As you no doubt know by now, NMFS shut down the sea bass fishery in federal waters for the remainder of the CALENDAR year. Through December 31st. Again, this applies to federal waters. The ASMFC met yesterday to discuss state waters issues. The motion, as expected, came up that would recommend states take whatever action possible to close state waters to fishing for the remainder of the year. That motion was narrowly defeated in a 5 in favor / 6 against vote. Individual states, if they so desire, can of course take unilateral action to close state waters on their own. But they are not under mandate by the ASMFC as a result of yesterday's actions.
Next season, including the January/February offshore season remains in limbo. Questions remain about when to deduct overages, they may not come out until 2014. We will next get more info about 2013 in late November heading into the middle of December.
RFA continues to work with managers on ensuring anglers have access to a fully rebuilt resource that is not overfished and does not have overfishing occurring. Efforts continue as well on the political end to address the needed Magnuson changes that have resulted in being in this position as well as working to get needed science improvements expedited.
As always, I can be reached at 609-618-0366, leave a message if I don't pick up.
