Amendment No. 1 to the Fishery Management Plan for Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic (Mackerels)

FINAL AMENDMENT 1 FI SHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN ENVI RON MENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR THE . COASTAL M I GRA TORY PELAG I C RESOURCES (MACKERELS) ~~ ~~ ~~~ THE GULF OF MEXI CO AND SOUTH ATLANTIC FI SHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCI LS APRI L" 1985 FINAL AMENDMENT I FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT Fæ COASTAL MIGRATORY PELAGIC RESOURCES (MACKERELS) IN THE GULF OF MEX I CO AND SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION GULF OF MEX I CO FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNC I L LINCOLN CENTER, SU I TE 881 5401 WEST KENNEDY BOULEVARD T AMP A, FLOR I DA 33609 SOUTH ATLANTIC FI SHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCI L SOUTHPARK BUILDING, SUITE 306 1 SOUTHPARK CIRCLE CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROL I NA 29407 Aprl I, 1985 FI nanc I a I ass I stance for produc I ng th I s report was prov I ded by grant funds from the National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, under Public Law 94-265, the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 1.0 Env Ironmenta I I mpact Statement for Amendment 1 for the Fishery Management P I an for Coasta I Migratory Pelagic Resources In the Gulf of MexIco and South AtlantIc. ( ) Draft (x) Final 1.1 Responslble AgencIes: Gulf of MexIco FIshery Management CouncIl Contact: Wayne SwIng Ie LIncoln Center, Suite 881 5401 West Kennedy Bou I evard Tampa, Flor Ida 33609 (813) 228-2815 South AtlantIc FIshery Management CouncIl Contact: DavId Gould Southpark BuIldIng, SuIte 306 1 Southpark CIrcle Char leston, South Caro Ilna 29407 (803) 571-4366 Natlona i Contact: MarIne FIsherIes ServIce Jack Brawner RegIonal DIrector 9450 Koger Sou I evard St. Petersburg, Florida (813) 893-3141 1.2 Name of ActIon: (x) AdmInIstratIve 1.3 DescrIptIon of Act!on: The proposed actIon wIll amend an exIstIng fishery management plan In response to new scientific fInd Ings partIcularly wIth respect to the kIng mackerel stock. ThIs stock Is to be dIvIded Into mIgra tory groups for management purposes. The plan Is to be provIded wIth more flexIbility to address changes In the fish populatIons. In the InItIal plan years restrIctIons are proposed for the Gulf mIgratory group of kIng mackerel to restore reduced populatIons resulting from overf!shlng. 1 .4 Date by Wh I ch Comments Must Be Rece Ived: 1.5 Llst of Preparers The orIgInal FMP/EIS was prepared for the Gulf and South AtlantIc FIshery Management Councils by Centaur AssocIates, Inc., under contract. ThIs amended version was prepared by the Councils wIth pr!nclpal Input from Councl i staff and wIth the assIstance of the MIamI FIsherIes Center of the NatIonal MarIne FIsherIes ServIce. 1-1 Centaur Assoclates, Inc. and Consultants Brad ley S. Ingram - EconomIcs Sandford B. Fain - PlannIng Car I H. Sllsbee - EconomIcs Mark E. ChIttenden, Jr. - FIshery PopulatIon DynamIcs Fred J. Prochaska - Economics James C. Cato - EconomIcs Joan A. Browder - Systems Eco logy CouncIl Staffs J. Connor DavIs - FIshery Science and StatIstIcs Wayne E. SwIng Ie - FIshery ScIence and Management Terrance R. Leary - FIshery ScIence and Management C. Bruce AustIn - FIshery EconomIcs and Management Gregg T. Waugh - F!shery ScIence and Management National MarIne FisherIes ServIce Joe E. Powers - Fishery Science and StatIstics Peter Eldridge - FIshery ScIence and StatIstIcs John R. Poffenberger - EconomIcs MIchael E. Justen - Economics Edward E. Burgess - NMFS P I an Coord I nator WIllIam N. Llndal I, Jr. - NMFS Plan CoordInator 1.6 LI st of Agencles, Organlzatlons, and Persons to Whom Coples are Sent: Department of Commerce Department of the I nter lor Department of State EnvIronmental ProtectIon Agency State resources agencIes: Texas LouIsIana MI sslssl ppl A i abama Florida Georg I a South Caro I I na North Caro I I na All fIshery management councl Is Southeaster n Fisher I es Assoc I at I on LouIsIana ShrImp AssocIatIon F lor Ida League of Ang lers Gulf States MarIne FisherIes CommIssion 1-2 Sea Grant AdvIsory ServIces: Texas MI ss I ss I ppl-AI abama Florida Loul sl ana Georg I a South Caro I I na North Caro I I na Sport Fish I ng i nst I tute Organized FI~hermen of Florida Key West Charter Boat Association I s I amorada Charter Boat Assoc I at I on National Coalition for Marine Conservation Louisiana Coastal Flshermens' Association Gul f Coast Conservation Association Coast Zone Mangement Offices: Loul sl ana AI abama-MI ss I ssl ppl Florida South Caro I I na North Caro I I na 1.7 Public hearings were held as follows: 1984: Jut Y 9 - Panama City, Florida, and Brownsvl lie, Texas; July 10 - Mobile, Alabama, and Corpus Christi, Texas; July 11 - Gulfport, MissIssippi, and Freeport, Texas; Jul y 17 - Key West, Florida; July 19 - Miami, Florida; July 23 - Fort Pierce, Florida, and Lafayette, Louisiana; July 24 - Daytona Beach, Florida, and Raceland, Louisiana; July 25 - St. Petersburg, Florida, and Jacksonville, Florida; Jul y 26 - Savannah, Georgia; July 27 - Charleston, South Carolina; Jul y 30 - Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; July 31 - Wilmington, North Carolina; August 1 - Morehead City, North Carolina; August 2 - Manteo, North Carolina. 1985: January 9 - Brownsvl lie, Texas; January 16 - Tampa, Florida; January 30 - Charleston, South Carolina; February 11 - Ft. Pierce, Florida; February 12 - Key West, Florida. 1-3 This Integrated document contains all elements of the Fishery Management Plan Amendment and Env I ronmenta' I mpact Statement. To a I d the rev I ewer a tab I e of contents for the E I S elements Is provided separately referencing corresponding sections of the FMP. 1.8 Tab I e of Contents Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cover Sheet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Purpose of and Need for Action (Section 12.0 and Section 12.3) . . . . . . . . A I ternat Ives I nc i ud I ng Proposed Act I on Obj ect Ives (Sect I on 12.4) ....................... Optimum Yield (Section 12.5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . Management Options (Section 12.6) ................... Affected Env Ironment Description of Stocks (Section 5.0) .................. Description of Habitat (Section 6.0) .................. Fishery Management Jurisdiction (Section 7.0) ............. F Ish I ng Act I v I ties (Sect I on 8.0) ................. Economic Characteristics (Section 9.0, Section 10 and Section 13.1) . . . Social Characteristics (Section 11.0) ................. Env I ronmenta I Conseq uences Analysis of Impacts on Stocks (Section 5.4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trade-Offs Between Impacts (Section 12.7) ............... Econom I c Impacts (Sect I on 13.1) .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . List of Preparers (Section 1.5) ....................... List of Agencies, Organizations, and Persons to Whom Cop I es are Sent (Section 1.6) . . . . . . Comments and Response. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......... 1-4 Page 2-1 1-1 12-1, 1 2-4 12-5 12-6 12-11 9-1, 5-1 6-1 7-1 8-1 10-1,13-1 11-1 5-20 12-45 13-1 1-1 1-2 18-1 2.0 SUMMARY A 1983 reassessment of the king mackerel stock by fishery scientists developed a maximum sustainable yield for this species at 26.2 million pounds, well below the 37 million pounds set In the original plan. The researchers also established the existence of two migratory groups, one of which was being overflshed to the level where stock was declining. The plan was, therefore, failing to prevent over fishing and to achieve optimum yield as provided by the first National Standard set forth In the Magnuson Act. The Councils, therefore, determined that It Is urgent to amend the plan accordingly, to restore the stock and achieve a more valid level of optimum yield based on the recent findings. Because stock recovery wi Ii be gradual and because changes In fishing effort and fishing patterns can not be anticipated, a flexible plan Is proposed. The amended plan would provide for annual stock assessments for king and Spanish mackerels and provide needed control to restore and maintain the fish populations near MSY. 2.1 Flshery DefinItion The coastal migratory pelagic resources (mackerels) are those species In the coastal waters and fishery conservation zone (FCZ) of the Gulf of Mexico and off the South Atlantic coast as specified below. 2.2 Management Area and Fish I ng Year 2.2.1 Area For Management Federal regulation pursuant to this plan will apply to the FCZ within the Jurisdiction of the Gulf and South Atlantic Councils. However, maximum sustainable yield and optimum yield are based on the stocks In the U.S. FCZ, the territorial sea, and Internal waters of the various states. Consequently, the allocations to various gear types Include catches both from the FCZ and waters landward thereof. The states bordering the areas of jurisdiction of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Councils are urged to adopt regulations which are compatible with those applying In the FCZ. Regulations are not appl led In the area of Jurisdiction of the Mid-Atlantic Councl I because the catches there and the quantities of regulated species occurring there are so small that regulation would not be cost effective and Is not necessary to accomplish the objectives of the plan. Similarly, catches there are not Included In OYor In catch allocations. Should a fishery develop which significantly affects the stocks and Is In the FCZ beyond the area for management, the management area may be extended by p I an amendment. 2.2.2 Flshlng Year The fishing year for the Gulf migratory group of king mackerel Is July 1 through Atlantic group, April 1 through March 31. For other species In the fishery, the January 1 through December 31. June 30; and for the fishing year Is 2.3 Species 2.3.1 Specles In the Management Unit (for which regulations are proposed) King mackerel Span I sh mackerel Cobia Scomberomorus cava II a Scomberomorus macul atus Rachycentron canadum 2-1 2.3.2 Specles In the Flshery but not In the Management Unit (no regulation proposed) Cero mackerel Little tunny Dolphin Bluefish (Gulf of Mexico only) Scomberomorus rega lis Euthynnus alletteratus Coryphaena hi ppurus Pomatomus sa I tatr Ix 2.4 Statement of MSY, OY, TAC, EDAH and TALFF The long-term goal of optimum yield (OY) from mackerels Is maximum sustainable yield (MSY). The amount of optimum yield which may be harvested annually for each species, defined as total allowable catch (TAC) may vary due to fluctuating recruitment, fluctuating abundance by area or unit of stock, Intensity of fishing effort by area or unit of stock, social, economic, or ecological factors, and I mprov I ng est Imates of MSY. Best po I nt est Imates for these are In millions of pounds: FIRST YEAR MSY OY TAC EDAH (1985) TALFF Spanish mackerel 27 27 27 27 0 King mackere I 26.2 26.2 Gulf Group 14.225 14.225 0 Atlantic Group 11.812 11.812 0 For cobia, optimum yield Is defined as all cobia equal to or larger than 33 Inches In length from the tip of the head to the center of the tall (fork length) (37 Inches In TL) which can be harvested by U.S. fishermen. MSY Is estimated at 1,057,000 pounds, estimated domestic annual harvest (EDAH) Is estimated as 1,000,000 pounds, and total allowable level of foreign fishing (TALFF) Is zero. 2.5 Problems 1. Fishing effort Is jeopardizing the biological Integrity of the king mackerel fishery. That portion of the stock wh Ich Inhabits the Gul f of Mexico dur Ing the summer and supports the winter fishery In southeast Florida appears to be severely overflshed, and fishing mortality on this group needs to be reduced. That portion of the stock which Inhabits the Atlantic coast has been exploited to a lesser degree, and fishing mortality rate on that group Is below the level which wi II produce maximum yield. 2. Adequate management has been hindered by lack of current and accurate biological and sta tistical and economic Information. The present system does not provide a mechanism which Insures rapid Incorporation of new data Into stock assessments. Further, there Is no coor d I nated pi an to generate stock assessment data. 3. Intense conflicts and competition exist between recreational and commercial users of the mackerel stocks; and between commercial users employing different gears. 4. The ex I stence of separate state and federa i j ur I sd I ct I on two makes biological management dl fflcult, since In some fished beyond the allocation In state waters. and I ack of coord I nat I on between the Instances, the resource may be 2-2 5. Cob I a are presentl y harvested at a size below that necessary for max Imum yl el d and may be overf I shed I n some areas beyond the management area. Most southeastern states have not yet adopted the recommended minimum size t Imlt. AI so, no management action has been taken by states which have jurisdiction over cobia populations In Chesapeake Bay, which appear to have been overflshed. Federal enforcement capabl I Ity Is limited and not believed to be very effective In this case. 6. Development of a fishery targeting large, mature king mackerel In the wintertime off Louisiana may eventually reduce recruitment to the resource. Total catch of large, mature king mackerel has greatly Increased due to development of a commercial fishery In Louisiana during the winter months. Reported commercial catch Increased from zero during 1981-82 to 1.2 million pounds during the 1982-83 winter season. Given the already excessive fishing effort on smaller fish In the Gulf of Mexico, Increasing fishing effort on the spawning popu lation could result In recruitment declines. 