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Fishing Industry Offers Enthusiastic Support

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. --(FishNLand.com)- The Professional Outdoor Media Association’s (POMA) Fishing Industry Outreach Program is focused on bolstering the relationship between the fishing industry and outdoor journalists. POMA’s efforts are being recognized and supported by the fishing community.

POMA Chairman Chris Chaffin spent several days networking with fishing industry executives at the recent American Sportfishing Association (ASA) Sportfishing Summit. Chaffin provided industry executives with information on POMA’s Fishing Industry Outreach Program and discussed ways POMA, ASA, which is a POMA Corporate Partner member, and industry leaders can work together to achieve mutually beneficial goals.

Chaffin also participated in the ASA’s Communications Committee meetings during which several suggestions on how POMA and ASA might work together were discussed.

“POMA’s program has drawn attention among industry executives,” Chaffin acknowledged, “But, POMA was most encouraged by the opportunity to determine what it can do to make its program even more valuable to the fishing industry.”

“ASA has been a long-standing member of POMA. We look forward to partnering with the organization to ensure the fishing story is told fairly and accurately and to ensure the future of this American Heritage sport.”

POMA’s Fishing Industry Outreach Committee, led by Kurt Beckstrom of North American Fisherman magazine, is also actively working on projects to bring more fishing industry media and industry professionals into the organization and to promote increased POMA member participation at ASA’s ICAST Show.

POMA is also the only outdoor journalists organization to show its support of the industry through ASA membership.

About:
The American Sportfishing Association is the sportfishing industry’s trade association, committed to looking out for the interests of the entire sportfishing community. Sportfishing Summit Report

About:
The Professional Outdoor Media Association is a group of individual communicators and Corporate Partners who believe in, defend, support and promote the heritage of hunting, fishing, shooting and traditional outdoor sports through writing, photography and other means. By doing so, members hope to educate the general public about these sports and encourage more participation in them. The organization serves the membership by helping members grow professionally, improve their skills, better their working environments and enhance their businesses.

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Secretary Salazar Announces Boating Grants To 28 States To Help Keep Waterways Clean
Washington, DC -(FishNLand.com)- Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar today announced that $14.6 million will be awarded to 28 states under the Clean Vessel Act grant program in 2009. The grants will be used to fund the construction and installation of sewage pumpout facilities and floating restrooms, to purchase pumpout boats and provide educational programs for recreational boaters.

“Clean Vessel Act funds support construction of facilities in communities that depend on recreational boating for their economy, and depend on clean water for their health,” said Salazar. “These grants provide immediate funding for construction of infrastructure that will provide lasting value for recreational boaters, and everyone who relies on clean waters.”

Since the program’s inception in the early 1990s, the program – administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – has awarded more than $163 million to states to install thousands of sewage pumpout stations. In addition, many states now rely upon mobile sewage pumpout boats to make the sewage collection process more efficient and convenient. A number of states also have begun installing floating restrooms and pumpout stations in high use areas of lakes and coastal waters.

Funding for the CVA program comes from the Sport Fishing and Boating Trust Fund, formerly known as the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund, which is supported by excise taxes levied on certain fishing and boating equipment and boat fuels.

“These Clean Vessel Act grants will help the states maintain clean and healthy waters for people and wildlife,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Acting Director Rowan Gould. “Sewage pumpouts may not be the most glamorous conservation tool, but their presence can have an immediate and clear impact on the well-being of aquatic resources and recreational waterways that provide drinking water to millions of Americans.”

A listing of grant awards made today include:

Alabama: $297,188 – The Alabama Department of Environmental Management plans to install ten sewage pumpout stations throughout the state for its inland and coastal waters. In addition, the agency plans to maintain efforts to inform boaters about the importance of proper sewage disposal and how it benefits the aquatic environment.

Arkansas: $323,335 – The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission plans to purchase five sewage pumpout boats and install fourteen sewage pumpout stations. The grant will also provide funds for the operations, maintenance, repair and rehabilitation of existing sewage pumpout stations as needed to keep these stations functioning.

Arizona: $150,000 – The Arizona Fish and Game Department plans to install at least five sewage pumpout facilities, eight dump stations, and purchase a sewage pumpout boat for use on inland waters.

