Maryland Natural Resources Police Page 1 of 1 List …...4/12/2019 Maryland Natural Resources Police...

4/12/2019 Maryland Natural Resources Police List of Violation Types

Search Condition= (ViolationDate between 1/1/2019 12:00:00 AM and 3/31/2019 12:00:00 AM) and Category=05

Citations Warnings

05 FISHING - NON-TIDAL 01 W/0 LICENSE 33 0 02 W/0 LICENSE IN POSSESSION 8 1

03 FISH/POSSESS TROUT STAMP 6 0 08 FISHING CLOSED SEASON 7 0 17 EXCEED# OF HOOKS/RODS PERMITTED 1 0 22 EXCEED DAILY CREEL LIMIT 2 0 99 9 0

Category Total 66 1

Grand Total 66 1

of 1

Totall

33 9 6 7 1

2 9

67

67

Citations Warnings

06 FISHING - TIDAL

18 0

6 0 3 0

2 0 1 0

3 0

03

04

50

53

55

60 61

FISHING W/0 CHES. BAY SPORT FISHING LICENSE

FISHING W/0 CHES. BAY SPORT FISHING LIC. IN POSS'N POSSESSION OF STRIPED BASS - CLOSED SEASON

POSSESSION IN EXCESS OF CREEL LIMIT - RECREATIONAL FAILURE TO PROPERLY TAG STRIPED BASS

POSSESSION OF UNDERSIZED/OVERSIZED YELLOW PERCH

POSSESSION OF YELLOW PERCH IN EXCESS OF CREEL LIMI 1 0 99 13 0

Category Total 47 0

Grand Total 47 0

Totali

18

6 3

2 1 3

1 13

47

47

Citations Warnings

10 OYSTERS 2 0 1 0 2 0

20 0 3 0

01 03 05

06 10 15 3 0

40

OYSTERING W/0 LICENSE OYSTERING COMMERCIALLY W/ REVOKED LICENSE

POSSESSION OF UNDERSIZED OYSTERS

POSSESSION OF UNCULLED OYSTERS OYSTERING - CLOSED SEASON OYSTERING IN POLLUTED AREA

Oyster in Sanctuary 1 0

99 4 0

36 0 Category Total

Grand Total 36 0

Totall

2 1 2

20 3 3 1 4

36

36

Citations Warnings

1t? 1 0

1 0

2 0 Category Total

Grand Total 2 0

Totah

1

1

2

2

of 3

Fishing and Boating Services Regulatory and Penalty Update

Dates Covered: 1/12/19 to 4/8/19

Public Notices Issued View Public Notices at http://dnr.maryland.gov/Fisheries/Pages/Pub_Notices.aspx

Blue Crab

o Chesapeake Bay Commercial Mature Female Hard Crab Catch Limits April 2019

through June 2019 — Posted on website 3/13/19

o 2019 Female Blue Crab Importation Dates — Posted on website 3/13/19

Blueline Tilefish

o Changes to the Recreational Blueline Tilefish Season — Effective 2/22/2019 — Posted

on website 2/19/2019

Cobia

o 2019 Recreational Cobia Fishery — Effective 5/1/19 — Posted on website 4/8/19

Shark

o 2019 Commercial Shark Catch Limits — Effective 4/8/19 — Posted on website 4/5/19

Shellfish Aquaculture

o Application for Shellfish Aquaculture Lease — Green Pearl, LLC and Michael P. Nixon

— Talbot County — Posted on website 1/17/2019

o Application for Shellfish Aquaculture Lease — Ryan Zeinog and Michael Lauck —

Dorchester County — Posted on website 1/17/2019

o Application for Shellfish Aquaculture Lease — Steven M. Townsend, Sr., and Steven

M. Townsend, Jr. and Sandra L. Townsend — Somerset County — Posted on website

2/11/2019

o Application for Shellfish Aquaculture Lease — Christopher R. Mitchell and Terrin L.

Mitchell — Somerset County — Posted on website 2/11/2019

o Application for Shellfish Aquaculture Lease — John N. Hargrove and Isaac Wilding —

Talbot County — Posted on website 2/13/2019

o Application for Shellfish Aquaculture Lease — Robert F. Abner and Robert F. Apner, II

— Calvert County — Posted on website 2/28/19

o Application for Shellfish Aquaculture Leases — Ryan Zeinog and Donna Era —

Dorchester County — Posted on website 3/14/19

o Application for Shellfish Aquaculture Leases — Ryan Zeinog, Michael Lauck and

Alyssa Lauck — Talbot County — Posted on website 3/14/19

o Application for Shellfish Aquaculture Lease — William R. Morris & Patrick R. Morris

— St. Mary’s County — Posted on website 4/4/19

o Application for Shellfish Aquaculture Lease — John B. Morris, III — St. Mary’s

County — Posted on website 4/4/19

Shellfish Closures/Openings

o Opening of Public Shellfish Fishery Area 138 (Stoddard) — Effective 3/11/19 —

Posted on website 3/8/19

o Opening of Wicomico River — Bramleigh Creek Harvest Reserve Area — Effective

3/18/19 — Posted on website 3/13/19

Striped Bass

o Commercial Striped Bass Common Pool Gill Net Season Modification — Effective

1/22/19 — Posted on website — 1/18/2019

http://dnr.maryland.gov/Fisheries/Pages/Pub_Notices.aspx

of 3

o Bids for the Maryland Chesapeake Bay Striped Bass Spawning Area Experimental

Drift Gill Net Survey: Spring 2019 — Posted on website 1/28/2019

o Commercial Striped Bass Common Pool Gill Net Season Modification — Effective


Yellow Perch

o 2018-2019 Commercial Yellow Perch Closure on the Chester River — Effective


o 2018-2019 Commercial Yellow Perch Closure on the Upper Bay — Effective 3/14/19

— Posted on website 3/13/19

o 2018-2019 Commercial Yellow Perch Temporary Opening on the Upper Bay —

Effective 3/20/19 — Posted on website 3/18/19

Regulations that became Effective View Regulatory Actions at http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Pages/regulations/changes.aspx

General — Out of State Finfish Suppliers — 08.02.01.16 and 08.02.14.14 — Effective

02/11/19 — Establishes a permit for an out-of-state finfish supplier.

Oysters/Shellfish Aquaculture — 08.02.04.17, 08.02.23.03, and 08.02.23.05 — Effective

2/11/19 — Removes aquaculture enterprise zones and references in regulation to the zones;

declassifies two public shellfish fishery areas; and updates several public shellfish fishery

areas.

Black Drum — 08.02.05.15 — Effective 2/25/19 — Opens the commercial fishery in the

Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries.

Blue Crabs — 08.02.03.03, .06 and .11 — Effective 3/25/19

Clarifications for marking trotlines, recreational crabbing in the coastal bays, and when a

person can use handlines, dipnets and properly registered crab pots.

Regulations that have been Proposed and are Following the APA Process View Maryland Register at http://www.dsd.state.md.us/MDR/mdregister.html

View Regulatory Actions at http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Pages/regulations/changes.aspx

Please Note: The following proposals were scoped during 2018; however time did not

allow completion of the proposals during 2018.

Yellow Perch — Proposed — 08.02.01.01

Maryland Register 4/26/19, Comment Period Ends 5/28/19, Scheduled Effective 7/1/19

Updates the yellow perch management framework in Maryland by incorporating by

reference Amendment 1 to the 2002 Maryland Tidewater Yellow Perch Fishery

Management Plan (December 2017).

License Decals — Proposed — 08.02.01.07 and 08.02.03.09 and .15


Authorizes a boat owner to provide proof of purchase for a certain period of time to allow

for a delay in shipping of fishing or crabbing boat decals.

Tilefish and the Snapper Grouper Complex — 08.02.05.29 and .30


Creates a new regulation for tilefish that requires individuals to follow federal rules. Creates

a separate catch limit of 4/person/day for sheepshead.

Charter Boat Logs — Proposed — 08.02.13.06


Clarification for who needs to complete the charter boat report.

http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Pages/regulations/changes.aspx

http://www.dsd.state.md.us/MDR/mdregister.html

http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Pages/regulations/changes.aspx

of 3

Sharks — Proposed — 08.02.22.02 and .04


Removes the recreational possession limit for smoothhound sharks (smooth dogfish) and

establishes recreational requirements for increasing a shark’s chance of survival after

release.

Snakehead — Proposed — 08.02.11.04 and 08.02.19.06


Removes the specific methods for killing a snakehead.

Emergency Regulations in Effect None

Aquaculture and Commercial Fishing Suspension and Revocation List View List at

http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Documents/Commercial_SuspensionsRevocations.pdf

Last updated 3/27/19 — List is provided in a separate document.

Recreational Fishing Suspension and Revocation List View List at http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Documents/RecSuspensions.pdf

Last updated 4/1/19 — List is provided in a separate document.

http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Documents/Commercial_SuspensionsRevocations.pdf

http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Documents/RecSuspensions.pdf

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Fishing and Boating Services Regulatory Scoping April 2019

Please review the following possible regulatory changes. DNR is looking for your advice on how

to proceed with scoping (i.e. open houses, web feedback only, etc.). The department’s normal

process it to scope each topic on the department’s website, through GovDelivery

Communications, and on social media (Facebook and Twitter).

American Eel The department would like to remove the requirement to obtain an eel permit.

Discussion: Addendum V to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Interstate

Fishery Management Plan for American Eel was implemented January 1, 2019. Addendum V

removes state-by-state quotas if the management trigger is met. Under Addendum V,

management action will now be initiated if the coastwide cap is exceeded by ten percent in two

consecutive years. If the management trigger is exceeded, only those states accounting for more

than one percent of the total yellow eel landings will be responsible for adjusting their measures.

Maryland has a relatively small number of harvesters and the top 10 harvest

approximately 90 percent of the landings. The industry has demonstrated their interest and

ability to act as management partners. For these reasons and at the advice of the American Eel

Workgroup, the department no longer feels that a permit is necessary and would like to remove it

from regulation.

Additional Info: Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Press Release for Addendum V Approval

Endangered, Threatened and In Need of Conservation — Housekeeping

The department would like to remove outdated regulations to reflect current management

practices.

Discussion: Regulations appearing in the endangered and threatened species chapter refer to

permits that Fishing and Boating Services no longer issues because the Wildlife and Heritage

Service manages threatened and endangered species. All species determined to be endangered or

threatened are listed in the Wildlife and Heritage regulations. All of the definitions are in statute

and are not necessary in regulation.

Fishing in Nontidal Waters

The department would like to make four changes to the regulations for fishing in nontidal waters.

1) The department would like to increase the possession limit to twice the daily creel limit for

trout species in delayed harvest fishing areas, trophy trout fishing areas, and zero creel limit

areas for brook trout.

Discussion: Currently, those areas have a possession limit that is equal to the daily creel limit.

The zero creel area will only increase the possession limit for brown and rainbow trout, the

brook trout limit will remain zero. Changing the possession limit to twice the daily creel limit

would make the possession limit consistent with other species’ possession limits and it will

allow someone who may be on a multi–day fishing trip the ability to keep more than one daily

limit without having to consume the fish they catch each day. Even though the possession is

increased, the daily creel limit will remain the same. Daily creel is the number of fish that an

angler can keep after a single day of fishing and possession limit is the maximum number of

fish that an angler may have in their possession after two or more days of fishing.

http://www.asmfc.org/uploads/file/5b6cbf88pr23AmEel_AddendumV_Approval.pdf

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2) The department would like to clarify the description for the Fishing Creek put-and-take

fishing area.

Discussion: Anglers have noted that the map does not match the description in regulation.

The department would like to clarify that the fishing area is Fishing Creek mainstem upstream

of Fishing Creek Reservoir including Steep Creek.

3) The department would like to make it clear that a person may not add structures or modify

land or vegetation in or on the waters of any fishery management area.

Discussion: Fishery management areas are designated in the Code of Maryland Regulations

08.02.01.13. The State of Maryland owns the fishery management areas, including the land

under the impoundments, and actively manages the areas for public fishing. The Department

of Natural Resources recently performed inspections of all fishery management areas. Some

management areas have private structures located on state property. Construction of private

docks or other structures in these areas reduces the ability of the public to fully utilize the area

and could impact aquatic resources. The department has allowed and will continue to allow

the public and surrounding landowners to use, and in certain instances to occupy, the waters

of impoundments and the land beneath the impoundments, but only as a matter of privilege.

Permanent or long-term property interests are not intended to be granted to the public or to

surrounding landowners in connection with recreational use of the management areas.

Recognizing that there are several circumstances under which a structure could have been

built (unawareness of property laws, verbal approval, or it existed when the property was

purchased); the department intends to create a permit that will allow an individual to keep a

structure that was erected prior to January 1, 2019. Conditions of the permit will prohibit

improvement of the structure, require removal if the structure is in poor condition, and require

removal of the structure prior to selling or transferring the property.

This addition to regulation will make it clear that a person may not construct, place, or

maintain a dock, mooring buoy, or other facility or structure, or modify land or vegetation in

or on the waters of any fishery management area. The department’s goal is to provide

protection of each area as a natural resource, preserve its ecological balance, and further its

highest use as a recreational resource. In doing so, the department will maximize its ability to

provide the public with a quality experience that is safe for all users.

4) The department would like to change the rules for keeping striped bass from nontidal

impoundments.

Discussion: Currently, an individual may only keep a striped bass from certain

impoundments. If an angler catches a striped bass in an area not listed, they cannot keep the

fish and must return it to the water. The department plans to amend the regulation to allow an

angler to keep a striped bass from any impoundment. The rules for season, size, and creel

limits will remain the same. The season is open year round and a striped bass caught in an

impoundment must be at least 18 inches in length. An angler may keep two fish per person

per day, but only one of those may be over 30 inches in length. Striped bass caught in

nontidal portions of rivers will still need to be returned to the water immediately.

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Gear — Finfish Trotlines — Housekeeping The department needs to update commercial finfish trotline regulations in response to legislation

passed during the 2019 legislative session.

Discussion: In 2016, the General Assembly passed House Bill 63, which authorized the

department to write clear rules for the use of finfish trotline gear that would allow commercial

watermen to target invasive blue and flathead catfish while also addressing concerns about the

gear possibly interacting with spawning striped bass. This bill added finfish trotlines to the list of

commercial gears the Department may regulate. The bill included a sunset provision for 2019.

In 2019, the General Assembly passed Senate Bill 7. The bill makes permanent the

ability for the department to regulate and allow the use of finfish trotlines in the Chesapeake Bay

and its tidal tributaries. The department will remove the June 2019 sunset from regulation to

match the new statute.

Oysters Scoping materials for the Chesapeake Bay Oyster Fishery Management Plan and possible oyster

regulations will be provided separately and discussed at the meeting.

Yellow Perch — Housekeeping The department would like to clarify coordinates in the yellow perch chapter.

Discussion:

1) The Code of Maryland Regulations 08.02.21.03K(3) has one of the points in the Chester River

as 36°14.62N. That should be 39°14.62 N. The coordinate currently described is located in

Virginia. The coordinate will be corrected.

2) The Code of Maryland Regulations 08.02.21.03K(4) states that a person may not set a fyke

net in the Chester River upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Ford's Landing defined

by Lat. 39°15.04'N and Long. 75°53.70'W; then running 270° True to a point on the Kent County

shore defined by Lat. 39°15.04'N and Long. 75°53.64'W. The point defined as "a point on the

Kent County shore" actually falls on the QA County side of the river. The county name will be

corrected.

FABS Legislative Bill Summary 2019

HB28/SB939

The bill specifies that the term “Non-water dependent project” does not apply to the

equipment used in shellfish nurseries and will exempt from the Maryland Department of

Environment/Board of Public Works permitting processes, pumps, pipes, and other

equipment attached to a pier and associated with a shellfish nursery operation that has

been permitted under Natural Resources Article, Section 4-11A-23.

SB112

The bill changes the due date for an aquaculture legislative report from June to September.

SB143/HB213

The bill extends the sunset on cownose ray tournaments until a management plan is adopted and

the timeframe to create a cownose ray management plan through December 2020.

HB298/SB448

The bill puts in statute coordinates for several areas and defines them as sanctuaries, as well as

population density criteria to be applied to oyster projects. The bill also codifies the prohibition

on catching and removing oysters from oyster sanctuaries and requires restoration plans with

specific criteria.

HB841

This bill provides the department with the authority to grant permission to the holder of a

shellfish aquaculture lease, where their aquaculture activities do not harm SAV, to continue

planting and harvesting shellfish within the area of their lease where SAV exists.

HB720/SB830

The bill creates a new Oyster Advisory Commission with listed representation and to hold public

and facilitated meetings on oyster management with a final report in 2021, so the group can

make recommendations on a new oyster management plan. The bill also requires the department

to conduct stock assessments every two years and benchmark stock assessments every six using

the listed criteria. The bill also prevents sanctuary changes prior to a new management plan

being adopted through the process laid out in the law.

HB416/SB393

The bill removes original text from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Act

which stipulated the Act’s passage based on similar Acts’ passage in the other party states.

HB349

The bill as amended allows certain fishing guides the ability to purchase a charter boat decal.

HB1124

House Bill 1124 requires that the Department establish an electronic registry that allows any

small business or other interested party to register to receive an electronic notification when the

proposed regulation is posted on the Department’s website. The bill requires additional processes

to alert stakeholders of changes that could fiscally impact them as a business. The bill also

requires training to regulatory staff on writing economic impact statements.

SB7

The bill as amended makes permanent the ability for the department to regulate and allow the

use of finfish trotlines in the Chesapeake Bay and Tidal Tributaries and also allows for a

specific limited commercial license for catching blue and flathead catfish with trotlines. The bill

also allows the department to regulate monofilament use in gill nets.

SB10

This bill as amended gives the Department of Natural Resources the authority to adopt

regulations to ensure compliance with the National Shellfish Sanitation Program, a

national program designed to ensure food safety, and make necessary text changes to

clarify law and meaning of terms used.

SB93

The bill sets hours to a pre-established water ski area in Maynadier Creek in Anne Arundel

County.

SB95

The bill changes the name of the Recreational License Donation Fund to the Healing Heroes

Hunting and Fishing Fund and extends the program’s sunset until 2022.

1 3/27/19

Department of Natural Resources

Commercial Fishing Suspensions/Revocations and Aquaculture Suspensions

3/27/19

This list is updated frequently. If you have any questions about a suspension or revocation

please contact Cynthia Goshorn at 410-260-2402 OR Karla Schaffer at 410-260-8608.

COMMERCIAL SUSPENSIONS

Robert L. Copsey – Tidal Fish License # 97199 Suspended

o Prohibited from engaging in ANY commercial fishing activities during the following

period: 12/1/19 – 1/29/20.

Heather V. Fuentes – Entitlement to Engage in Commercial Fishing Activities Suspended


period: 3/14/19 – 3/12/20.

Kristopher D. Graves – Entitlement to Engage in Commercial Fishing Activities Suspended


period: 7/9/18 – 7/8/19.

John S. Evans – Tidal Fish License # 2864 Suspended


period: 12/1/19 – 1/29/20.

Ronald L. Hall, Sr. – Tidal Fish License # 434 Suspended


period: 4/1/19 – 6/29/19.

Hans E. Kuntze, Sr. – Tidal Fish License # 65536 Suspended


periods: 4/1/17 – 3/31/18; 10/1/18 – 3/31/19 and 10/1/19 – 3/31/20.

Robert L. Lumpkins – Tidal Fish License # 352 Suspended


period: 12/1/19 – 1/29/20.

Travis A. Luongo – Tidal Fish License # 3818 Suspended


period: 10/1/19 – 11/29/19.

Christopher L. Moore – Entitlement to Engage in Commercial Fishing Activities Suspended


period: 7/15/18 – 7/14/19.

Matthew W. Morgan – Entitlement to Engage in Commercial Fishing Activities Suspended


period: 7/14/18 – 7/13/19.

2 3/27/19

James P. Nelson – Tidal Fish License # 271 Suspended


period: 10/1/18 – 9/30/19.

Brian J. Pierce – Entitlement to Engage in Commercial Fishing Activities Suspended


period: 8/20/18 – 8/19/19.

Kevin S. Tarleton, Sr. – Crab Authorization under TFL # 97706 Suspended

o Prohibited from engaging in ANY commercial crabbing activities during the

following period: 4/1/18 – 3/31/19.

COMMERCIAL REVOCATIONS

Adam R. Antes – Tidal Fish License # 15887 Revoked

o Effective: 1/15/16

o Permanently prohibited from engaging in ANY commercial fishing activities.

Ryan A. Bailey – Tidal Fish License # 16421 Revoked



Richard M. Barnes, Jr. –

Tidal Fish License # 88521 Revoked



Oyster Authorization/ Entitlement Revoked under TFL # 88521 Revoked


o Permanently prohibited from engaging in the commercial harvest of wild oysters

in Maryland.

Jerry L. Bloodsworth, Sr. – Oyster Authorization/ Entitlement Revoked under TFL # 7831 Revoked


o Permanently prohibited from engaging in the commercial harvest of wild oysters in

Maryland.

Matthew J. Booze – Oyster Authorization/ Entitlement Revoked

o Effective: 5/3/17


Maryland.

Harvey T. Bowers – Oyster Authorization/ Entitlement under TFL # 77003 Revoked



Maryland.

3 3/27/19

Alan D. Bozman – Oyster Authorization/ Entitlement under TFL # 7820 Revoked

o Effective: 4/7/17


Maryland.

Benjamin S. Byers – Oyster Authorization/ Entitlement Revoked



Maryland.

o May not possess an Unlimited TFL during ANY oyster season (October 1st - March

31st).

Vaughn E. Collins, Jr. – Oyster Authorization/ Entitlement Revoked under TFL # 15290 Revoked



Maryland.

Jeffrey S. Cummings, Sr. – Tidal Fish License # 825 Revoked



James A. Faulkner, Jr. – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 2502 Revoked



Maryland.

Walter W. Fields – Oyster Authorization/ Entitlement Revoked

o Effective: 4/7/17


Maryland.

Richard N. Fluharty – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 1061 Revoked



Maryland.

John L.W. Griffith – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 2756 Revoked



Maryland.

Edward E. Grimes, Jr. – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 16426 Revoked

o Effective: 6/5/12


Maryland.

4 3/27/19

Daniel F. Haddaway – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 60633 Revoked



Maryland.