2.6 Management Objectives 1 . To stab I I Ize yield at MSY, allow recovery of overflshed populations and maintain population i eve! s sufficient to ensure adequate recruitment. 2. To provide a flexible management system for the resource which minimizes regulatory delay whl Ie retaining substantial Councl I and public Input Into management decisions and which can rapidly adapt to changes In resource abundance, new scientific Information, and changes In fish I ng patterns among user groups or by area. 3. To provide necessary Information for effective management and establ Ish a mandatory statlstl ca I report I ng system for mon I tor I ng catch. 4. To minimize gear and user group conflicts. 2.7 Proposed Management Measures 2.7.1 2.7.2 Annual Stock Assessment Procedure (klng and Spanlsh mackerel) 1 . An assessment group appointed by the Councils will reassess the condition of each stock of king and Spanish mackerel In the management area annually. 2. Following reviews and a hearing, the Councils will determine If changes are needed In the MSYs, TACs, quotas, bag limits, or permits and so advise the Regional Director (RD). 3. Following a review for consistency with the FMP and applicable law, the RD may reject or may Implement changes by notice In the Federal Register to be effective for the next fishing season. Measures to Prevent Exceed I ng T AC Allocations and permits may be used to distribute fairly the TAC between recreational and commercial users. Quotas and seasonal closures may be used to limit the commercial catch. Bag i Imlts may be used to i Imlt the catch of recreational fishermen aboard private and charter vessels. 2-3 2.7.2.1 Allocations A. King Mac kere I 1 . Migratory Groups For management purposes the resource Is divided Into two migratory groups, the Gulf and the Atlantic groups. During the "summer period" (Aprl I 1st to October 31st), the Monroe/Collier County Boundary In Florida separates the groups. During the "winter period" (November 1st to March 31st) the Flagler/Volusla County line Florida separates the two groups. 2. The total allowable catch (TAC) a. For the Initial years of the amended plan: Gul f Group Atl antic Group 14.225 ml II Ion pounds (M) 11.812 M b. For subsequent years TACs for each stock or group of fish should be managed separately, as Identified In the FMP. The TAC may be I ncreased not to exceed 30 percent annua I I y when warranted by new I nformatl on. Any number of I ncreases may be made so long as they do not exceed 30 per cent In any year and provided that no TAC shall exceed the best point estimate of MSY by more than ten percent. Downward adj ustments of any percentage are a i lowed I n order to protect the stock and prevent overflshlng. Reductions or Increases In allocations as a result of changes In the TAC are to be as equitable as may be practical utilizing simi lar percentage changes to all participants In a fishery. (Changes In bag i Imlt cannot a I ways accommodate the exact des I red i eve I of change). c. Allocations 1. Allocation of the Gulf migratory group for the Initial years of the amended plan: Recreational Catch = 9.673 M Commercial Catch = 4.552 M Eastern Zone (FL) = 2.94M Western Zone (AL, MS, LA, TX) Purse Seine = 0.284 M = 1 .328 M 2. Method of allocation for the Gul f group In future assessments: The largest number of years beginning In 1979 for which concurrent recreational and commercial catch data are available will be used to calculate the average percent distribution of the catch between recreational and commercial fishermen. Two percent of the recreational catch Is to be transferred to the commercial allocation provided the bag i Imlt does not change as a result. The Gul f commercial quota Is to be distributed with six M for purse seine quota; of the remainder 69 percent Is and 31 percent to the western zone. percent but no more than 0.4 al located to the eastern zone 2-4 d. Method of allocatIon for the AtlantIc Group: 1. The largest numbers of years beginnIng In 1979 for whIch concurrent recreatIonal and commercIal catch data are avaIlable wIll be used to calculate the average percent dIstributIon of the catch between commercial and recreatIonal fishermen. For the first plan year the ratIo Is calculated to be 62.9 percent for recreatIonal fIshery and 37.1 percent for commercIal fIshermen. 2. An allocatIon for purse seine study purposes Is to come from the commercIal quota and Is not to exceed 400,000 pounds from the South AtlantIc Councl i area of jur Isdlctlon. B. Spanlsh Mackerel and Cobia 1 . There are no allocations or quotas on the catch of cobIa. 2. For Spanish mackerel In the InitIal years the season wIll close for the remaInder of the fIshIng year when the TAC of 27 mIllIon pounds Is reached. WIthIn the TAC for SpanIsh mackerel a purse seIne allocatIon for research purposes Is allowed annua Ily but I s not to exceed 300,000 pounds from the Gu i f and 300,000 pounds from the South AtlantIc Councl i area of jur Isd Ictlon. 2.7.2.2 Perm I ts In the InItIal years the permIt requIrements apply only to boats fishIng for Gulf group king mackerel. A. Boats are presumed to be recreatlona i un less they possess headboats carryIng passengers for hIre are subject to the shall not fish under the commercIal quota. a commercIal permIt. All charter and king mackerel bag i Imlts of the FMP and B. Annual commercial kIng mackerel fIshIng permIts are required for any boat taking In excess of the recreatIonal bag limIt In the Gulf group. PermIts are valId for a fIshIng year and are avaIlable only In the two months (May and June) precedIng the season. All fishermen who apply for permits (except charter and head boat operators who are IneligIble) must be able to show they derIve more than ten percent of their earned Income from commercial fishIng. Owners of newly regIstered or documented boats, however, are allowed a 60-day perIod after regIstratIon or documentatIon to obtaIn a permIt. PermIts are transferable on sale of a vessel or may be Issued at other tImes In event of hardsh I p. 2.7.2.3 Seasona i Closures Klng Mackerel, Gulf Group - Boats wIth commercIal permIts must cease fIshIng for Gulf group king mackerel for the remaInder of the fIshIng year when the commercial quota Is reached for that zone or a i locatIon. KIng mackerel caught after the quota Is reached for that zone or allocation may not be sold. For the InitIal years thIs quota Is 4.55 mIllIon pounds for the Gulf group wIth 2.94 mIllion pounds for the eastern zone, 1.328 mIllIon pounds for the western zone, and 284,000 pounds for purse se I nes. Klng Mackerel, Atlantlc Group - CommercIal fIshIng for AtlantIc group kIng mackerel must cease for the remaInder of the fIshIng year when the commercIal quota Is reached for that group. KIng mackerel caught after the quota Is reached for that group may not be sold. For the InItIal years thIs quota Is 4.382 m! Ii Ion pounds. 2-5 Spanlsh Mackerel - Fishing for Spanish mackerel will cease for the remainder of the fishing year when the TAC Is reached. For the Initial years the TAC is 27 mill Ion pounds. 2.7.2.4 Bag Limits Klng Mackerel - The recreational quotas wi Ii be controlled by bag i Imlts for ang lers per boat trip and may be set separately for private and charter boats. For only Gul f group king mackerel In Initial years, the catch limit for private boats Is two fish, per person, per trip. For charter boats the bag i Imlt Is two fish, per person, per trip for all persons on board, or three fish per angler, per trip, exc I us I ve of capta I n and crew, wh I chever I s greater. 2.7.2.5 SI ze Llm Its Klng Mackerel - None. Spanlsh Mackerel - Minimum size limit Is 12 Inches fork length or 14 Inches total length. An under sized catch of up to five percent by weight of the boat catch of Spanish mackerel Is allowed. Cobia - Minimum size Is 33 Inches fork length or 37 Inches total length. 2.7.2.6 Gear Restrictions GI II Nets for Klng Mackerel - Minimum mesh size Is not less than 4-3/4 Inches stretched measure. bycatch of no more than ten percent kl ng mackerel as compared by number wi th Span I sh mackerel Is a Ii owed I n sma I I er mesh net catches. A Purse Selnes for Klng and Spanlsh Mackerel - Owners or operators must: A. Owners or operators must: 1 . Notify the Regional Director In writing of Intent to fIsh for king or Spanish mackerel 30 days In advance of fishing year and Include number of vessels and area to be fished, and 2. Notify Center Director 48 hours In advance of trip, and 3. Report catch to Center Director, and 4. Accommodate observers for scientific and statistical purposes for the first three years of pi an operation, and 5. Possess a commercial quota permit If required for that group of fish. B. A bycatch by we Ight or number wh Ichever or one percent king mackerel Is allowed counted In the appropriate quotas. I siess of no more than ten percent Span I sh mackerel and In nondlrected operations; however, the catch Is to be 2.7.3 Measures to Resolve User Conflict A. To resolve user or gear conflicts for king and Spanish mackerel the Secretary of Comerce, after consultation with the affected Councl Is and states, may by regulatory amendment: 1 . When conflict arises from expansion of a the Secretary may separate users or gear historic catch, or limit use of gear. historical fishery In a traditional fishing area, by area or time, assign local quotas based on 2-6 2. When conflict arises from Introduction of gear Into nontraditional fishing areas, the Secretary may proh I bit use of the gear, a I low I 1m I ted use for eva I uat Ion, I 1m I t number of units In conflict area, or allow unrestricted use of gear. 3. When conflict arises as a result of circumstances In the fishery other than as described In ( 1) or (2) above, the Secretary may Imp I ement the measures descr I bed above or take other appropriate action to resolve the conflict In a manner consistent with the goals and objec tives of the plan, National Standards, MFCMA, and other applicable law. B. To resolve user or gear conflicts for king mackerel In the area off southeast Florida between 27°0.6'N latitude and 27°50'N latitude In the vicinity of Fort Pierce, the Secretary, after con sultation with Council Chairmen and State officials, may by notice In the Federal Register estab i Ish fish I ng windows to separate g I II net and hook and i I ne fishermen by area or time. He may close the area to fishing for king mackerel to all fishermen If the confl let results In death, serious bodily Injury, or significant gear loss. 2.7.4 Statlstlcal Reportlng Measures A. The Councl I s conceptually accept a i and I ngs survey system and creel census data would provide sufficient Information for fishery management. Provisions of the developed by National Marine Fisheries Service for Councils' approval. system that system are to be B. Require a reporting system for all user groups and processors based on statistical sampling whereby It would be mandatory for a selected respondent to provide answers to the sampling Questionnaire on a recurring basis that Is not of great frequency. 2.8 Recommend at Ions 2.7.5 Speclal Recommendatlons to the Secretary The Councl i s recommend several areas where special research I s needed. order In FMP Section 14.4. These are listed In priority 2.8.2 Special Recommendations to the States A. Effective and equitable management requires a workable means of differentiating true commercial from true recreational fishermen. This Is particularly Important In Implementing al locations to user groups. Therefore: The Councils recommend to each state In their area that consideration be given to requ I ring a Ii persons who catch and sell fish to have a commer cial i Icense, that the commercial i Icense be of significant dollar value and that severe penalties be levied against any commercial dealer purchasing fish from an Individual not possessing a commercial license. B. The Councl Is recommend that the within their jurisdiction where the Secretary I n address I ng and states Imp i ement the management measures proposed In th I s P i an applicable. The Councl Is further encourage the states to assist supporting the research and other special recommendations. 2~ 4.0 TABLE OF CONTENTS 5.0 I NTRODUCT I ON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Table of Contents (continued)5.1 .7 Description of Dolphin. . . . . . ...................5.1 .7.1 5.1 .7.2 5.1.7.3 Distribution and Migration. . . General Behavior. . . . . Other Data. . . . . . . . . . . ..... . . . ..... . . . ..... . . . ..... . . . . . . . . ..... . . . 5.2 Abundance and Present Cond I t I on . ......... ...... ........ 5.3 Ecological Relationships ...... ....... .............. 5.3.1 Prey-Predator Relationships of King Mackerel .............. 5.3.2 Prey-Predator Relationships of Spanish Mackerel ............ 5.3.3 Prey-Predator Relationships of Cobia. . . . .............. 5.3.4 Prey-Predator Re i at I onsh I ps of Cero Mackere I .............. Prey-Predator Relationships of Bluefish5.3.5 ................ 5.3.6 Prey-Predator Relationships of Little Tunny .............. 5.3.7 Prey-Predator Re I at I onsh I ps of Do I ph In. . . ..... ...... 5.3.8 Compar I son of Food Hab I ts of Spec I es of the Management Un It ...... 5.3.9 Pr I nc I pa I Prey Spec I es of the Management Un I t and The I r Food Hab I ts 5.3.10 Larva I Food Cha I ns . . .......... ..... .......... 5.4 Estimate of MSY, Abundance and Present and Future Condition .......... 5.4.1 KI ng Mackerel . . . . ................ ......... 5.4.1.1 5.4.1.2 KI ng Mackerel: KI ng Mackerel: and Probable Assessment and Spec I f I cat I on of Assessment and Spec I f I cat I on of Future Condition. . . . . . . . MSY . . Present ..... . . . . ..... 5.4.2 Span I sh Mackerel. . . . ...... ......... . . . . ..... 