Gulf of Mexico Council Seeks Red Snapper Input

National Marine Fisheries is seeking public comment on establishing new recreational quotas in the Gulf of Mexico for red snapper under Amendment 40. This has been one of the most contentious subjects in fisheries management in a decade, and its clear that their idea of multi-day mini-seasons for recreational anglers isn't working for the constituency. Make sure you let your voice be heard. The plain text of the bulletin is available below. This breaks up the recreational quota between For-hire permitted vessels and recreational anglers in roughly a 40-60 split.

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SOUTHEAST FISHERY BULLETIN  

(Gulf of Mexico) 

FB15-002

Peter Hood
727-824-5305      

January 16, 2015        

Notice of Availability for Public Comments on a Proposal to Establish Two Recreational Sub-Quotas for Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper

Comment Period Ends March 17, 2015

NOAA Fisheries seeks public comment on Amendment 40 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted Amendment 40 to NOAA Fisheries for review, approval, and implementation. The Notice of Availabilityfor public comment on this amendment published in the Federal Register on January 16, 2015. This bulletin only summarizes the proposed actions and their effects. NOAA Fisheries encourages constituents to access Amendment 40 and its associated Final Environmental Impact Statement at

http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_fisheries/gulf_fisheries/reef_fish/2013/am40/index.html 

for more complete information.

Purpose of the Amendment 40

If approved by NOAA Fisheries, Amendment 40 would provide a basis for increased flexibility in future management of the entire recreational sector, and reduce the chance for recreational quota overruns, which could jeopardize the rebuilding of the red snapper stock.

Proposed Management Measures

Amendment 40 proposes to establish sub-quotas for federally permitted for-hire vessels and private anglers who fish for red snapper for a three-year period beginning in 2015.

The federal for-hire component would be comprised of all for-hire operators with a valid or renewable federal reef fish charter vessel/headboat permit.
The private angling component would be comprised of private recreational anglers and for-hire operators who do not have a federal reef fish charter vessel/headboat permit.

Amendment 40 would allocate the 5,390,000-pound red snapper recreational quota based on historical landings data for each sub-group. Federally permitted for-hire vessels would receive 42.3 percent of the recreational quota, and private anglers would receive 57.7 percent of the recreational quota.

The federally permitted for-hire quota would be 2,279,970 pounds.
The private angling quota would be 3,110,030 pounds.

Finally, Amendment 40 would establish separate red snapper annual catch targets and season closure provisions for the federal for-hire and private angling components. For both components, each season would start June 1 and continue until the component's annual catch target is projected to be caught. A 20 percent buffer is applied to the recreational quota to get the annual catch target, which is then allocated between components. At this time, NOAA Fisheries cannot project season lengths for the components because it is waiting to receive final 2014 recreational landings data as well as the results of an update to the red snapper stock assessment.  

The Council proposes to sunset this action after three years unless the Council takes additional action. The Council is currently evaluating other measures to manage the recreational sector including red snapper regional management.

Request for Comments

NOAA Fisheries must receive comments on this notice no later than March 17, 2015. We will address all comments specifically directed to Amendment 40 or the subsequent proposed rule in the final rule. You may obtain electronic copies of Amendment 40 from the NOAA Fisheries Web site:

http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_fisheries/gulf_fisheries/reef_fish/2013/am40/index.htmlor the e-Rulemaking Portal: www.regulation.gov.

Alan Jackson teams up with Guy Harvey

Soundings Trade Only talks about the new partnership with Guy Harvey and Alan Jackson to raise money and awareness for ocean conservation through Alan Jackson's 25th Anniversary Tour. Harvey designed a logo for the tour series, and Jackson has committed to donating $5 per shirt to Harvey's Ocean Foundation. Learn more here.

Seapilot Nav App coming to Android Platform

Although the company previously had an iPhone app, they have just launched an Android version that is available free on Google Play. A subscription is necessary. I haven't played with the iPhone version but am looking forward to seeing what it can do. You can visit them here.