Jody D. Jackson – Authorizations/Entitlements Revoked

o Effective: 9/8/18


Joseph B. Janda, Jr. – Tidal Fish License # 5580 Revoked

o Effective: 5/8/13


Hans E. Kuntze, Sr. – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 65536 Revoked



Maryland.

William J. Lednum – Striped Bass Permit/Entitlement under TFL # 3936 Revoked


o Permanently prohibited from engaging in all aspects of the commercial harvest of

striped bass in Maryland.

Edward B. Lowery, Jr. – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 69618 Revoked



Maryland.

Franklin W. Marshall, Jr. – Authorizations/Entitlements Revoked



Christopher L. Marvel – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 3157 Revoked

o Effective: 6/6/12


Maryland.

Roy W. Meredith, Jr. – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 21028 Revoked



Maryland.

Bryan J. Mister – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 793 Revoked

o Effective: 6/9/16


Maryland.

5 3/27/19

Bartlett W. Murphy, Jr –

Tidal Fish License #17631 Revoked



Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL #17631 Revoked



in Maryland.

Andrew P. Nelson – Oyster Authorization/ Entitlement Revoked

o Effective: 8/4/16 (set in District Court)


Maryland.

James P. Nelson – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 271 Revoked



Maryland.

Robert S. Nelson, Jr. – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 3601 Revoked



Maryland.

Richard D. Nordhoff – Oyster Authorization/ Entitlement under TFL # 933 Revoked



Maryland.

Thomas W. Pannebaker – Authorizations/Entitlements Revoked


o Prohibited from engaging in ANY commercial OR recreational fishing activities.

David B. Phillips, Sr. – Oyster Authorization/ Entitlement under TFL # 67365 Revoked



Maryland.

Randall W. Plummer – Authorizations/Entitlements Revoked



Adam V. Reihl – Oyster Authorization/ Entitlement Revoked



Maryland.

o Prohibited from obtaining a tidal fish license from 10/1/15 through and including

10/1/20.

6 3/27/19

Benjamin L. Reihl – Authorizations/Entitlements Revoked



William L. Reihl, Sr. – Oyster Authorization/ Entitlement under TFL # 16430 Revoked



Maryland.

Todd H. Ruark –

Tidal Fish License # 20008 Revoked



Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 20008 Revoked

o Effective: 3/9/17


in Maryland.

Kent C. Sadler – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 826 Revoked

o Effective: 6/2/14


Maryland.

Zachary W. Seaman – Tidal Fish License # 3828 Revoked



EXCEPT he may deal blue crabs.

John E. Smith, IV – Authorizations/Entitlements Revoked



Mark N. Sneade – Authorizations/Entitlements Revoked



Michael David Sterling – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 3145 Revoked

o Effective: 7/7/14


Maryland.

Kevin S. Tarleton, Jr. – Authorizations/Entitlements Revoked



7 3/27/19

Kevin S. Tarleton, Sr. – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 97706 Revoked



Maryland.

Joshua T. Tieder – Tidal Fish License # 12531 Revoked



Paul F. Tyler III –

Authorizations/Entitlements Revoked



Oyster Authorization/ Entitlement under TFL #16421 Revoked



in Maryland.

Vaughn A. Watson, Sr. – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 99210 Revoked

o Effective: 3/3/17


Maryland.

Ronald F. Welch – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 16727 Revoked

o Effective: 5/9/12


Maryland.

David T. Wheatley, II – Oyster Authorization/Entitlement under TFL # 92759 Revoked



Maryland.

David T. Wheatley, Sr. –

Authorizations/Entitlements Revoked



Oyster Authorization/ Entitlement Revoked



in Maryland.

Earl D. Willey – Authorizations/Entitlements Revoked



8 3/27/19

AQUACULTURE SUSPENSIONS

Ian N. Horney – Shellfish Aquaculture Harvester Permit Suspended

o Prohibited from engaging in ANY shellfish aquaculture activities during the


Robert L. Lumpkins – Shellfish Aquaculture Harvester Permit Suspended

o Prohibited from engaging in ANY shellfish aquaculture activities during the


Name Species

Suspension

Start Date

Suspension

End Date Suspended From

ADJULA, ABDILLA TAHALUL

JR STRIPED BASS 02/19/18 05/19/19 Fishing

ALEGRIA PARADA, ERIK

RICARDO STRIPED BASS 12/17/18 03/15/20 Fishing

ALEMAN CARRANZA, JOSE

WILFREDO STRIPED BASS 04/09/18 04/07/20 Fishing

ALFARO, JORGE ALBERTO

OSEGUEDA

FISHING

SUSPENDED

LICENSE 03/01/19 02/28/20 Fishing

ALTAMIRANO, NAHUM

HERNANDEZ CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

ALVARADO, RICARDO

ALBERTO CANIZALEZ

FISHING

SUSPENDED

LICENSE 05/27/16 05/24/22 Fishing

ALVARENGA GRANADOS,

ELMER EZEQUIEL STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

ALVARENGA, CRUZ

MEDRANO STRIPED BASS 04/09/18 04/07/20 Fishing

ALVARENGA, MIGUEL A STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

ALVAREZ FLORES, JOSE F STRIPED BASS 02/11/19 08/08/20 Fishing

ALVAREZ, GUZMAN

ALEXANDER STRIPED BASS 03/11/19 06/07/20 Fishing

AMAYA, BERNARDO

BLADIMIR

STRIPED BASS

AND RIVER

HERRING 02/11/19 11/07/19 Fishing

AMAYA, PABLO ZELAYA STRIPED BASS 03/01/19 02/27/21 Fishing

ANDERSON, RUSSELL ALLEN STRIPED BASS 12/17/18 03/15/20 Fishing

ARAGON, FRANCISCO

JAVIER BLACK DRUM 02/11/19 05/10/20 Fishing

AREVALO, MISAEL ANTONIO

MENDEZ STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/22 Fishing

ARGUETA ROMERO, DAVID

ALEXANDER CRABS 04/01/19 09/27/19 Crabbing

AYALA, RAUL REYES CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

BAIRES, JOSE DELAPAS STRIPED BASS 02/11/19 05/11/19 Fishing

BARAHONA, JOSE LUCAS STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 04/14/19 Fishing

BARAHONA-CRUZ, MARIA

YOHANA STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

BARAHONA-CRUZ, MARVEL E STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

BARILLAS MONZON,

LORENZO ESTUAR STRIPED BASS 03/11/19 03/09/21 Fishing

Department of Natural Resources Recreational Fishing and

Crabbing Suspensions

Revised 4-1-19

BARRIOS MALDONADO,

WILFREDO ARMANDO STRIPED BASS 05/25/18 05/24/19 Fishing

BATRES, NELSON ARMANDO STRIPED BASS 07/23/18 07/22/19 Fishing

BENITEZ MARTINEZ, JOSE

CELCIS STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

BENITEZ MONTERROSA,

CARLOS A STRIPED BASS 04/09/18 04/08/19 Fishing

BENITEZ, CELSO STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 04/14/19 Fishing

BENTURA, HERMILO G STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 07/13/19 Fishing

BERGANZA BUECO, RAUL A STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

BLAMES, RUPERTO CRUZ

CARINO STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 04/14/19 Fishing

BLANCO, BLADIMIR E STRIPED BASS 03/11/19 09/06/19 Fishing

BLANCO ORTIZ, KAREN

JULISSA CRABS 04/01/19 09/27/19 Crabbing

BOCALA, EDNA ALBALADEJO OYSTERS 12/17/18 06/14/19 Fishing

BOLEWSKI, STANLEY

RICHARD III CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

BONILLA GRAJEDA, OSCAR

OMAR STRIPED BASS 02/11/19 05/11/19 Fishing

BONILLA MALDONADO,

ROMMEL FABRC STRIPED BASS 02/11/19 05/10/20 Fishing

BONILLA SALAMANCA,

ADRIAN I STRIPED BASS 11/19/18 05/16/20 Fishing

BONO, KENNY ALEXANDER STRIPED BASS 04/09/18 04/08/19 Fishing

BORJAS, SELVIN JAVIER STRIPED BASS 06/15/18 06/13/20 Fishing

BUECO LUCH, EDINSON

LEONEL STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

BUECO LUCH, FERDY

MISAEL STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

BUTLER, MELLECA DEVELLE

JR. STRIPED BASS 09/04/18 09/03/19 Fishing

CAB TOX, CARLOS STRIPED BASS 12/17/18 12/15/20 Fishing

CABRERA RAMIREZ, CARLOS

ENRIQUE STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

CABRERA SUCHITE, JOSE

GUILLERMO STRIPED BASS 10/01/18 03/28/20 Fishing

CAMPOS-AVILA, ANGIE STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

CANALES ALVAREZ, LUCAS E STRIPED BASS 12/17/18 12/15/21 Fishing

CANALES CARMONA, JOSE

CARLOS BLACK DRUM 02/11/19 05/11/19 Fishing

CANJURA MORALES, MAURO

GERARDO STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

CANO, ANDRES ROJAS STRIPED BASS 03/11/19 06/08/19 Fishing

CARDONA-SAGASTUME,

GABRIEL A STRIPED BASS 02/11/19 02/10/20 Fishing

CARRANZA ENRIQUEZ,

PEDRO SALGADO STRIPED BASS 04/05/17 04/04/19 Fishing

CARRILLO-CASTRO, LUIS

GABRIEL CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

CARTAGENA, ORLANDO E.

ORELLANA GEAR 12/17/18 12/16/19 Fishing

CASTRO, OMAR EZEQUIEL STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

CATILLO RAMIREZ, FELIPE STRIPED BASS 12/17/18 12/16/19 Fishing

CEFALU, NICOLA PASQUALE STRIPED BASS 03/11/19 09/08/19 Fishing

CHARON, MARIO MIGUEL STRIPED BASS 02/11/19 05/11/19 Fishing

CHAVEZ, ARMANDO

MORENO STRIPED BASS 02/11/19 08/09/19 Fishing

CHAVEZ, WILLIAMS RICHARD STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

CIOTOLA, JOHN DOMINIC JR CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

COLEMAN, FREDERICK

WILLIAM CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

COLINDRES NAVARRETE, ELI

BARVE STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

CONTRERAS GONZALES,

JOSE A STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

CORTEZ-ORTEGA, EDDY

ROLANDO STRIPED BASS 10/01/18 06/27/19 Fishing

COTTO AVILES, CARLOS

OMAR STRIPED BASS 10/01/18 09/30/19 Fishing

CRUZ-PORTILLO, CARLOS

AGUSTIN STRIPED BASS 12/17/18 12/16/19 Fishing

CRUZ CANALES, DAVID E STRIPED BASS 11/19/18 05/16/21 Fishing

CRUZ GONZALEZ, JOSE

ENOK SR BLACK DRUM 02/11/19 05/11/19 Fishing

CRUZ MORIO, DAVID

ANTONIO STRIPED BASS 12/17/18 12/16/19 Fishing

DE LA O SORIANO,

EDILBERTO A STRIPED BASS 02/19/18 02/18/20 Fishing

DE PAZ ARAGON, GLORIA

LUZ BLACK DRUM 02/11/19 05/10/20 Fishing

DE VARGAS, MARGARITA

PEREA STRIPED BASS 04/05/17 04/04/19 Fishing

DELGADO, HECTOR RENE STRIPED BASS 04/09/18 04/08/19 Fishing

DENNARD, LORENZO STRIPED BASS 07/23/18 07/22/19 Fishing

DIAZ MOLINA, FRANCISCO

ALCIDES CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

DURAN LOPEZ, JAIME A STRIPED BASS 02/19/18 02/17/21 Fishing

ESCOBAR VALDEZ, JUAN

FRANCISCO STRIPED BASS 02/11/19 11/07/19 Fishing

ESCOBAR-MONTERROSO,

CHRISTIAN EDUARDO CRABS 04/01/19 03/30/20 Crabbing

ESHAM, ANDREW JUSTIN CRABS 04/01/19 04/30/19 Crabbing

ESPINAL ROBLES, CARLOS

EMILIO STRIPED BASS 02/11/19 08/09/19 Fishing

EUCEDA CALIX, CARLOS

HUMBERTO STRIPED BASS 11/19/18 11/18/19 Fishing

FAREED, NASIR M. STRIPED BASS 02/01/19 08/01/19 Fishing

FICK, CRAIG STEPHEN CRABS 04/01/19 04/30/19 Crabbing

FIORESI, DOMINICK LOUIS CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

FLORES, ELIUD DANERIS STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

FLORES, JULIO STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

FLORES, YEMI J STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

FOREMAN, JOHN WILLIAM CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

FRANCO MELGAR, FREDY

ALEXI STRIPED BASS 02/19/18 05/19/19 Fishing

FUENTES, HEATHER

VICTORIA STRIPED BASS 03/14/19 03/12/21 Fishing

FUNEZ, HENRY N. STRIPED BASS 09/04/18 09/03/19 Fishing

GALEANO BAQUEDANO, LUIS

ENRIQUE STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

GAMEZ, RENE JEOVANY STRIPED BASS 07/23/18 07/22/19 Fishing

GARCIA, JOSE ROSEMBER

SMALLMOUTH

BASS 02/11/19 02/10/20 Fishing

GARCIA, JUAN JOSE CRABS 10/01/18 09/30/19 Crabbing

GARCIA, SANTOS A STRIPED BASS 11/19/18 05/17/19 Fishing

GARCIA ACEVEDO, NELSON

VLADIMIR CRABS 04/01/19 09/26/20 Crabbing

GARCIA BARAHONA, BANI

ASAEL STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

GARCIA GARCIA, GERVEN

UBENE GEAR 11/19/18 11/18/19 Fishing

GARCIA SANTOS, CARLOS

BELTRAN STRIPED BASS 12/17/18 12/15/20 Fishing

GARRIDO ACOSTA, JAMIE STRIPED BASS 03/11/19 06/08/19 Fishing

GIRON JIMENEZ, CARLOS


GOMEZ ROSALES, HUGO


GONZALES, NERY ANTONIO STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

GONZALES, RAMON A STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

GONZALEZ, CESAR DIEGO CRABS 04/01/18 03/30/20 Crabbing

GONZALEZ, LUIS A STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

GONZALEZ GUITERREZ,

JULIO CESAR STRIPED BASS 11/19/18 05/17/19 Fishing

GRANADOS UMANZOR,

ANGEL ISMAEL RED DRUM 04/09/18 04/08/19 Fishing

GROSS, JARED CORDELL STRIPED BASS 02/11/19 08/09/19 Fishing

GUARDADO, LUIS JOSE STRIPED BASS 10/01/18 09/30/19 Fishing

GUARDADO GUARDADO,

WILLIAM A STRIPED BASS 03/11/19 09/05/20 Fishing

GUERRA, ELSER ROQUE LICENSE 10/01/18 09/29/20 Fishing

GUERRA, ERICK M STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

GUERRA, MARVIN OMAR

LARIOS STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

GUERRERO-ROMERO,

ULISES ORLANDO BLACK DRUM 03/11/19 06/07/20 Fishing

GUILLEN GARCIA, ANDY

DANIEL OYSTERS 02/11/19 08/09/19 Fishing

GUTIERREZ, JOSE


GUZMAN, FRANCISCO

MERLOS STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

GUZMAN, WILLIAM

MARTINEZ CRABS 04/01/18 06/29/19 Crabbing

HALL, THOMAS IRVIN JR. CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

HEDGES, NATHAN EDMUND

II CRABS 04/01/19 04/30/19 Crabbing

HERNANDEZ, BENICIO

GARCIA STRIPED BASS 10/01/18 09/30/19 Fishing

HERNANDEZ, EDWIN

JEOVANNY CRABS 09/04/18 09/03/19 Crabbing

HERNANDEZ, ERICK O STRIPED BASS 04/09/18 04/08/19 Fishing

HERNANDEZ, FELIPE

CANUTO

BLACK DRUM;

STRIPED BASS 04/09/18 07/07/19 Fishing

HERNANDEZ, JOSE LUIS CRABS 04/01/18 09/27/19 Crabbing

HERNANDEZ, MARVIN

SAMUEL STRIPED BASS 11/19/18 05/17/19 Fishing

HERNANDEZ, REYNERIO STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

HERNANDEZ AYALA, ERICK

OCTAVIO CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

HERNANDEZ FERMAN, JOSE

ALCIDES BLACK DRUM 03/11/19 06/07/20 Fishing

HERNANDEZ LOPEZ,

NELSON ALBERTO STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

HERNANDEZ MANCIA, LUCIO STRIPED BASS 03/11/19 09/06/19 Fishing

HERNANDEZ MERINO,

WILFREDO ANTONIO STRIPED BASS 11/19/18 08/14/20 Fishing

HERNANDEZ SANTOS, JOSE

RICARDO STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/22 Fishing

HERNANDEZ SORTO, JOSE

SANTOS CRABS 09/04/18 09/03/19 Crabbing

HERNANDEZ-OLIVARES,

MARIO CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

HERNANDEZ-ORTIZ,

EVARISTO STRIPED BASS 03/01/19 02/26/21 Fishing

HERRERA, MAXIMINO

OCTAVIO CRABS 04/01/19 03/30/20 Crabbing

HERRERA ROMAN, MIGUEL

ANGEL STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

HILL, JAMES SCOTT CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

HUNTER, RANDY FLOUNDER 03/11/19 06/08/19 Fishing

HYDE, TIMOTHY MARTIN CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

IGNACIO, ALBERTO STRIPED BASS 04/09/18 04/07/21 Fishing

INTERIANO GALDAMEZ, IVAN

ALEXIS STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 07/13/19 Fishing

ISABET, MEDRANO ERNESTO STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

JACINTO MENDEZ, BYRON

ANIBAL STRIPED BASS 02/11/19 08/09/19 Fishing

JACOME LAZARO, MILTON

JEOVANNI STRIPED BASS 03/11/19 09/06/19 Fishing

JIMENEZ, MILTON ADALY STRIPED BASS 11/19/18 11/17/21 Fishing

JIMENEZ CUELLAR, GENESIS

IVANIA STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

JOHNSON, LAVANTE JERONE STRIPED BASS 11/19/18 05/17/19 Fishing

JOROLAN, JUDIANA MELITA OYSTERS 12/17/18 06/14/19 Fishing

JUAREZ VELASQUEZ, YENY

SARAI STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

KIMBLE, MICHAEL STEVEN CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

KNIPP, DAVID CROAKER 03/01/19 04/14/19 Fishing

LARA MATA, ANIBAL STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 04/14/19 Fishing

LARIOS LOPEZ, ANTONIA

YAMILETH STRIPED BASS 11/19/18 11/18/19 Fishing

LAZO PARADA, DANIEL

ARSIDES STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

LEE, SUNG STRIPED BASS 03/01/19 02/28/20 Fishing

LEIVA PASCUAL, HECTOR L STRIPED BASS 03/11/19 06/07/20 Fishing

LIU, XIFAN STRIPED BASS 09/04/18 09/03/19 Fishing

LIZAMA GOMEZ, HUGO

ELEAZAR CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

LONG, RICHARD BARNETT III CRABS 04/01/19 04/30/19 Crabbing

LOPEZ, EDGAR ARMANDO

BLACK DRUM;


LOPEZ-HERNANDEZ, EDIN

MANOLO CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

LOPEZ MEJIA, ADRIANA

BEATRIZ STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

LOVOS, ISRAEL ANTONIO BLACK DRUM 04/09/18 04/08/19 Fishing

LUNA, JUAN STRIPED BASS 10/01/18 09/30/19 Fishing

MAJANO-CANALES, MOISES

DE JESUS STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

MAJOR, MICHAEL CYLE STRIPED BASS 09/04/18 09/03/19 Fishing

MALAVE, EPIFANIO STRIPED BASS 04/09/18 04/07/20 Fishing

MARIN, CARLOS STRIPED BASS 10/01/18 09/30/19 Fishing

MARQUEZ MELENDEZ,

ALEXIS JHONA STRIPED BASS 06/16/17 09/13/19 Fishing

MARTINEZ, EVANGELINA STRIPED BASS 02/11/19 02/09/21 Fishing

MARTINEZ, FILIMON PALACIO BLACK DRUM 03/11/19 06/08/19 Fishing

MARTINEZ, JOSE PALACIO BLACK DRUM 03/11/19 06/08/19 Fishing

MARTINEZ CARPIO, HECTOR

SAMUEL STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

MARTINEZ CASTILLO, JOSE

SANTIAGO STRIPED BASS 02/11/19 05/11/19 Fishing

MARTINEZ MONROY, SERGIO

NOE STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

MARTINEZ SAAVEDRA,

INMER ADILZO STRIPED BASS 11/19/18 05/17/19 Fishing

MCDOUGLE, DEXTER

BARRON CRABS 04/01/19 09/27/19 Crabbing

MCGUIRE, JAMES JOSEPH CRABS 04/01/19 04/30/19 Crabbing

MCLEAN, RONALD LEGUSTA STRIPED BASS 10/01/18 09/30/19 Fishing

MEDINA, JULIO MANUEZ CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

MEDRANO, JOSE ROBERTO STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

MEDRANO CANALES, JOMN

BRADAK STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

MELENDEZ ROMERO, ERICK

I STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

MELGAR, LUIS ALBERTO CRABS 04/01/19 09/27/19 Crabbing

MEMBRENO GUEVARA,

VICTOR OMAR STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

MENCHO, MARIA JULIANA CRABS 04/01/18 03/30/20 Crabbing

MENDOZA GONZALEZ,

ZEREFINO STRIPED BASS 07/23/18 07/22/19 Fishing

MIGUEL-HERNANDEZ, JOSE

ALFREDO STRIPED BASS 09/04/18 09/03/19 Fishing

MILLER, MICHAEL THOMAS

JR CRABS 04/01/19 05/15/19 Crabbing

MIRANDA, JOSE M BLACK DRUM 02/19/18 02/18/20 Fishing

MONROY, SERGIO NOE

MARTINEZ STRIPED BASS 03/01/19 02/27/21 Fishing

MOORE, CHRISTOPHER

LESLIE CRABS 07/15/18 07/14/19 Crabbing

MORALES, FELIPE

RODRIGUEZ STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 04/14/19 Fishing

MORAN, JULIO MAURICIO

BAQUEDANO STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

MORENO, CARLOS A.