California: $3,130,000 – The California Department of Boating and Waterways plans to install eight sewage pumpout stations, purchase two sewage pumpout boats, and install up to ten floating restrooms throughout the state for coastal and inland waters. The agency will also continue its aggressive educational program to inform boaters about the importance of proper sewage disposal.

Florida: $1,816,575 – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection plans to install more than 29 dual purpose sewage pumpout-dump station facilities for inland and coastal waters. The agency will continue its education and outreach efforts with boaters to stress the importance of proper sewage disposal.

Georgia: $63,432 – The Georgia Department of Natural Resources will install two sewage pumpout facilities and purchase a sewage pumpout boat for its inland and coastal waters.

Idaho: $95,000 – The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation plans to replace or renovate approximately four sewage pumpout stations.

Illinois: $112,500 – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources plans install up to five sewage pumpout stations throughout the state, dependent upon the needs of the state’s marina operators.

Indiana: $495,482 – The Indiana Department of Environmental Management plans to install eight sewage pumpout stations and one floating restroom and to continue efforts to inform boaters about the importance of proper sewage disposal.

Kansas: $32,250 – The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks plans to fund the installation of a sewage pumpout facility at Perry Lake.

Kentucky: $124,469 – The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources plans to install a sewage pumpout facility, purchase one sewage pumpout boat, and renovate one sewage pumpout facility along the Ohio River, Lake Cumberland, and Dale Hollow Lake.

Louisiana: $90,000 – The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries plans to fund the purchase of a sewage pumpout boat and a mobile sewage dump station for use on Lake Pontchartrain and Bayou Castine, as well as continue education efforts throughout the state on proper sewage disposal.

Massachusetts: $1,343,772 – The Division of Marine Fisheries plans to install sewage pumpout facilities, purchase seven pumpout boats, renovate two pumpout boats, and provide operation and maintenance funding for existing sewage pumpout boats and facilities throughout the state’s coastal waters. The agency will also continue its educational efforts on proper sewage disposal.

Michigan: $100,000 – The Michigan Department of Natural Resources plans to fund the installation of four sewage pumpout facilities on coastal waters and continue its education and awareness efforts for proper sewage disposal.

Minnesota: $337,500 – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources plans to install five sewage pumpout stations at marinas throughout the state and to educate boaters about the importance of proper sewage disposal and its importance to the environment.

Mississippi: $143,500 – The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources plans to install five sewage pumpout facilities throughout the state at coastal and inland sites.

Missouri: $48,000 – The Missouri Department of Conservation plans to install new or replacement sewage pumpout facilities at three or four marinas in the state’s waters as needed.

New Hampshire: $210,370 – The New Hampshire Department plans to install four sewage pumpout facilities at coastal and inland sites.

New Jersey: $588,888 – The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection plans to install 18 sewage pumpout facilities, purchase one sewage pumpout boat, and educate boaters about proper sewage disposal.

New York: $1,270,007 – The New York Department of Environmental Conservation plans to purchase 31 stationary sewage pumpout units, three sewage pumpout boats, and 31 dump facilities for portable toilets; and to install two floating restrooms throughout the state’s inland and coastal waters. In addition, the state plans to provide operation and maintenance funds for existing facilities to ensure their availability for recreational boaters.

North Carolina: $194,875 – The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources plans to install four new sewage pumpout facilities and twelve dual purpose sewage pumpout-dump facilities throughout the state’s coastal waters and continue efforts to inform boaters about the importance of proper sewage disposal.

Ohio: $248,625 – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Watercraft, plans to install sewage pumpout facilities at five locations throughout the state.

Oregon: $1,111,650 – The Oregon State Marine Board plans to purchase and install 22 sewage pumpout stations and 28 dump stations for coastal and inland waters throughout the state and to provide funding for the operation and maintenance of existing facilities. The agency will also continue its efforts to educate boaters about the importance of proper sewage disposal and its benefits to aquatic ecosystems.

Rhode Island: $448,000 – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management plans to install ten sewage pumpout stations, replace or renovate five sewage pumpout stations, and purchase a sewage pumpout boat for the proper disposal of boater sewage on coastal waters throughout the state.