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SEAPILOT ANNOUNCES NAVIGATION APP AVAILABLE FOR ANDROID DEVICES

Free Professional Quality Navigation App Now Accessible Through Google Play

Danderyd, Sweden – Seapilot, the recreational brand of True Heading NSA and leading manufacturer of recreational Automatic Identification System (AIS) solutions and app navigation, announced today the release of its award-winning Seapilot Navigation app for Android devices. Capitalizing on the huge success of the Seapilot Navigation app for Apple iOS, the new app is now downloadable for free on Google Play for Android-compatible smartphones and tablets.

Designed to the highest of standards, the easy-to-use Seapilot Navigation app combines S-57 vector chart data displayed on its proprietary chart engine with a direct GPS connection for position, to present up-to-the-minute AIS data on portable devices. The Seapilot app is capable of displaying current position information, course and speed vectors for AIS targets, and in-app weather data for increased situational awareness. The app allows boaters to set routes and waypoints, mark objects, and assess the bearing and range between plotted points and the vessel. The customizable display has settings for day, dawn/dusk and night operation, and the orientation can be changed between North Up and Heads Up views—all in high definition. Although it can only be used on one device at a time, a single Seapilot subscription can be used on multiple Android and Apple systems. To toggle between devices, users simply select which one they would like active from within the My Account section of seapilot.com. Downloaded charts are saved directly to device memory, allowing the app to navigate autonomously without a live Internet connection.

“The Seapilot app is known for delivering professional performance navigation capabilities to recreational mobile devices,” said Jens Johansson, CEO, Seapilot. “Building on the success we’ve had with Apple products, we know our Android users will enjoy the stunning capabilities Seapilot offers.”

The Seapilot Navigation app is available now as a free download from Google Play; a paid subscription is required to download charts. For more information on the Seapilot Navigation app for Android, Seapilot or the entire Seapilot line of AIS and navigation solutions, visit www.seapilot.com.

Soundings Trade Only Take on Cuba Move

The B2B trade journal Soundings Trade only has the National Marine Manufacturers Association take on the relaxation to Cuba. Some of the more interesting details emerging are that travelers can book directly with airlines without a specific license. This means travelers can take advantage of direct flights from Miami and Tampa operated by airlines like American. They'll also be able to bring back up to $400 of souvenirs of which $100 may be alcohol or tobacco.

Cuba Travel Begins To Open Up

Interesting piece by the NYT on Washington following through on easing travel restrictions. The short story... looks like 12 categories of travel are opening up so you no longer need to obtain a travel license prior to booking and engaging in travel. This could be big news for outdoorsman, as people-to-people (in particular, sports) efforts are one of the categories. Travelers are also allowed to use credit and debit cards (although I'm not sure that's such a good idea), spend money, and return with items including alcohol and tobaco.

Having traveled to Havana in 2009, this is exciting news. Although it appears this only applies to air travel, hopefully boat travel will be approved soon so that anglers can compete in the annual Hemingway Billfish Tournament.

One of the most dangerous creatures on the planet... and a shark.

It never ceases to amaze me what qualifies as news on the interwebs. You see some people doing some pretty stupid things, most harkening back to the old saw that the 'number one cause of death among Rednecks is "Hey bubba... watch this!'" Like this video.

We'll that's exactly the case with this gem from the Weather Channel... who thanks to Jim Cantori are masters at making something dramatic out of nothing.

I've handled (and killed) more big fish than most people catch in a lifetime. So you've always got to be deliberate and think 2-3 steps ahead of the fish -- because the fish is always thinking ahead. Seems like a beach fisherman decides to pick up a shark (which looks to be a blacknose... close relative of the blacktip.) Only a couple of problems... a) he's not wearing shoes. b) he puts himself in a bad position by grabbing the shark by the tail and not securing its midsection or head.

Surprise, it turned around and tagged him on the foot!

Really? That's news? And why is it even on the Weather Channel to begin with?

NMFS seeking input for VMS in the South Atlantic

Like a bad virus that just won't die, the South Atlantic Fisheries Council continues to head down the path to implement VMS (vessel monitoring systems, video, etc.). Although efforts to bring such devices (including smart fishing rods) to the recreational sector have been unsuccessful to date, it looks like they are still pushing for them.  Here's your chance to voice opposition during the public comment period.

