishery.

Please contact me should you have any additional questions.

 
Christopher C. Conklin
Operator & Fleet Manager
Seven Seas Seafood Market
C & C Seafood

 Treasurer, South Atlantic Fisherman's Association

Is it fair that Gulf fishermen can fish year-round while we stay docked?

Carolina Live posed this question to readers during its BP oil spill anniversary coverage, when it explained that the lack of confidence in Gulf seafood hurt Southeast fishermen too.

It's true that Gulf commercial fishermen can fish year round.

Just a few years ago, Gulf commercial red snapper and grouper fishermen used to be in the same situation we are now. They had short seasons, low prices for fish, high costs and trip limits. Their fishery was in the gutter, but they went out in dangerous weather just to barely scrape by.

In 2007 they started red snapper fishing in an individual fishing quota program and things immediately changed. They had a year round season. Without trip limits forcing them to take so many trips, they cut their operating costs. They fished when prices were high. They were able to drop the size limit, so they wasted many fewer fish.

Sure, they also were held to some new rules. Enforcement was more strict and they were individually responsible for staying within their limits and reporting what they caught. All the fishermen I've talked to have said it was well worth the flexibility they gained.

Gulf red snapper stocks are now rebounding. Since the program started, participating fishermen are now allowed to catch 44% more fish. As a seafood market owner who has become more reliant on imported fish over the years, an increase like that of local fish would be very welcomed by me and my customers. 

I like the idea of working with fishermen to bring in local fish when customers want it, not based on an arbitrary season.  I'd much rather support local fishermen than foreign imports.

As our red snapper season stays closed, and our other fishing seasons are shortened, and most of all – our fishermen stay tied to the docks - we need to start looking at other options for our fisheries. IFQs are working in the Gulf, why not see if they'll work for us here?

So back to the question of whether it's fair that Gulf fishermen get to fish year round, while our fishermen stay tied to the dock. What do I think? It's more than fair. They've earned it, and we can too.

Stop Congress From Holding Atlantic Fishermen Back


By:  Matt Ruby, President, South Atlantic Fishermen's Association

Many South Atlantic fishermen serve on The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Advisory Panels, actively attend fisheries meetings and work directly with Fishery Management Council members and National Marine Fisheries Service Staff.  Unfortunately, this process is in jeopardy due to alast minute Congressional attempt to take away the authority of Regional Fishery Management Councils to responsibly manage our fisheries.    

The Commerce-Justice-Science spending bill currently under consideration by members of the U.S. Senate and House threatens Regional Councils' ability to develop and implement catch shares in the South Atlantic, Mid Atlantic and New England. Of note, catch shares have been successfully implemented in the Gulf of Mexico, which would not be subject to this bill. 

Many South Atlantic snapper grouper commercial fisheries including vermilionblack sea bass and tilefish are experiencing shortened seasons, market gluts and low fish prices.  Unfortunately, new regulations such as trip limits and split seasons have not worked.  We race to fish while our operating costs are going up (more trips) with unstable returns.  How much more can South Atlantic fishermen take under traditional management?

Congress created the Regional Fishery Management Council process more than thirty years ago to ensure the input of local stakeholders. Now, driven by a small minority, Congress is trying to take away local management authority to consider catch shares.

Catch Shares may not be a good fit for every fishery, but we deserve the freedom to carefully consider catch shares for our South Atlantic fisheries.  Many South Atlantic snapper grouper fishermen are now considering catch shares because current management is putting us out of business and killing jobs.  Every month, not only are many of us trying to figure out how to make our boat payments and perform minimal maintenance to ensure our boats don't sink but also how to feed our families.

We need help, and fast.  Catch Shares may be able to help the snapper grouper and other fisheries. Fishermen and The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council deserve the option to consider catch shares without congressional interference. Take a look at this video to see fishermen who support catch shares and are working to save jobs and provide local, sustainable seafood year-round.   

Editorial: Catch Shares Worth Discussing

The Myrtle Beach Sun News recently wrote an editorial on fisheries issues, with a focus on catch shares. See a few excerpts below or read the full piece here.

"If we don't have catch shares within the next five years, everybody will be out of business." - Chris Conklin, Murrells Inlet fisherman

"In protecting both our fish stocks and our fishing industry, catch shares seem a viable option, but only if the industry itself gets behind the idea. As a management tool it is unique in that it asks fishermen for input on its design and to vote on its final implementation. In that regard, it offers a clear avenue for those with legitimate concerns to help craft a plan that addresses their worries. The other option seems to be more arbitrary limits on seasons, on trips and on catch totals, handed down with less input from those most affected."