Tennessee: $600,000 – The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency plans to install 16 sewage pumpout stations and renovate two sewage pumpout stations throughout the state. The agency will also continue its efforts to educate boaters about the importance of proper sewage disposal.

Texas: $375,000 – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department plans to install 25 sewage pumpout stations for inland waters and to continue its educational efforts to inform boaters about the importance of proper sewage disposal.

Utah: $350,743 – The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will construct two sewage pumpout facilities to replace older facilities located at Flaming Gorge Reservoir and Bear Lake.

Washington: $530,000 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Department plans to install six new sewage pumpout and dump station facilities and to provide operation and maintenance funding for 36 coastal marinas and 25 inland marinas throughout the State.

About:
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov .

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Dem Approves Application Submitted By RI Fluke Conservation Cooperative For Participation In Summer Flounder Sector Allocation Pilot Program
Providence, RI. -(FishNLand.com)- The RI Department of Environmental Management has approved the application of the Rhode Island Fluke Conservation Cooperative (RIFCC) to participate in a 37-week summer flounder sector allocation pilot program.

The purpose of the experimental program is to assess the effectiveness and viability of a catch-share approach as an alternative to traditional quota management. The approach offers a promising new way to support fishermen, and the resource they depend upon, by reducing discards, improving economic efficiencies, and supporting safety at sea.

Two months ago, DEM adopted regulations that allowed any group of licensed commercial fishermen from RI to form a sector and apply for participation in the program, pursuant to a detailed set of application requirements. The regulations were adopted following a public hearing process and review by the RI Marine Fisheries Council. DEM Director W. Michael Sullivan’s detailed decision memo, which set forth the reasons for his decision to move forward with the experimental program, is posted on the Department’s website at: http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/bnatres/fishwild/pdf/dirsectr.pdf

The Department received one application, from the RIFCC, and after careful review in accordance with the review criteria set forth in the regulations, the Department approved the application, subject to some relatively minor adjustments, with an allowable start date of April 12.

The pilot program participants include the following eight vessels: F/V Elizabeth Helen, F/V Grandville Davis, F/V Kelsi Morgan, F/V Linda Marie, F/V Ocean State, F/V Restless, F/V Thistle, and F/V Virginia Marise. The owners and operators of all eight vessels have entered into a fully executed sector contract, which binds them to all of the terms and conditions of their operations plan. The eight vessels are all legally established members of the RIFCC, which is controlled by a Board of Directors. Christopher Brown is the Board-appointed sector manager.

In accordance with the DEM regulations governing the pilot program, the sector participants are authorized to commercially harvest and land summer flounder in Rhode Island in any amount, up to the amount of their sector allocation, at any time of year, until the allocation is fully harvested, subject only to a total allowable catch limit established for the summer season. The participants will not be bound by the traditional quota management program restrictions involving daily and weekly possession limits and sub-period closures.

The allocation for the RIFCC for the 37-week period running from April 12 to December 31, 2009 is 176,370 pounds. That amount was established by taking the average amount of summer flounder (as a percentage of Rhode Island’s total commercial quota) harvested by the program participants over the past five years, applying that percentage to Rhode Island’s total commercial summer flounder quota for 2009, and then subtracting the total pounds of summer flounder landed by the eight vessels to date in 2009 (from January 1 through April 11). Specifically, the eight vessels landed a total of 1,195,661 pounds of summer flounder in Rhode Island during the five-year period 2004-2008. Those total landings were 11.53% of the combined total commercial summer flounder landings (i.e. total annual state quotas) for the same period. Thus, the eight vessels have landed, on an average annual basis, 11.53% of the State’s commercial summer flounder quota over the past five years. Rhode Island’s total commercial summer flounder quota for 2009 is 1,684,023 pounds; 11.53% of that is 194,168 pounds. Since January 1 of this year, six of the eight vessels have landed a total of 17,798 pounds of summer flounder (the other two vessels have not landed any summer flounder so far this year). Subtracting 17,798 from 194,168 yields the final figure of 176,370 pounds.