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 SOUTHEAST FISHERY BULLETIN 

FB15-001

Catch Share Customer Service

(866) 425-7627   

January 9, 2015        

Southeast Region Electronic Monitoring and Reporting Implementation Plan Available for Public Comment

There is a growing need for more timely and accurate data for fisheries management and science. Recognizing the growing demands for data collection, NOAA Fisheries drafted a regional electronic monitoring and electronic reporting (EM/ER) implementation plan for the Southeast Region.   

The goal of the plan is to provide an operational strategy for implementing and expanding the use of electronic monitoring (e.g., video cameras, vessel monitoring systems) and electronic reporting (e.g., electronic logbooks) for federally managed fisheries in the Southeast Region. The primary objectives of the plan are to: (1) Define regional objectives for the use of EM/ER; (2) establish a framework for EM/ER development and implementation; (3) identify challenges impeding the use of EM/ER in the region and potential solutions for overcoming those challenges; (4) develop a prioritized list of fisheries suitable for EM and/or ER; (5) identify and quantify (where possible) costs and infrastructure needed for expansion of EM/ER use; and, (6) develop a process for reviewing progress made toward plan implementation. 

NOAA Fisheries is interested in receiving input on the draft implementation plan. Initial input has already been received from the Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic, and Caribbean Fishery Management Councils. 

Request for Comments

NOAA Fisheries is requesting comments on the EM/ER regional implementation plan through February 9, 2015. Comments submitted will be reviewed and considered during development of the final draft EM/ER implementation plan. You may obtain electronic copies of the EM/ER plan on the NOAA Fisheries Web site at: 

http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_fisheries/documents/pdfs/em_er_implementation_plan_southeast.pdf.

How to Submit Comments

You may submit comments on the EM/ER implementation plan by any of the following methods:

Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via e-mail to: nmfs.sero.EMERplan@noaa.gov. Attachments to electronic comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF file formats only.

Mail: Submit written comments to Andrew Strelcheck, NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office, Sustainable Fisheries Division, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-5505.

Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NOAA Fisheries. All comments received are a part of the public record. 

   

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Bobbit Worms... This is some scary stuff.

Reading about this species of worm that often comes as a hitchhiker in live rock for marine aquaria. Very scary. Check out the worm taking down a healthy scorpionfish, then failing to subdue an octopus. Freaky. 

http://vimeo.com/28280553

Coyote-Racoon Smackdown!

POV and trail cams have turned up some incredible footage of people and animals... Like these angry raccoons showing a coyote how the cow eats the cabbage... 

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=2142004782226

Giant Largemouth Bass...

This is a video of one of the biggest largemouth I've ever seen... Posted on Facebook. It's a monster and most likely from California.

This Looks A lot Like Work To Me...

I love deep jigging... But two things I can't stand are amberjack and Pacific yellowtail. Unfortunately, they are the most likely takers when fishing vertical jigs in deep water as evidenced here.

IGFA Auction Offers Fishing Trips, Tackle and More...

Trips to Tropic Star Lodge, the latest in fishing tackle and more await anglers wanting to help raise money for the conservation programs at the International Game Fish Association in just a few weeks...

When it comes to fishing, bigger is better and as the keeper of world records for the sport of fishing the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) knows big fish. Bigger is better can also be said for the IGFA’s 31st Annual International Auction & Banquet. After hosting the event for three successful years at their headquarters, the event is moving from the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach to the Hyatt Regency Pier 66 in Fort Lauderdale and will take place at 6pm on January 30, 2015. Tickets are still available and can be purchased online by clicking here, or by phone 1-954-927-2628.

2015 Sailfly is In The Books

Sandy Moret's 2015 edition of the Sailfly, held annually in Islamorada is in the books, and one of the most interesting takeaways this year was the number of wahoo raised. Having hooked two and caught one in a lifetime of angling, its tough to consistently raise them to the fly... particularly when trolling. This will warrant more watching, as another interesting fishery could develop off Islamorada... Scott Lund (no relation) was the Grand Champion.