BONILLA CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

MORENO BELTRAN, JOSE

ADOLFO CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

MORENO SORTO, MELVIN

NOEL STRIPED BASS 03/11/19 06/08/19 Fishing

MORGAN, MATTHEW LICENSE 07/14/18 07/13/19 Fishing

MURPHY, SARA JANE CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

MURRAY, RODERICK

HAMILTON STRIPED BASS 01/01/19 06/30/19 Fishing

MURRAY, SHAYONNA

LATRICE CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

NAJERA BUECO, ESVIN


NAJERA MALDONADO, JULIO

CESAR STRIPED BASS 04/05/17 04/04/19 Fishing

NAJERA MORALES, EDIN STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

NANDUCA MUNOZ, KARINA

LANDY STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

NGUYEN, DANNY CT CRABS 04/01/19 03/30/20 Crabbing

NGUYEN, THANH T STRIPED BASS 04/01/19 04/30/19 Crabbing

ORELLANA, ERICK GERARDO STRIPED BASS 06/22/18 06/21/19 Fishing

ORTEGA, MARLON FAJARDO STRIPED BASS 02/11/19 08/08/20 Fishing

ORTEZ, HECTOR D STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

ORTIZ, FRANCISCO STRIPED BASS 10/01/18 09/30/19 Fishing

ORTIZ AROCHE, ELVIR

RIGOBERTO STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

OSTORO-GALLD, GUSTAVO

ADOLFO STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

PADILLA CUBAS, MELVIN

JHOVANY STRIPED BASS 04/09/18 04/07/21 Fishing

PALACIOS BAUTISTA, JULIO

A STRIPED BASS 04/09/18 04/07/20 Fishing

PALACIOS GALDAMEZ, JOSE

ELIAS STRIPED BASS 03/11/19 06/08/19 Fishing

PALMA, LUIS HUMBERTO STRIPED BASS 03/11/19 06/08/19 Fishing

PALMER, SHONDA YVETTE CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

PANAMENO CERON, SAUL BLACK DRUM 02/11/19 02/09/21 Fishing

PARKER, TYREE LAMAR STRIPED BASS 11/19/18 05/17/19 Fishing

PAVLICK, ANDREW JOSEPH

JR CRABS 04/01/19 04/30/19 Crabbing

PENADO, JOSE A STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

PEREZ, JAIME LEONEL STRIPED BASS 03/11/19 06/08/19 Fishing

PINEDA, CARLOS

HUMBERTO CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

PINEDA GUERRA, EDONOVY

YACIR CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

PINTO, RUBEN LEIVA STRIPED BASS 03/11/19 03/09/21 Fishing

PLEITEZ, MELVIN STRIPED BASS 02/11/19 08/09/19 Fishing

PLEITEZ RIVERA, SAMUEL


PLUMMER, RANDALL OYSTERS 05/26/18 05/25/19 Fishing

PONCE, CARLOS ROBERTO STRIPED BASS 09/04/18 09/03/19 Fishing

PORTILLO, ELMER BENJAMIN STRIPED BASS 12/17/18 12/15/21 Fishing

PORTILLO AYALA, FELIX


PORTILLO VASQUEZ, JOSE

ARNOLDO STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

POWELL, DOUGLAS DEWITT

JR. STRIPED BASS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Fishing

POWELL, DOUGLAS DEWITT

JR. CRABS 04/01/19 12/26/19 Crabbing

QUINCIN LEMUS, ABEL

ESTUARDO STRIPED BASS 06/08/18 06/07/19 Fishing

QUINTANILLA, JOSE ULISES CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

RAICKLE, PAUL ERNEST CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

RAMIREZ, ERMELINDA M CRABS 04/01/18 09/27/19 Crabbing

RAMIREZ, JUAN ROBERTO STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

RAMIREZ, JULIO MURILLO STRIPED BASS 04/05/17 04/04/19 Fishing

RAMIREZ, OMAR MARTINEZ STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 04/14/19 Fishing

RAMOS, CARLOS M STRIPED BASS 04/05/17 04/04/19 Fishing

RAMOS, NELSON L STRIPED BASS 02/19/18 02/18/20 Fishing

RAMOS, PRAXEDES FUNES RED DRUM 09/29/17 09/28/19 Fishing

RAUDA, MISAEL ABDULIO

SERRANO STRIPED BASS 10/01/18 09/30/19 Fishing

REALEGENO, EDGAR

OSWALDO STRIPED BASS 09/04/18 09/03/19 Fishing

REYES, DOUGLAS JAVIER STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

REYES, WILMER E. MEJIA STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/22 Fishing

REYES PORTILLO, EDGAR

FERNANDO STRIPED BASS 03/11/19 03/09/20 Fishing

RIVAS, DONALDO CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

RIVAS PEREIRA, IGNACIO

DEJESUS STRIPED BASS 02/19/18 02/18/20 Fishing

RIVERA, JOSE IGNACIO STRIPED BASS 03/11/19 09/06/19 Fishing

RIVERA, JOSUE EMMANUEL

ALBERTO STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

RIVERA, JUAN ANGEL STRIPED BASS 11/19/18 02/16/20 Fishing

RIVERA ALVARENGA,

RUTILIO JACOB STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

RIVERA BONILLA, JOSE

ISMAEL STRIPED BASS 10/01/18 09/25/19 Fishing

RIVERA MORATAYA, IRIS

MARLENY STRIPED BASS 02/11/19 05/11/19 Fishing

RIVERA PALMA, BERNARDO

SALVADOR STRIPED BASS 03/11/19 03/09/21 Fishing

RIVERA SALGUERO, RAMIRO

ESTUARD STRIPED BASS 02/19/18 05/19/19 Fishing

ROBLES ZELAYA, GERMAN

RODRIGO STRIPED BASS 11/19/18 05/17/19 Fishing

RODRIGUEZ SOTO, CARLOS BLACK DRUM 02/19/18 02/18/20 Fishing

ROMERO GARCIA, JUAN

FRANCSICO STRIPED BASS 02/11/19 08/09/19 Fishing

ROSA, WILFRIDO BARDERA CRABS 04/01/19 09/26/20 Crabbing

ROSALES, JOSE RUIZ BLACK DRUM 02/11/19 05/10/20 Fishing

SAGASTIZADO SARAVIA,

MELVIN IVA STRIPED BASS 11/19/18 05/16/21 Fishing

SALMERON, INES BENITEZ STRIPED BASS 03/11/19 06/08/19 Fishing

SANCHEZ, SANTOS

GERARDO BLACK DRUM 02/11/19 05/10/20 Fishing

SANCHEZ AREVALO,

SANTOS MEDARDO STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/22 Fishing

SAQUICHE, JILBAN ARIEL STRIPED BASS 02/11/19 08/09/19 Fishing

SARAVIA SAGASTIZADO,

PABLO ANTO STRIPED BASS 11/19/18 05/16/21 Fishing

SCHULER, CHARLES

MICHAEL CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

SCHULTZ, ZACHARY DAVID STRIPED BASS 04/09/18 07/07/19 Fishing

SEGOVIA ARGUETA,

ARISTIDES VOV CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

SERRANDO, JULIO

ARMANDO STRIPED BASS 02/19/18 02/18/20 Fishing

SERRANO, JAIME ALFREDO

SANABRIA BLUEFISH 03/11/19 03/09/20 Fishing

SERVELLON MERCADO,

CINTHIA Y STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

SHARP, DEWON ONTRAY STRIPED BASS 11/19/18 05/17/19 Fishing

SICAL QUEZADA, DAVID

ABDIEL STRIPED BASS 09/04/18 09/03/19 Fishing

SNEADE, MARK NELSON OYSTERS 07/16/18 07/15/19 Fishing

SORIANO, GERARDO ISRAEL

BLACK DRUM;


SORIANO, MAGDALENO

BLACK DRUM;


SORIANO-VASQUEZ, OBLIN

ADALY STRIPED BASS 02/19/18 02/18/20 Fishing

SORIANO PORTILLO, JOSE

ARCIDES STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

SORTO, DONILIO MARTINEZ STRIPED BASS 02/11/19 08/09/19 Fishing

SORTO, SILVIA SUYAPA STRIPED BASS 10/01/18 09/30/19 Fishing

SORTO CONSTANZA, JOSE

NELSON SUNFISH 11/19/18 05/17/19 Fishing

SOTO, ARNOLDO LARIOS STRIPED BASS 04/09/18 04/07/20 Fishing

SPARKS, EDWARD JR. STRIPED BASS 03/11/19 09/06/19 Fishing

TICAS, CRISTOBAL N STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/22 Fishing

TICAS, JOSE G STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/22 Fishing

TICAS, JOSUE G STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/22 Fishing

TIPTON, TOK CHA STRIPED BASS 12/17/18 06/14/19 Fishing

TOBAR, IlDE STRIPED BASS 07/23/18 07/22/19 Fishing

TOBAR, JAMIE D STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/22 Fishing

TOBIAS, LUIS ERNESTO STRIPED BASS 03/11/19 03/09/20 Fishing

TORBA, JONATHAN EDWARD CRABS 04/01/19 04/30/20 Crabbing

TORRES, ROBERTO RUANO STRIPED BASS 03/11/19 09/06/19 Fishing

TORREZ GARCIA, ALEX

JAVIER OYSTERS 02/11/19 08/09/19 Fishing

TOTO, ARMANDO

ORGANISTA STRIPED BASS 04/09/18 04/07/20 Fishing

TREJO, ELISEO CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

TURCIOS PHILLIPS, DIANA

VANESSA GEAR 11/19/18 11/18/19 Fishing

TURCIOS RODRIQUEZ,

EDGAR OSMIN STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

VELASQUEZ, MARIA E STRIPED BASS 02/11/19 02/10/20 Fishing

VALENCIA MADRID, KEVIN

ARIEL STRIPED BASS 03/11/19 06/08/19 Fishing

VALENZUELA, RENE


VALLADARES, JUAN CARLOS STRIPED BASS 11/19/18 11/18/19 Fishing

VARGUS, KAREN Y STRIPED BASS 03/11/19 03/09/20 Fishing

VASQUEZ BAUTISTA,

FERNANDO GEOV STRIPED BASS 04/09/18 04/08/19 Fishing

VAUGHN, DAVID LEE CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

VENTURA, RUDIS STRIPED BASS 11/19/18 11/18/19 Fishing

VENTURA RIOS, JOSE NOEL STRIPED BASS 03/11/19 03/09/20 Fishing

VICTORIA, EMANUEL

CAMPOS STRIPED BASS 02/11/19 05/11/19 Fishing

VIERA, JOSE ARISTIDES STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/14/20 Fishing

VILLALTA REYES, JESUS


VILLALTA REYES, JOSE

MOISES STRIPED BASS 07/23/18 07/22/19 Fishing

VILLALTA VALLECILLOS,

JULIO FRANCISCO STRIPED BASS 08/06/18 08/05/19 Fishing

VILLATORO, JOSE E STRIPED BASS 01/15/18 01/13/21 Fishing

VILLATORO VILLATORO,

EDIN LEONA CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

VOON, JOHN CRABS 04/01/19 03/30/21 Crabbing

WATERS, RODNEY DAVID STRIPED BASS 05/25/18 05/23/21 Fishing

WILLIAMS, SAMMY LEE STRIPED BASS 07/23/18 07/22/19 Fishing

YI, JAMES HUI SOK CRABS 04/01/19 06/29/19 Crabbing

YOO, JAECHEON STRIPED BASS 04/09/18 04/08/19 Fishing

YOUNG, CHOI SU CRABS 04/01/19 09/27/19 Crabbing

ZAMUDIO-GARIBAY, RAMIRO STRIPED BASS 03/11/19 03/04/20 Fishing

ZHENG, YONG KUAI STRIPED BASS 9/29/2017 9/28/2019 Fishing

ZELAYA GARCIA, GUADALUPE C STRIPED BASS 4/5/2018 4/4/2020 Fishing

ZETINO, FRANCISCO JAVIER STRIPED BASS 3/11/2019 6/7/2020 Fishing

MORE Commission Meeting April 15, 2019, 11am-3pm

Fair Hill NRMA, E.L. Walls Activity Hall 4640 Telegraph Rd, Elkton, MD 21921

10:00-11:00am Fair Hill Training Facility Tour (Optional, meet at E.L. Walls Activity Hall) 11:00-11:30am Welcome & Introductions Rachel Temby, Manager, Fair Hill NRMA

Nina Gregory, Executive Director, Fair Hill Foundation Terry Hasseltine, Executive Director, Maryland Sports Commission

11:30-12:30pm Local Opportunities Panel Steve McCoy, Central Regional Manager, Maryland Park Service

Sandra Turner, Director, Cecil County Tourism and Greg Pizutto, Director, Harford County Tourism

Hope Birsh, Owner, Maryland Saddlery 12:30-1:30pm Lunch & Youth Engagement Fred Banks, Coordinator, Maryland Conservation Corps Britt Slattery, Project Green Classrooms 1:30-2:30pm State Agency Programs

Mary Kendall, Director, Sustainable Communities Program, Department of Housing and Community Development Cheryl Ladota, Manager, Recreational Trails Program, Department of Transportation Lisa Gutierrez, Director, Public Access, Water Trails and Recreational Planning Program, Department of Natural Resources Peter Morrill, Manager, Curatorship Program, Department of Natural Resources

2:30-3:00pm Discussion Work Group updates and breakout

Maryland Outdoor Recreation Economic Commission Meeting Notes January 29th 2019, 11am-3pm

Jefferson Patterson Park, St. Leonard, MD Commissioners present: Mark Belton, Cathy Bramble, Hamilton Chaney, Joel Dunn, Paul Edwards, Liz Fitzsimmons, Deanna McCue, Brian Raines, David Sutherland Commissioners absent: Rick Decker, Steve Green, TJ Jenkins, Sean Mann, Tamika Newkirk, Bill Pickrum Staff: Kelly Collins Choi, Ingrid Brofman, Trystan Sill, Marci Ross, Heather Ersts, Scott Knoche Welcome Rachelle Green, Director, Jefferson Patterson Park - Welcome and history of park Scott Knoche, Director, PEARL - Welcome, PEARL activities include oystering, environmental

education, natural resource economic studies such as deer/grouse hunting economic value, trout anglers, working on sika deer/recreational boating valuation.

Kelly Collins Choi - Timeline for coming year. Introduction of staff supporting Subcommittee Workgroups - Marci Ross, Heather Ersts, Trystan Sill, Ingrid Brofman, Liz Fitzsimmons

Local Opportunities Panel Patrick Bright, Southeastern Regional Manager, MPS

Trends: Historically significant venues for special events, resource-based recreation & competition, trails, diverse populations seek beaches & water access. Smallwood SP bass tournaments, 5000 anglers/yr, ¼ out of state, $1.8M economic impact. Challenges: Maintenance money and staff needed to maintain historic structures. Competition for tournaments (localities put up money to sponsor tournaments, uncertainty in sponsorship resources), no organized snakehead tournaments and learning curve for invasive species tournaments. Opportunities: “Paleo Tourism” cross marketing, cross market byways and NPS trails to camping & RV rentals, Through Piscataway Eyes, water tourism, target marketing of products & services to specific demographics (ie. Es Me Parque), enhanced water access through Chapel Point partnership & Port Tobacco corridor.

Shannon Nazzal - Director, Calvert County Parks and Recreation Trends: Nature Parks, Breezy Point, Chesapeake Beach highlights

Challenges: Little public water access, Solomons Island boat ramp - undergoing renovations, highest use boat ramp, lodging not available so not capturing economic value (airbnb potential). Lack of connectivity between parks, one way in/out route 2-4. Opportunities: Trails - better connectivity between places, high interest in citizen science events, ie. owl banding, fossil hunting. Texting services for capacity issues. Special events - bike rides/5Ks

Tommy Baden - Facility Director, Patuxent River Park, M-NCPPC Patuxent River Park Est 1962, ~7,400 acres along Patuxent River, Limited Use Policy. Includes Jug Bay CB-NERR reserve site since 1990. Education & Conservation programming. Challenges: Balance between proximity to urban areas and use (ie

festivals, special events) with maintaining natural landscapes and experiences. Opportunities: Patuxent River Challenge- utilizing social media/instagram to encourage multiple park visits. Opening for managed deer hunts for first time.

Rachel Dean, Solomons Island Heritage Tours Providing authentic watermen’s heritage tours, harvesting techniques, lighthouse visit,

environmental education, no two tours alike. Challenges: Water Access (state & local boat ramp pick up), need marketing assistance, Captains License and permitting redtape. Opportunities: Partnerships with maritime museums, aquarium, etc for dockside demos.

Discussion: Can we open up access for resource based recreation (ie watermen’s heritage tours) use agreements with State and County parks? Ask Park Units if there is a list of keystone projects that are shovel ready for inclusion in final report.

Local Opportunities Panel Marty Gary, Executive Director, Potomac River Fisheries Commission

Challenges - Water quality & Invasive species (ie. Blue catfish & snakeheads). Nutrient management improving, stormwater management improving, Rockfish issues. Opportunities: Provide mentorship to bring in next generation of users, especially women. Hispanic fishermen growing demographic. Direct email marketing to remind folks to buy licenses (25-45 year old license lapsing phenomenon).

Tim Drummond, Park Services Administrator, Charles County Gems in Development: Chapel Point, water access, cycle tourism, Mallows Bay, Popes

Creek rail trail and promenade, Port Tobacco River corridor, craft beer, wineries, spirit industry, agritourism. Challenges: National/regional marketing, increase focus on smaller DMO’s, limited

resources, service industry staffing, funding, tourist single day excursions (1 night stay over opens economic dev). Opportunities: Focus on private sector business development around outdoor recreation and heritage tourism. MD Office of Tourism has grant funds available to local DMO’s for

advertising but nothing available for capital and programming for DMO’s or private sector

entities. Implement Tourism Development Loan Program (exs. Arkansas, Georgia) Shannon Yee, Policy and Conservation Director, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation

14 National Marine Sanctuaries (NMS) around the country. 1st established to protect USS Monitor and interpret its history. Thunder Bay NMS - Maritime heritage focus, significant economic impact on community. Mallows Bay NMS potential designation. Already being marketed by Charles County, and receiving press and interest from national/international media. Designation as an NMS would distinguish and draw attention. Strengthen Maryland’s Outdoor Economy through opportunities to co-brand and market Maryland and Virginia’s outdoor wonders, enhance public access points, and

boost businesses that can attract MD-VA-DC day trippers and international tourists. Build stewardship and pride as centers in the community and as living classrooms for outdoor education

Ken Penrod Jr, Guide, Life Outdoors Unlimited

Black bass guides - partnering with under armor, other retailers for sponsorship. Guide 200-250 trips per year, also in Susquehanna and eastern shore. Youth camps. Trends: freshwater bass guides in decline, no longer relying on magazine articles for business, changing because of social media. Susquehanna getting the bulk of the family fishing trips (not tournaments) because of easier fishing. Fishing license differences in PA, less stringent (fewer certifications not ideal), so more guides. Opportunities: flexibility using youtube and other social media and marketing. Snakeheads are a major opportunity, develop trophy snakehead areas. Market invasive species tournaments. Engage high school bass fishing teams. Support DNR.

Discussion: How do we overcome any recreational and commercial fishing conflicts? How do we reach out to commercial fisherman regarding Mallows Bay NMS potential? Collectively foster discussion, ensure fishing access and privilege maintained as well as PRFC authorities, develop an MOA outlining those features.

State Programs Panel Heather Ersts, Partnership and Outreach Manager, Maryland Office of Tourism Development

Fish & Hunt MD - #1 reason for fishing & hunting is time with family, $250K/year in funding, short articles driving website and facebook hits, 2-3 minute reads. Hotel deals on the website successful. Private sector partners for videos. Dept of Ag, DNR, Tourism partnership - sika deer hunting, rockfish charter, snow goose. Talking to marketers.

Jen Ruffner, Administrator, Maryland Heritage Areas Program MHAA grants - 13 Heritage Areas, Funded through Program Open Space at $6M this year. NonCapital grants (design, interpretation, events, exhibits, brochures, technology, websites and mobile apps, archeology, other research, pedestrian signage, planning for non-capital projects) and Capital grants (property acquisition, development, rehabilitation, restoration, pre-development (planning for capital projects), trails. Non-profits, Local jurisdictions, State agencies, Federal agencies can apply. Only 14/165 grant applications funded. 2018 MHAA economic impact study,report only captures basic economic impact. It does not capture the broader and more qualitative impacts. Findings: every $1 expended returns $4.45; 3,146 equivalent jobs created, $19.8M in state/local taxes.

Ingrid Brofman, Manager, Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), DNR LWCF through National Park Service, DNR receives funds and administers grants.

Primary source of revenue is from federal oil and gas leases. Huge increase in funding for LWCF from GOMESA. FY18 = $3.2M available to Maryland. Municipalities and counties may apply for up to 50 % matching fund assistance for all outdoor recreation development and land acquisition. FY 2018 RFP garnered 26 applications, $7.4 million in LWCF match requests. Outdoor Rural Legacy grants available on competitive basis only to specific urban communities (Aberdeen, Bel Air, Baltimore City, Cumberland, Frederick, Hagerstown, Salisbury, Waldorf, Westminster) Challenges: Small localities don’t have matching funds, ORL grants need better promotion.