5.4.2.1 5.4.2.2 5.4.3 Cobia 5.4.3.1 5.4.3.2 Span I sh Mackerel: Assessment and Span I sh Mackerel: Assessment and and Probab I e Future Cond I t I on . Specification of MSY ..... Specl flcatlon of Present....... ...... . . . . .................. ........... Cob I a: Assessment and Spec I f I cat I on of MSY . . . . Cob I a: Assessment and Spec I f I cat I on of the Present and Probable Future Condition. . . . . . . . . . ....... ....... 5.4.4 Assessment and Spec I f I cat I on of MSY, the Present and Probable Future Condition of Cero Mackerel. . . . .......... 3-2 Page 5-14 5-14 5-14 5-14 5-15 5-15 5-15 5-16 5-16 5-17 5-17 5-17 5-18 5-19 5-19 5-20 5-20 5-20 5-20 5-21 5-21 5-21 5-22 5-23 5-23 5-23 5-24 Tab I e of Contents (cont I nued) 6.0 7.0 8.0 5.4.5 Little Tunny: Assessment and Specification of MSY, Present and Probable Future Condition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... 5.4.6 BI ueflsh: Assessment and Specl flcatlon of MSY, Present and Probab I e Future Cond I t I on ............... ....... 5.4.7 Do I ph In: Assessment and Spec I f I cat I on of MSY, Present and Probab I e Future Cond I t I on ...................... DESCRIPTION OF HABITAT ... ....... ...... ....... ....... 6.1 Condition of Habitat ..... .................... .... 6.1.1 Adult Habitat .... ... ................ ...... 6.1.2 Larval Habitat. . . . . ....................... . 6.1.3 Habitat of Prey Species ....................... . 6.2 Hab I tat Areas of Part I cu I ar Concern. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.3 Habitat Protection Programs .......... ................ FISHERY MANAGEMENT JURISDICTION, LAWS, AND POLICIES ................ 7.1 Management Institutions. . . . . . . . .................... 7.2 Federal Laws, Regulations, and Policies .................... 7.3 Treaties and i nternatlonal Agreements ..................... 7.4 State Laws, Regu I at Ions, and Po I I c I es .......... ........... 7.5 Local and Other Applicable Laws, Regulations and Policies. . ......... DESCRIPTION OF FISHING ACTIVITIES AFFECTING THE STOCKS COMPRISING THE MANAGEMENT UN IT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 8.1 History of Exploitation ................ ............ 8.2 Domestic Commercial and Recreational Fishing Activities ............ 8.2.1 Participating User Groups ...... ................. 8.2.1.1 8.2.1.2 Primary Commercial User Groups. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Recreational User Groups. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.2.2 Land I ngs/Catch . . . . . . .... ...... ...... .... ... 8.2.2.1 8.2.2.2 Commerc I a I Land I ngs Recreational Catch ...... . . . . ..... ...... . . . ...... . . . . . . . 3-3 Page 5-24 5-24 5-25 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-2 6-2 6-2 7-1 7-1 7-1 7-3 7-3 7-5 8-1 8-1 8-2 8-2 8-3 8-5 8-9 8-9 8-11 Tab 1 e of Contents (cont I nued) 8.2.2.3 Fish Caught Recreat I ona I I Y and So I d Commerc I a II y ........ 8.2.3 FI sh I ng and Land I ng Areas . ...................... 8.2.3.1 8.2.3.2 Commerc I a I Recreat I ona I ........... ........... ............... ............. . . . 8.2.4 Vassa Is and Gear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.2.4.1 8.2.4.2 Commerc I a 1 Recreat I ona I ..... . . . . ............ ............ .......... ....... 8.2.5 Emp I oyment . . . . . . ...... ... ....... ...... ... 8.2. 5.1 8.2.5.2 As soc I ated with Commerc I a I Ha rvest As soc I ated with Recreat I ona I Ang I I ng . . . ........ . . . . . . . . .......... 8.2.6 Con f I I cts Among Domest I c Fishermen. . ................. 8.2.7 Assessment of U.S. Harvesting Capacity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.2.8 Assessment and Spec I f I cat I on of the Extent to Which U.S. Vessel s Will Harvest Optimum Yield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.2.8.1 8.2.8.2 8.2.8.3 KI ng Mackare I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spa n I sh Mackere I ........................ Cob l a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.2.9 Assessment and Spec I f I cat Ion of the Port I on of the Opt Imum Y I e I d Wh Ich U.S. Harvesters Propose to Deliver to Foreign Vessel s ..... 8.3 Foreign Fishing Activities. . . .... ............ ....... Interactions Between Foreign and Domestic Participants. . . . . . . . . . . .8.4 8.4.1 Harvestl ng Interactions .... ...... ......... ..... 8.4.2 Transfers at Sea to Foreign Vessel s .................. 8.5 Domestic Processing Capacity. . . . . .................... 9.0 DESCRI PTION OF THE ECONOMIC CHARACTER I STICS OF THE FI SHERY ............ 9.1.1 Domest I c Harvest I ng Sector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9.1 Commerc i a 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.1.2 Recreat I ona I Fish I ng . ...... ............. ...... 9.2 Doest I c Process I ng Sector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4 Page 8-12 8-23 8-23 8-24 8-25 8-25 8-30 8-30 8-30 8-33 8-33 8-34 8-35 8-35 8-38 8-38 8-38 8-38 8-39 8-39 8-39 8-40 9-1 9-1 9-1 9-2 9-7 Table of Contents (continued) 10.0 11.0 12.0 9.3 Other Sectors of the U.S. Fishing Industry .................. 9.4 I nternat I ona I Trade ........ ..................... DESCR I PT I ON OF THE BUS I NESS, MARKETS, AND ORGAN I ZAT IONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FISHERY............. ............. 10.1 Re I at I onsh I p Among Harvest I ng, Broker I ng and Process I ng Sectors ....... 1 0.1 .1 KI nQ Mackerel I ndustry Structure and Markets. . ............ 10.1.2 Span I sh Mackerel Industry Sturcture and Markets ............ 10.2 Fishery Cooperatives or Associations. . . . . . . . . ............ 10.3 Labor Organizations ............................ . 10.4 Foreign Investment. . ......... ..... ....... ....... SOC I AL AND CULTURAL FRAMEWORK OF DOMEST I C FISHERMEN ....... ........ 11.1 Ethnic Character, Family Structure, and Community Organization ........ 11.2 Age, Education, and Experience of Commercial Fishermen ............ 11.3 Emp I oyment Op portun I ties and Unemp I oyment Rates ............... 11.4 Recreational Fishing. . ...... ............ ......... 11.4.1 Demographic Characteristics of Recreational Fishermen ......... 11.4.2 Soc I a i Benef I ts of Recreat I ona I Fish I ng . . . . ............ 11.5 Economic Dependence on Commercial or Marine Recreational Fishing and Re i ated Act I v I ties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 11.6 Distribution of Income Within Fishing Communities .............. MANAGEMENT PROGRAM. ..... . ................ ... ...... 12.1 Definition of the Fishery . ... ..... ... ..... ...... 12.2 Ma nagement Un I t and Fish I ng Year . ....... ............... 12.3 Problems In the Fishery . . . .. ... ... ..... ........... 12.4 Spec I f I c Management Obj ect Ives ...... .................. 12.5 Assessment of Optimum Yield ... ... ..... ........... 12.5.1 Specification of OY and TAC ... ..... ... ... ..... ... 3-5 Page 9-8 9-8 10-1 10-1 10-1 10-4 10-4 10-5 10-5 11-1 11-1 11-1 11-2 11-3 11-4 11-4 11-5 11-6 12-1 12-2 12-2 12-4 12-5 12-6 12-6 Table of Contents (continued) 12.5.1.1 12.5.1.2 12.5.1.3 Mackere' s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cob t a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other Spec I es I n the Fishery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2. 5.2 Alternatives for OY and TAC Considered and Rejected .......... 12.5.2.1 Rejected 12.5.2.2 Rejected 12.5.2.3 Rejected 12.5.2.4 Rejected 12.5.2.5 Rejected 12.5.2.6 Rejected 12.5.2.7 Rejected 12.5.2.8 Rejected 12.5.2.9 Rejected 12.5.2.10 Rejected 12.6 Management Measures A I ternat I va 1 ..................... A I ternat I ve 2 ..................... AlternatIve 3 ..................... Alternative 4 ........ . . . . . . . . . . A I ternatlve 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AlternatIve 6 ..................... A i ternat Ive 7 ..................... A I ternat I ve 8 ..................... A I tern at i va 9 ..................... A I tern at Ive 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... ....... ... .............. 12.6.1 Mechan I sm for An nua I Determ I nat I on of MSY, ABC, TAC and Non-Quota Restrictions. . . . . . . . . . . . . ........ 12.6.1.1 12.6.1.2 12.6.1.3 Preferred A I tern at Ive . Rejected Alternative 1 Rejected Alternative 2 . . . . ........ . . . . ..... . . . . ..... . . . . . . . .. . . ....... ........ . . . .. . . 12.6.2 Separation of Migratory Groups of King Mackerel ............ 12.6.2.1 12.6.2.2 12.6.2.3 12.6.2.4 12.6.2.5 12.6.2.6 Preferred Delineation of King Mackerel Groups. . . . . . . . . . Rej ected A I ternat I ve 1 ..................... Rejected AI ternatlve 2 ..................... AI ternattve 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rejected Alternative 4 ......... . . . . . . . . . Rej ected A i ternat I ve 5 .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.6.3 AI locations 12.6.3.1 12.6.3.2 12.6.3.3 12.6.3.4 12.6.3.5 12.6.3.6 12.6.3.7 12.6.4 Perm I ts 12.6.4.1 12.6.4.2 ........ ... ........ .... ....... King Mackere I A i 'ocat I on .................... Alternative Allocations for King Mackerel Cons Idered and Rejected. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spanish Mackerel Allocation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rej ected A i ternat Ive 1 ........ . . . . . . . . . . Cob' a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Purse Seine AI locations. . . . . . . . . . . . . Purse Seine Allocations Considered and Rejected . ..... . . ......... ........ ..... ..... ..... ... ...... ................................ Alternative Permit Requirements Considered and Rejected . . . . . 12.6. 5 Seasonal Closures ..... ... ............ ....... 3-6 Page 12-6 12-8 12-9 12-9 12-9 12-9 12-9 12-10 12-10 12-10 12-10 12-10 12-11 12-11 12-11 12-11 12-11 12-13 12-14 12-14 12-14 12-16 12-16 12-16 12-16 12-16 12-17 12-17 12-19 12-20 12-20 12-20 12-21 12-21 12-22 12-22 12-23 12-24 Table of Contents (continued) 12.6.5.1 12.6.5.2 12.6.5.3 12.6.5.4 KI ng Mackerel, Gu I f Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . King Mackerel, Atlantic Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Span I sh Mackerel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seasonal Alternatives Considered and Rejected. . . . 12.6.6 Bag L 1m I ts . . . . . ........ .... ... ...... ..... 12.6.6.1 1"2.6.6.2 King Mackere I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alternative Bag Limits Considered and Rejected. . . . . . . . . . 12.6.7 Size Limits ...... ............ ..... ....... 13.1 Revenues. . 12.6.7.1 12.6.7.2 12.6.7.3 SpanIsh Mackerel. . . Cob I a . . . . . . Size Limit Alternatives ................. . . . ................ ...... Considered and Rejected . ........ 12.6.8 Gear Restrictions ...... ..................... King Mackerel Gill Nets.. ........ Purse Seines for King and Spanish Mackerel Alternatives for Gear Regulation Considered and Rej ected .............. ....... . . . .12.6.8.1 12.6.8.2 12.6.8.3 ..... . . . ........... 12.6.9 Measures to Resolve User Conflict . . . . ............... 12.6.9.1 12.6.9.2 12.6.9.3 Procedure for Regu i atory Amendment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Procedure for Regu i at I on By Not I ce I n the Fed era I Reg I ster ....................... Alternatives to Resolve User Conflicts Considered and ReJ ectad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.6.10 Statistical Reporting Measures . . . . ................ 12.6.11 Rej ected Stat I st I ca I Report I ng Measures ..... ........... 12.7 Trade-offs Between the Beneficial and Adverse Impacts of the Preferred or Optimal Management Options. . . . . . . . . ......... 13.0 REVENUES FROM THE FI SHERY AND MANAGEMENT COSTS .................. ...... ...... .................. 13.2 Costs Like i y to be I ncurred I n Management .................. 13.2.1 P i an Deve I opment ....... ..................... 13.2.2 Data Co Ii ect I on and Mon I tor I ng ..................... Enforcement Costs13.2.3 .... ...... ............ ..... 3-7 Page 12-24 12-24 12-24 12-25 12-25 12-25 12-28 12-31 12-31 12-31 12-32 12-33 12-33 12-33 12-34 12-35 12-35 12-36 12-40 12-42 12-45 12-45 13-1 13-1 13-2 13-2 13-2 13-2 14.0 Table of Contents (continued) SPECIFICATION AND SOURCE OF PERTINENT FISHERY DATA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15.0 16.0 17.0 18.0 14.1 Genera I .............. .......... ...... ..... 14.2 Domestic and Foreign Harvesters . ........ ......... ..... 14.3 Processors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............. 14.4 Areas of Research Needed to i mprove the Management I n format t on Base. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14.5 Specific Research Requirements for the Amendment to Coasta I Migratory Pe I ag I c FMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14.5.1 Stock Assessment Requl rements . . . .................. 14.5.1 .1 14.5.1 .2 Catch and Effort Information. . . . . Mortality, Age and Growth Information. ....... . . ....... . . . . 14.5.2 Stock Definition Requirements ....... .............. 14.5.3 Year C I ass Strength Pred I ct I on Req u I rements ..... ......... RELATIONSHIP OF THE RECOMMENDED MEASURES TO EXISTING APPLICABLE LAWS AND POL I C I ES ...................... ......... 15.1 Fishery Management Plans ...... ..................... 15.2 Treaties or I nternatlonal Agreements ..................... 15.3 Federal Laws and Poi Icles . . . . ........... ........... 15.4 State and Loca I Laws and Po I I c I es ... ..... .............. COUNCIL REVIEW AND MONITORING OF THE PLAN .................... 16.1 General Approach. . . . . . . . . ... ................... 