Government Denies Current Longline Permits for Atlantic Closed Zone Government Chartered Longline Vessel Will Conduct Research

Future Access Still an Issue

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has denied issuing Exempted Fishing Permits (EFP) to 13 pelagic longline vessels to fish within closed zones off the east coast of Florida.

The recreational fishing community expressed strong opposition to the permit application noting that the zones were closed to provide protection for critical habitat for juvenile swordfish, sailfish, blue marlin and white marlin. At the time the agency considered the permits, it was reassessing white marlin under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Longlining in the closed zone would have increased white marlin mortality, as well as that of other species, so it made no sense to approve a “federal action” that would have negatively impacted white marlin. The recreational fishing community applauds the agency for its decision to close the zones in 2000 and now for denying the EFPs.

We're not out of the woods yet...

Even so, the issue is not settled on closed zone access for longline vessels. The agency will conduct research on a chartered longline vessel that will fish within the east coast closed zone. This study, identical in purpose to the purposal put forward in the longline permit application, will assess the effectiveness of recently required circle hooks to reduce bycatch mortality on longline vessels. Agency conducted research will likely employ fewer vessels, possibly only one, with a scientist on board to collect data on bycatch caught with circle hooks. The agency then will evaluate the data and, depending upon results, may issue proposed actions relative to the closed zone.

TBF appreciates the responsiveness of our recreational fishing community to this important issue and asks that you stay in touch with us for future developments.

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California Coastal Commission Requests Denial of Longline Permit

On Friday, August 10 the California Coastal Commission voted unanimously to oppose issuance of an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) to use longline gear off the U.S. West Coast. The finding that the issuance of such a permit is not consistent with California's Coastal Zone Management Plan places increased pressure on the Washington Headquarters of the National Marine Fisheries Service to deny the permit application, which was approved by the federal Pacific Fishery Management Council earlier this year.

TBF joined a coalition of environmental, sportfishing and small scale commercial fishing organizations to voice opposition to the permit at the Commission's meeting.

TBF has been leading the fight against any development of a longline fishery off the West Coast since 2000.

California Coastal Commission Considering Longline Permit

The California Coastal Commission (CCC) meets this week in San Francisco. It has just come to light that the CCC is considering the recently approved federal Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP), which authorizes one pelagic longline to fish off a portion of California's shores. The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) approved the federal permit, which still requires the approval of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). The CCC has authority to make recommendations on federally approved actions that might impact species in state waters. TBF believes the CCC will oppose the federal action out of concern that species in state waters will be negatively impacted.

State officials realize the federal government is interested in increasing, on both coasts, the U.S. swordfish landings. The U.S. is currently importing more swordfish than is being caught by U.S. fleets. Thus the federal decision makers at all levels are expected to support the Council action authorizing the longline permit off the west coast. On the east coast the NMFS is working diligently to find ways to "reinvigorate" the commercial swordfish fishery.

The CCC is expected to take a vote on the position it will take on the federal action - to support or not support. The vote is scheduled for Friday, August 10^th. The meeting is taking place at the Hyatt Regency Embarcadero at 5 Embarcadero Plaza between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. Anglers are urged to attend if at all possible. TBF has submitted comments consistent with our opposition expressed before the federal Council opposing the EFP in waters off California.

Pressure from within the Calderon Administration May Force Changes to Shark Norma (NOM-029)

On Wednesday the Mexican fisheries agency, Conapesca, issued a press release in response to urgent advocacy efforts within sectors of the Mexican government by TBF and our Mexican conservation partners, including tens of thousands emails sent in opposition to the recently enacted "Shark Norma" – NOM-029. TBF, La Fundacion para la Conservacion de los Picudos (FCP), Seawatch and other conservation organizations have asked for specific changes in the regulations to prevent a new wave of longlining effort in the waters of the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez. The press release attempts to downplay criticisms and states that changes will be made to the new regulations to prohibit the commercialization of billfish and cites Mexican fisheries law (Articulo 13, La Ley de Pesca) to clarify that species protected by the 50 mile conservation zones are reserved for the exclusive use of the sport fishery and may not be taken by other than recreational fishing gear.

“We are pleased to see evidence that rational minds within the administration have looked to correct this terrible rulemaking effort by Conapesca,” said TBF’s Chief Scientist Dr. Russell Nelson, “but unfortunately experience has shown that promises made by Senor Corral are to be taken with a grain of salt.”

In December of 2003, at the beginning of his tenure as Mexico’s fisheries head, Ramon Corral announced that Mexico would ban longlines, factory ships, large drift gillnets and rescind all permits allowing any taking of billfish and dorado following scientific presentations on the impacts of longline and drift gillnet gear in La Paz and Cabo San Lucas. These actions never occurred. In January of this year, Corral and his senior staff met with Mexican Senator Luis Coppola, Nelson, Guillermo Alvarez of FCP, and Alejandro Robles representing a coalition of Mexican conservation groups focused on the Sea of Cortez. There he promised that the Shark Norma would not go into effect until new research was conducted to look at its biological impacts. “Corral announced the implementation of the new regulations as we were involved with scientists in La Paz developing a work plan to analyze the impacts,” said Nelson.

“We no longer can deal in good faith with Conapesca,” said TBF President Ellen Peel. "We are going to keep up the pressure on this issue until it is dealt with by Senator Coppola, Chair of the Tourism committee in the Mexican Senate, and we are still calling for a suspension of NOM-029 until all the required changes are formally in place.”

Click here for details on the Shark Norma and TBF's position.

Join TBF or renew your membership today! Don't forget you can shop online for your tagging equipment and TBF apparel! Please visit our website at www.billfish.org.