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Maryland Aquaculture Coordinating Council Minutes – January 10, 2019 Members Attending Donald Webster Karl Roscher Eric Wisner Lt. Catherine Medellin Sen. Katherine Klausmeier

Kathy Brohawn Kim Coulbourne Terry Witt Ron Buckhalt

Guests Attending Rebecca Thur (DNR) Nat Warning (DNR) Maude Morris (DNR) Kari Bradberry (DNR) Alyssa Cranska (DNR) George O’Donnell (DNR) Tom Parham (DNR) Steve Pattison (Ecologix)

Linda Arnold (MARBIDCO) John Barnette (Industry) Karen Kirksey (MDA) Leaton Jones (DNR) Rob Witt (Industry) Dave Tibbetts (Industry) Ralph Kraft (Industry) Brian Russell (Industry)

Jon Farrington (Industry) Steve Schneider (DNR) Dave Blazer (DNR) Jeffrey Cornwell (UMCES) Allison Colden (CBF) Heather Merritt (MDE) Brian Connelly (Industry)

Call to Order Chairman Ferguson and Vice-Chair Blackwell were unable to attend and requested past Chairman Webster to lead the meeting. Mr. Webster called the meeting to order at 6:30pm and asked members and guests to introduce themselves. Administrative

The November 8, 2018 meeting minutes were approved as submitted to the Council. Approval of November 2018 Minutes

Council members announced the following upcoming events: Announcements

• East Coast Commercial Fisherman’s & Aquaculture Trade Expo, Jan. 18-20, 2019, Roland E. Powell Convention Center, Ocean City, MD

• Maryland Shellfish Growers Conference, Feb. 12, 2019, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Annapolis, MD • HACCP Training for Shellfish Shippers, April 24, 2019, Wye Research and Education Center,

Queenstown, MD Ms. Coulbourne announced that, due to the partial federal government shutdown, the Interstate Shellfish Shippers List is currently not being updated, with the last update being in December. Reports

The division received four new shellfish lease applications since the last meeting. Twelve new Shellfish Lease Agreements have been executed since the Council’s November meeting. Since September 2010, the Division received 514 lease applications. The state has issued 275 new commercial shellfish aquaculture leases covering 5,767 acres. An additional 117 applications are in process. There are currently 429 active leases covering almost 6,947 acres. In 2018, 83 Shellfish Import Permit applications were received and 73 were issued for adult oysters, hatchery larvae and seed, wild seed, oyster shell and clam seed. Five public notices for six proposed leases have been initiated since the November ACC

Aquaculture and Industry Enhancement Division (Mr. Roscher, DNR)

2

meeting. There are currently 21 proposed lease applications with open protests and/or requests for public meetings. Two public information meetings have been held since the last ACC meeting. Protest updates:

• 21 active protests are currently being managed by the department • Application #198 – Public information meeting was held on Nov. 1; the protestant withdrew with

lease issued on Jan. 7, 2019 • Application #407 – parties have not been able to reach an agreement; the department is

forwarding this case to OAH • Honest Oysters – department is working with the applicant to revise the lease location • Dean and Dean – PIM was held in Nov.; applicants have since revised the area to exclude areas

with high concentrations of wild oysters So far in 2019, 153 leases have been permitted and an additional 150 are scheduled to be permitted tomorrow. The Shellfish Lease Application Tracking Tool, discussed at the previous meeting, has been a big success. The Office of Communications reports that the tool currently has over 600 subscribers. The tool was launched in October 2018. Preliminary harvest numbers indicate that total harvest for 2018 is going to be below that in 2017. The excessive rainfall/poor weather experienced last year resulted in a significant reduction in salinity, reduced the number of good-weather working days and impacted lease oyster harvests.

In fiscal year 2019, four new loans in the amount of $335,350 have been approved. MARBIDCO has approved 71 loans, totaling over $4.2 million. The program has money to lend and interested leaseholders are encouraged to apply.

MARBIDCO Financing (Ms. Arnold, MARBIDCO)

No aquaculture related actions were reported since the last ACC meeting. Natural Resources Police (NRP) Patrol & Enforcement Activities (Lt. Medellin, NRP)

Mr. Buckhalt introduced Karen Kirksey, who works closely with him and is involved in the True Blue program. Next weekend they plan to be in Ocean City where they will be serving Blue Catfish. They also plan to attend the Maryland Shellfish Growers Conference in Annapolis, MD on Feb. 12 and Seafood Expo North America in Boston, MA from March 17-19.

MDA Marketing (Mr. Buckhalt, MDA)

Presentation

The DNR Resource Assessment team uses fixed monitoring stations over the Chesapeake Bay to monitor and guide restoration. Stations collect data related to water and habitat quality for living resources such as fish, crabs and oysters. The information is available to the public by visiting the Eyes on the Bay page on the department website. Information already being collected could be used in ways beneficial to the aquaculture industry. Mr. Parham requested Council input on how to make this information useful to leaseholders. Leaseholders in attendance expressed interest in information related to Vibrio risk predictions, seawater acidification and SAV/aquaculture interactions.

Water Quality Monitoring (Mr. Parham, DNR Tidewater Ecosystem Assessment)

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Continuing Business

The workgroup held their final meeting on Dec. 17. Consolidation meetings have begun and the department is working to provide Sec. Belton with a final report before his departure in early February. Some recommended action items, such as the Shellfish Lease Application Tracking tool, have already been implemented but additional recommendations will be included in the final report.

Aquaculture Workgroup Update (Mr. O’Donnell, DNR)

Mr. Barnette, recognized by Mr. Wisner, commented that he was disappointed in the lack of industry input in the workgroup. Changes could have a serious economic effect on the industry and leaseholders should have been given a voice in this process. Mr. O’Donnell said he would encourage additional comments for the final report and encouraged anyone with input to contact him directly. New Business

The Council discussed the following House Bills: 2019 General Assembly Session

• HB28 – Del. Clark - Shellfish Nursery Operations – Wetlands License Requirements

o Exempt certain activities and the use of certain equipment associated with a shellfish nursery operation from the requirement to obtain certain licenses or permits; establishing that the use of certain equipment associated with a shellfish nursery operation is not included as a non-water-dependent project for the purposes of obtaining a tidal or State wetlands license; providing that the installation of certain equipment for the cultivation of shellfish seed under a certain permit is a lawful use on private wetlands

• HB40 – Del. Grammer – Dredging on Man-O-War Shoals – Prohibition

o Prevent the Department of Natural Resources from dredging buried oyster shells on Man–O–War Shoals as part of carrying out certain duties; and generally relating to the management of the State’s oyster culture by the Department of Natural Resources

Sen. Klausmeier noted that it is still very early in the session and she encouraged the Council to bring aquaculture related items to her attention as necessary. Mr. Russell shared news that the St. Mary’s County Commissioners recently voted in support of a legislative language change to the aquaculture bill. The change states that, in St. Mary’s County, a water column aquaculture lease may not be located within 600 feet of a shoreline or any pier without written permission of the riparian landowner at the time of the application. It is possible that a legislative bill in support of this change could be in the works. A workgroup was established by the Council a few years ago to look into the relationship between aquaculture and SAV to address leaseholder complaints of restrictions placed on leases in which SAV had encroached. The final report developed by the workgroup recommended the Council pursue legislative changes giving the Department the discretion to evaluate leasing activities when SAV encroaches. Mr. Roscher noted that, while no legislative changes have been introduced yet, the Department is currently working with Del. Clark with the hope of moving something forward. Public Comments Mr. Tibbetts stated interest in receiving training in GIS to help with managing his leases. He explained that leaseholders could input planting and other data to help with long-term farm management. Dr. Colden informed Mr. Tibbetts that he could receive free one-on-one assistance from a GIS specialist at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation by joining the Maryland Shellfish Growers Network, also free. She indicated they could conduct GIS workshops for aquaculturists, if there is an interest.

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Mr. Wisner expressed concern about availability of wild-caught Virginia seed exported to Maryland growers. Mr. Webster indicated that demand for seed has been high and Virginia is likely evaluating their resource, as shell has become a problem in certain areas and is required for proper management of seed grounds. Harvest at the current rate may not be sustainable. Mr. Webster reminded Council members of the upcoming Maryland Shellfish Growers Conference and encouraged attendees to take a copy of the East Coast Shellfish Growers Association newsletter. Adjourn The meeting was adjourned at 8:16pm. The next regularly scheduled meeting to be held on Thursday, March 14, 2019 at 6:30pm in the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, C-1 Conference Room.

Meeting Summary

Oyster Advisory Commission

November 19, 2018

1

SUMMARY

Meeting Summary

Oyster Advisory Commission (OAC) Meeting

Calvary United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall

301 Rowe Blvd, Annapolis, MD

(6:00 PM – 8:30 PM)

November 19, 2018

LIST OF ATTENDEES

Commissioners Present:

Kelley Cox (Co-Chair) Phillips Wharf Environmental Center (PWEC)

J.D. Blackwell 38° North Oysters

Tom Bradshaw Maryland Watermen, Dorchester County

Robert T. Brown Maryland Watermen’s Association

Allison Colden Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF)

Ron Fithian County Commissioner, Kent County

Matt Gray University of Maryland Center for Environmental

Science (UMCES)

Jeff Harrison Talbot Watermen Association, Inc.

Bill Kilinski Charles County Watermen’s Association

Doug Legum Douglas Legum Development, Inc.

Ken Lewis Coastal Conservation Association (CCA)

Johnny Mautz State Delegate

Jim Mullin Maryland Watermen’s Association (MOA)

Eric Schott University of Maryland Center for Environmental

Science (UMCES)

Ann Swanson Chesapeake Bay Commission

Kelton Clark Open Shell Environmental

Sean Corson National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

(NOAA), Chesapeake Bay Office

Angie Sowers U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Baltimore District

Commissioners Unable to Attend:

Scott Eglseder (Co-Chair) Eglseder Wealth Management Group, Inc.

Steve Hershey State Senator

Greg Kemp Talbot Seafood Heritage Association

Jim Mathias State Senator

Deborah Rey State Delegate

Aubrey Vincent Lindy’s Seafood

Meeting Summary


November 19, 2018

2

SUMMARY

Other Meeting Attendees Present:

Bay Weekly Newspaper: Mr. Bob Malamud,

Chesapeake Bay Foundation: Mr. Dan Johannes

Citizen: Mr. Charles Penton, Mr. Isaac Meyer, Mr. Troy Wilkins, Ms. Rachel Dean, Mr. Simon

Dean

Clean Chesapeake Coalition: Mr. Chip MacLeod

Coastal Conservation Association (CCA): Mr. David Sikorski

Friends of St. Clements Bay: Ms. Liz Curtz

Maginnes Productions: Mr. David Maginnes

Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR): Mr. William Anderson, Ms. Jodi Baxter,

Mr. Chris Judy, Mr. George O’Donnell, Ms. Laurinda Serafin, Mr. Mitch Tarnowski, Ms. Linda

Barker, Mr. Alexei Shavrov, Ms. Lynn Fegley, Ms. Angela Giuliano

Maryland Environmental Service (MES): Ms. Alyssa Herold

Marylanders Grow Oysters (MGO): Mr. Fred Millhiser

Midshore Riverkeeper Conservancy: Mr. Dan Watson

St. Mary’s River Watershed Association: Mr. Bob Lewis, Ms. Carry O’ Brien

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE): Mr. Carlos Lazo, Ms. Gayle McCowin

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): Stephanie Westby

University of Maryland: Mr. Trey Mace, Ms. Kathryn Doering, Mr. Mike Wilberg, Mr. Don

Boesch, Ms. Amy Pelsinsky, Ms. Elizabeth North

Chair Oyster Assessment Peer Review Panel: Mr. Paul Rago

*Some members of the audience did not sign in.

Handouts:

● Meeting Agenda

● August 13, 2018 Draft Meeting Summary

● Presentation –Recommended 5th Large Scale Restoration Tributary

● Presentation – Maryland Oyster Stock Assessment

● Presentation – Oyster Stock Assessment Peer Review

● Handout – Press Release Sept. 2018 Manokin Sanctuary

Note: Meeting agendas, handouts and approved meeting summaries will be available on the OAC

webpage: http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Pages/mgmt-committees/oac-meetings.aspx

Action Items:

Meeting Summary


November 19, 2018

3

SUMMARY

● DNR will provide the OAC with information regarding plans for shellfish management in

Breton Bay (since this tributary was not chosen as a large-scale oyster restoration

tributary). (Requested by Mr. Brown)

● DNR will provide the OAC with an update on the formal selection by Maryland of the

Manokin and St Mary’s tributaries for large-scale oyster restoration and the addition of

these tributaries by the Chesapeake Bay Program Goal Implementation Team for

planning and tracking. (Requested by Ms. Swanson)

● DNR will provide the OAC with information regarding funding for large-scale

restoration projects in the Manokin and St Mary’s River tributaries and an explanation of

why U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) funding will not be used for the Manokin

tributary large-scale restoration project. (Requested by Ms. Colden) – Completed. Timing

and oversight are two important factors for completing restoration in the five tributaries

by the 2025 goal. Regarding the Manokin, the state has funding while the USACE

currently lacks funding. Progress can be made with state funding. The USACE still needs

to secure funding to complete the Tred Avon commitment, which they should focus on.

DNR will focus on the Manokin and St. Mary’s. Additionally, the state is concerned

about oversight for the final sanctuaries (to avoid high spots or other issues) therefore, we

will target those areas.

● DNR will ask the Commission members not present at the November 2018 meeting

whether they agree with the OAC recommendation to DNR that the Manokin and St

Mary’s River tributaries be chosen as the locations for large-scale oyster restoration

projects to satisfy Maryland’s commitment to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Agreement. (Mr. Legum and Ms. Swanson asked for this OAC recommendation)

● February agenda request for commissioners to discuss management options based on the

stock assessment, future research recommendations based on stock assessment, and the

ability to obtain a target and precautionary abundance biological reference points in the

assessment. (Requested by Mr. Clark and Ms. Swanson)

● DNR will provide information to the OAC on the report from the 2010-2016 power

dredge study conducted by the department. (Requested by Ken Lewis)

● DNR will ask OysterFutures to provide the OAC with additional information on their

modeled and non-modeled recommendations and planned economic analysis report that

will include analysis of the group’s recommendations including a discussion of

cumulative impact and best return on investment options. (Ms. Sowers and Delegate Rey

requested this follow-up at the August 2018 meeting)

● NOAA/Mr. Corson will provide information regarding the NOAA oyster second year

class restoration plantings and will verify any changes to the acreage requirements for the

St. Mary’s large-scale oyster sanctuary. (Ms. Colden requested this follow-up at the

August 2018 meeting)

Meeting Summary


November 19, 2018

4

SUMMARY

● DNR will provide information on the potential use in Maryland of disease resistant oyster

spat that has been successfully used for oyster restoration in Virginia. (Mr. Harrison’s

requested this follow-up at the August 2018 meeting)

MEETING SUMMARY:

Welcome and Meeting Summary Approval Ms. Kelley Cox, Co-chair

The August meeting summary was approved.

Large-Scale Restoration Sanctuary Update Ms. Jodi Baxter, DNR

The Manokin River in Somerset County has been recommended by DNR as the fifth tributary in

Maryland where a large-scale oyster restoration project will take place in order to satisfy

Maryland’s commitment to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. The Chesapeake Bay

agreement signatories agreed to the selection of ten tributaries for large-scale oyster restoration

projects, five in Maryland and five in Virginia. The Manokin River was recommended by DNR

(in lieu of Breton Bay) after a patent tong oyster survey in April 2018 found no oysters and a

significant lack of oyster habitat in Breton Bay. The Power Point presentation, which provides a

review of the April 2018 patent tong survey results, can be viewed on the OAC website.

Mr. Brown inquired about future management plans for Breton Bay Sanctuary and

requested that DNR prepare information regarding plans for shellfish management in

Breton Bay Sanctuary for the next meeting.

Mr. Harrison commented that after eight years of Breton Bay serving as an oyster

sanctuary, some oyster spat should have populated the location, yet survey results showed

no live oysters present after 237 samples were looked at.

Mr. Legum asked about the timeline for starting the large-scale oyster restoration project

on the Manokin.

o Ms. Baxter stated that the next steps are for DNR staff to complete the collection

and analysis Manokin River data, develop a blueprint plan for the restoration, and

present the draft of the blueprint to the OAC. The timeline for the project

construction will be developed once the blueprint plan is agreed upon.

Ms. Swanson asked if the Manokin and St. Mary’s tributaries have officially been

selected by the State of Maryland as the 4th and 5th tributaries for large-scale oyster

restoration in Maryland. She indicated that the GIT would prefer that Maryland provide

clarification on this question before the end of the calendar year. She noted that once the

State of Maryland makes the official announcement that the final two tributaries have

been selected, the Chesapeake Bay Program Goal Implementation Team and Mr. Corson

(chair of the team) will add information regarding these tributaries to their

communication materials and discussions.

o Mr. Judy stated that DNR staff members are developing plans for oyster

restoration projects in the Manokin and St. Mary’s tributaries. He indicated that

Meeting Summary


November 19, 2018

5

SUMMARY

he would check on the status and formal process for the selection of the tributaries

and would update Ms. Swanson and the OAC. – Completed. Once DNR and the

Interagency Workgroup analyze the data to determine the feasibility for the

tributary and consensus is reached on the blueprint, the Fisheries GIT approves

that the tributary qualifies and meets the objectives of the 2104 Watershed

Agreement. Once approved by the Fisheries GIT, approved resources are

obligated and activities associated with the restoration blueprint commence.

Ms. Colden reminded the OAC that at past meetings they had discussed using State

funding rather than federal funding for oyster restoration in the St. Mary’s tributary in

order to reserve federal funding for Breton Bay oyster restoration because Breton Bay

would require more funding in order to be successful. She noted that for the Manokin

tributary project (400 to 800 acres), the project would be larger than Harris Creek and

possibly larger than the Little Choptank oyster restoration project. Ms. Colden inquired

about the reason for the determination that there would be no USACE funds used for the

Manokin tributary since it will need a lot of funding to be successful.

o Mr. Judy replied that DNR would find out why there was a determination that

federal funding would not be used for the restoration of oyster habitat in the

Manokin tributary and will update Ms. Colden and the OAC regarding this issue.

Mr. Legum asked that the OAC recommend the two tributaries to DNR.

o The OAC approved the recommendation of the two tributaries.

o Ms. Swanson recommended that DNR ask the OAC members not present at the

November 2018 meeting whether they agree that the OAC recommend the

Manokin and St Mary’s River tributaries for designation as the locations for large-

scale oyster restoration projects to satisfy Maryland’s commitment to the

Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement.

Meeting Summary


November 19, 2018

6

SUMMARY

Stock Assessment Dr. Mike Wilberg, UMCES

The Maryland Oyster Stock Assessment study and results of the data analysis have been

reviewed through a formal peer review process. It was noted that although potential management

strategies are listed in the stock assessment, the modeling associated with the stock assessment

did not test whether specific management strategies could be effective. Therefore, management

recommendations are not included in the stock assessment. The presentation is available on the

OAC website.

Mr. Schott asked if the time series showing oyster harvest and oyster population growth

in the Manokin indicates that removals of oysters are above population growth. Does this

show that oyster harvest in the Manokin is over the threshold for sustainable harvest

rates?

o Dr. Wilberg confirmed that Mr. Schott’s interpretation is correct.

Mr. Schott asked about the data for the area labeled NOAA Code 57 (Manokin River).

He asked if the oyster sanctuary in the Manokin was designated as a state sanctuary in

2010 and whether the oyster abundance in the sanctuary in the Manokin is included in the

assessment calculation. If it is, how can fishing rates apply for an area that is an oyster

sanctuary that is protected from harvest?

o Dr. Wilberg explained that 82% of the area labeled NOAA Code 57 is located

within the Manokin River sanctuary (which was established in 2010). He

clarified that most oyster sanctuaries do not cover a complete NOAA code.

Almost all of the NOAA code areas have a portion where harvest is allowed. He

confirmed that oyster abundance in the sanctuary areas is included in the

assessment calculation for the NOAA code.

Mr. Schott asked for clarification on whether the Manokin River shows an increase in

oyster abundance without fishing pressure. For the time series from 1999 to 2017 is there

anything in the analysis that shows a shift towards oyster recovery as oyster sanctuaries

were put in place?

o Mr. Wilberg replied that the assessment team tried to look at the effects of

sanctuaries on oyster population. However, the sanctuaries do not completely

overlap the NOAA codes areas, which are used in the stock assessment. This

makes it difficult to answer the question. Even if the sanctuary is a large portion

of the NOAA code area, it does not necessarily represent the majority of oyster

habitat within the NOAA code area. This creates a challenge in answering Mr.

Schott’s question.

o Dr. Rago noted that a recent paper by Jason Peters, Oyster Demographics in

Harvested Reefs vs. No-Take Reserves: Implications for Larval Spillover and

Restoration Success, on restoration efforts in Pamlico Sound concluded that the

benefits of larvae spillover from a successful oyster sanctuary to the surrounding

habitat may not be realized if the oyster populations or habitats outside of reserves

are too degraded. If oyster larvae are being produced and transported, but are not

settling on suitable substrate for growth, it is difficult to observe and measure the

Meeting Summary


November 19, 2018

7

SUMMARY

potential benefits of the oyster restoration effort. (see

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2017.00326/full)

Mr. Corson observed that setting targets and thresholds are important for oyster recovery

just as they have been for the management of the blue crab fishery. He stated that the

distinctions between harvest and setting the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) on an

animal and calculating shell budget are inextricably intertwined. Therefore, observing

natural mortality adds to the complexity of the assessment.

o Dr. Wilberg explained that two different models were used for the stock

assessment and there are two different ways of incorporating habitat dynamics in

the modeling. The Maryland stage-structured stock assessment model, which

estimates mortality rates and abundance over time; and a separate reference point

model, which takes the estimates from the state structured assessment model and

estimates reference points are used. The stage-structured model has mortality that

varies every year. The stock assessment team estimates fishing mortality and

natural mortality. Habitat is factored into the stage-structured model because of

the importance of habitat for the interpretation of trends in the fall dredge survey.

Historically, the fall dredge survey has provided a record of the number of oysters

found in a bushel of clutch material; however earlier fall dredge surveys did not

provide information needed to directly estimate a trend in abundance. The

assessment model interprets that those records reflected the change in the number

of oysters per area of oyster habitat or per shell.

The stock assessment team needed to model how the amount of shell in the Bay is

changing over time. Other studies that have looked at how the amount of shell has

changed at various points from the Bay bottom survey were also used. The

reference point model includes shell information, which is an important part of an

oyster life cycle. The assessment team modeled how much shell is being

produced, how rapidly that shell is degrading, and estimated how many new

oysters are being produced per oyster that is already out there, which determined

the level of sustainable harvest. The number of new oysters produced also

depends on the amount of habitat there is.

The stock assessment report does not make any future targets for oyster

abundance, which goes back to potential shifting baselines. It is difficult to

determine what the potential is for population recovery. These predictions are not

made as part of the assessment at this time. Dr. Wilberg referred to Dr. Rago’s

comments on improving understanding of habitat dynamics using population

dynamics, which is critical in making these types of predictions.

Mr. Corson commented that for the NOAA code area 37 (Choptank River), millions of

spat-on-shell have been put into at least three tributaries in this NOAA code area.

However, the crossovers of the NOAA codes and sanctuaries make it difficult to separate

details out. The crossovers of the NOAA codes and sanctuaries need to be addressed in

order to design a management framework going forward. He stated that the oyster stock

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2017.00326/full

Meeting Summary


November 19, 2018

8

SUMMARY

assessment is a tool that is now available for defining areas that can sustain some harvest

(or not) and can be used to help pick and set objectives encompassing what DNR and

society are interested in.

o Mr. Wilberg agreed that the stock assessment had been designed to provide some

baseline information to assist with management goals.