"Change is coming to our local fishing industry. The question before fishermen is whether they would like to be a participant in that change or an unwilling spectator. "

Read the full editorial at: http://www.thesunnews.com/2011/03/13/2033480/catch-shares-worth-discussing.html#storylink=misearch#ixzz1HYcp1R17

CapLog Releases Overview of Commercial Fishing in the South Atlantic Snapper Grouper Fishery

In April 2011, CapLog completed an overview of commercial fishing in the South Atlantic snapper grouper fishery. In the overview, CapLog looks at both the current state and trends in the fishery; such as who's catching what type of fish where and how landings have changed over the years. The report uses data summaries generated by NMFS and Council staff to describe the participants and economics of the snapper grouper fishery. Find below some of the key findings:

The fishery is complex, with lots of fishermen and many types of fish: More than 500 fishermen hold federal commercial permits to fish for the 73 snapper grouper species regulated under this fishery's management plan. Most of the permit holders (65%) live in Florida, with a heavy concentration in the Florida Keys. The vast majority also own permits in other South Atlantic federal fisheries, including recreational fisheries.

A small number of fishermen are responsible for most of the commercial harvest: Less than 200 vessels (25% of the active vessels) land more than 80% of the major SASG species. In contrast, half of the active commercial vessels in the SASG Fishery land a very small percentage (5%) of the total harvest of major SASG species.

Most of the fishermen land a small amount of fish each year from the SASG fishery: About half of the active vessels land less than 1,000 pounds of SASG species annually and another quarter land between 1,000 and 5,000 pounds. A very small percentage (3%) of the active commercial vessels harvested more than 50,000 pounds annually.

The amount of SASG fish being caught and sold commercially has fallen dramatically: Fish brought to the local docks – or "landed" - and sold commercially in 2009 (about 8.6 million pounds) were only half of what they were 20 years ago. Most of these landings were from the following 15 species, which represent 80% of the commercial value of the fishery: Black Sea Bass; Cubera, Gray, Lane and Mutton Snappers ; Gag; Golden Tilefish; Greater Amberjack; Red Grouper; Red Porgy; Red Snapper; Scamp; Snowy Grouper; Vermilion Snapper; and Yellowtail Snapper.

The number of commercial fishing permits has dropped significantly in the past decade: Commercial fishing permits for the SASG fishery have fallen more than 35% in the past decade.

The fishery's most valuable fish are less and less available: Three of the five species that generated the most revenue in 2009 were closed early or entirely in 2010: Red Snapper (harvest prohibited), Black Sea Bass (open 143 days) and Vermilion Snapper (open 176 days). All of the commercial fishing limits that have been approved for 2011 are below the 2005-2009 average annual harvest levels for those species.
 

Read a report summary.

Read the full report at: www.caploggroup.info/publications.

Southeast fishermen, seafood industry deserve new management

Fishermen's association meets with elected officials in D.C. to discuss solutions. "Southeast fishing businesses are facing difficult times. Too many regulations are pushing fishermen and fish houses out of business and creating dangerous fishing conditions for those that are left.

"We want new management that gives fishermen flexibility and more time on the water. With this freedom, fishermen could safely provide local, sustainable seafood year-round and run profitable businesses they're proud to hand down to their kids.

"We must protect the Southeast commercial fishing industry. It generates more than $7 billion in sales and supports 137,000 jobs. We believe that catch shares are an important option to consider for the snapper grouper commercial fishery that could grow revenue and secure good jobs.

"After using catch shares, fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico immediately gained year-round fishing and ended dangerous fishing races. The flexibility helped them cut operating costs and allowed them to fish when prices were high, all improving profitability. After just three years, the amount of fish they could catch grew by 40 percent. Southeast fishermen deserve fishery management that produces these kinds of benefits.

"The future of our region's fishing industry is at stake. We need strong fishing businesses that new fishermen want to take over. Catch shares are a management tool that could make this a reality.

"The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council shouldn't take any fishery management tool off the table until it has been fully analyzed."

Contact:
Matthew Ruby, Little River, SC - 843.902.4737, warriorfishing3@gmail.com
Christopher Conklin, Murrells Inlet, SC - 843.543.3833
Scott Vaeth, Tavernier, FL - 305.393.3224

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The South Atlantic Fishermen's Association represents fishermen and seafood lovers from North Carolina to the Florida Keys to help preserve local fishing communities and pass the fishing heritage on to future generations. www.SouthernCatch.com