16.2 Specific Monitoring Considerations ........... ...... ..... LITERATURE CITED ............................. . COMMENTS AND RESPONSE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18-1 3-8 Page 14-1 14-1 14-1 14-1 14-1 14-3 14-3 14-3 14-4 14-4 14-4 15-1 15-1 15-1 15-1 15-2 16-1 16-1 16-1 17-1 4.0 I NTRODUCT I ON The Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act gave responsibility to the Regional Fishery Management Councils to prepare and submit fishery management plans for fisheries within their geographical area. The South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Councils, In accordance with their legislative mandate, prepared a joint plan for the coastal migratory pelagic resources (mackerel s) management un It. This plan was approved In November of 1982 and was Implemented by federal regulations In 1983. The Councils recognized that severe problems were developing In the king mackerel Stocks In some areas appeared to be depleted. A new commercial fishery for large female developed off Louisiana, and over a million pounds were landed In the first season. The hook and I I ne fishery reached I ts quota and closed before the end of the first year. February, fishery. kl ng mackerel commerc I a i The Councils requested a reassessment of king mackerel stocks utilizing new data which had been recently developed. On receipt and after review of assessment, the Councils have developed an amend ment to Its management plan to address new problems and Issues and to provide more flexible and timely management response. 4-1 5.Ò DESCRIPTION OF STOCKS COMPRISING MANAGEMENT UNIT Description of Species and Their Distribution5.1 The Coasta I Pe I ag I c Spec I es Fishery Management P I an for the South At I ant I c and Gu I f of Mex I co fishery management regions covers the following seven species: Spanish mackerel CScomberomorus maculatus), king mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla), cero mackerel (Scomberomorus regal Is), bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrlx), cobia (Rachycentron canadum), little tunny (Ethynnus alletteratus), and the common dolphin-fish (Coryphaena hlppurus). Following are summaries of the Information on the distri bution and biology of each species. Additional and more detal led Information may be obtained In a Resource Document ava II ab Ie throug h th~ Gu I f of Mex I co Fishery Management Counc I I . 5.1.1 Descrlptlon of Klng Mackerel (Scomberomorus cava i i a) The kl ng mackerel I s the feet In length, weighing compressed. The body Is sa I I y and s I I very on the largest Scomberomorus species In the western Atlantic and may achieve 5.5 100 pounds. The form of the king mackerel Is elongate and laterally covered with rudimentary scales. The color Is bluish or Iron gray dor sides and belly (Berrien and Finan, 1977). 5.1.1.1 DI strlbutlon and Migration The king mackerel Inhabits the waters of the western Atlantic from the Gulf Brazil, Including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. The species occurs Virginia and North Carolina. It is a coastal species which Is not normally ta i she If. of Maine to Rio de Janlero, regu i ar I y as far north as found beyond the conti nen Seasonal movement along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coast I Ines of the United States Is apparent, and the spec I es I s more abundant I n the northern part of I ts range d ur I ng the summer and I n south Florida during the winter. The movements are probably related to water temperature. Annual or long term changes In temperature may affect seasonal migration patterns or their timing. King mackerel occur I n the northern Gu 1 f i ater I n the year dur I ng years of low mean a I r temperature than I n years when the temperature was high (W. Fable, NMFS, Panama City Lab. pers. comm.). In the areas off st. Petersburg, Florida, the timing of the spring "run" of king mackerel Is correlated with winter air temperature and i Imlted by a minimum offshore water temperature of 20°C (68°F) (Wi Ii lams and Taylor, In prep.). Migratory patterns of king mackerel change with Increaslng size or age. Such behavioral changes are common to many scombrld species (Beaumarlage, 1973). I~. a given area different size classes are pres ent at dIfferent times of the year. This has been observed off Fort Pierce, Florida, CR. Williams, FDNR, pers. comm.) and can be Inferred from monthly change In the average size of fish caught In North Carolina (Manooch and Laws, 1979). Very large Individuals are present off Louisiana during the entire year. Such large fish are abundant In winter off Louisiana when small fish are less abundant. It has been suggested that these concentrations of large fl sh are separate stocks. Th I s seems un I I kel y given the narrow size distribution CTrent, et al., In prep.).-~ 't;" There are at least two exploited migratory groups of king mackerel In U.S. waters as Indicated by"'~' recent ~gglng data. The following Is excerpted from Powers and Eldridge C1983b): "Powers and Eldridge (1983a) analyzed the available tagging data to determine relative migration rates of king mackerel within the waters of the southeastern United States. The conclusions of that analy sis were that the rates of mixing were sufficient to provide genetic Interchange between areas of the 5-1 Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic; however, the rates are relatively slow, such that local depletions could occur. Thus, management strategies should guard against such an event. The most biologically efficient way of managing the resource would be to keep the fishing mortality rate constant between areas. Therefore, maximum sustainable yield can be allocated by area such that the F values are equa I. "Size frequency Information, tagging results, the CPUE (catch per unit of effort) Index, and histori cal commercial landings data all lead to the conclusion that king mackerel In the Gulf of Mexico have been exploited at a higher rate than those In the Atlantic (Powers and Eldridge, 1983a). For that reason, separate management strategies are suggested for the two areas. Theoretically, these areas could be further divided. However, this Is not recommended for the following two reasons: ( 1) the data are not sufficient to determine If any smaller areas are being truly depleted or are going through variations In aval labl i Ity; and (2) the estimates of F (fishing mortality) needed to manage a smaller area would be so Instable as to be useless. "Our criteria for separating the groups of fish are based primarily on biological considerations and upon the way available data are collected." Members of the Gul f migratory group support a winter fishery In south Florida from late November to mid-March. Many of these fish over-winter In the Sebastian to Fort Pierce area of Florida's east coast. Tagging data show many of these fish migrate from Florida along the Gulf coast In April and May. Most of this group have left Florida by May. Some are found In the western Gulf off Texas from May through September. Limited tag returns from Mexico Ind Icate some Interaction with Mexican stocks, but the extent of th I s I s un known. The Atlantic migratory group moves south along the Atlantic coast In the winter months, and there Is a mixing with the Gulf stock south of Cape Canaveral, particularly during severely cold winters. In spring, some of this group moves northward and are found In Inshore waters of North Carolina In late April and May. Those fish contributing to a summer fishery on Florida's east coast are part of the Atlantic group (Powers and Eldridge, 1983b). There appears to be a size differential In the migration pattern. Fish tagged In Fort Pierce. and recaptured In the northern Gulf are larger (approximately 8.75 pounds), and probably sexually mature, while those recaptured In south Florida during the summer averaged 5.5 pounds and were probably not sexually mature (Wi i I lams, unpub. man., 1977). Size selective migration of larger fish to the northern extremes of the range does not adequately explain size of fish caught In these areas. Catches of king mackerel by the charter boat fleet In Panama City and Destln are primarily small fish averaging four to six pounds (Captain H. L. Hilpert, pers. comm.). Catches by the North Carolina charter boat fleet are primarily small fish In April and May. Mean weight was 5.6 pounds during those months In 1977 (Manooch and Laws, 1979). In that area, mean weight of the catch Increases stead II y during the season. The season average weight In 1977 was 8.43 pounds (Manooch and Laws, In prep.). Large fish are caught off Louisiana In winter. Most fish caught by commercial methods In a NMFS tagging program In 1983 were from 12 to 24 pounds (NMFS Panama City Laboratory report, In prep.). A possible explanation for this may be that some Immature fish remain In south Florida, while others continue with the larger fish. The four to six pound fish caught In the northern Gul f of Mexico and along the North Carolina and Virginia coasts are approxima tely one year of age. They may not have been large enough for very many to have been captured during tagging the previous winter. If a smaller percentage of smaller fish than larger fish migrate north ward, the average size of the recaptures from the northern areas wi Ii be larger. 5-2 5.1.1.2 Genera I Behav lor Smaller Individuals of this species form Immense schools, while larger Individuals are often solitary. Schools are comprised of similar sized Individuals, and small king mackerel sometimes run In schools of Spanish mackerel of the same size. Schools of king mackerel tend to congregate In areas of bottom rei lef such as holes or reefs. Older, solitary Individuals, In particular, are often found around structures such as wrecks and 011 rigs. 5.1.1.3 Age and Growth Parameters a) Growth The following table developed from Beaumarlage (1973) shows average standard length and weight at each age. Males Femal es SL W SL W (mm) (g) (mm) (g) I 594 1867 614 2025 " 679 2765 699 3038 "I 718 3258 777 4228 IV 760 3850 819 4984 V 777 4109 882 6282 Vi 789 4298 956 8082 V" 811 4660 999 9273 Johnson et al. (1983) found fish to be smaller at all age groups except one (seven year old males). They compared mean back-calculated fork length (mm) with Beaumarlage's findings converted to fork length In the following table: Males Fema i es (except La.) Johnson Johnson Age Beaumar I age et al. Beaumar I age et al. 1 457 414 491 434 2 643 613 703 652 3 705 689 793 747 4 752 734 857 807 5 795 777 928 854 6 822 809 986 899 7 839 851 1,033 939 b) Age-Frequency DI strlbutlon Although precise age-frequency data are not available, length-frequency distribution In two different commercial king mackerel fisheries, the trolling fishery on the southeast coast of Florida and the gill-net fishery on the southwest coast of Florida, has been determined by Beaumarlage (1973). King mackerel taken by gill net are slightly larger than those taken by hook and line. Eighty-eight point s Ix percent of the g I II-net catch was between 650 and 900 mm standard length, wh I Ie 88.8 percent of hook and I I ne 1 and I ngs were between 600 and 850 mm. 5-3 An analysis of the recreational king mackerel fishery off Grand Isle, Louisiana, showed 90 percent of the catch throughout the year was composed of females. The fish In the catch were larger In the spring (30 to 50 pounds) and smaller In the fall (15 to 30 pounds) (Fischer, 1980). Fish tagged using commercial trolling methods In the same area were In the 12 to 24 pound range In fall and winter (NMFS Panama City Laboratory report, In prep.). c) Age at Recruitment King mackerel cohorts In Florida become fully vulnerable to capture at Age Ii and Age III In the handline fishery of Florida, and at Age III and iV In the gill-net fisheries (Beaumarlage, 1973). Full recruitment to the recreational fishery probably occurs at or before Age i. d) Life Expectancy King mackerel can achieve an age of at least 14 years; a 90 pound female of that age was caught off Key West (Beaumar I age, pers. comm.). e) Surv Iva I Beaumarlage (1973) determined survival rate for Florida king mackerel from catch curves based on length frequency distributions. Annual survival rate calculated from the catch of the east coast trolling fishery was S = 0.46, and for the west coast gill-net fishery, S = 0.52. 