 Sandy Moret of Florida Keys Outfitters presents the trophy to the winning team from the boat Kalex.   L to R Daniel Attales, Capt. Alex Adler, Sandy Moret, Scott Lund (holding trophy) and Justin Baker. 

New Lionfish Resource

Lionfish have been an increasingly growing problem in the South Atlantic. Here is a great new website to help chat them: 

http://lionfish.gcfi.org/index.php

Ansel Adams Act Big Move for Nature Photographers

For years, the National Park Service and Federal Government have been chipping away at the rights of nature photographers around the country. They require permits to shoot on public land and have even been instructed to confiscate equipment, media cards and even arrest photographers shooting with commercial purposes on public lands. The irony of this, is one of the world's finest nature photographers -- Ansel Adams -- and his imagery were largely responsible for the creation of one our largest National Parks, Yosemite. 

But the Ansel Adams Act , introduced by Rep. Steve Stockman (R-TX) addresses not only commercial photography on public lands, but also a wide range of topics including photography in public spaces, government buildings as well as photographing law enforcement and other government officials carrying out their duties.

This is a bill that even recreational photographers should get behind to ensure access and rights in the years to come.

Sebile Introduces What Looks to Be Another Winner

Patrick Sebile has been probably the most prolific hard and soft bait designer of the past ten years. He's got a new bait out -- The Sebile Action First Bull Minnow that features an innovative new external weight system which helps the bait track true when fished at both high and low speeds. Like most of his designs, these are some the hottest freshwater lures out there -- with incredible crossover potential. Check out the video and for more information on his whole line of lures, go here.

Sebile Action First Bull Minnow

Ho-ho-hook and Tackle for the Holidays!

Stan Rudman and the folks over at Hook and Tackle are making some of the most innovative technical clothing on the market... And they're having a great holiday sale for your favorite fishermen. Check it out here. 

Ongaro Introduces New Skiff Wheel

If you're looking to replace a wheel on a skiff, runabout or RIB, the new Destroyer Wheel from Schmitt & Ongaro is a good choice. The wheel is built tough and is a an affordable option. 

DESTROYER WHEEL BUILT SOLID TO PERFORM

Schmitt and Ongaro's all new Polyurethane Destroyer Wheel brings a commanding presence to any boat, at a price point unmatched by its competition. Manufactured with the standard of high quality the company is known for worldwide, this wheel, with its classic styling and robust construction, is made to perform in the harshest conditions.

Solidly built, the Polyurethane Destroyer is weather-defying and easy to care for. Five gleaming spokes radiate from the wheel's central hub—all constructed from durable stainless steel. A molded and foamed black polyurethane covering surrounds a strong steel ring and features a leather-textured finish. Finger grips provide comfort and maximum control. A matching black center cap is standard; chrome-plated ABS is available as an upgrade.

With its contrasting mirror-like finish and inviting black grip, the Destroyer is both tough and practical. It's a high quality, low-cost option for any boat, but is ideal for RIBs, runabouts, skiffs and center consoles. The wheel is available in 14" and 16" diameters, each with a 22° dish. MSRP is $90.39 and $95.68, respectively.

Contact Schmitt & Ongaro Marine Products, 1001 Ranck Mill Rd., Lancaster, PA 17602. 866-724-6488 (866-SCHMITT); Fax: 866-329-7679 (866-FAXSMSW). sales@schmittsteering.com. www.schmittongaromarine.com.

Japanese Knives from Chef Steps →

Tsukiji Sushi Chef, Tokyo

One of the things that stood out to me while visiting the famed Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo was the abundance of fine steel at the outer market. While most knife making countries have eschewed hand crafting cutlery, the Japanese have embraced it. I'm still kicking myself for not buying several... But now Chef Steps has curated a small collection of fine Japanese culinary cuts. Check them out.

Seeking Inspiration from Nature →

Photo credit: Sports Illustrated via Speedo 

The gang over at Awesome Ocean have a cool post on performance swimming fins that were developed by Speedo after considering natures design of the humpback whale. Check it out here.