In accordance with the regulations governing the pilot program, the participants will be required to abide by a total allowable catch (TAC) for the summer period, beginning May 1 and running through October 31. (The Department is proposing a regulatory adjustment that will clarify the end date of the summer sub-period quota as being October 31, or the date when the summer sub-period quota applicable to all other RI commercial fishermen is fully harvested, whichever comes first.) During that period, the maximum allowable catch of summer flounder by the sector participants will be 60,000 pounds (8 vessels x 7,500 pounds/vessel). The summer TAC is a subset of the sector’s 179,638 pound total allocation.

In accordance with the regulations governing the program, the participants will also be required to abide by a number of terms and conditions, namely:

” All legal-sized fluke (over 14 inches) harvested by the eight vessels must be retained, landed, and counted against the sector allocation, unless the fish are damaged and unsellable. ” All discards of undersized fluke (under 14 inches), and damaged and unsellable legal-sized fluke, by the eight vessels must be counted against the sector allocation. ” All eight vessels must use detailed tracking forms to account for all landings and discards throughout the course of the program, and those forms, along with weekly electronic updates, must be provided to DEM. DEM will also receive landings data for all eight vessels from licensed dealers. ” All eight vessels must notify DEM’s Office of Law Enforcement at least one hour prior, but not more than six hours prior, to making any commercial landing in RI, regardless of whether or not such landings include summer flounder. ” All eight vessels must agree to take state or federally authorized observers at any time; and the sector must further agree to fund all observer costs. ” All eight vessels must agree to allow all information and data associated with the program - including but not limited to catch and landings data and discard data, on a per-vessel basis - to be made publicly available.

” None of the eight vessels may fish with gear that is designed to catch summer flounder between June 1 and September 30 within one mile of the southern RI coastline. [The RIFCC has committed to a self-imposed restriction on the use of such gear during this period out to three miles from the southern RI coastline.] ” Once the sector’s summer TAC has been fully harvested, all of the eight vessels must refrain from fishing with gear that is designed to catch summer flounder until the summer sub-period ends; and none of the eight vessels will be allowed to land any by-catch of summer flounder until the summer sub-period ends. Once the sector’s overall allocation has been fully harvested, all of the eight vessels must refrain from fishing with gear that is designed to catch summer flounder for the rest of the calendar year; and none of the eight vessels will be allowed any by-catch of summer flounder for the rest of the year.

With regard to observer coverage, the URI Department of Fisheries, Animal and Veterinary Science is developing an observer coverage plan for the program, with a target of a minimum of 200 observed trips. Economists from URI will also track landings and prices of fluke landed by the sector and non-sector boats. Additionally, efforts are being made to secure federal funding to acquire cameras that would be placed on each vessel to record all activities on all trips. In order to properly gauge the effectiveness of the pilot program, it is important to compare sector operations with non-sector operations. DEM, in coordination with URI and the National Marine Fisheries Service, will be pursuing this parallel track via the ongoing federal observer program with a focus on non-sector commercial summer flounder fishermen.

DEM has developed a webpage that will be devoted exclusively to the summer flounder sector allocation pilot program. The page will document the weekly catch and landings data for each of the eight vessels, as well as cumulatively for the sector as a whole, on a week-to-week basis throughout the year. The page will also include links to the documents submitted by the RIFCC as part of their application, as well as observer trip summaries and other relevant information pertaining to the sector operations. The page will be available via a link from DEM’s Marine Fisheries page – http://www.dem.ri.gov/topics/mftopics.htm — beginning next week.

DEM, through its Office of Law Enforcement, will also be conducting periodic boardings and inspections of the eight vessels for the purpose of monitoring compliance with all applicable rules and regulations.

Although, to date, no other group has applied to participate in the pilot program, the regulations governing the program allow any group to apply at any time.

DEM enacted the summer flounder sector allocation pilot program for the purpose of determining whether it is a workable system and beneficial to the fishery as a whole. Accordingly, as the relatively small-scale experimental program is undertaken, DEM plans to simultaneously launch consideration of a broad-based program for the summer flounder fishery as a whole, drawing upon the insights gained through the pilot program and the perspectives of all who would be affected by any continued or broadened program.

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