Mr. Legum commented that in 2018 there was a lot of rain, which reduced the salinity of

in the Bay, which could affect oyster recruitment and mortality. How does this low

salinity affect the stock assessment results?

o Dr. Wilberg replied that the sock assessment model tries to interpret the signals of

data rather than the cause. That type of mechanism is not built in the model. Dr.

Wilberg stated that addressing this question (analyzing what has happened as a

result of so much rain this year) could be part of the next assessment.

Mr. Legum commented that where the baseline is set determines what goal is set. If the

baseline is set to the 2003 level, it does not leave much margin for error. If the baseline is

set at the 1999 level, that gives room to improve.

o Dr. Wilberg explained that the purpose of the reference point is to set a level

below which the population does not fall. It is not meant to be a target. It is a

population level for oysters below which it is unknown if an oyster population can

recover. Dr. Wilberg further explained the year of the minimum is different for

each the NOAA code.

Mr. Legum suggested that setting the level at 2005 guarantees that the population is never

going to go below about two percent of historic levels. Mr. Legum added he did not see

anything to reduce mortality and disease.

o Dr. Wilberg suggested looking at all the reference points together. In most

fisheries the amount harvested and what size is harvested can be controlled. In

oysters, there is also the ability to control habitat size and planted young. Those

are other management options that can be used. The reference point, which is

more important in the assessment, is the target harvest fraction, which should

allow for population recovery.

Mr. Gray inquired if the stock assessment team was tasked with providing management

recommendations based on their assessment.

o Dr. Wilberg responded that the stock assessment team was not asked to provide

management recommendations, they were asked to list potential management

strategies to be included as part of a legislative report to be delivered to the state

house on December 1, 2018.

Mr. Gray asked if the team had identified some strategies, which they thought would be

most appropriate.

o Dr. Wilberg replied that the stock assessment team did not do this because it

would be the same as making recommendations. There is no ranking of how well

different options work. The report has a list of options without ranking relating to

likelihood of success or magnitude of work and cost.

Meeting Summary


November 19, 2018

9

SUMMARY

Mr. Harrison noted that on slide 10 of the stock assessment, two areas that have the least

amount of natural mortality were areas that were power dredged and harvested. These

areas are Harris Creek, which had 30-40% oyster mortality, and St. Mary’s, which had

60% oyster mortality. It is often stated that power dredging is not ideal for the bay

bottom. The problem is in the next chart, which shows that 60% of the marketable oysters

were harvested because it is a small area to work with.

o Dr. Wilberg commented that the assessment team looked for patterns of natural

mortality and tried to identity anything particularly major. There is not much in

the report on it as it did not end up in the finalization of the report.

Mr. Clark encouraged Dr. Wilberg to speak to the aquaculture community since they could

provide interesting insights. The southern Maryland Shellfish Growth Association meets

every month at a location, which is 20 minutes from UMCES.

Ms. Colden asked if the prevalence of disease remained the same over the 15-year period,

although mortality from disease was low or if the prevalence of disease was also low

during the 15-year time period.

o Dr. Wilberg replied that the analysis that the assessment team did regarding

prevalence of disease was not included in the final version of the assessment. An

updated look at this question has been done outside of the assessment.

Ms. Colden asked DNR staff if the toolbox recommendations listed in this presentation

was included in the legislative report. Is the list considered by DNR to be the final

toolbox?

o Ms. Baxter replied that this is likely but other tools could be added in the future.

The recommendations in Dr. Wilberg’s presentation was the same draft list that

was included at the last OAC meeting.

o Ms. Colden commentated that she and other OAC members had provided

feedback, which was not included.

o Ms. Baxter replied that in the report coming out December 1, 2018, all feedback

from the commissioners would be included.

o Ms. Colden suggested that if there was feedback from the OAC that DNR

received regarding the toolbox list of recommendations but that was not addressed

in the list of recommendations, that DNR staff should include a reason as to why

this feedback was not addressed.

Ms. Colden asked how oyster abundance relates to the reference points, when do

management triggers kick in? Now that there is an idea what the oyster population is

relative to reference points. Ms. Colden inquired when action would be taken. Ms.

Colden asked if there is any existing legislation or statute that indicates when

management actions needs to be applied if a threshold is exceeded.

o Mr. Judy replied that currently a mandated threshold does not exist. Input is

needed from the OAC followed by input from public meetings. The legislature

will also be consulted. Further down the road, DNR will be amending the oyster

Meeting Summary


November 19, 2018

10

SUMMARY

management plan (OMP). Regarding existing statute (or regulation), there are no

additional requirements in statute or regulation to compel DNR to take corrective

management action if a threshold is exceeded or if the population is considered

overfished/depleted. The revision to the OMP can address management responses

but even then, there is the usual regulatory process to go through to enact them.

Ms. Colden asked since the stock assessment is now available and at hand when DNR

will be starting the fishery management plan.

o Mr. Judy replied DNR will be starting the fishery management plan as soon as the

report is available. The process will be occurring many months down the road

through 2019.

Mr. Kilinski asked about terms of the reference #2, depletion analysis. Mr. Kilinski

expressed concern that the stock assessment started in 1999 before the sanctuaries came

online. Mr. Kilinski explained that that the buy tickets, and harvest hours that

accumulated included 1999 data in areas that are now sanctuaries.

o Dr. Wilberg confirmed Mr. Kilinski’s statement is correct. This is not something

the assessment team tried to estimate as part of the assessment.

Mr. Brown agreed with Mr. Kilinski about bottom that was taken for the sanctuaries. Mr.

Brown inquired why the NOAA code for the Patuxent (368) and Potomac (274) on slide

15, shows a threshold rate of zero and a target rate of zero. Mr. Brown commentated that

the bottom lost to the sanctuaries is 25%, but it was 75% of the best bottom. Mr. Brown

believes the loss is a contributor to many places that indicate fishing over the upper

threshold rate on the chart on slide 15 shows. Mr. Brown commented that more oysters

are produced in those areas than any part of the state. Mr. Brown expressed concern

about placing too many restrictions on those areas and used the example of Breton Bay.

o Dr. Wilberg explained that in the NOAA code for the Patuxent and Potomac on

slide 15, if reliance is solely on natural reproduction, the fishery is not sustainable

without other management actions. It is also the same for other NOAA codes with

a zero value. If replenishment planting efforts were conducted, those areas can

still a support a fishery.

Mr. Schott asked whether, if the abundance chart started in a year prior to 1999, would

the fishing rates change very much? Mr. Schott asked Mr. Kiliniski if his concerns were

related to the fairness and whether a change in regulations would greatly affect

waterman? Mr. Schott added that it appeared that disease mortality, not the

establishment of sanctuaries, was the cause of a decline in harvest. However, the

assessment does not give a clear answer regarding this question.

o Mr. Kilinski commentated that much of the good bay bottom is in designated

sanctuaries. In 1999 the buy tickets for harvest are in areas that are sanctuaries

now, specifically.

o Dr. Wilberg replied that 1999 was a relatively good year because there was a

strong 1997 spat set that was growing up into adulthood. If the assessment started

in 1995 it would have started out with having a lower level abundance. There was

Meeting Summary


November 19, 2018

11

SUMMARY

major disease mortality from 1999 to 2002 that wiped out a substantial portion of

population.

o Dr. Wilberg explained the results of the assessment show that the most recent

patterns can be traced back to 1999. The assessment team chose this year because

of data availability (particularly the number of licenses per vessel being added to

the buy tickets). All that information is in the report and is available for viewing.

The question about whether the starting year changes the estimate and therefore

changes the status is difficult to answer because the patterns of spat production,

natural mortality, and harvest go into estimates of sustainable harvest rates.

Different periods would cause those patterns to change and if the estimate was

done again some of those numbers would change.

o Mr. Schott added that he would like to think that the model had looked at good

and bad years and that the spectrum of what happens is captured. It gives him

confidence in the scientific bases behind the model. He noted that where to go

with management is a societal question. Mr. Schott hopes everyone is comfortable

in the science behind the model.

o Dr. Wilberg noted that the reference points are bracketing the environmental

conditions that have persisted between 1999 and 2017. If the system acts different

from the bracket, then it needs to be considered.

Ms. Swanson commented on slide 17, Abundance Biological Reference Point

Threshold Only. Ms. Swanson cited her experience with Chesapeake Bay Commission

and her familiarity with precautionary zones as part of fisheries management of blue crab.

Why was a precautionary zone not established one or two notches above the red line on

the chart? Also, on slide 15, shaded boxes represent the fishing over the target rate and

under the threshold. Ms. Swanson wanted to know what is that target, the process for

development of that target, and if that target is a piece of the report that is going to the

general assembly. Ms. Swanson asked if the targets are only for Dr. Wilberg’s research

or stock assessment.

o Dr. Wilberg confirmed that Ms. Swanson’s statement is correct, and that

Maryland has three requirements for reference points that need to be included in

the fishery management package: upper threshold on fishing mortality rate, target

for fishing mortality rate, minimum level of abundance. Other parameters for

management such a precautionary buffer for abundance or target level of

abundance were not required and therefore were not included in the stock

assessment

Ms. Swanson stated that Maryland has a history of recognizing the importance of using a

precautionary buffer. She asked that future OAC meetings consider a precautionary

buffer because it was an important and successful part of fisheries management for the

blue crab fishery.

Ms. Sowers asked DNR with respect to the toolbox if there is information and tools

available to evaluate the management options.

Meeting Summary


November 19, 2018

12

SUMMARY

o Dr. Wilberg replied that currently the stock assessment team does not have the

tools available to evaluate all the potential management options. It is one of the

reasons why there are no management recommendations included in the report.

Mr. Legum asked about recruitment in the Northern part of the Bay compared to

Virginia, which has better recruitment. He inquired about the reason for worse

recruitment.

o Dr. Wilberg commentated that the assessment team did not analyze specific

reasons for worse recruitment in certain areas. The general pattern previously

identified in literature is that recruitment is strongly affected by salinity. If there is

lower salinity there is less recruitment.

Mr. Corson inquired about how the stock assessment analysis addresses improving oyster

stock Bay-wide and if a rebuilding plan is needed for the entire Bay even though

sustainable harvest is possible in certain individual areas. Mr. Corson also asked if there

is any treatment of metapopulation dynamics between the NOAA code areas.

o Dr. Wilberg replied that the model does not include metapopulation dynamics.

Metapopulation dynamics involves connections between NOAA codes. The

NOAA codes are considered separate unconnected locations in the model. The

stock assessment does not make the connection and creating those connections is

difficult because there is no information to allow the assessment team to

mechanistically track movement of larvae of oysters from one location to another

(as there would be when a finfish stock assessment is done). There is currently no

data to trace the movement of oyster larvae to directly estimate recruitment. The

assessment does not make statements on bay-wide stock status. Oyster stock

status is estimated within each NOAA code area separately.

Mr. Fithian commented that that spikes in oyster recruitment are related to the quantity of

shell on the bottom. The more shell there is, the larger the spike in recruitment. Mr.

Fithian recalled that years ago there was a shell program where shell would be placed on

oyster bars distributed across the Bay. This program was largely successful, but it was

stopped 12 to 13 years ago, which has led to depleted oyster populations. He explained

that power dredging kept oyster bars clean of disease and silt. Mr. Fithian stressed that

older DNR management programs did great service to the Chesapeake Bay and asked

that these programs be implemented again. Mr. Fithian added that sanctuaries in the

Chester River have not been performing successfully in terms of recruitment and have

not been successful in helping other surrounding areas. If the Chester River was looked at

before it was shut down, a comparison would show that there are less oysters there today

compared to eight or nine years ago.

o Dr. Wilberg explained that Mr. Fithian is commenting on the likelihood of

outcomes of different management actions that have been taken, which the

assessment does not cover. The performance of sanctuaries differs depending on

the location. He noted that Mr. Fithian’s description of the decline of oysters in

the Chester River aligns closely with the results from the stock assessment. He

noted that an oyster management action in one place in the Bay might not perform

well as compared to the same action in another location in the Bay. The stock

Meeting Summary


November 19, 2018

13

SUMMARY

assessment gives a baseline for trying to understand what has happened in the last

18 years.

Mr. Fithian explained that if an oyster bar is left alone without growing oysters covering

it, the shell on the oyster bar will naturally degrade. If there is a spike in oyster spat

production, there is less shell for the larvae to attach to. Clean shell is needed for spat to

attach to. Mr. Fithian suggests more action is needed to make sure clean shell is available

at the appropriate time of the year.

Mr. Lewis inquired about the results of the DNR 2010 study and the Swan Point pilot

study and what they report on concerning power dredging and oyster harvest

management.

o Ms. Baxter explained that the 2010 power dredge study has been completed and

the Swan Point study is ongoing. Reporting on these studies is not available yet.

Oyster Stock Assessment Peer Review

Dr. Paul Rago, Science and Statistical Committee of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management

Council (SSC) A technical presentation was provided to describe the Maryland Oyster Stock Assessment and

the peer review results. The peer review panel noted that all stock assessments are a compromise

between the ideal and the realized. They concluded that the Maryland Oyster Stock Assessment

deals with these compromises in a rigorous and scientifically credible way. Additionally, the

assessment results can serve as a basis for management decisions. The power point presentation

is available on the OAC website.

Mr. Gray asked Dr. Rago if the list of management strategies that the stock assessment

team provided is full and complete.

o Dr. Rago and Dr. Wilberg indicated that report that was given to the peer review

panel did not include the list of management strategies. The peer review panel

was not asked to look at policy issues.

Mr. Clark expressed concern that the bullet point on slide 17, “need fine-scale

information and experimental design,” is not included in the recommendations. Mr. Clark

asked if it was the review panel’s decision to not put this bullet point in the

recommendations.

o Dr. Rago replied that he would review the wording. He explained that this

language refers to finer scale issues in stock assessment. He stated that it was not

the intent of the peer review panel to dismiss the utility of policy decisions and

investments. The objectives of the stock assessment are challenging, and the

assessment is better suited to improving the understanding of local dynamics, the

hydrographic conditions, salinity changes, the import and export of larvae across

the sanctuary boundaries to the adjacent areas and what could affect the success

of exported larvae.

Mr. Clark asked if the OAC would have the opportunity to review and discuss the

recommendations that come from the stock assessment effort, since some of the

Meeting Summary


November 19, 2018

14

SUMMARY

recommendations may call for actions on the part of DNR. He indicated that this should

take place at the next OAC meeting.

o Mr. Judy responded that the OAC will have opportunities to provide input on the

recommendations and on the tool box management strategies at futures OAC

meetings. He indicated that he was not sure what topics would be discussed at the

next OAC meeting.

o Dr. Wilberg noted that the stock assessment team’s detailed research

recommendations are focused on general questions that the assessment team

thinks should be answered and are not going to be recommendations for specific

methods that should be used.

Public Comment

Mr. Maginnes commented that there are different ecological and manmade events that impact

oyster populations. He asked what the report is missing and what can be added.

Dr. Wilberg explained that the report describes patterns over time such as the numbers of oyster

spat in different regions. The assessment team does not specify or estimate the causation of the

patterns. The report does not go into detail about the potential effects of different mechanisms.

Next Meeting

● The next OAC meeting will be held on February 11, 2019 at the Calvary United

Methodist Church’s Fellowship Hall.

__________________________________________________________________

Vision: Sustainably Managing Atlantic Coastal Fisheries 2019 Winter Meeting

Arlington, VA February 5 – February 7, 2019

Toni Kerns, ISFMP, or Tina Berger, Communications

For more information, please contact the identified individual at

703.842.0740

Meeting Summaries, Press Releases and Motions TABLE OF CONTENTS: ATLANTIC HERRING MANAGEMENT BOARD (FEBRUARY 5, 2019) ....................................................... 3

Press Release ........................................................................................................................................ 3 Meeting Summary ................................................................................................................................ 3 Motions ................................................................................................................................................ 4

WINTER FLOUNDER MANAGEMENT BOARD (FEBRUARY 5, 2019) ....................................................... 4

Meeting Summary ................................................................................................................................ 4 Motions ................................................................................................................................................ 5

SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP AND BLACK SEA BASS MANAGEMENT BOARD (FEBRUARY 5, 2019) ......... 5


AMERICAN LOBSTER MANAGEMENT BOARD (FEBRUARY 5, 2019) ..................................................... 7


EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (FEBRUARY 6, 2019) .................................................................................... 9

Meeting Summary ................................................................................................................................ 9 Motions .............................................................................................................................................. 10

ATLANTIC COASTAL COOPERATIVE STATISTICS COORDINATING COUNCIL (FEBRUARY 6, 2019) ......... 10

Meeting Summary .............................................................................................................................. 10 Motions .............................................................................................................................................. 10

Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission

2019 Winter Meeting Summary

2

SOUTH ATLANTIC STATE/FEDERAL FISHERIES MANAGEMENT BOARD (FEBRUARY 6, 2019) .............. 11


SHAD AND RIVER HERRING MANAGEMENT BOARD (FEBRUARY 6, 2019) ......................................... 11


ATLANTIC STRIPED BASS MANAGEMENT BOARD (FEBRUARY 6, 2019) ............................................. 12


ATLANTIC MENHADEN MANAGEMENT BOARD (FEBRUARY 7, 2019) ................................................ 13

Press Release ...................................................................................................................................... 13 Meeting Summary .............................................................................................................................. 14 Motions .............................................................................................................................................. 14

INTERSTATE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT POLICY BOARD (FEBRUARY 7, 2019) .................................... 15


3

ATLANTIC HERRING MANAGEMENT BOARD (FEBRUARY 5, 2019) Press Release

ASMFC Atlantic Herring Board Approves Draft Addendum II for Public Comment Draft Addendum Considers Measures to Protect Spawning Herring in Area 1A

Arlington, VA – The Commission’s Atlantic Herring Management Board approved Draft Addendum II to Amendment 3 of the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Herring for public comment. The Draft Addendum proposes options to strengthen spawning protections in Area 1A (inshore Gulf of Maine). This action responds to the results of the 2018 Benchmark Stock Assessment which showed reduced levels of recruitment and spawning stock biomass over the past five years, with 2016 recruitment levels the lowest on record. Currently, the Board uses a series of closures to protect spawning aggregations in the Gulf of Maine. These closures, which were implemented through Amendment 3, use biological samples to annually project the start of spawning. The closures are initially implemented for four weeks but can be extended by two additional weeks if samples indicate the continued presence of spawning herring. Recent analysis by the Atlantic Herring Technical Committee found that while the current spawning closure system was significantly improved under Amendment 3, the protocol could continue to be strengthened by considering when, and for how long, a closure is initiated. Specifically, the analysis showed, under the current protocol, spawning closures are initiated when there are approximately 25% spawners in the fishery; greater protection could be provided by initiating a closure when a lower percentage of the population is spawning and extending the closure for a longer time. As a result, Draft Addendum II considers extending the length of the spawning closures as well as altering the point at which closures are triggered in order to provide greater protection to the stock. Interested groups are encouraged to provide input on the Draft Addendum either by attending state public hearings or providing written comment. The Draft Addendum will available on the Commission website (www.asmfc.org) under Public Input by February 20, 2019. Public comment will be accepted until 5:00 PM (EST) on April 3, 2019 and should be forwarded to Megan Ware, FMP Coordinator, 1050 N. Highland St., Suite 200 A-N, Arlington, Virginia 22201; 703.842.0741 (fax) or at [email protected] (Subject line: Atlantic Herring Draft Addendum II). It is anticipated some states will conduct public hearings on the Draft Addendum; the details of which will be released via a press release once they are finalized. For more information, please contact Megan Ware at [email protected] or 703.842.0740.

### PR19-03

Meeting Summary In addition to approving Draft Addendum II for public comment (see press release), the Board also reviewed a report from the Advisory Panel on the annual specification of Area 1A quota periods. This report was prompted by a motion made in October 2018 which considered initiating an addendum to provide greater flexibility to the Board when setting quota periods. This motion was subsequently postponed to provide an opportunity for AP input. As outlined in the AP Report, industry members were split in their support for this motion. Some felt the Board already had enough flexibility when setting quota periods and that additional regulations would be burdensome to industry; others noted

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the need for additional flexibility given the expected reduction in herring quotas. Following the AP Report, the Board voted not to initiate a draft addendum to increase flexibility when setting quota periods given uncertainty surrounding the 2019 and 2020 sub-ACLs. Next, ASMFC staff provided an update on Draft Addendum III, which was initiated in October 2018 to establish spawning protections in Area 3. Staff noted the New England Fishery Management Council added Georges Bank spawning protections as a 2019 work priority. As a result, there is potential to collaborate on the investigation of applicable data and potential management strategies. Finally, the Board tabled action to set 2019 fishery specifications (i.e. the 2019 sub-ACLs) given values were not available from NOAA Fisheries at the time of the Board meeting (see Policy Board meeting summary). For more information, please contact Megan Ware, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at [email protected] or 703.842.0740. Motions Move to approve Atlantic Herring Draft Addendum II for public comment. Motion made by Mr. Grout and seconded by Dr. Pierce. Motion carries unanimously. Postponed Motion from October 2018: Move to initiate an Addendum which considers providing the Atlantic Herring Board greater flexibility to set annual quota period specifications for the Area 1A fishery. This issue can be included in the addendum initiated regarding the Gulf of Maine herring spawning protections, or it can be a separate document. Task the PDT to expand the quota period options to increase flexibility when distributing harvest during the months of July through September. However, in years of higher sub-ACLs, choose options that would allow for expansion of harvest to meet the needs of the market. Move to table indefinitely. Motion made by Mr. White and seconded by Mr. Kane. Motion carries unanimously. Move to postpone final action on Atlantic herring specifications until Policy Board on Thursday if NOAA Fisheries provides the final rule. Motion made by Mr. Grout and seconded by Mr. Train. Motion carries unanimously. WINTER FLOUNDER MANAGEMENT BOARD (FEBRUARY 5, 2019) Meeting Summary The Winter Flounder Management Board reviewed fishery specifications for the 2019 fishing year, approved the 2019 FMP Review and state compliance reports, and discussed a recent scientific paper on environmental factors contributing to the recovery of the winter flounder stock. ASMFC staff reviewed the current commercial and recreational winter flounder specifications as well as catch estimates from the 2017 fishing year. While catch in states waters of the Gulf of Maine exceeded the state-waters sub-component, the Board agreed to maintain the current regulations given total catch was well below the ACL.