5.1.1.4 Reproduction a) Sex Ratios No precise estimate of sex ratio exists. Recent work Indicates that sex ratios vary significantly from a 1: 1 ratio both spatially and temporally (Trent, et al., In prep.). b) Ag e at Matur I ty Age at first maturity Is not well understood. Beaumarlage (1973), studying gonadal development In king mackerel from Florida waters, concluded that major spawning occurs at Age IV and over In females and at Age ILL and over In males, although some Age ILL females and Age i I males are reproductively active. Hook and line fIshermen report that ripe ovaries are commonly found In five to six pound fish (R. Farlow, pers. comm.). This suggests that significant spawning may occur In females as young as Age Ii. However, histological examination of developing gonads from Age Ii and ILL females Indi cated that those fish did not spawn (Beaumarlage, pers. comm.). Recent work by NMFS Indicates that some fish collected In the northeastern Gul f of Mexico off Panama City had maturing ovaries as young as Age 1+ which suggests that some females spawn In their second year (J. Finucane, pers. comm.). c) Fecund i ty .1 No fecundity studies have been made on king mackerel In Florida. Fecundity equations based on measurements from 39 kl ng mackerel In Brazl i Ian waters were developed by Ivo (1974). These may not be valid for Florida. d) Spawning Season (Excerpted from Berrien and Finan, 1977a) The spawning season ~n this species Is protracted (Beaumarlage, 1973; Ivo, 1972; Wollam, 1970) with several spawning peaks (Beaumarlage, 1973). Along the Florida west coast the season Is from April . ' 5-4 through November with a peak In May (Beaumarlage, 1973). However, NMFS 1978 king mackerel data from Panama City Ind Icates spawn Ing peak In the northwest Florida area occurs In the late summer and fall (J. Finucane, pers. comm.). Larvae and j uven I i es are found from May to November In U. S. waters (1972) observed spawning stage gonads In Brazilian waters the year the species spawns In Brazil during the first and fourth quarters. (Berrien and Finan, 1977). Ivo round; although Menezes (1969) said Gonadal development and spawning appear to be correlated with some seasonally varying environmental factor such as photoper lod or temperature (Beaumar I age, 1973). e) Spawn I ng Area The outward boundary of spawning In king mackerel Is probably the landward edge of oceanic currents such as the Gu I f Stream and the Loop Current, and the shoreward edge Is probab I y bounded by Inshore areas of high turbidity and low salinity. This generalized statement Is based on examination of the larval distribution patterns of Wollam (1970), Schekter (1972), Mayo (1973), and Dwinell and Futch (1973). King mackerel apparently spawn further offshore than Spanish mackerel (Wollam, 1970; Dwinell and Futch, 1973; and McEachran and Finucane, 1979). There does not appear to be any small, well defined areas for spawning. Larval distribution Indicates spawning occurs In the western Atlantic off the Carolinas, Cape Canaveral (Wollam, 1970), and Miami (Schekter, 1972, and Mayo, 1973); In the eastern Gulf of Mexico off the Dry Tortugas (Wollam, 1970); In the northern Gulf of Mexico off the Florida panhandle (Wollam, 1970, and DwInell and Futch, 1973), and the Texas coast (McEachran and Finucane, 1979); and In the Yucatan Channel (Wollam, 1970). Relative abundance of larvae off the Texas coast suggests that area may be a major spawning site (McEachran and Finucane, 1979). The abun dance of very large king mackerel off Louisiana suggests that this may also be a significant spawning area. There Is little spawning In the eastern Gulf between Naples and Apalachlcola (Houde, et al., 1979) . 5.1.1.5 Larvae Larvae and juveniles have been found off southwestern Florida In May, In the Yucatan Channel In June and July, off eastern Florida and In the northern Gulf of Mexico In September, and off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, In August, September, and November (Wollam, 1970). Dwinell and Futch (1973) found JJ. cavalla larvae off Florida and Alabama every month that they sampled, from June through October. JuvenlleJJ. cavalla were collected off Louisiana during June and September (Perret, et at., 1971) and In st. Andrew Bay, Florida (Nakamura, 1976). Larvae of king mackerel were captured from 1975 through 1977 off the Texas coast from May through October with the greatest number occurring over the outer continental shelf during September (McEachran and Finucane, 1979). Schekter (1971) and Mayo (1973) found king mackerel larvae In the Florida current over a 16-month period, but did not report per lod Iclty. Dwinell and Futch (1973) collected more king mackerel larvae at mid-depths than at the surface In June, but more at the surface than at mid-depths In September. Sampling occurred during the evening and at night at most stations. Salinities where JJ. cava I i a larvae were collected by Dwinell and Futch (1973) ranged from 25.85 ppt. to 34.47 ppt. 5.1.2 Descrlptlon of Spanlsh Mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus) 5.1.2.1 D I str I but I on and Seasona I Movements The speclesJJ. maculatus, as redefined by Collette and Russo (1979), Is restricted to the western Atlantic coast of the U.S. and the Gulf of Mexico. The southward extent of Its range Is the Florida 5-5 Keys and the northward extent In the Atlantic Is normally New York or southern New England, although occasional strays are found to the Gulf of Maine (Berrien and Finan, 1977). Spanish mackerel make seasonal migrations along the Atlantic and eastern and northern Gulf coasts and appear to be much more abundant In Florida during the winter. They move northward each spring to occur off the Carolinas by April, off Chesapeake Bay by May, and, In some years, as far north as Narragansett Bay by July (Berrien and Finan, 1977). In the eastern Gulf of Mexico they migrate to the west of Cape San BIas. They remain In the north untl I September and migrate south In the fall (Beaumarlage, 1970; Wollam, 1970). Seasonal north-south movements of Spanish mackerel along the Mex I can and south Texan Gu i f coasts are suggested by one fish tagged I n Port Aran sas, Texas, whose tag was returned from Vera Cruz, Mexico. Genetic differences In Spanish mackerel from the Atlantic and Gul f were detected In biochemical stud les by Collette and Chittenden (M. Chittenden, pers. comm.). This suggests that migration patterns of Spanish mackerel may be different from those of king mackerel, which circumnavigate the Florida peninsula (R. Williams, unpub. man., 1977). 5.1.2.2 General Behavior The Spanish mackerel Is a fast-moving surface-feeding fish that forms Immense schools of similar sized Individuals. Schools are often known to pass very near to the beach on their seasonal migration journeys. They frequently enter tidal estuaries, bays, and lagoons (Berrien and Finan, 1977; and others) . 5.1.2.3 Age and Growth Parameters a) Growth Equation Female Spanish mackerel grow faster and reach a larger size than males (Powell, 1975). According to Powell's (1975) growth equations, the theoretical maximum length of the femal e of the species Is approximately 645 mm while the theoretical maximum length of males Is about 515 mm. The following tables prepared from the data and equations of Powell (1975) show average standard length and calculated weight at each age. Age Males Females SL W SL W (mm) (g) (mm) (g) i 362 492 404 714 Ii 405 688 459 1065 i II 445 911 528 1653 i V 476 1113 559 1922 V 497 1266 598 2443 b) Age Frequency DI strlbutlon Powell (1975) determined age of 2,060 fish from the commercial and sport catch In Florida In 1968 and 1969. It can be Inferred from Powell (1975) that 42.7 percent of the sample was Age I fish, 93 per cent was fish three years old or younger, and 99.08 percent was fish Age V or younger. One eight year old fish, a female, was found. Length-frequency Information could also be obtained from catch curves published by Powell (1975); however, the curves are based on the catch obtained from gill nets of dif ferent mesh sizes and all are based on relatively small samples. 5-6 c) Age at Recruitment AccordIng to Powell (1975), Age I fish were the most abundant size class In the commercial and sport catches of 1968 and 1969. Few Age 0 fish were taken possibly because Florida law prohibits taking Spanish mackerel less than 12 Inches (304.8 mm) In fork length. d) Survival Rate Based on Powell's (1975) observation of one Age Viii fish In a sample of 2,060 Individuals, 42.7 per cent of which were Age I fish, It can be estimated that the survival rate (S) of Spanish mackerel Is 0.38 (38 percent of the population) per year. The Instantaneous rate of total mortality (Z) Is 0.9686. Do I and Mend I zabal (1979) determl ned the Instantaneous tota i mortality (Z = 0.903), natural mortality (M = 0.693), and fishing mortality (F = 0.210) of Spanish mackerel on the Mexican coast on the basis of age-length relationships and length frequencies. The annual survival rate for this fishery can be cal cui ated to be 0.41. 5.1.2.4 Reproduction a) Sex Ratio Percent of female Spanish mackerel caught In south Florida by gill nets was 51 percent and by hook and line 80 percent (Klima, 1959). Different feeding behavior between sexes was suggested as a likely reason for the high percent of female fish caught by hook and line. b) Age at Matur Ity Although Powell (1975) found maturing oocytes In Age i and Age Ii females his analytical results suggested that very few of these actually spawned. This Interpretation Is questionable (Houde, pers. comm.) because of the small number of ripe fish In his sample. Given a high mortality rate and short i Ife span, It Is more likely that Age Ii females make a significant contribution to the spawning potentl a I of the stock. c) Fecund I ty Earll's (1883) report from the Chesapeake Bay area appears to provide the only existing Information on fecundity In~. maculatus. He estimated that a six pound (2.7 kg) mackerel carried 1,500,000 eggs. He counted the number of eggs In the ovaries of one Immature female weighing one pound 13 ounces (823 g) and 18.5 Inches (470 mm) In length and determined that the ovaries contained approximately 525,000 eggs. Gestelra (1972) studied fecundity In the mackerel In Brazil that Is now known to be a separate species (Collette and Russo, 1979). d) Spawn I ng Season Spawning of Spanish mackerel occurs repeatedly during a prolonged spawning season from about April untl i September (Powe Ii, 1975). e) Spawning Areas The prolonged spawning season of Individual Spanish mackerel may allow spawning to be distributed over a wide area, which should reduce the chances of fluctuations In year class strength due to environmen tal variations caused by nature or man. 5-7 Indirect evidence of spawning areas comes from larval collecting studies. Wollam (1970) found Spanish mackerel larvae In the Gulf of Mexico along the west coast of Florida from Naples to Panama City. Dwinell and Futch (1973) found them widely distributed In the northern Gulf from Mobile, Alabama, to Cedar Key, Florida. McEachran and Finucane (1979) found them off the Texas coast. Larval abundance of Spanish mackerel Is greatest In the eastern Gulf of Mexico (McEachran and Finucane, 1979). Spanish mackerel spawn closer to shore and In more shallow water than king mackerel (Dwinell and Futch, 1973; McEachran and Finucane, 1979). It seems' Ikely that Spanish mackerel spawn In the Atlantic off North Carolina and Virginia, although Spanish mackerel larvae were not found In the western Atlantic In the few sites examined by Wollam ( 1970), Schekter (1971) and May (1973), and the on i y pub I I shed ev I dence of spawn I ng by Span I sh mackerel In the western Atlantic comes from the early observations of ripe females In Chesapeake Bay by Earll (1883) and Ryder (1887). 5.1.2.5 Larva I DI str Ibutlon Span I sh mackere i I arvae have been found I n nearshore sha I low water env I ronments of the Gu I f from Florida to south Texas (Wollam, 1970; Dwinell and Futch, 1973; McEachran and Finucane, Abundance appears to be greatest In the northeastern Gulf (McEachran and Finucane, 1979). of Mexico 1979) . 5.1.3 Descrlptlon of Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) 5.1.3.1 Di strlbutlon and Migration Cob I a has a c I rcumtrop I ca I d I str I but I on (Br I ggs, 1960). The spec I es I s found I n the northern part of Its range In summer and It winters In south Florida (Austin, et al., 1978) and the West Indies (Richards, 1967). Charterboat fishermen In the area from Mexico Beach, Florida, to Mobile, Alabama, report that the I r catch of cob I a Is heav I est dur I ng the spr I ng, from I ate March to the first of May, when the species passes very close to the beach on a westward migration (Austin, et al., 1978). This latter observation Is somewhat at variance with the statement by Reid (1954) that May to August Is the season of occurrence of the species around Cedar Key, Florida. In the Bahamas, coblas are principally known from the Bimini area or the Grand Bahama Bank (Bohlke and Chap! In, 1968). According to Bohlke and Chapl In (1968), cobia are found In open water, In Inlets, groves. Briggs (1960) describes cobia as a "shore species." In the Florida Keys by sports fishermen In waters only 20 feet (6 m) deep (Austin, et al., 1978). In bays, and In man I tis often caug ht 5.1.3.2 General Behavior According to Bohlke and Chapl In (1968) young cobia, with their black and white stripes, bear a striking resemblance to remoras and soetimes behave very much like them by swimming along with a shark or a ray. Both young and adult cobia often associate with floating objects (Baughman, 1950; Reid, 1954). Cobia often swim around pi lings, buoys and wrecks. 5.1.3.3 Age and Growth Parameters a) Length-we Ight Rei atlon Female cobia grow faster and attain a larger size than male cobia. By the weight of males the same age (Richards, 1967). There Is, however, relationship of weight to length In the two sexes. Age Vii, female cobia are twice no significant dIfference In the 5-8 b) Growth Age of cobia In Chesapeake Bay Is presented In the following table from Richards (1967) gives the calculated fork length and weight of cobia for each age In the range of the samples. Length and weight sol utlons for cobia growth equations. 1 Fema i es Males t In Fork Length We Ight Fork Length Weight years In em Ibs kg In em t bs kg 1 14.0 36 0.85 0.4 12.2 31 0.6 0.3 2 24.2 61 5.2 2.4 20.8 53 3.4 1.5 3 32.3 82 13.3 6.0 27.3 69 8.2 3.7 4 38.8 99 24.0 10.9 32.3 82 13.9 6.3 5 44.0 112 35.7 16.2 36.0 91 19.6 8.9 6 48.1 122 47.5 21.5 38.8 99 24.8 11.2 7 51.4 131 58.6 26.6 40.9 104 29.3 13.3 8 54.0 137 68.7 31.2 42.5 108 33.1 15.0 1 Adapted from Richards, 1967. c) Age-Frequency DI str I butl on The following table adapted from a table In Richards (1967) shows the age frequency distribution of his sample. ~ Number Ma I es Number Females Total i 4 6 10 " 37 15 52 ILL 18 30 48 IV 10 20 30 V 13 39 52 V I 12 22 34 Vii 4 14 18 Viii 0 7 7 IX 2 3 5 X 1 .- 101 156 257 The samples were from the commercial pound catch of cobia In Chesapeake Bay from 1960-1964. d) Age at Recru I tment According to Richards (pers. comm.) sport catches of 15 Inches (381 mm) cobia (Age I) are common for the average fishermen, but more knowledgeable fishermen usually return fish of that length to the water and predominantly take fish Age Ii or older. Cobia are not fully recruited to the pound net fishery In Chesapeake Bay until Age ILL (based on the age-frequency distribution from Richards, 1967). 