HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES REPORT

By John Koegler

from Jersey Coast Anglers Association - May 1996 Newspaper)

Since January, so many reports have been sent by NMFS- Highly Migratory species division that a list of major issues is needed. The full future impact of these reports on recreational fishermen is very difficult, if not impossible, to totally comprehend.

• A new Tuna Permit is now required for all boats landing any tuna on East Coast, Gulf of Mexico and US Caribbean islands.
• Dick Stone has retired from NMFS
• Dr. William Hogarth was appointed as HMS chief.
• NMFS announces NO 1996 Spring scoping meetings will be held.
• NMFS Limits large school & small medium Bluefin fishery catches to one fish per day per boat for 1996.
• NMFS Closes 1996 Large School and Small Medium Bluefin tuna fishery for ALL recreationals
• Shark regulations for 1996 same as last year's, pending new Large Coastal assessment due June 2 1996.
• Documentation provided for NMFS unexpected recreational Bluefin Tuna closure in September of 1995
• NMFS 1996 Swordfish regulations.
• Federal registry request for comment on total catch numbers of yellowfin tuna by gear type.
• Appointment of facilitator for Negotiated Rule making Philip Harter and assistant Charles Pou
• Bluefin tuna regulations proposed for comments

Important from South AtlanticManagement Council

Coastal Pelagics regulations extended to North East areas for King and Spanish mackerel, cobia, false albacore and in the future, dolphin. Charter boat/ headboat Paid permit is required, with a moratorium on new permits in the Gulf of Mexico

Dr. William Hogarth was appointed acting chief of NMFS- Highly Migratory Species Division Fishery Management in January for 120 days. New and renewed 1996 Fishery management Plans, rules and regulations have become a torrent. The sheer amount is overwhelming, even for those who try hard to keep up with Federal requlations. Let's review several issues of immediate concern.

Problem #1

NMFS has a new Large Pelagic Survey (LPS) procedure for estimating recreational bluefin tuna landings. The new procedure plus a higher number of permitted vessels together appear to double recreational landings, independent of the raw data input. These higher numbers are unsupported by outside data. An over-count This huge, plus a ridiculously low recreational quota, will eliminate meaningful future recreation participation in the non-sale bluefin tuna fishery.

John Koegler is a member of the
Thousand Fathom South Club and
Chairman of the JCAA Large

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