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The Board also reviewed a paper entitled “Rebuilding in the face of climate change” by Bell et al. (2018) which investigated the effect of environmental factors on the recovery of the Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic winter flounder stock. Given its relevance, the Board agreed to have technical representatives review this document and discuss its management implications. The Board also agreed to request the New England Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee participate in the discussion of the paper. For more information, please contact Megan Ware, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at [email protected] or 703.842.0740. Motions Move to approve the 2019 Winter Flounder FMP Review and state compliance reports. Motion made by Mr. Hasbrouck and seconded by Mr. Ballou. Motion approved unanimously. SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP AND BLACK SEA BASS MANAGEMENT BOARD (FEBRUARY 5, 2019) Press Release

ASMFC Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Board Approves Status Quo Measures for 2019 Recreational Black Sea Bass Fishery

Arlington, VA – The Commission’s Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Management Board approved status quo measures for the 2019 black sea bass recreational fishery (see Table 1). This action is based on the recommendations of its Technical Committee, which found that status quo measures are not likely to exceed the coastwide recreational harvest limit for 2019. Based on the most

State Minimum Size Possession Limit Open Season

ME 13" 10 fish May 19–Sep 21; Oct 18–Dec 31

NH 13" 10 fish Jan 1–Dec 31

MA 15" 5 fish May 19–Sep 12

RI 15" 3 fish Jun 24–Aug 31

7 fish Sep 1–Dec 31

CT Private/Shore 15" 5 fish May 19–Dec 31

Authorized Party/Charter 15"

5 fish May 19–Aug 31 7 fish Sep 1–Dec 31

NY 15" 3 fish Jun 23–Aug 31 7 fish Sep 1–Dec 31

NJ

12.5" 10 fish May 15–Jun 22 12.5" 2 fish Jul 1–Aug 31 12.5" 10 fish Oct 8–Oct 31 13" 15 fish Nov 1–Dec 31

DE, MD, VA, & NC (North of Cape Hatteras) 12.5" 15 fish May 15–Dec 31

Table 1. 2019 Black Sea Bass Recreational Management Measures


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recent stock assessment, the stock is estimated to be above the biomass target and not experiencing overfishing.

The Board also approved proposals from Virginia and North Carolina to participate in the February 2019 recreational fishery specified by NOAA Fisheries. The season will be open from February 1-28, 2019 with a 12.5 inch minimum size limit and 15 fish possession limit. To account for any harvest in February, Virginia and North Carolina will adjust their management measures later in the season, if necessary. Recreational anglers should verify regulations with their respective states.

### PR19-05

Meeting Summary The Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Management Board met to consider approval of scup proposals for 2019 recreational measures, finalize 2019 black sea bass recreational measures, consider Virginia and North Carolina proposals for Wave 1 recreational fishery, and receive a progress report from the Black Sea Bass Commercial Working Group.

For scup, the northern region of Massachusetts through New York submitted proposals to adjust their 2019 recreational management measures. At its previous meeting in December, the Board approved continuation of ad hoc management of the recreational scup fishery for 2019. The 2019 RHL for scup is 7.37 million pounds, and based on preliminary 2018 harvest estimates (5.61 million pounds through October), measures could be adjusted to allow up to an approximate 30% increase in harvest for 2019. Taking this into account, the northern region states requested the Technical Committee (TC) review analysis exploring increases to the for-hire possession limit and adjusting the ‘bonus season’ which currently allows for a higher possession limit during two months in the fishing season. The northern region states put forward six different proposals for 2019 measures, including possession limit increases for both private and shore-based anglers as well as the for-hire sector. A majority of the proposals to adjust measures for the for-hire sector demonstrated a potential coastwide harvest increase of 3% or less. The TC reviewed the proposals and recommended the Board only consider approving options that adjust the for-hire possession limit and bonus season due to uncertainty in how coastwide harvest could increase as a result of changes to the possession limit for other fishing modes. Additionally, the TC recommended states use the ‘additive’ approach to explore other options outside of those already evaluated; this is the standard method the TC has used to evaluate changes in recreational measures. The Board approved the TC’s recommendations and the states will finalize their 2019 recreational scup regulations in the next few weeks. For black sea bass, in addition to finalizing 2019 recreational measures, the Board received a report from the Commercial Black Sea Bass Working Group, which was formed in August 2018 to identify management issues related to changes in stock distribution and abundance. Over the course of several conference calls from September 2018 to January 2019, the Working Group identified two key issues with regard to commercial black sea bass management, proposed goals and objectives for the commercial fishery, and developed potential management strategies for Board consideration. First, the Working Group highlighted that state commercial quota allocations have remained unchanged for 15 years, though scientific evidence supports shifts in distribution and abundance of black sea bass. A second issue the Group identified is that coastwide commercial quota management can limit harvest opportunities for some states if another state’s harvest overage results in a coastwide fishery closure.

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Related to the issue of state commercial allocations, the Working Group proposed a dynamic approach for gradually adjusting allocations using a combination of information on commercial landings and resource abundance and distribution. The Group also recommended consideration of a timeline or trigger for reevaluation of state commercial allocations. The Board supported further development of the strategies proposed by the Working Group, as well as additional management options brought forward by Board members. A Plan Development Team (PDT) will be formed to perform analyses and develop potential management options as specified by the Board. For more information on scup, please contact Kirby Rootes-Murdy, Senior Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at [email protected] and for more information on black sea bass, please contact Caitlin Starks, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at [email protected]. Motions Move to approve methodologies used to develop Scup Northern Region Measures for the 2019 fishing season as recommended by the Technical Committee. Motion made by Ms. Meserve and seconded by Mr. Hasbrouck. Motion approved by consent. Move to approve status quo black sea bass recreational measures for 2019. Motion made by Mr. Gates and seconded by Mr. Borden. Motion approved by consent with one abstention (NMFS). (Roll Call: In favor – NH, MA, RI, CT, NY, NJ, DE, MD, PRFC, VA, NC, USFWS; Abstentions – NMFS). Move to approve the Virginia and North Carolina February recreational black sea bass fisheries. Motion made by Mr. O’Reilly and seconded by Mr. Gilmore. Motion passes unanimously (Roll Call: In favor – NH, MA, RI, CT, NY, NJ, DE, MD, PRFC, VA, NC, NMFS, USFWS). Move to form a PDT and task the PDT to further develop the options discussed by the Working Group, those discussed today, and those offered to the Chair by February 15. Motion made by Mr. Borden and seconded by Mr. Kane. Motion passes (10 in favor, 1 opposed, 2 abstentions). AMERICAN LOBSTER MANAGEMENT BOARD (FEBRUARY 5, 2019) Press Release

ASMFC American Lobster Board Initiates Draft Addendum XXVIII

Arlington, VA – The Commission’s American Lobster Management Board initiated Draft Addendum XXVIII to Amendment 3 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for American Lobster. The Draft Addendum considers reducing the number of vertical lines in the water in response to concerns about the North Atlantic right whale population and the potential impacts of whale conservation measures on the conduct of the lobster fishery.


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“With this proposed action, the Board is entering uncertain waters,” stated Maine Commissioner Pat Keliher. “However, as the lead management authority for American lobster, we have a responsibility to ensure the viability of the lobster fishery. Through the active engagement of the states and the lobster industry in our management process, we believe the Board is best suited to navigate the growing challenges facing the lobster fishery.” A key focus of the Board meeting was the intersection of lobster management and the conservation of protected resources. While the Commission is primarily a forum for the Atlantic coast states to cooperatively manage fish and shellfish species, the Board noted several factors associated with North Atlantic right whale conservation which could substantially impact the economic and cultural future of the lobster fishing industry. These include future recommendations of the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team and the anticipated Biological Opinion being developed under the Endangered Species Act. Given the high economic value of the lobster fishery and its social significance to coastal communities, the Board agreed it is important to ensure the implementation of measures to conserve North Atlantic right whales takes place in a way that maintains the sustainability and culture of the lobster fishery. Draft Addendum XXVIII will propose options to reduce vertical lines from zero to 40%, to be achieved by trap limits, gear configuration changes, seasonal closures, and/or the acceleration of currently planned trap reductions. The Board noted reductions will consider ongoing state and federal management actions, including trap reductions and trap caps, which have already reduced vertical lines. By initiating this action, states can continue to cooperatively participate in the management of this species during ongoing discussions on the conservation of North Atlantic right whales. In addition, those who are most familiar with the intricacies of the lobster fishery, including industry, can provide input on future regulations. For more information, please contact Megan Ware, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at [email protected] or 703.842.0740.

### PR19-04

Meeting Summary In addition to initiating Draft Addendum XXVIII (see press release), the Board received an update from the Lobster Enforcement Vessel Working Group, which was established to address enforcement concerns in the offshore lobster fishery. The Working Group is currently discussing ways to obtain an offshore enforcement vessel but noted that vessel tracking will be needed to understand where lobster gear is being hauled. The Board also received updates on the implementation of Jonah crab regulations in New York and Delaware. Both states have begun regulatory processes and are expected to have regulations in place by Spring 2019. Finally, Jeff Kipp provided an update on progress of the 2020 Lobster Benchmark Stock Assessment. The Stock Assessment Subcommittee met in January 2019 for their first Assessment Workshop and developed a continuity model. A second Assessment Workshop is scheduled for the Fall 2019 where the Subcommittee will finalize a base run of the model.


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For more information, please contact Megan Ware, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at [email protected] or 703.842.0740. Motions Move to initiate an addendum to reduce the number of vertical lines in the water. The PDT should consider the following as specified in the Lobster-Whale Work Group Memo. The PDT may need to consider the ongoing activities of the ALWTRT when drafting this document. • Reduction of vertical lines by 20% to 40% for each LCMA (exclusive of LCMA 6). Percent

reductions by LCMA may differ given ongoing and future trap reductions as well as newly proposed or implemented area closures in state and federal waters.

• In LCMAs 1, 4, 5, and OCC: reductions can be achieved by trap limits, gear configurations, season closures, or other measures.

• In LCMAs 2 and 3: reductions can be achieved by gear configurations, seasonal closures, acceleration of current planned trap reduction, or other measures.

• Elimination of the 10% replacement trap tag provision. • Developing a method for reporting vertical line and trap use by individuals in each jurisdiction

until 100% harvester reporting is implemented in state and federal waters. Motion made by Mr. Borden and seconded by Mr. Grout. Motion carries (11 in favor). Move that the Lobster Board recommend to the Policy Board that a letter be sent to NOAA Fisheries for consideration by the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team to develop and support a suite of options for electronic vessel monitoring for federally permitted vessels. Motion made by Mr. Keliher and seconded by Mr. Abbott. Motion carries (10 in favor, 1 abstention). EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (FEBRUARY 6, 2019) Meeting Summary The Executive Committee met to discuss a number of issues, including priorities for “plus-up” federal funds; ACCSP recreational data collection; outreach on the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP); aquaculture projects; management board working groups; the Legislators and Governors’ Appointees (LGA) primer; and Awards Committee Standard Operating Practices and Procedures (SOPPs). The following action items resulted from the Committee’s discussions:

• “Plus-up Funds” – The Executive Committee decided to postpone decisions on allocating the remaining $200,000 in plus-up funds, pending passage of the FY19 federal budget.

• ACCSP Recreational Data Collection – Members discussed the pros and cons of the states assuming conduct of the for-hire telephone survey (FHTS) in 2020. The Committee directed ACCSP staff to work with NOAA Fisheries to initiate the transition to state/ACCSP conduct of the FHTS. States will have the option of conducting the telephone survey or they can have the ACCSP complete the required telephone calls. The Executive Committee will be updated on the progress at its next meeting.

• MRIP Outreach – The Committee supports the recommended effort to develop consistent/generic information on MRIP for inclusion on state websites.


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• Aquaculture Activities – On February 4, the Commission issued a Request for Proposals to form regionally focused research consortia that will address critical research needs surrounding shellfish aquaculture. Proposals for any shellfish species will be accepted, however, oysters are the priority species. The pre-proposal deadline is March 15, 2019.

• Use and Structure of Management Board Working Groups – Based on concerns about the increasing use of management board working groups and the lack of defined guidelines for their use and operation, the Committee tasked staff with developing working group guidance, highlighting the need for a clear charge, specific tasks and a defined end point.

• Awards Committee SOPPs – The guidance document prepared by the Awards Committee was approved by the Committee.

• LGA Primer - Dennis Abbott and Roy Miller presented for the Committee’s review a primer for new LGA primer to help orient them to the Commission’s process. The primer will be considered for approval at the Spring Meeting.

For more information, please contact Laura Leach, Director of Finance and Administration, at [email protected] or 703.842.0740.

Motions Move that we sit tight right now on allocating the $400,000 Plus-up funds, since we don’t know what the FY19 budget will be. Motion made by Mr. Boyles and seconded by Mr. Blazer. Motion passes unanimously. Move to initiate transitioning FHTS to state conduct. Motion made by Dr. McNamee and seconded Senator Miner. Motion passes (16 in favor, 1 opposed). The Awards Committee SOPPs were adopted by unanimous consent. ATLANTIC COASTAL COOPERATIVE STATISTICS COORDINATING COUNCIL (FEBRUARY 6, 2019) Meeting Summary The ACCSP Coordinating Council met to receive Program Updates, the results of a data validation survey, and a briefing on changes in the funding status. Staff presented the current funding status which remains unknown and provided updates on new systems and significant system updates. For Access Point Angler Intercept Survey, two new systems were presented that automated previously largely manual data processes. The preliminary indications are that the systems will greatly improve efficiency. A new automated confidentiality management system was also presented. The Council had no motions or actions for this meeting, but planned to perform a more comprehensive review of the data validation survey at the next meeting. For more information, please contact Mike Cahall, ACCSP Director, at [email protected]. Motions No motions made.



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SOUTH ATLANTIC STATE/FEDERAL FISHERIES MANAGEMENT BOARD (FEBRUARY 6, 2019) Meeting Summary The South Atlantic State/Federal Fisheries Management Board met to provide additional guidance to the Cobia Plan Development Team on accountability options that should be included in Draft Amendment 1 to the Atlantic Cobia Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The Board was in favor of maintaining status quo accountability measures of the FMP, as much as possible, through redefining some terminology currently dependent on the federal Coastal Migratory Pelagics Fishery Management Plan, but not including options to make significant changes to accountability measures. The Board also indicated that options to establish de minimis criteria and management should be incorporated into the Draft Amendment. The Board is expected to review the Draft Amendment for public comment in May 2019. The Board reviewed and approved annual FMP Review for spot, de minimis requests for New Jersey and Georgia. For more information, please contact Dr. Mike Schmidtke, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at [email protected] or 703.842.0740. Motions Move to approve the 2018 Spot FMP Review, state compliance reports, and de minimis status for New Jersey and Georgia. Motion made by Ms. Fegley and seconded by Dr. Rhodes. Motion carries unanimously. SHAD AND RIVER HERRING MANAGEMENT BOARD (FEBRUARY 6, 2019)

Meeting Summary The Shad and River Herring Management Board met to receive an update on the progress of the American shad benchmark stock assessment, review an updated shad sustainable fishery management plan (SFMP) for Massachusetts, and receive an update from the Technical Committee (TC) regarding progress on the task assigned to it in October 2017. Staff provided the Board with an update on the ongoing Benchmark Assessment for American shad. In November the stock assessment subcommittee (SAS) convened for a Methods Workshop, where they reviewed data, defined the stock structure for the assessment, and identified assessment methods given the available data. At the workshop, the SAS encountered various issues related to data submission and QA/QC as well as workload bottlenecks for assessing the 31 stocks defined at the workshop, which will result in delayed completion of the assessment. The SAS recommended a revised assessment timeline with the completion date moved from the 2019 Annual Meeting to the 2020 Summer Meeting. The Board was also presented an updated SFMP for American shad from Massachusetts. Following the TC’s recommendation, the Board approved the updated SFMP as presented. The approved SFMP will be available on the Commission website, www.asmfc.org, on the Shad and River Herring webpage. Lastly, the Board received an update on the October 2017 Board task directing the TC to develop recommendations to address the issue of management inconsistencies with the language in


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Amendments 2 and 3, which requires SFMPs with quantifiable metrics of sustainability for all river systems with open fisheries for river herring or shad. The TC has formed a task group to continue gathering data on these inconsistencies, and propose potential strategies for resolving identified conflicts before reporting back to the Board. For more information, please contact Caitlin Starks, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at [email protected] or 703.842.0740. Motions Move to approve the Massachusetts Shad SFMP update. Motion made by Mr. Armstrong and seconded by Mr. Davis. Motion carries unanimously. ATLANTIC STRIPED BASS MANAGEMENT BOARD (FEBRUARY 6, 2019) Meeting Summary The Striped Bass Management Board (Board) met to review preliminary findings from the 2018 Benchmark Stock Assessment. Unfortunately, due to the partial lapse in federal appropriations, the final assessment and peer-review panel reports were not available for this meeting. Board review of those reports will occur in May 2019 at the Commission’s Spring Meeting. For this assessment, the statistical-catch-at-age (SCA) model currently used for management was extensively modified to allow the modeling of two biologically distinct stocks. However, based on conversations that occurred at the 66th Stock Assessment Workshop in November 2018, it is anticipated that the Stock Assessment Review Committee will not endorse the use of the two-stock model to serve as a basis for fishery management advice, and instead will recommend that the single-stock SCA model be used for management. Accordingly, the Board reviewed results of the single-stock SCA model which indicated that the stock was overfished and experiencing overfishing in 2017, the terminal year of the assessment. These results are not expected to change with the release of the final assessment and peer-review reports. Please refer to the meeting materials at http://www.asmfc.org/home/2019-winter-meeting for more information regarding data usage, model configuration and diagnostics, model results, model projections, etc. Following review, the Board discussed the need for adaptive management to end overfishing and increase female spawning stock biomass. The Board decided to wait to take management action (i.e., initiate the development of a plan amendment or addendum) until it can formally review and approve the final assessment and peer review panel reports for management use. In the interim, the Board requested additional information from the Technical Committee (TC) to better understand the extent of necessary action. Specifically, the TC was tasked with estimating levels of removals needed to reduce fishing mortality (F) to the F threshold and the F target, and to also provide an example recreational bag and size limit combination that would achieve those conditions on the coast and in the Chesapeake Bay. The TC will report back to the Board in May. Next, the Board discussed providing comment to NOAA Fisheries regarding its proposal to consider lifting the ban on recreational fishing in the federal Block Island Sound Transit Zone. Again, since final assessment results are essential to the discussion and development of an informed recommendation,


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the Board was unable to provide comment at this time. However, based on the preliminary assessment results, the Board decided to draft a letter to NOAA Fisheries opposing opening the transit zone and will review the letter at its next meeting following review of the final assessment reports. The Board will consider forwarding the letter to NOAA Fisheries at that time. The Board also reviewed Maryland’s Conservation Equivalency (CE) Effectiveness Report on 2018 recreational measures for the Chesapeake Bay summer and fall fishery. Approved by the Board in February 2018, the primary objective of the CE measures are to reduce the number of dead discards in the fishery while maintaining the same level of overall removals. Using several outreach and education platforms, as well as collecting information from law enforcement and angler intercept data, Maryland concluded that implementation of the new regulations was successful; overall compliance with the regulations was high and overall removals were within the range of that calculated in the original CE proposal. Lastly, the Board approved changes to Virginia’s striped bass spawning stock survey and tagging program. Specifically, the spawning stock pound net survey was eliminated and is now conducted via multi-panel anchor gill nets, and tagging is conducted through electrofishing. For more information, please contact Max Appelman, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at [email protected] or 703.842.0740. Motions Move to task the TC with providing the Board with a report that shows the reductions in harvest needed to reduce F to F threshold (0.24) and F target (0.197) and also providing one example of recreational bag and size limit combination (if necessary, seasonal restrictions) needed to achieve these conditions a) on the coast and b) in the Chesapeake Bay and report back to the Board in May. Motion made by Mr. Grout and seconded by Dr. Davis. Motion carries (15 in favor, 1 opposed). Move to have staff compose a letter to NOAA Fisheries opposing opening the Federal Block Island Sound Transit Zone for Board review in May. Motion made by Mr. Keliher and seconded by Mr. Kane. Motion carries (15 in favor, 1 abstention). Move to approve changes to Virginia’s Striped Bass Monitoring Program. Motion made by Mr. O’Reilly and seconded by Mr. Clark. Motion carries unanimously. ATLANTIC MENHADEN MANAGEMENT BOARD (FEBRUARY 7, 2019) Press Release

ASMFC Indefinitely Postpones Action on VA Compliance with Atlantic Menhaden Amendment 3 Chesapeake Bay Reduction Fishery Cap

Arlington, VA – The Commission’s Atlantic Menhaden Management Board postponed indefinitely action to find the Commonwealth of Virginia out of compliance with the provisions of Amendment 3 to the Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Menhaden, specifically the Commonwealth’s failure to implement the Chesapeake Bay reduction fishery cap of 51,000 mt. This action is contingent upon the


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Chesapeake Bay reduction fishery not exceeding the cap. If the cap is exceeded, the Board can reconsider the issue of compliance. In making its decision, the Board took into account the fact that reduction fishery harvest within the Chesapeake Bay has been below the cap level since 2012, including 2018 harvest. During its deliberations, the Board commended Virginia Commissioners on their efforts to monitor landings and work with the Commonwealth’s General Assembly to seek full implementation of the provisions of Amendment 3. While the Bay cap was established as a precautionary measure given the importance of menhaden as a prey species, additional information stemming from the development of ecological-based reference points (ERPs) may be informative to the Bay cap issue. Accordingly, the Board will consider action to modify the Bay cap after it completes action on ERPs, anticipated for 2020. For more information, please contact Max Appelman, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at [email protected] or 703.842.0740.