5-9 e) LI fe Expectancy The maximum life expectancy of cobia Is at least ten years (Richards, 1967) and may be 15 years or more. f) Survival No published estimates of survival In cobia are available. Chesapeake Bay taken between 1960 and 1964 (Richards, 1967) using the methodology of Robson and Chapman (1961). Annual clated 95 percent confidence limits of: S = 0.66.: 0.04. Data on age-frequency of 257 fish from were used to calculate a survival rate survival rate for sexes combined and asso 5.1.3.4 Reproduction a) Sex Ratios The ratio of females to males In the Chesapeake sample of Richards (1967) was 1.54:1. b) Age at Maturity Male cobia are sexually mature at Age II and females are sexually mature at Age iII (Richards, 1967). c) Spawn I ng Season and Areas Cobia spawn at least from late June through mid-August In the Chesapeake Bay area (Richards, 1967). Spawning starts earlier In the year In the northern Gulf of Mexico (Dawson, 1971). Larval collections of cobia off south Texas Indicate that spawning occurs In late summer and early fall (Finucane, et al., 1978a) and off Galveston, Texas In July (Finucane, et al., 1978b). According to Richards (1967), spawning of cobia probably occurs along or near Virginia's eastern shore In Chesapeake Bay or the Atlantic. The presence of cob I a under 150 mm SL I n the northern Gu If (Dawson, 1971). FI nucane, et al. (1978a) report i arvae as stud y I n the northwestern Gu I f of Mex I co. of Mexico Ind Icates cobia spawn In that area small as 5.1 mm SL In their Ichthyoplankton 5.1.3.5 Larvae Juvenile cobia have been collected from the Chesapeake Bay area, off North Carolina and South Carolina on the Atlantic, and from Florida to Louisiana In the Gulf. Fairly small cobia (less than 770 mm) are not uncommon In the Gul f of Campeche In the winter. Untl i recentl y, It was thought that cobia was an Inshore spawner due to the occurrence of eggs In Chesapeake Bay (Ryder, 1887); however, according to D. Hammond (pers. comm.), cobia spawn well offshore (52 miles off the coast of South Carolina) and the larvae move Into Inshore waters of low salinity (15-20 ppt) as soon as they are mobile. Hassler (Hassler and Rainville, 1975a) found cobia eggs when he was searching for dolphin eggs In the Gulf Stream. The cobia that were hatched from the eggs were raised In the laboratory (Hassler and Ralnvl lie, 1975a). Dawson (1971) noted that the specimens he Identified showed a preponderance of smaller Individuals (13-15 mm) In collections made 30-40 miles offshore and larger Individuals (45-140 mm) had been most frequently collected In Inshore localities. There were, however, so few specimens and the specimens were taken by so many different collectors, that Dawson could not definitely attribute his observation to a differential onshore-offshore distribution of sizes. D. Hammond (pers. comm.) obtained all the 5-10 specimens for his collection at marinas. They were Invariably associated with floating debris. 5.1.4 Descrl ptlon of Cero Mackerel (Scomberomorus raga lis) Cero mackerel Is the third member of the genus Scomberomorus to occur In the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic regions. This species Is between the Spanish and the king mackerel In size. It Is not dis tinguished from king mackerel In landings so no catch Information Is available on cero mackerel. The cero Is silvery below and dark blue above. A blackish longitudinal band on the side runs from the base of the pectoral nearly to the base of the caudal, crossing the lateral line (Evermann, 1899). Below the band are rows of oblong gold spots resembling short dashes or stripes. Biological Information on the cero mackerel In the literature apears to be i Imlted to brief mentions and short descriptions (Cervlgon, 1966). Apparently nothing Is known about the population dynamics of this species. Howell-Rivero (1953) discussed the Importance of this species to the Cuban fishery. 5.1.4.1 D I str I but I on and Seasona i Movements The range of cero mackerel Is thought to be more restricted to the tropics than that of the other two Scomberomous species. The cero Is not normally found In abundance north of Dade County, Florida. In Cuba, the landings of this species are slightly greater than the landIngs of king mackerel (Howell Rivero, 1953). Cero Is the species of Scomberomorus most frequently encountered near shore In the Bahamas (Bohlke and Chaplin, 1968). 5.1.4.2 Genera i Behav I or The cero mackerel Is pr Imarl Iy a reef species. It Is found In small schools or as Individuals. 5.1.4.3 ~ Specific Information Is not available on growth, demography, or reproduction. 5.1.5 Description of Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrlx) 5.1.5.1 D i str I butlon and Migration The bluefish generally occurs In temperate and warm temperate continental shelf waters (Briggs, 1960). In the eastern side of the New World, bluefish have been reported from Nova Scotia to Texas, Brazil to Uruguay, In Bermuda, Cuba, and Venezuela. They also are reported from Portugal to Senegal, Angola to South Africa, In the Azores, the Mediterranean, the Black Sea, the Indian Ocean, the east coast of southern Africa, Madagascar, the Malay peninsula, Tasmania, and Australia. On our Atlantic coast, the bluefish aggregations migrate seasonally - northward In spring and summer and southward In fall and early winter. In winter much of the population remains offshore (Lund and Maltezos, 1970). Groups of larger fish not only travel farther and faster but tend to congregate In the northern part of their range. Bluefish In the Gulf of Mexico appear to be a different stock from those In the Atlantic. Extensive tagging In the Atlantic has been done, and no returns have been recorded from the Gulf. On the west coast of Florida commercial fishermen catch bluefish year around at different locations, but the fish are less abundant than on the east side of the peninsula. In addition, It Is common knowledge among fishermen that the bluefish caught In the Gulf of Mexico are smaller than those caught In the Atlantic and at Key West. 5-11 5.1.5.2 General Behavior The fish school by size and swim continuously at speeds varying with water temperature and body size. These groups are loosely associated Into larger aggregations. 5.1.5.3 Age and Growth Parameters Relationship between age, length, and weight of bluefish was studied by Kendall and Walford (1979) and Is shown graphically In Wllk, (1977). There Is no evidence of sexual variation In size In this species. There are large variations In length and weight In each age group due to the bimodal nature of spawning (Wllk, 1977). a) Age-Frequency DI strlbutlon Age i through Age IV fish made up the bulk of the bluefish sampled In (1979); however, fish older than Age IV were quite evident especially southern New England. Year classes 1962 through 1966 all appeared to one stud y by Kend a I I and Wa i ford I n the area from Mary I and to be equa I In strength. b) Age at Recruitment It can be Inferred from Wllk (1977) that Age 0 fish are not Important In the catch and recruitment effectlvel y occurs at Age i. c) Life Expectancy Out of 25,000 fish aged at the National Marine Fisheries Service's Sandy Hook Laboratory, the oldest was Age iX; however, larger, presumably older fish have been reported to Age XLV (Wllk, 1977). d) Survival Rate An estimate could probably be developed from Information In Kendall and Walford (1979). necessary to calculate separate survival rates for fish tagged In different areas because populations exist that may have entirely different survival characteristics (Wllk, 1977). It would be separate 5.1.5.4 Reprod uct I on a) Sex Ratios According to Wllk (1977) the sex ratio Is 1:1. life (Wllk, 1977). Bluefish do not appear to school by sex at any time of b) Age at Matur Ity BI uef I sh become sexua Ii y mature I n the I r second year of i I fe (Wi i k, 1977). size than females. Ma i es mature at a sma i I er c) Fecund I ty Number of eggs produced Is a function of age and sl ze (Lassiter, 1962). mm) long contained about 900,000 maturing eggs; one 23.0 Inches (585 mm) 1,100,000 eggs (Wi i k, 1977). A b I uef Ish 20.8 Inches (528 long conta I ned about 5-12 d) Spawn Ing Season There are two different groups of spawners In the western Atlantic. The first group spawns In the spring and the other group spawns In the summer. Spawning of both groups probably proceeds In waves (Wllk,1977). CollectIons of bluefish larvae In November off the Texas coast suggests that spawning occurs In the fall In the northwestern Gulf of Mexico (Barger, et. al., 1978). A spring spawning also probably occurs In the northeastern Gul f of Mexico off Louisiana and Panama City, Florida (H.A. Brusher, pers. comm.). e) Spawn I ng Areas Separate areas for spr I ng and summer spawn I ng groups have been def I ned. The spr I ng spawn I ng area Is In the offshore area of the South Atlantic Bight, roughly between Cape Canaveral and Cape Hatteras. The summer spawnIng area Is In the Inshore area of the Mid-Atlantic Bight, between Cape Hatteras and Cape Cod. AI though not well documented, spawn Ing undoubted Iy occurs In the northern Gul f of Mexico. 5.1.5.5 Larval DI str Ibutlon Larvae from the spr Ing spawn Ing area In the South Atl antic BIght move Into the estuaries of the Mld Atlantic Bight to grow up. Larvae from the summer spawning area In the Mid-Atlantic BIght develop In the area where they were spawned and winter In the South Atlantic (Kendall and Walford, 1979). In the Gulf of Mexico, bluefish larvae have been collected off the Texas coast (Barger, et al., 1978). They probably occur through much of the northern Gul f of Mexico. 5.1.6 Descrlptlon of Llttle Tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus) The i Ittle tunny Is one of the most common scombrlds In the western Atlantic (Rivas, 1951) accounting for 40 percent of the fishes taken In a trolling survey off the southeastern U.S. coast (Anderson, 1954). This species also Is abundant In the Gulf of Mexico where many fishermen confuse It with the less common Atlantic bonito, Sarda sarda. In collections of young fishes In the Gulf of Mexico, this was the species that was the best represented (Klawe and Shimada, 1959). 5.1.6.1 D I str I but I on and Seasona i Movements The I Ittl e tunny I s found on both sides of the Atl antic throughout tropical and subtropical areas Including the Mediterranean. It Is a coastal species (de Sylva and Rathjen, 1961; Marchal, 1963; Postel, 1950; Whlteleather and Brown, 1945; and Zhudova, 1969) which may be found In open ocean waters I n sma Ii numbers. The available literature Indicates that the majority of the stock or stocks of little tunny found In U.S. waters remain within U.S. jurisdiction throughout spring, summer, and fall and may remain In U.S. waters during winter (Davis, 1979). Little tunny migrate seasonally, moving south and offshore during fa Ii and wi nter, then return I ng northward I n the spr I ng (de Sy I va and Rathj en, 1962). I n summer, lIttle tunny Is abundant In the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic at least as far north as Cape Hatteras. In winter, large numbers of little tunny are found off south Florida, primarily In the GUlf, south and west of Naples (C. Carter, pers. comm.), and In the Tortugas (de Sylva and Rathjen, 1962). At the same time, some are found offshore In more northern regions such as off Georgia (Carlson, 1952). Soe fraction of the stock(s) may extend Into the Caribbean In winter; however, there Is no available data to document such an extension (Davis, 1979). 5.1.6.2 Other Data More detailed biological data Is contained In a Resource Document which Is available through the Gulf 5-13 of Mexico FI shery Management Councl I. measures are proposed at thl s time. Th I s mater I a I I s not I nc I uded I n the FMP because no management 5.1.7 Descrlptlon of Dolphln (Coryphaena hlppurus) The do I ph I n I s the I arger of two open-ocean pe I ag I c congenetors that are cosmo po I I tan In d I str I but I on In tropical and subtropical waters (Bohlke and Chaplin, 1968). It Is a valuable commercial species In Japan, China, and Hawaii and Is an Important source of food In many Islands of the Pacific and Caribbean (Beardsley, 1957). In Florida the dolphin Is an Important sport fish and Is taken on more trips and In greater numbers by Florida east coast charterboats than any other species (Ellis, 1967). lt Is also an Important sport fish In North Carolina (Rose and Hassler, 1969). 5.1.7.1 DI strlbutlon and Migration According to Shcherbachev (1973),~. hlppurus penetrates temperature latitudes to range above 400N in the summer. Gibbs and Collette (1959) give the latitudinal limit of the species In the Atlantic as the 45° line, which corresponds to the poleward limits of the 15°C (59°F) Isotherm. Rose and Hassler (1968) give Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and the southern tip of Africa as the range limits of the dolphin In the Atlantic. Sightings In the extreme limits of the range reportedly are rare, and the general range of this species probably Is best described by the 20°C (68°F) Isotherm (Gibbs and Collette, 1959). Hochachka (1974) alludes to the common dolphin as a "tropical eurythermal species." ~. hlppurus Is common In the Caribbean, the Gulf Stream, and the Gulf of Mexico. The occurrence of this species In large numbers off the Texas coast has been reported (Baughman, 1941). Th I s species comes close to shore where bl ue waters are found near the shore, notabl y southeastern Florida, Cape Hatteras, and Ocean City, Maryland (Gibbs and Collette, 1959). Schuck (1951) found that the best fishing for dolphin off North Carolina was by trolling In areas where bottom depths were be tween 21 and 100 fathoms. Gibbs and Collette (1959) cited by de Sylva (pers. comm.) as saying that In south Florlda~. hlppurus adults are caught both In the Gulf Stream and at Its junction with coastal waters. This species occasionally enters Inshore waters of somewhat high turbidity (Gibbs and Collette, 1959, citing de Sylva, pers. comm.). 