Longline Alert!

[Ron.38 Special]

On December 9, 2003, NOAA Fisheries announced its intent to issue Exempt Fishery Permits (EFP's) and Scientific Research Permits (SRP's).
These permits will authorize collections of limited numbers of Tuna, Swordfish, billfishes, and sharks from Federal Waters of the Gulf of Mexico and The Atlantic Ocean, for the purpose of scientific data collection and public display. The permits will be valid thru December 31, 2004. NOAA Fisheries may also issue EFP's for the purpose of collecting biological samples under at-sea observer programs, and to U.S. Fishermen whose vessels fish for Atlantic HMS while operating under contract within the EEZ of other nations, so as to allow US fishing fleets to fish consistent with another country's regulations without violating US regulation, and ensure that such vessels report to the proper authorities.


This is the exact kind of public notice that I was warned would be required prior to any longlining in the closed area of the Florida Straits and Gulf of Mexico.

I have requested a copy of the proposed permits to determine which are harmful to our swordfishing nursery, and which ones aren't.

The second part of the notice is of little concern to us since it simply allows a US vessel to operate under local authority if it gets permission to operate in another country's waters.

But, the primary part of the notice certainly opens the door to longlines with or without observers, within our closed longline areas.

I suggest we all look closely at the wording in the Federal Register, page 68595. The wording implies the primary permits are for the collection of shark specimens. But the additional wording which states "NOAA may issue EFP's for the purpose of collecting biological samples;;;" certainly would allow NOAA to let longlines back in the straits without further notice or public posting.

Another interesting point is the fact that NOAA published the notice December 9,2003 with the public comment periods ending December 24, 2003. Thats just a little too fishy even for NOAA. Almost sounds like they tried to slip one thru while no one was paying attention. The comment period has been extended to January 24, 2004.

When I can find the best link, I will post the whole notice.

We simply cannot sit by while NOAA possibly lets longlines back in these waters for "research" purposes. This is where we have to wake NMFS up and make them realize the economic impact of this offshore fishery.
_______

Team Changed Conditions,
http://www.changedconditions.com

[Mike]

Ron, I think I can speak for our swordfish community, that we are on board with you and will do whatever it takes to keep longliners out of our waters. Sounds to me that the longliners have a very good chance of slipping into our waters, through a contract and not for just the observing program. And they could fish hard the entire year, setting us recreational fisherman back to where we used to be.

I have a few good contacts, that I have spoken to a few months ago, about situations just like this. I am going to give them a call. We also have a chance to speak and ask questions at the upcoming seminar:

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH

9:30 AM – 11: 00 AM DR. WILLIAM T. HOGARTH - WHAT NMFS IS DOING FOR RECREATIONAL FISHING

Located at the Miami International Boat Show

Thanks for bringing this to our attention! I'll keep you posted with all my research.

Mike

[Tim]

I am with you guys 100%. I have many priorities in life, but one of the biggest ones is keeping longliners out of our waters and keeping all of our fish populations healthy.

Whatever I can do to help...

[doublej2]

This is complete bs, to close a fishery and then open it back up just a few years later. Like anything else, 'experimental' longlining can only be a prelude to opening this valuable nursery up to the pillaging it suffered back in the 70s. After the letter sent out by Mike Leech a couple days ago, and now this, it seems like all signs point to the restrictions being lifted, which is simply not right.

Ron, what do the boys over at NMFS have to say about this?

[Ron.38 Special]

Here is some great news!
I have spoke with NMFS regarding the public notice. This notice is a standard notice given every year by NMFS to let them issue EFP's and SRP's without further notice.
..OK so far that's not good news, but here it is...

NMFS has no applications under review which would allow longlining in the closed areas. No research, not EFP's nothing...

OK so they could get applications at any time, but....

Already to date, NMFS has had so much response and comments specifically regarding any attempt to permit longlines in the closed areas that they realize this is a very hot item for NMFS.

I have been assured that prior to anyone ever issuing a longline permit for any purpose in the closed area, they will initiate specific public notice and public hearings in the South Florida area. Our voice is already being heard loud and clear.

NMFS has set an example to the nations of ICCAT, that we are serious about billfish bycatch and juvenile sword discards. To let any longlines in the Straits, would dilute any effect of our example in conservation. In a sense, due to our loud voices of concern, and the example we have now set, Longlining may never happen again in the Straits of Florida. It may well become the best example of conservation that NMFS can ever muster.

We still should exercise our right to comment on the public notice. I suggest comments stress our specific concern with any plans for EFP's or SRP's in the Straits of Florida to continue to protect the juvenile sword population.

On a night like last night, a longline set would have been disaterous at best, of the 13 bites we had with swords, only two were of legal size. But those small swordies swam off to fight another day, a chance they wouldn't have on a longline.
_______

Team Changed Conditions,
http://www.changedconditions.com