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PR19-06 Meeting Summary Commission staff reviewed a report that synthesized existing scientific evidence on the importance of Atlantic menhaden in the Chesapeake ecosystem to help inform management decisions about harvest levels in the Chesapeake Bay. The report is based on literature that informed the development of the 2015 Atlantic menhaden benchmark stock assessment and Amendment 3 to the Atlantic Menhaden Fishery Management Plan, and does not reflect the most recent and ongoing work of the Stock Assessment Subcommittee or the Ecological Reference Point Work Group. The report concluded menhaden can make up a significant proportion of many predators’ diets for specific seasons, age classes and locations within the Bay, and lower levels of menhaden abundance have also been linked to negative population impacts for several species. However, the overall complexity of the Chesapeake Bay food web, changing environment, and population dynamics makes it difficult to prove causation. This, coupled with the fact that there is currently no quantitate estimate of menhaden abundance specifically within Chesapeake Bay, makes it difficult to determine an appropriate depletion threshold. For more information, please contact Max Appelman, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at [email protected] or 703.842.0740. Motions Move the Atlantic Menhaden Board recommend to the ISFMP Policy Board that the Commonwealth of Virginia be found out of compliance for not fully and effectively implementing and enforcing Amendment 3 to the Atlantic Menhaden Fishery Management Plan if the State does not implement the following measure from section 4.3.7 (Chesapeake Bay Reduction Fishery Cap) of Amendment 3: The annual total allowable harvest from the Chesapeake Bay by the reduction fishery is limited to no more than 51,000 mt. Motion made by Mr. Batsavage and seconded by Mr. Estes. Motion postponed indefinitely. Move to postpone indefinitely a recommendation to the ISFMP Policy Board to find the Commonwealth of Virginia out of compliance with Amendment 3 of the Atlantic Menhaden FMP for



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failure to implement a reduced cap on harvest from the Chesapeake Bay provided the annual catch from the Chesapeake Bay reduction fishery does not exceed that established by Amendment 3. The Board will consider action to modify the Bay Cap after it completes action on ecological-based reference points. Motion made by Mr. Boyles and seconded by Mr. Gilmore. Motion carries (17 in favor, 1 opposed). INTERSTATE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT POLICY BOARD (FEBRUARY 7, 2019) Meeting Summary The ISFMP Policy Board received a report from the Executive Committee (see Executive Committee meeting summary), which included recommended changes to the Appeals Guidance document. The Appeals Guidance Document outlines criteria to guide what type of decisions can be appealed through the appeals process; the intent of which is to provide a state with the opportunity to have a decision made by a species management board or section reconsidered by the Policy Board. The recommended changes are intended to provide additional clarity to states when making appeals, not make changes to what can be appealed. The Board approved the changes as recommended by the Executive Committee. The Board was updated on concerns that the delay of American shad stock assessment to August 2020 could impact the delivery of the American lobster stock assessments due to overlap of staff working on the assessments. The Commission plans to keep both of these assessments on their current timeline but if there are additional delays or issues that come up the lobster stock assessment will take priority to be completed on time. Dr. Lisa Havel provided an update for the Policy Board regarding the Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership (ACFHP). The ACFHP Steering Committee met this past November to receive updates on science and data initiatives, including the Southeast Fish Habitat Conservation Prioritization, the ACFHP website, and collaboration with the National Fish Habitat Partnership and other Fish Habitat Partnerships. Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries and Ipswich Shellfish Group also provided presentations. The Southeast Fish Habitat Conservation Prioritization and Mapping project, funded by NOAA, spatially prioritizes areas from North Carolina through the Florida Keys for fish habitat conservation using GIS mapping and analysis. The results are available in a web-based map, and the final report is nearing completion. The Northeast analysis will commence in the spring. ACFHP launched a completely revised website in December 2018 (www.atlanticfishhabitat.org), which includes a query database of the Species-Habitat Matrix. The Species-Habitat Matrix is an analysis of the habitat use of 131 different species at four different life stages in 26 different habitats along the Atlantic coast. The database is an easy-to-use tool to search any combination of species, life stage, habitat, and subregion, and download the data as a CSV file for further analysis. Also in December, ACFHP endorsed a dragline ditch restoration project in northeast Florida, led by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, St. Johns Regional Water Management District, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The ongoing project restores spoil piles built in the mid-1900s for mosquito control to elevations suitable for salt marsh recolonization. This process has been applied to over 600 acres in the state so far, and has improved water quality, reduced invasive species, and provided habitat for invertebrates and fishes, including Commission-managed species.

http://www.atlanticfishhabitat.org/

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The Board received a general overview of the Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act of 2017 which was signed into law on December 31, 2018. The Act authorizes alternative recreational fishery management measures, including extraction rates, fishing mortality targets, and harvest control rules. It requires a consideration and implementation of the 2017 National Academy of Sciences report that reviewed the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP). The Act also authorizes a state-federal partnership to improve state angler registries. Lastly, the act requires reports and recommendations to Congress on mixed us fishery allocation in the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, limited access privilege programs in mixed-use fisheries, incorporating state and nongovernmental data, analysis, stock assessments, and surveys into management decisions, and MRIP’s compatibility with ACLs. The Board will continue to discuss the Act and how it may impact Commission work as additional guidance on the Act is given by NOAA Fisheries. NOAA Fisheries released the final rule for an in-season adjustment to the 2019 Atlantic herring specifications on February 7 in response to the 2018 stock assessment. The assessment concluded that although herring was not overfished and overfishing was not occurring in 2017, poor recruitment would likely result in a substantial decline in herring biomass. The stock assessment estimated that recruitment had been at historic lows during the most recent 5 years (2013-2017). The assessment projected that biomass could increase, after reaching a low in 2019, if recruitment returns to average levels, but that herring catch would need to be reduced, starting in 2018, to prevent overfishing and lower the risk of the stock becoming overfished. Since the final rule was not available when the Atlantic Herring Board met, the ISFMP Policy Board approved the new 2019 Atlantic herring specifications as listed in Table 1 which are a decrease in response to the assessment. Lastly, the Board will send a letter to NOAA Fisheries requesting the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team require electronic monitoring on federally permitted lobster vessels to better understand where fishing is occurring and the number of traps being fished (see American Lobster Board Meeting summary). For more information, please contact Toni Kerns, Director of ISFMP, at [email protected] or 703.842.0740. Motions Move to approve the new recommendations to the Appeals Guidance Document as modified today. Motion made by Mr. Grout and seconded by Mr. Borden. Motion carries with one objection (NY); Roll Call: In favor – ME, NH, MA, RI, CT, NJ, PA, DE, MD, PRFC, VA, NC, SC, GA, FL, NOAA Fisheries; Opposed – NY).

Table 1. Final 2019 Atlantic Herring Specifications and Sub-ACLs


17

Move to approve the 2019 specifications for Atlantic herring as presented today. Motion made by Mr. Boyles and seconded by Mr. Grout. Motion carries (Roll Call: In Favor – NH, MA, RI, CT, NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD, PRFC, VA, NC, SC, GA, NOAA Fisheries; Abstentions – FL; Absentees – ME, DC, USFWS). On behalf of the American Lobster Board, move the Policy Board send a letter to NOAA Fisheries for consideration by the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team to develop and support a suite of options for electronic vessel monitoring for federally permitted vessels. Motion made by Mr. McKiernan. Motion carries unanimously.

ASMFC Spring Meeting - April 29 - May 2, 2019

The Westin Crystal City 1800 S. Eads Street

Arlington, VA 22202 703.486.1111

Preliminary Agenda The agenda is subject to change. Bulleted items represent the anticipated major issues to be discussed or acted upon at the meeting. The final agenda will include additional items and may revise the bulleted items provided below. The agenda reflects the current estimate of time required for scheduled Board meetings. The Commission may adjust this agenda in accordance with the actual duration of Board meetings. Interested parties should anticipate Boards starting earlier or later than indicated herein.

Public Comment Guidelines With the intent of developing policies in the Commission’s procedures for public participation that result in a fair opportunity for public input, the ISFMP Policy Board has approved the following guidelines for use at management board meetings: For issues that are not on the agenda, management boards will continue to provide opportunity to the public to bring matters of concern to the board’s attention at the start of each board meeting. Board chairs will use a speaker sign-up list in deciding how to allocate the available time on the agenda (typically 10 minutes) to the number of people who want to speak. For topics that are on the agenda, but have not gone out for public comment, board chairs will provide limited opportunity for comment, taking into account the time allotted on the agenda for the topic. Chairs will have flexibility in deciding how to allocate comment opportunities; this could include hearing one comment in favor and one in opposition until the chair is satisfied further comment will not provide additional insight to the board. For agenda action items that have already gone out for public comment, it is the Policy Board’s intent to end the occasional practice of allowing extensive and lengthy public comments. Currently, board chairs have the discretion to decide what public comment to allow in these circumstances. In addition, the following timeline has been established for the submission of written comment for issues for which the Commission has NOT established a specific public comment period (i.e., in response to proposed management action). 1. Comments received 3 weeks prior to the start of a meeting week will be

included in the briefing materials. 2. Comments received by 5:00 PM April 23, 2019 will be distributed

electronically to Commissioners/Board members prior to the meeting and a limited number of copies will be provided at the meeting.

3. Following the Tuesday, April 23, 2019 5:00 PM deadline, the commenter will be responsible for distributing the information to the management board

http://www.asmfc.org/files/Meetings/2018WinterMeeting/HotelDirections_WestinCrystalCity.pdf

http://www.asmfc.org/files/Meetings/2019SpringMeeting/2019SpringMeetingFirstNotice_PrelimAgenda.pdf

prior to the board meeting or providing enough copies for the management board consideration at the meeting (a minimum of 50 copies).

The submitted comments must clearly indicate the commenter’s expectation from the ASMFC staff regarding distribution. As with other public comment, it will be accepted via mail, fax, and email.

Preliminary Agenda

Monday, April 29

1 - 5 PM American Lobster Management Board • Update on the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team

Spring Meeting and Recommendations to NOAA Fisheries • Consider Draft Addendum XXVIII for Public Comment • Report from the Bait Working Group • Update from Delaware and New York Regarding

Implementation of Jonah Crab Fishery Management Plan Measures

Tuesday, April 30

8:30 - 10 AM

Atlantic Herring Management Board • Consider Addendum II for Final Approval • Consider Approval of 2019 Fishery Management Plan

Review and State Compliance Reports • Update on 2020-2021 Fishery Specifications

10:15 AM - 2:30 PM (includes lunch break)

Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board • Consider Acceptance of 2018 Benchmark Stock Assessment

and Peer Review Reports for Management Use • Consider Management Response to the 2018 Benchmark

Stock Assessment • Review Technical Committee Report on

Reductions Needed to Achieve Fishing Mortality Reference Points

• Consider Forwarding a Letter to NOAA Fisheries Opposing Proposed Measures to Lift the Ban on Recreational Striped Bass Fishing in the Federal Block Island Sound Transit Zone

12:30 - 5 PM

Law Enforcement Committee (A portion of this meeting will be a closed session for the LEC Coordinator and Committee members only)

• Presentation and Discussion on Police-Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative and Use of NARCAN/NALAXONE

• Review 2019 Action Plan and New ASMFC Strategic Plan • Review and Discuss Outcomes from the Mid-Atlantic Fishery

Management Council Enforcement Workshop

• Federal and State Agency Reports • Review and Discuss Progress of the Offshore Enforcement

Vessel Working Group • Review Ongoing Enforcement Issues (Closed Session) • Discuss Usefulness of Criteria/Metrics in Evaluating

Enforcement Effectiveness

2:45 - 3:15 PM

Coastal Sharks Management Board • Review Highly Migratory Species North Atlantic Shortfin

Mako Amendment 11 and Consider a Management Response • Consider Approval of 2019 Fishery Management Plan

Review and State Compliance Reports

3:30 - 5 PM Atlantic Coastal Cooperative Statistics Program Coordinating Council

• Program/Committee Updates • Review and Consider Approval of 2020 Request for

Proposals • Discuss Committee Restructure

5:30 - 7 PM Annual Awards of Excellence Reception

Wednesday, May 1

8 - 10:30 AM

Executive Committee (A portion of this meeting will be a closed session for Committee members and Commissioners only)

• Report of the Administrative Oversight Committee • Presentation of the FY20 Budget

• Review Draft Standard Operating Procedures and Policies for Management Board Work Groups

• Future Annual Meetings Update • Executive Director Performance Review(Closed Session)

8 AM - Noon

Law Enforcement Committee (continued)

10:45 AM - 12:15 PM

Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Management Board • Review Plan Development Team Analysis of Black Sea Bass

Commercial Management Strategies to Address Fishery Shifts

• Consider Approval of Advisory Panel Nomination

1:15 - 2:30 PM

Business Session • Consider Approval of Comprehensive Summer Flounder

Amendment • Review and Consider Approval of 2019-2023 Strategic Plan

2:45 - 5:15 PM

Horseshoe Crab Management Board • Review and Consider Acceptance of 2019 Horseshoe Crab

Benchmark Stock Assessment and Peer Review Reports for Management Use

• Consider Potential Management Response to the 2019 Benchmark Stock Assessment

• Consider Approval of Advisory Panel Nomination

Thursday, May 2

8 - 9:45 AM Interstate Fisheries Management Program Policy Board • Executive Committee Report • Law Enforcement Committee Report • Artificial Reef Committee Report • Consider Noncompliance Recommendations (If Necessary)

9:45 - 10 AM

Business Session (continued) • Consider Noncompliance Recommendations (If Necessary)

10:15 AM - 12:15 PM

South Atlantic States/Federal Fisheries Management Board • Consider Approval of Cobia Draft Amendment 1 for Public

Comment • Consider Potential Management Action for Spot and Atlantic

Croaker

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Vision: Sustainably Managing Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Joint ASMFC Summer Flounder, Scup and Toni Kerns, ISFMP, or Black Sea Bass Board and MAFMC Tina Berger, Communications March 6 & 7, 2019 For more information, please contact

the identified individual at 703.842.0740

Press Releases, Meeting Summary and Motions TABLE OF CONTENTS: JOINT ASMFC SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP AND BLACK SEA BASS MANAGEMENT BOARD & MAFMC MEETING (MARCH 6-7, 2019) .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 2

Press Releases ........................................................................................................................................................................ 2 Meeting Summary ................................................................................................................................................................. 5 Motions .................................................................................................................................................................................. 6

Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission

Meeting Summary

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JOINT ASMFC SUMMER FLOUNDER, SCUP AND BLACK SEA BASS MANAGEMENT BOARD & MAFMC MEETING (MARCH 6-7, 2019) Press Releases

ASMFC & MAFMC Set Summer Flounder 2019-2021 Specifications Benchmark Assessment Finds Resource Not Overfished & Overfishing Not Occurring

Virginia Beach, VA – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) approved revised specifications for the 2019 fishing season and set new specifications for 2020 and 2021. The revised specifications are based on the results of the 2018 benchmark stock assessment, which found the stock is not overfished and overfishing is not occurring. The new limits are consistent with the recommendations of the Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee. The Commission’s actions are final and apply to state waters (0-3 miles from shore). The Council will forward its recommendations for federal waters (3 – 200 miles from shore) to NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Administrator for final approval. The table below summarizes commercial quotas and recreational harvest limits (RHL). The Council and Commission decided to set commercial quotas and RHLs for all three years, with the intent to maintain regulatory stability. The revised commercial quota was approximately a 49% increase over the previously set 2019 quota.

While the revised RHL represents an approximate 49% increase over the previously set 2019 RHL, the Commission chose to maintain status quo recreational measures, which are projected to achieve a harvest level close to the revised RHL based on the calibrated recreational harvest data from the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP). As a result, regions established under Addendum XXXII may submit proposals to make minor adjustments to their 2019 recreational measures, such as adjusting the start and end dates of the season, but must hold projected 2019 harvest at 2018 levels. These proposals will require Technical Committee review and Board approval. Additionally, the Commission and Council approved the use of conservation equivalency, allowing state measures to be extended into federal waters, pending acceptance of final state measures by the Regional Administrator. Based of the findings of the 2018 Benchmark Stock Assessment and Peer Review, the stock was not overfished nor experiencing overfishing in 2017. Spawning stock biomass (SSB) in 2017 was estimated to be 98 million pounds, approximately 78% of the biomass target of 126 million pounds. The fishing mortality rate was estimated to be 0.334 in 2017, below the fishing mortality threshold of 0.448.

Species Year Commercial Quota (millions of pounds)

Commercial Minimum Fish Size (TL)

Commercial Diamond Mesh Size

Recreational Harvest Limit (millions of pounds)

Summer Flounder

2019 11.53 14” 5.5" 7.69 2020 11.53 14” 5.5" 7.69 2021 11.53 14” 5.5” 7.69

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Recruitment in 2017 was estimated at 42 million fish at age 0, below the time series average of 53 million fish at age 0. Recruitment has been below average since 2011. Data analyzed by the Northeast Fisheries Science Center for the assessment indicate increasing relative abundance of older fish and an expanding age structure. However, the data also indicate a decrease in relative total abundance since the late 2000s, as well as decreasing trends in average lengths and weights at age for both sexes, suggesting slower growth and delayed maturity which impacts the biological reference points. The assessment shows current mortality from all sources is greater than recent recruitment inputs to the stock, which has resulted in a declining stock trend. Additionally, the assessment found the spatial distribution of the resource is continuing to shift northward and eastward.

A key attribute of the assessment is the incorporation of revised recreational catch data. In July 2018, MRIP revised the previous recreational catch estimates with a calibrated 1982-2017 time series that corresponds to the new MRIP survey methods. For comparison with the previous estimates, the revised estimates of 2017 recreational landings and discards are over three times the previous estimates. The

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revised recreational catch estimates increased the 1982-2017 total annual catch by an average of 29 percent, ranging from 11 percent increase in 1989 to 43 percent increase in 2017. The increase in estimated removals resulted in an increased population estimate compared to previous assessments. For more information about please contact Kirby Rootes-Murdy, Senior FMP Coordinator, at [email protected].

###

PR19-11

ASMFC & MAFMC Recommend Approval

of Summer Flounder Commercial Issues Amendment Amendment Implements New Commercial Quotas

Virginia Beach, VA – The Commission’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Management Board (Board) and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) recommended approval of the Summer Flounder Commercial Issues Amendment. The Amendment revises the management program’s goals and objectives specific to summer flounder and implements new state-specific commercial allocations. The Amendment was initiated in December 2013, with joint work on the Amendment by the Board and Council beginning in 2014. Initially, the Amendment was to consider changes to both commercial and recreational summer flounder fisheries, but over time was refocused to address commercial issues and Fishery Management Plan (FMP) goals and objectives. The revised management program’s goals and objectives focus on ensuring biological sustainability of the summer flounder resource, supporting and enhancing development of effective management measures, and optimizing social and economic benefits from the resource. These revisions were made to reflect current priorities in sustainably managing the resource. The new state commercial allocations are based upon a 9.55 million pound trigger point. When the annual coastwide commercial quota is at or below 9.55 million pounds, the formula for allocating the quota to the states will remain status quo, i.e., the same state-specific percentages that have been in effect since 1993. When the annual coastwide quota exceeds 9.55 million pounds, additional quota above 9.55 million pounds will be distributed as follows: 0.333% to the states of Maine, New Hampshire and Delaware and 12.375% to the remaining states (see table below). As a result, state allocations will vary over time based on overall stock status and the resulting coastwide commercial quotas. For 2019-2021, the Board and Council approved an annual coastwide commercial quota of 11.53 million pounds. Depending on the timing of final rule-making by NOAA Fisheries, the new state allocation strategy could go into effect as early as January 2020.



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Table 1: Summer Flounder State Allocations Under the 9.55 Million Pound Trigger Point In considering requalification criteria for federal permit holders, the Board and Council made no changes to the current permit qualification criteria, which were established via Amendment 2 to the FMP (1993) – namely, any commercial landings of summer flounder in the management unit between January 26, 1985 and January 26, 1990. The Council also moved to not add commercial landings flexibility as a framework issue in the Council’s FMP at this time. The Board currently has the flexibility to implement landings flexibility policies without a full amendment process, and landings flexibility can be considered through state level agreements without Council action. As next steps, the Council will forward its recommended approval of the Amendment to NOAA Fisheries for final consideration and implementation. The Commission will consider final approval of the Board-approved Amendment at its Spring Meeting in late April/early May of this year. For more information, please contact Kirby Rootes-Murdy, Senior Fishery Management Coordinator, at [email protected].

###

PR19-12 Meeting Summary The Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Board met jointly with the Council to discuss ongoing work on recreational and commercial management reform. The Board and Council revisited a strategic plan developed by the Board chair to address broad issues for black sea bass recreational management, including annual variability in management measures and equity in regional harvest opportunities. In December 2018, they agreed to form a working group including representation from the Monitoring and Technical Committee, Council, and Board to further develop and analyze potential approaches for improving management in these areas. However, the working group’s progress was delayed due to other priorities and the shutdown of the federal government due to a partial lapse in federal appropriations. The Board and Council agreed to populate the joint working group following the meeting, to be co-chaired by the Board Chair and Council Chair.

State Allocation of

baseline quota ≤ 9.55 mil lb

Allocation of additional quota beyond 9.55 mil lb Revised state quota

ME 0.04756% 0.333%

Dependent on total annual coastwide quota; state percent shares vary with amount of "additional" quota in a given year

NH 0.00046% 0.333% MA 6.82046% 12.375% RI 15.68298% 12.375% CT 2.25708% 12.375% NY 7.64699% 12.375% NJ 16.72499% 12.375% DE 0.01779% 0.333% MD 2.03910% 12.375% VA 21.31676% 12.375% NC 27.44584% 12.375%

Total 100% 100% 100%


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The Board and Council also reviewed the Commission’s progress on commercial black sea bass management issues. The Board formed a Commercial Black Sea Bass Working Group in August 2018 to identify management issues related to changes in stock distribution and abundance, and propose potential management strategies for Board consideration. In February 2018, the Board reviewed the Working Group report, which identified two issues: (1) state commercial allocations implemented in 2003 do not reflect the current distribution of the resource, which has expanded significantly north of Hudson Canyon, and (2) federal coastwide quota can limit harvest opportunities for some states if another state’s harvest overage results in a coastwide fishery closure. In February, the Board requested the Plan Development Team (PDT) perform additional analyses and develop management options to address these issues. The two bodies discussed how to move forward in considering changes to commercial allocation and coastwide quota management. While the Board will continue work through the PDT, the Council also initiated an amendment to address commercial black sea bass issues. Lastly, the Commission’s Board discussed 2019 recreational measures for black sea bass and approved a conservation equivalency proposal from Massachusetts for its 2019 black sea bass recreational measures. For more information, please contact Caitlin Starks, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at [email protected] or 703.842.0740. Motions Summer Flounder 2019-2021 Specifications Main Motion Move that in each year 2019-2021, the recreational ACL=ACT=11.51 mil lb and the commercial ACL = ACT = 13.53 mil lb. This results in a recreational harvest limit of 7.69 mil lb and a commercial quota of 11.53 mil lb. Council: DiLernia/Nowalsky Board: Motion made by Mr. Nowalsky and seconded by Mr. Hasbrouck. Motion to Substitute Move to substitute in each year 2019-2021, the recreational ACL=ACT=10.83 mil lb and the commercial ACL = ACT = 12.69 mil lb. This results in a recreational harvest limit of 7.19 mil lb and a commercial quota of 10.79 mil lb. Board: Motion made by Ms. Meserve and seconded by Mr. Clark. Council: Motion fails for lack of like motion from Council Main Motion Move that in each year 2019-2021, the recreational ACL=ACT=11.51 mil lb and the commercial ACL = ACT = 13.53 mil lb. This results in a recreational harvest limit of 7.69 mil lb and a commercial quota of 11.53 mil lb. Council: DiLernia/Nowalsky (20/0/0) Motion carries.