5.1.7.2 General Behavior The do i ph I n I s we i i known for Its propens I ty to stat I on I tse I f near nonmot Ii e obj ects on the ocean surface. Kojima (1956, 1960a, 1960b, 1966) has published specifically on this subject. AccordIng to Koj Ima (1965), the high returns (27.2 percent average) resulting from his tagging study In Japan demonstrated the ecological significance and effects of floating objects on dolphins. There Is a greater availability of food near floating objects, and dolphins leave them only when there Is food nearby. In the Florida current and Gul f Stream, dol phln associate with Sargassum windrows and, accord Ing to Beardsl ey (1967) and Gibbs and Collette (1959), take much of their food from that commun I ty. Young dolphin school, but older Individuals are more solitary. Dolphin 300-500 mm long (fork length, probably) are referred to as "school" dolphin (Beardsley, 1967). Baughman (1941) considered the dolphin a highly gregarious species, but his observations are of young Individuals. Although no spe cific description of the size of dolphin schools was found In the literature, It Is the general Impression that they do not contain the vast number of Ind Ivldual s found In school s of species such as the mackerel. 5.1.7.3 Other Data More deta I i ed b I 0 i og I ca i data Is conta I ned I n a Resource Document wh I ch Is ava I i ab I e throug h the Gu i f 5-14 of Mex I co Fishery Management Counc I I . measures are proposed at this time. The material Is not Included In the FMP because no management 5.2 Abundance and Present Cond I tl on The Information for this section has been Included In Section 5.4.1.2 for king mackerel, 5.4.2.2 for Spanish mackerel, 5.4.3.2 for cobia, 5.4.4 for cero mackerel, 5.4.5 for little tunny, 5.4.6 for bluefish, and 5.4.7 for dolphin. This was done because the Information leading to the respective concl uslons followed more coherent i y the presentation In Section 5.4. 5.3 Ecologlcal Rel atlonshl ps Prey-predator relationships, food chains, and competitive or mutual Istlc Interactions are the most Important factors to consider In developing an understanding of biological relationships of fishery species. A description will be given of the specific prey and predator organisms of each of the spe cies of the management unit, followed by a general discussion of the food chains affecting these species, Includ Ing larval food chains. Competitive and mutual Istlc Interactions wi Ii be discussed where any In formation Is ava I I ab i e. 5.3.1 Prey-Predator Relatlonshlps of Klng Mackerel a) Prey Species The primary food of king mackerel In Florida waters are clupeld fishes, particularly Oplsthonema og11num (the Atlantic thread herring) and Harengula jaguana (scaled sardine), and Invertebrates, Including penaeld shrimps and squid. Fish of the families Carangldae (jacks), Lutjanldae (snapper), and Pomadasyldae (grunts) make up a small percent of the diet. The three groups account for 59 percent, 33 percent, and eight percent of stomach contents by number respectlvel y (Beaumar I age, 1973). Beaumarlage examIned 366 king mackerel stomachs, but only 70 held Identifiable food; most (179) were empty. In a Texas study, Knapp (1949) found that shrimp were the number one food Item of king mackerel, accounting for 43.5 percent of food Items In stomachs. Squid was also an Important food Item, making up 25.1 percent of food Items. FI sh of various types made up 50.6 percent of the food Items In stomachs. Of this, 7.9 percenT were menhaden. Other fish species were not separated. Stomachs of 831 king mackerel were examined from fish caught offshore of Louisiana (C. Saloman and S. Naughton, pers. comm.). Fish were the dominant food, comprising over 99 percent by weight, and vol ume, and frequency of occurrence of the stomach contents. Pr Imary species were In the faml lies Clupeldae, Carangldae, Sclaenldae, and Trlchlurldae. In the stomachs of 355 king mackerel collected off Panama City, the volume of food was 85.4 percent fish and 14.1 percent squid. Minor amounts of various crustaceans made up the remainder of the volume of food Items. Three fish species, Decapterus punctatus (round scad), Sard Inella anchovla (Spanish sardine), and Brevoortla patronus (Gulf menhaden), were dominant (S. Naughton, pers. comm.). b) Predator Species The bottl e-nose dol phln (Turslops truncatus) and several shark species are thought to be the major predators of both kl ng and Span I sh mackerel due to the I r common occurrence around mackerel school s. Bottle-nose dolphins are a problem for both handline and gill-net mackerel fishermen on the Florida east coast (Cato and Prochaska, 1976), as they pull hooked fish off the line and tear them out of nets. Several shark species are mentioned by Bigelow and Schroeder (1948) as predators of the 5-15 mackerel s. These are tiger sharks (Gal eocerdo cuvler), bull sharks (Carcharhlnus leucas), the smooth hammerhead (Sphyrna zygaena), and the short- fin mako (i surus oxyr I nchus). Sharks often are found In areas where gill nets are being set around Spanish and king mackerel and damage to nets by sharks Is a common occurrence. The speed and severity with which the sharks attacked the nets off Key West In 1978 suggested that the sharks were In the mackerel school s before the nets were set, rather than coming to the area to feed on trapped fish. The lemon shark (Negaprlon brevlrostrls) Is said to be one of the principal species Interfering with the king mackerel fishing operations off Key West (S. Gruver, pers. comm.). Two little tunny collected from the Florida current by Klawe (1961) had 20-30 mm Scomberomorus larvae In their stomachs. Unfortunately, the larvae could not be Identified to species (Klawe, 1961), however, j udg I ng from hab I tat they very I I ke i y were kl ng mackere I . 5.3.2 Prey-Predator Relatlonshlps of Spanlsh Mackerel a) Prey Species The following organisms are given by Klima (1959) as food Items of Spanish mackerel In Florida based on analysis of 292 stomachs, 38 percent of which were empty. Listed In order of abundance In stomachs the organisms are: herrings (the Clupeldae) (69 percent); pilchards (Harengula~ sacolae and related species) (nine percent); shrimp (Penaeus spp.) (six percent); mullet (~ sp.) (four percent); needleflsh (Strongylura) and anchovy (Engraulldae) (less than one percent). Unidentified fish made up an additional eight percent of stomach contents. A Texas study determined that 30 percent of stomachs containing food contained menhaden (Miles and Simmons, unpublished data). The stomachs of 3,428 Spanish mackerel were examined In this study. Thirty-four percent of the stomachs were empty. Klima (1959) reported on a subsidiary study using material collected by Miles and Simmons. In all 611 mackerel stomachs containing food were examined: 82 contained shrimp; 30 squid; 53 rlbbonflsh; six menhaden, and four, other species. i n another Texas stud y found that of stomach contents. Shr Imp made 3.7 percent. fish, excl ud Ing menhaden, made up 62.7 percent of the total number up 23.4 percent, squid 10.9 percent, crabs 4.6 percent, and menhaden No analysis has been made of the relative weights or volumes of types of food organisms In stomachs to help determine which food types provide the major part of the energy requirements of this species. b) Predator Spec I es Sharks are a major predator of Spanish mackerel. The species has been listed among the stomach contents of the dusky shark (Carcharhlnus obscurus) In Florida (Clark and von Schmidt, 1965). According to Bigelow and Schroeder (1948), the smooth hammerhead (Sphyrna zygaena) preys on Spanish mackerel. The mackerel s In general are referred to as a component of the diet of bull sharks (Carcharhlnus leucas), porbeagles (Lamna nasus), and tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvler) (Bigelow and Schroeder, 1948). 5.3.3 Prey-Predator Relatlonshlps of Cobia a) Prey Species The cobia feeds primarily on demersal organisms, especially crustaceans. In a Texas study (Knapp, 1951), mantis shrimp and eels were the organisms that occurred the greatest percent of the time 5-16 (58 percent and 50 percent respectlvel y). Next In percent occurrence were shr Imp (46 percent), crabs (42 percent), and squ I d (17 percent). Th I rty-two percent of the stomachs conta I ned fish, four percent of wh I ch were Span I sh mackerel. A tota I of 29 stomachs were exam I ned and 17 percent were empty. b) Predator Spec I es None have been determ I ned so far. 5.3.4 Prey-Predator Relatlonshlps of Cero Mackerel The prey-predator relationships of cero mackerel are thought to be similar to those of king and Span I sh mackerel. 5.3.5 Prey-Predator Relatlonshlps of Bluefish a) Prey Spec I es According to Wllk (1977), bluefish feed throughout the water column on a large variety of fishes and Invertebrates, both pelagic and demersal. Wllk (1977), observing populations In the northern part of their range, noted that they eat butterflsh (Peprl i us trlacanthus), menhaden (Brevoortla spp.), round herring (Etrumeus teres), sand lance (Ammodytes american us), s I I verslde (Ather In Idae), Atl antic mackerel (Scomber scombrus), anchovy (Engraulldae), and Spanish sardine (Sardlnella anchovla). They also eat juvenile spotted seatrout (Cynosclon nebulosus), Atlantic croaker (Mlcropogon undulatus), and spot (Lelostomus xanthurus) (Wllk, 1977). Among the Invertebrates fed on by bluefish are shrimps, lobsters, squids, crabs, myslds, and annelid worms (Wllk, 1977). Richards (1976) examined the stomach contents of 66 bluefish In Long Island Sound from July to November. He found that 44 percent had empty stomachs. The most common prey organism was the adult bay anchovy (Anchoa mltchl II I) (37 percent of total Items). The squid (Loligo peale I) was next In abundance (18 percent). Menhaden (~. tyrannus) adults and juveniles and butterflsh (~. trlacanthus) juveniles were equally represented, each comprising 16 percent of food Items. Striped mullet (~cephalus), Atlantic thread herring (Oplsthonema ogllnum), plnflsh (Lagodon rhomboldes), and shrimp (Penaeus spp.) are organisms common to Florida waters that were Included In Wi I k' s (1977) I I st of food Items of bl uefl sh In the mid-At i antic. Rei atlve Importance of these organ Isms was not given by Wllk (1977). Apparently measurements of relative weight or relative volume of food types have not been made. b) Predator Species Sharks are thought to be predators of bluefish. Shark species that are known to feed on bluefish are the sand tiger (Odontaspls taurus) and the thresher (Aloplas vulplnus) (Bigelow and Schroeder, 1948). Wllk (1977) said that sharks, tunas, swordfish, and wahoo would be the only potential predators that would pose a threat to the fast-swimming bluefish. 5.3.6 Prey-Predator Relatlonshlps of Llttle Tunny a) Prey Spec I es The round herring (Etrumeus teres) was the most Important food species of Euthynnus alletteratus In specimens collected from the southern Atlantic coast of the U.S., making up 39 percent of stomach contents Items (Carlson, 1952). Squid also was Important, accounting for 28 percent of food Items, and the Spanish sard Ine (Sard Inella anchovla) made up 12 percent of food Items. Other components of 5-17 the stomach contents were the round scad (Decapterus punctatus), Span I sh mackerel and mud parrotf Ish (Sparlsoma flavescens). Unidentified fish made up 11 percent of total food Items (Carlson, 1952). In another study, both little tunnys collected contained Spanish mackerel. One little tunny contained larval little tunny Indicating cannibalism (Klawe, 1961). Carangldae (jacks), and Exocoetldae (flylngflsh) are soe other groups fed upon by little tunny (Dragovich, 1969). b) Predator Spec I es Llttl e tunny was one food Item Identl fled In the stomach of a bull shark (Carcharhlnus leucas) collected on the central Gulf coast of Florida (Clark and von Schmidt, 1965). 5.3.7 Prey-Predator Rel atlonshl ps of Dol ph In a) Prey Spec I es The dol phln Is an opportunistic species, which wi II prey on most smaller fishes or squid which may be available. It Is thought to be a day feeder (Erdman, 1958) and perhaps does not feed effectively In darkness (Gibbs and Collette, 1959), although they will feed at night on small fishes and squid attracted to light from shl ps. The Importance of the Sargassum community In providing food for common dolphin, particularly juvenile and younger mature Individuals, has been noted by several authors. Rose and Hassler (1974) found significantly more empty stomachs In small female dolphin In a summer when tldel Ines off the North Carolina coast were relatively rare, which suggests that this community makes an Important contribu tion to the food supply of this group. Kojima (1965), Rose and Hassler (1974), and Beardsley (1967) considered the Sargassum commun Ity to have great ecological Importance to the dol phln because of the food supply It provides. Furthermore, the Sargassum community provides protection for younger Individ ual s from predation by other species. Segregation of younger from older Ind Ivldual s through behav Ioral differences reduces cannibal Ism. An adaptive significance to the attraction of smaller Individuals to the Sargassum community has been suggested (Rose and Hassler, 1974). Apparently, emphasis on different types of food Items changes throughout the life cycle of the dolphin. Shcherbachev (1973) noted that larvae and fingerlings of dolphin feed primarily on Invertebrates, par ticularly copepods, while adult common dolphin eat flying fish of the genus Cypselurus. Kojima (1963) found juveniles of the families Engraulldae (anchovies), Muliidae (goatflsh) and Oplegnathldae (a pri mitive perclform) In the stomachs of dolphin 500 to 1,500 mm In length In Japanese waters. Erdman (1958) commented that the pelagic stages of young shore and reef fishes seemed to form the most abundant and frequent foods of the pelagic species he studied In Puerto Rico, which Included the dolphin. He mentioned flleflshes, trlggerflshes, goatflshes, squlrrelflshes, doctorflshes, and threadflns as young shore fishes which are Important food Items of pelagic fishes. He said that bot tom fishes such as snapper and grouper and deep sea fishes were noticeably rare In stomachs compared with shore fishes. ~ Predator Species Two known predators of the common dolphin In western Atlantic waters are the blue marlin (Makalra nlgrlcans) Gibbs and Collette (1959) and the swordfish (Xlphlas gladlus) (D. de Sylva, pers. comm.). One 6.4 kg (14 pound) dol phln was found In the stomach of a whltetlp shark (Carcharhlnus longlmanus) by Schuck and Clark (1951); although dolphin did not occur In any of 88 whltetlp stomachs examined by Backus, et al. (1956). According to Backus, et al. (1956), the dolphin Is a common associate of the wh I tetl p shark. 