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Board: Motion made by Mr. Nowalsky and seconded by Mr. Hasbrouck. Motion carries (10 in favor, 1 opposed). Roll Call: In favor – RI, CT, NY, NJ, DE, MD, PRFC, VA, NC, NMFS; Opposed – MA. Summer Flounder 2019 Recreational Measures Move to manage the recreational summer flounder fishery under regional Conservation Equivalency in 2019, with non-preferred coastwide measures consisting of a 19-inch TL minimum fish size, 4 fish possession limit, and an open season from May 15-September 15. In addition, the precautionary default measures would consist of a 20-inch TL minimum fish size, 2 fish possession limit, and an open season from July 1-August 31. Council: Davidson/Townsend (19/0/1) Motion carries Board: Motion made by Ms. Meserve and seconded by Mr. Hasbrouck Motion carries (11 in favor). Summer Flounder Amendment Move to allow the Board and Council to develop a strategy to allow additional options to be added to the document. Board: Motion made by Mr. Hasbrouck and seconded by Ms. Meserve. Council: Davidson/Heins (5/12/0) Motion fails for lack of Council majority Main Motion Move to approve a variation of alternative 2C and establish a 9.55 million pound trigger point, with distribution of additional quota above the 9.55 million pound trigger as 12.375% for all states, except Maine, New Hampshire and Delaware which would receive 0.333% of additional quota above the trigger. Council: O'Reilly/Cimino Board: Motion made by Mr. O'Reilly and seconded by Mr. Batsavage.

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Motion to Substitute Move to substitute to approve Alternative 2B-2 with the following modifications: 1) ME, NH, DE and MD allocations are held status quo; and 2) the 9.39% of the coastwide quota released by VA and NC is distributed in 1/2 shares to RI and NJ; 3/4 shares to MA and CT; and a 1 1/2 share to NY. Board: Motion made by Ms. Meserve and seconded by Mr. Gates. Motion fails for lack of Board majority (3 in favor, 6 opposed, 1 abstention) Council: Elliott/Pentony Motion fails for lack of Board majority

State Status quo state allocation (%)

Status quo regional alloc.

(%)

Status quo state % of regional

alloc.

Revised regional

allocation (%)

Revised state allocation (%)

Percent change relative to

current share

Change in share of

coastwide quota

ME 0.04756

32.46

0.14654

40.67

0.04756 0.0% 0.00000 NH 0.00046 0.00142 0.00046 0.0% 0.00000 MA 6.82046 21.01479 8.58017 25.8% 1.75971 RI 15.68298 48.32144 16.85612 7.5% 1.17314 CT 2.25708 6.95438 4.01679 78.0% 1.75971 NY 7.64699 23.56144 11.16641 46.0% 3.51942 NJ 16.72499

67.54

24.76145

59.33

17.89813 7.0% 1.17314 DE 0.01779 0.02634 0.01779 0.0% 0.00000 MD 2.03910 3.01890 2.03910 0.0% 0.00000 VA 21.31676 31.55959 17.21401 -19.2% -4.10275 NC 27.44584 40.63373 22.16345 -19.2% -5.28239 Total 100 100 100 100

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Main Motion Move to approve a variation of alternative 2C and establish a 9.55 million pound trigger point, with distribution of additional quota above the 9.55 million pound trigger as 12.375% for all states, except Maine, New Hampshire and Delaware which would receive 0.333% of additional quota above the trigger. Council: Motion made by Mr. O'Reilly and seconded by Mr. Cimino. Motion carries (14 in favor, 5 opposed, 1 abstention). Board: O'Reilly/Batsavage (6 in favor, 4 opposed, 1 abstention) Motion carries Main Motion Move to support use of Alternative 1B-7 to requalify federal commercial moratorium permits for summer flounder. Board: Motion made by Mr. Maniscalco and seconded by Mr. Clark. Motion Substituted. Council: Heins/Gwin Motion to Substitute Move to substitute to approve Alternative 1A, status quo. Board: Motion made by Mr. Gates and seconded by Mr. Batsavage. Motion carries (10 in favor, 1 abstention) Council: Batsavage/Cimino (17/2/1) Motion carries Main Motion as Substituted Move to approve Alternative 1A, status quo, for federal commercial moratorium permits for summer flounder. Council: (17/2/1) Board: Motion carries (10 in favor, 1 abstention) Motion carries Move to approve Alternative 3A, no action for landings flexibility framework provisions. Council: Batsavage/O'Reilly (14/3/0) Motion carries Move to adopt the revised FMP goals and objectives described in the public hearing document, applicable only to summer flounder. Council: deFur/Mann (15/4/0) Motion carries Board: Motion made by Ms. Meserve and seconded by Mr. O'Reilly. Motion carries (9 in favor, 2 opposed). Move to submit the Summer Flounder Commercial Issues Amendment, with the identification of preferred alternatives selected today, to the National Marine Fisheries Service. Council: O'Reilly/Elliott (15/4/1) Motion carries Move to recommend to the Commission the approval of the Summer Flounder Commercial Issues Amendment to the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Interstate Fishery Management Plan

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as modified today. The effective date of any FMP modifications would be consistent with the effective date published in the final rule in the Federal Register. Board: Motion made by Mr. Reid and seconded by Mr. Miller Motion carries (6 in favor, 4 opposed, 1 abstention). Roll Call: In Favor – NJ, DE, MD, PRFC, VA, NC; Opposed – MA, RI, CT, NY; Abstain – NMFS. ASMFC Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Board Only Meeting Move to approve the Massachusetts conservation equivalency proposal for black sea bass 2019 recreational measures. Motion made by Ms. Meserve and seconded by Mr. Hasbrouck. Motion carries by consent. Move to allow for a 3.5% liberalization in summer flounder measures for 2019 relative to preliminary 2018 MRIP harvest estimates, in pounds. Regional proposals will be submitted to ASMFC staff by March 20th, 2019. The technical committee will review proposals, methodologies used, and provide recommendations to the Board during the week of March 25th, 2019. The Board will consider final approval of regional proposals in early April 2019. Motion made by Mr. Nowalsky and seconded by Mr. Clark. Motion fails (4 in favor, 7 opposed). Move to allow regional proposals to establish the 2019 summer flounder recreational measures as specified under Addendum XXXII. Regions may submit proposals that maintain status quo harvest relative to preliminary 2018 MRIP recreational harvest in pounds. Regional proposals will be submitted to ASMFC staff by March 20th, 2019. The technical committee will review proposals, methodologies used, and provide recommendations to the Board during the week of March 25th, 2019. The Board will consider final approval of regional proposals in early April 2019. Motion made by Ms. Meserve and seconded by Mr. Reid Motion carries (8 in favor, 3 opposed). Roll Call: In Favor – MA, RI, CT, NY, MD, PRFC, NC, NMFS; Opposed – NJ, DE, VA. Black Sea Bass Management Reform with Board Main Motion Move to initiate an amendment today to address commercial black sea bass issues. Council: Nolan/DiLernia (16/1/0) Motion passes Move to postpone until the next joint meeting following the operational black sea bass assessment. Council: Nowalsky/ Motional fails for lack of second

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APRIL 2019 MEETING AGENDA April 8-11, 2019 Icona Avalon Resort

7849 Dune Dr. Avalon, NJ 08202

Telephone 609-368-5155

Monday, April 8th 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Law Enforcement, HMS, and Tilefish Committees (Tab 1)

Batsavage, Cimino, DiLernia, Elliott, Gwin, Heins, Hemilright, Luisi, Mann, Nolan, Nowalsky, O'Reilly, Pentony, Shiels, Stutt, Townsend, Winslow

– Review recommendations from the Law Enforcement/For-Hire Workshop (November 13-14, 2018)

– Develop recommendations on further Council actions

6:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m. NEFMC Listening Session for the Recreational Groundfish (Northeast Multispecies) Party/Charter Fishery (Tab 2)

– The NEFMC may develop an amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for Northeast Multispecies and is seeking public input on the possibility of developing a limited access program for the recreational groundfish party and charter fishery

Tuesday, April 9th 9:00 a.m. Council Convenes

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Excessive Shares Amendment (Tab 3)

– Approve Public Hearing Document

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Atlantic Surfclam 2019 and 2020 Specifications (Tab 4) – Review and possibly revise 2019 and 2020 specifications based

on SSC revision of OFL/ABC

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Catch Share Program Review (Tab 5)

– Presentation of final report (Northern Economics, Inc.) – Initiate Public Comment Period

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Blueline Tilefish 2020 Specifications (Tab 6) – Review SSC, Advisory Panel, Monitoring Committee, and staff

recommendations for 2020 specifications

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4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Golden Tilefish 2020 Specifications (Tab 7) – Review SSC, Advisory Panel, Monitoring Committee, and staff

recommendations for 2020 specifications

5:00 p.m. Council Adjourns

Wednesday, April 10th

9:00 a.m. Council Convenes

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Commercial eVTR Omnibus Framework (Tab 8) – Framework Meeting 1

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Mid-Atlantic State of the Ecosystem Report (Tab 9) Dr. Sarah Gaichas - NEFSC

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EAFM Updates (Tab 10) – 2019 Risk Assessment Report – Summer Flounder Conceptual Model update

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Update on Habitat Activities (Tab 11) – Update on Northeast Regional Fish Habitat Assessment – Update on Projects of Interest in Region

Karen Greene - GARFO

3:00 p.m. -4:00 p.m. Illex Permitting and Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan Goals Amendment (Tab 12)

– Additional Scoping Hearing

April 11th 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. RODA Update and Meeting with UK Fisherman (Tab 13)

Annie Hawkins – Updates regarding regional science and monitoring for offshore

wind energy and fisheries interactions – Discussion with UK fishermen regarding British offshore wind

experiences

10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Council Convenes

Business Session

Committee Reports (Tab 14) – Scientific and Statistical Committee Report – Law Enforcement, HMS, and Tilefish Committees

Executive Director's Report (Tab 15) Chris Moore

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Organization Reports – NMFS Greater Atlantic Regional Office – NMFS Northeast Fisheries Science Center – NOAA Office of General Counsel – NOAA Office of Law Enforcement – US Coast Guard – Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission

Liaison Reports (Tab 16) – New England Council – South Atlantic Council

Continuing and New Business December 2018 Motions Westin Annapolis Black Sea Bass 2019 Recreational Measures with Board Move to recommend status quo recreational measures for 2019 in federal waters, including a 12.5 inch minimum fish size, a 15 fish bag limit, and a season of May 15 - December 31. If the states do not take appropriate action to ensure harvest does not exceed the RHL, backstop measures of 14 inches, 5 fish, and a May 15 - September 15 season would be implemented in state and federal waters. Council: O’Reilly/Mann (20/0/0) Board: O’Reilly/Davis (11/0/0/0) Motion passes Scup 2019 Recreational Measures with Board Move that the Commission continue the regional approach to management in state waters with state measures to be finalized at the February 2019 Board meeting. Board: Borden/Hasbrouck (10/0/0/1) Motion passes Framework/Addendum 31 with Board Move to approve alternative 1B (black sea bass conservation equivalency using the current summer flounder conservation equivalency process). Council: O’Reilly/deFur Board: O’Reilly/Meserve Move to amend - Move to approve alternative 1B (black sea bass conservation equivalency) and require federal fisheries management during waves 1 and 6. Council: DiLernia/Nolan Board: Hasbrouck/ Motion fails for lack of second Main motion - Move to approve alternative 1B (black sea bass conservation equivalency using the current summer flounder conservation equivalency process). Council: O’Reilly/deFur (13/4/0) Board: O’Reilly/Meserve (10/1/0/0) Motion passes Move to approve alternatives 3B (Block Island Sound transit) 3B-1 (RI-RI transit area), and 3B-4 (recreational and commercial) for Block Island Sound transit provisions. Board: Reid/O’Reilly Council: O’Reilly/Michels Move to amend to substitute 3B-2 (striped bass transit area) for 3B-1 (RI-RI transit area). Board: Nowalsky/Davis (10/1/0/0) Council: Nowalsky/Heins (18/0/0) Motion passes Main motion as amended - Move to approve alternatives 3B (Block Island Sound transit), 3B-2 (striped bass transit area), and 3B-4 (recreational and commercial) for Block Island Sound transit provisions. Board: (11/0/0/0) Council: Motion passes by consent

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Motion passes Move to amend the Summer Flounder Scup and Black Sea Bass FMP to allow a maximum size limit to be used in the recreational summer flounder fishery. Council: Elliott/deFur Move to amend to add black sea bass. Council: Nowalsky/Michels (12/6/0) Main motion as amended - Move to amend the Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass FMP to allow a maximum size limit to be used in the recreational summer flounder and black sea bass fisheries. Council: (14/4/0) Motion passes Move to submit this framework with preferred alternatives as identified today to NMFS. Council: O’Reilly/Nowalsky (15/1/1) Motion passes Move to adopt Addendum XXXI as modified by the board today. Board: Clark/Davis Motion passes unanimously Summer Flounder Amendment with Board Move to postpone final action on the Summer Flounder Commercial Issues Amendment and to develop additional options on commercial quota allocations with specific alternatives being submitted by individual states to ASMFC/MAFMC staff no later than January 15, 2019 for discussion at the meeting in February 2019. Board: Gilmore/Davis (Roll Call: In Favor – MA, RI, CT, NY, MD, NMFS; Opposed – NJ, DE, PRFC, VA, NC; Absent – USFWS). Council: DiLernia/Nolan (8/10/0) Motion fails Move to postpone further discussion of this amendment until the February 2019 joint meeting. Council: Elliott/Davidson (11/8/0) Board: Meserve/Davis (7/3/1/0) Motion passes 2019 Implementation Plan Move to approve the 2019 Implementation Plan as amended today. Elliott/deFur Motion passes by consent South Atlantic Liaison Report Move that the MAFMC write a letter to SAFMC to request an exemption from the regulation prohibiting filleting of dolphinfish in the waters north of Cape Hatteras. DiLernia/Hemilright Motion passes by consent with one abstention The above agenda items may not be taken in the order in which they appear and are subject to change as necessary. Other items may be added, but the Council cannot take action on such items even if the item requires emergency action without additional public notice. Non-emergency matters not contained in this agenda may come before the Council and / or its Committees for discussion, but these matters may not be the subject of formal Council or Committee action during this meeting. Council and Committee actions will be restricted to the issues specifically listed in this agenda. Any issues requiring emergency action under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act that arise after publication of the Federal Register Notice for this meeting may be acted upon provided that the public has been notified of the Council’s intent to take final action to address the emergency. The meeting may be closed to discuss employment or other internal administrative matters.

March 2019 Council Meeting Summary March 6-7, 2019 Virginia Beach, VA

The following summary highlights actions taken and issues considered at the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s March 2019 meeting in Virginia Beach, VA. Presentations, briefing materials, and webinar recordings are available on the Council website at www.mafmc.org/briefing/march-2019.

Summer Flounder Specifications and Management Measures

Summary of Stock Assessment Workshop (SAW)/Stock Assessment Review Committee (SARC) 66 Dr. Jon Hare of the Northeast Fisheries Science Center presented the outcomes of the November 2018 peer review of benchmark stock assessments for summer flounder and striped bass. The summer flounder assessment concluded that the stock was not overfished and overfishing was not occurring in 2017 relative to the revised biological reference points. The assessment incorporated the revised time series of recreational catch from the Marine Recreational Information Program, which contributed to increases in the estimated summer flounder biomass over the assessment time series.

Summer Flounder 2019-2021 Specifications The Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (Commission’s) Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Management Board (Board) approved revised summer flounder catch and landings limits for 2019, as well as new limits for 2020-2021, based on the results of the recent benchmark stock assessment. The approved specifications include constant catch and landings limits to be applied in each year based on a three-year averaging approach.

The table below summarizes the proposed commercial quota and recreational harvest limit (RHL) for summer flounder in each year 2019-2021. 2019 interim values and the percent change from these values are provided for comparison purposes. Interim and revised limits are prior to any deductions for past discards and landings overages.

2019 Interim Limits (mil lb)

Council and Board Recommended 2019-2021 Limits (mil lb)

% Change from Interim 2019 Limits

Commercial Quota 7.72 11.53 +49%

RHL 5.15 7.69 +49%

The Commission’s actions are final and apply to state waters (0‐3 miles from shore). The Council will forward its recommendations for federal waters (3 – 200 miles from shore) to the NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Administrator for review and final approval.

Summer Flounder 2019 Recreational Measures The Council and Board approved the continued use of regional Conservation Equivalency for the recreational summer flounder fishery in 2019 to achieve, but not exceed, the recommended 2019 summer flounder RHL of 7.69 million pounds.

Conservation equivalency allows individual states or multi-state regions to develop customized measures that, in combination, will achieve the coastwide RHL. The Council and Board also maintained the status quo non-

http://www.mafmc.org/briefing/march-2019

http://www.mafmc.org/briefing/march-2019

March 2019 Council Meeting Summary

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preferred coastwide measures that are written into the federal regulations but waived in favor of state regulations once conservation equivalency is approved by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). These measures include a 4-fish possession limit, a 19-inch total length minimum size, and an open season of May 15 – September 15. The Council and Board also maintained the status quo precautionary default measures (i.e., a 2-fish possession limit, a 20-inch total length minimum size, and an open season of July 1 – August 31) which would be implemented in any state or region that does not adopt measures consistent with the conservation equivalency guidelines.

The Board moved to consider regional proposals for recreational measures that maintain status quo harvest relative to preliminary 2018 MRIP recreational harvest. The Board will consider final approval of any regional proposals in early April 2019.

Summer Flounder Commercial Issues and Goals and Objectives Amendment The Council and Board selected preferred commercial management alternatives in the Summer Flounder Commercial Issues Amendment, and recommended revisions to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) goals and objectives for summer flounder.

The Council and Board recommended no changes to the current eligibility criteria for commercial moratorium permits for summer flounder, established through Amendment 2 in 1993.

The Council and Board also agreed to modify the state-by-state commercial quota allocations such that annual coastwide quotas of up to 9.55 million pounds would be distributed according to the current allocations. In years when the coastwide quota exceeds 9.55 million pounds, additional quota beyond this trigger would be distributed in equal shares to all states except Maine, Delaware, and New Hampshire, which would split 1% of the additional quota. This is a modified version of Alternative 2C considered through the amendment. If approved by NMFS, these revised allocations may be effective as early as January 1, 2020, but would more likely be effective January 1, 2021.

The Council and Board considered, but did not approve, a motion that would have allowed for additional commercial allocation options to be developed for future consideration.

Additionally, the Council considered, but ultimately did not approve, adding landings flexibility policies as a frameworkable issue in the Council's FMP. Any future landings flexibility policies considered by the Council would likely need to be considered through an FMP amendment process. Currently, landings flexibility can be considered through state level agreements without Council action.

The Council and Board also approved revised FMP goals and objectives for summer flounder, which focus on ensuring biological sustainability of the summer flounder stock, supporting and enhancing development of effective management measures, and optimizing social and economic benefits from the resource.

Interim 2020 Specifications for Black Sea Bass, Scup, and Bluefish The Council approved interim 2020 catch and landings limits for black sea bass, scup, and bluefish. These include the same commercial quotas and RHLs implemented for these three species for 2019. These measures are expected to be in place only for the first few months of 2020 and will be revised as soon as possible once the results of the forthcoming operational stock assessments for all three species are available later this year. Council action was required to allow the 2019 specifications to extend into the first few months of 2020 because catch and landings limits for these three species do not roll over from one year to the next.

Black Sea Bass Management Reform The Council and the Board discussed ongoing work related to recreational and commercial management reform. They revisited the Commission’s strategic plan addressing broad issues for black sea bass recreational

http://www.mafmc.org/actions/summer-flounder-amendment




March 2019 Council Meeting Summary

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management, including annual variability in management measures and equity in regional harvest opportunities. The Council and Board reaffirmed their previous commitment to form a new joint working group to further develop and analyze approaches for improving management in these areas.

They also reviewed progress made by the Commission’s Commercial Black Sea Bass Working Group on options for revisions to the commercial state-by-state quota allocations and discussed implications of the federal in-season closure regulations on state-by-state quota management. The Board will continue work on these issues through their Plan Development Team. The Council initiated an amendment to address commercial black sea bass issues but agreed to postpone development of management alternatives until later in the year to allow the Commission’s Plan Development Team to further develop options which may warrant consideration of Council action.

Chub Mackerel Amendment The Council approved a suite of management measures for Atlantic chub mackerel in federal waters from Maine through North Carolina. If approved by the Secretary of Commerce, the Chub Mackerel Amendment will add chub mackerel to the Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish FMP.

The management measures approved by the Council include an annual total allowable landings limit of 4.50 million pounds, a 40,000 pound commercial possession limit when 90% of this limit is projected to be landed, and a 10,000 pound possession limit when 100% of this limit is projected to be landed. In addition, commercial fishermen will be required to have one of the existing federal commercial permits for longfin squid, Illex squid, Atlantic mackerel, or butterfish in order to retain any amounts of chub mackerel in federal waters from Maine through North Carolina. Fishermen who do not already have one of these permits can obtain one of the existing open access permits. Similarly, for-hire vessels will be required to have the mackerel, squid, butterfish party/charter permit in order to retain chub mackerel.

SSC Membership The Council approved reappointments of all 16 members of the Scientific and Statistical Committee who reapplied for additional three-year terms.

Kitty Hawk Wind Project The Council received a presentation from Avangrid Renewables on their Kitty Hawk Wind Project, which is currently in the planning, assessment, and stakeholder outreach stage.

Next Council Meeting Monday, April 8, 2019 – Thursday, April 11, 2019

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