5-18 5.3.8 Comparlson of Food Hablts of Specles of the Management Un It Clupeld fishes, penaeld shrimp, and squid are the principal prey organisms of five out of seven spe cies In the coastal pelagic management unit: the three mackerels (If cero can be Included), the bluefish, and the little tunny. The cobia feeds primarily on crabs and mantis shrimp, which It takes from the bottom. The diet of the dolphin consists mostly of flylngflsh, jacks, trlggerflsh, and flleflsh. The mackerels feed primarily on pelagic species, particularly herrings, although a fairly large per centage of the diet of king mackerel Is made up of shrimp. The diets of the Spanish and king mackerel overlap. The one quantitative study that was done on the food of these mackerels In the same area (Knapp, 1949) suggests that the Spanish mackerel Is more dependent on fish and less dependent on Invertebrates than the king mackerel, which eats a large percentage of shrimp and squid. The same herring species that was Identified as the king mackerel's principal prey In (Beaumarlage, 1973) was given as the principal prey of the Spanish mackerel In Brazl I This was the Atlantic thread herring. Forlda (Menezes, 1970). The feed I ng spectrum feeds throughout the fish such as spotted the diet of bluefish of the bluefish appears to be wider than that of the mackerels. This species water col umn. Small herring-I I ke fl shes and the juven I I es of estuarine bottom seatrout, Atlantic croaker, and spot serve as Its prey. Mullet are Included In as In the diet of Span I sh mackerel. An Important prey of the little tunny Is the round herring (Carlson, 1952). Squid also Is Important to this species as Is the Spanish sardine. Little tunny also feed on flylngflsh, which causes the diet of this species to overlap with that of the more oceanic dolphin. Scads (Decapterus spp.) also are thought to be Important to this species based on volumetric stomach analysis of a related species In Hawa I I an waters. Mantld shrimp, crabs, eels, and squid are the main food organisms of cobia. The diet of dolphin consists of flylngflsh, jacks, trlggerflsh, and flleflsh. 5.3.9 Prlnclpal Prey Specles of the Mangement Unlt and Thelr Food Habits Sma Ii school I ng f I shes I n the fam I i Y Ci upe Idae (herr I ng and sard I nes) are the most Important prey fishes of the coastal pelagic unit. Major species of this family are Oplsthonema ogllnum (Atlantic thread herring), Harengula jaguana (scaled sardine), Etrumeus teres (round herring), and Sardlnella anchovla (Spanish sardine). Other prey organisms of apparently equal Importance are penaeld shrimp and squid. The onl y species name mentioned for squid was Loligo peal el (Wi i k, 1977). In subtropical waters this species Is replaced by Loligo plel (Laroe, 1970). other neritic squid that occur In areas frequented by the coastal pelaglcs are the genera Seploteuthls, Dortheuthls, and Lolllguncula (Voss, 1973). Other fish families that are major sources of food for one or more species of the management unit Include the Engraulldae (anchovies), specifi cally Anchoa mitchlllI, the Exocoetldae (flylngflshes and halfbeaks), the Carangldae (jacks, scads, and pompano) I nc i ud I ng Decapterus punctatus, and Pepr I I us tr I acanthus (butterf Ish) . Most of the clupelds, Including Atlantic thread herring and Spanish sardine, feed on zooplankton, par ticularly copepods (Low, 1973; Hildebrand, 1963; and Bohlke and Chapl In, 1968). Atlantic thread herring eat anchovy larvae as well as copepods (Low, 1973). Preferential rather than nondlscrlmlnant feeding Is apparent In those species of clupelds for which food habits have been determined (Low, 1973). Clupelds are capable of feeding In either the picking or the filtering mode. They filter feed 5-19 when dense concentrations of food of a su!table size Is avaIlable (O'Connell, 1972; and E. Houde, pers. comm.). 5.3.10 Larva I Food Cha I ns Size of potentIal prey relatIve to the sIze of the predator Is probably the sIng Ie most Important determInant of who eats who In marIne food chaIns and prey specIes change as the predator grows (Detwyler and Houde, 1970). Prey-predator roles sometimes reverse with time, meanIng that marine food chains are actually cIrcles, larval fIsh beIng fed on by the prey of theIr parents. The Influence of relatIve sIze on predation puts an evolutionary premium on the abIlity of a marIne specIes to grow fast and attaIn a large size. Coastal pelagIc species are not exceptIons to the generalities just stated. All are carnivores throughout the Ir i Ives and are thought to eat copepods at ear Iy stages. Young cob I a are known to requIre crustaceans In theIr diet and do poor Iy on a dIet of pure fIsh (Hassler and Ralnvl lie, 1975a). 5.4 Estimate of MSY, Abundance and Present and Future Cond Itlon Est Imates of MSY for coasta I pe I ag I c spec I es were deve loped espec I a I Iy for th I s management p I an. These estimates were revIewed by the Sclentlf!c and StatistIcal CommIttee and accepted by It as the best available given the constraints Imposed by the quality of available data. AddItIonal detaIl on how some of the parameters were estImated and other technical dIscussIon Is contaIned In Powers and E i dr Idge (1983a and 1983b). 5.4.1 KIng Mackere i 5.4.1.1 Klng Mackerel: Assessment and Spec I f Icatlon of MSY A reassessment of the kIng mackerel stock was prepared for the Councl Is by the Southeast FIsheries Center (Powers and Eldridge, 1983b). In calculatIon of MSY, they used three methods: yIeld per recru It, average catch, and production mode I. The 1983 estimate of MSY derived from using the yield per recruit method used In the origInal FMP was lower than that of the original FMP because the best estimate of YPR (1309 g) using the Johnson, et al., growth curve was only 64 percent of the prevIous estimate. The dIfference In MSY estimate was due to the dIfference In growth models (Powers and EldrIdge, 1983b). The range In estImates was due to the dIfferent combinations of F and M that were used. The best estimate of MSY for sexes combined was approximately 14.5 millIon pounds wIth a range of 6.8 and 36.5. ProductIon model estimates utilize catch and effort statistIcs to estimate productIon model parameters; however, these statistics are not avaIlable In sufficient time series. In theIr stead very limIted catch per unIt effort data from northwest Florida were used. These data show declinIng trends over tIme and, If In error, would show more decline than may have actually occurred. UsIng several sce narios, the authors developed three estimates of 25.8, 26.0, and 35.2 millIon pounds. EquIlibrIum catches from a relatively stable catch effort tIme perIod was the thIrd method used to estImate MSY. Long term average yIeld were calculated using three scenarIos of recreatIonal catch trends. SIx and seven year averages were used to encompass a comp i ete cyc Ie of the observed pattern of low years, hIgh years, and normal years. Because landings In the 1970-1976 perIod appeared to be most representative of equl I Ibrlum condItIons, the estimates obtaIned from using those years were con sIdered to be the best using thIs method. The mInImum MSY estImates for those years range from 21.9 to 24.6 millIon pounds. 5-20 MSY estImates In summary were: Yield Per RecruIt ProductIon Model Average Catches 6.8 to 36.5 25.8 to 35.2 21.9 to 24.6 MSY probab Iy occurs wIthIn the range of the productIon model and average catch estImates. It has, therefore, been estImated as the average of the estImates from the productIon mode I and the 1970 to 1976 average catches (average of 21.9,23.7, 24.6, 25.8, 26.0 and 35.2). ThIs fIgure Is 26.2 mIllIon pounds whIch Is very close to the best fIttIng productIon model. MSY Is, therefore, set wIthIn the range of 21.9 and 35.2 mIll Ion pounds wIth the best current poInt estimate at 26.2 ml II Ion pounds for the overa II kl ng mackere I stock. Because the resource Is dIvIded Into two mIgratory groups, and because yIeld Is maximIzed when fIshIng pressure Is equal on both groups, TACs were chosen to reduce the catch of Gulf fIsh and allow an Increased catch of AtlantIc fIsh. ThIs was done because evIdence IndIcates that flsh!ng pressure was too hIgh on Gulf fIsh; whereas fishIng pressure could be Increased somewhat on AtlantIc fIsh. The TACs wI II change from year to year as the populatIon changes sIze In response to the new fIshIng mor tallty rate. The best estImate for TAC for the AtlantIc mIgratory group Is 11.8 mIllIon pounds and the best estImate for the Gu I f mIgratory group Is 14.225 ml Ii Ion pounds. The use of the TAC wI I' move I and I ngs to the MSY leve I. 5.4.1.2 KIng Mackere I: Assessment and SpecIfIcatIon of Present and Probable Future CondItIon The dIvIsIon of the kIng mackerel Into two seasonal mIgratory groups allows a better analysIs of the status of the stock (Section 5.1.1.1) (Powers and EldrIdge, 1983b). Gu I f Mlgratory Group Commercial sIze frequency and catch per unIt of effort In FlorIda IndIcate a declIne In recruItment sInce 1980. If present leve I s of fIsh Ing effort are maIntaIned, recruItment cou I d dec i Ine further. Also, If landIngs of large females In LouIsIana Increase substantIally, recruItment could be adversely affected. ReductIon of present catch by about 22 percent as proposed In the InItIal year of the amended plan w! II mInimIze the posslbllty of recruItment fal lure and should restore the populatIon to near MSY level In several years. Atlantlc Mlgratory Group Catch from to ach 1 eve be reached thIs group Is presently modest and appears MSY Is above the capacIty of the fisherIes I n In Itla I years of the p I an. we II below the MSY. The tota I a Ilowab Ie catch In the area; so It !s doubtful that the TAC wI Ii 5 .4 . 2 Span 1 sh Mackere I 5.4.2.1 Span I sh Mackere I : Assessment and Spec I f I cat I on of MSY UsIng the 1975 commercIal landIngs and the adjusted estImate of recreational catch from the 1970 Saltwater AnglIng Survey, estImates of MSY varied from 13,464,000 pounds at M = 0.5 and tc = 1.0 to 49,062,000 pounds at M = 0.8 and tc = 2.0 (ExhIbIt 5-9). At the most likely combInatIons, M = 0.7 and tc = 1.5, the best current estImate of MSY Is 27 mIllIon pounds wIthIn a range of 13.5 to 49.1 mIll Ion pounds. ThIs compares wIth a total adjusted catch estimate of 20,158,000 pounds. 5-21 Exhibit 5-9 summarizes the range of MSY estimates for Spanish mackerel based on currently available data. The MSY estimates provided by thl s approach use as an Input an estimate of total catch for some years. Because of uncertainty In the total recreational catch, estimates have been provided using data from the 1970 Saltwater Angllng Survey (Deuel, 1973), which Is believed to be an overestimate and using adjusted data to estimate the total recreational catch. In either case, the MSY estimates are In similar relative proportions to the estimate of the total catch. The likely upper and lower bounds represent a reasonab i e 11m I t to the range of MSY estimates based on currentl y ava I i ab I e data. The "best estimate" represents a reasonable estimate for the most likely value of MSY based on currently available data. Future research may provide revised data with which to revise the MSY estimate. The estimates of the critical parameters, M (Instantaneous fishing mortality), and tc (time at first capture) for the MSY model are al so presented In Exhibit 5-9. Exhibit 5-9 Span I sh Mackerel MSY Estimate Summary ( m I I i Ion pound s) Estimate of 1 Rec reat I ona i Ca tc h Based on Adjusted Estimates for 1975 Recreational Catch Parameter Val ue Estimates M tc Likely Upper Bound "Best Estimate" L I kel y Lower Bound Correspond I ng Estimate of T ota i Recreat I ona' and Commerc I a I Ca tc h 81.7 45.0 0.7 22.4 49.1 27 13.5 0.8 2.0 1.5 1.00.5 35.52 3 20.1 2 3 1970 Saltwater Angllng Survey Unadjusted estimate for 1970. Adjusted estimate for 1975. 5.4.2.2 Spanish Mackerel: Assessment and Speclflcatlon of Present and Probable Future Condition The present condition of the Spanish mackerel Is not well defined. There Is no documented Information on changes In length frequency of the catch, changes In catch per unit effort, relative abundance, or d I str I but I on. The on I y ava Ii ab i e In format I on wh I ch can be used to assess the present cond I tl on of the stock are the estimates of MSY presented In Section 5.4.2.1 and Its reI atlon to present catch. I f the est Imates recreational and mate of MSY, but estimate of MSY. of Deuel (1973) for the recreational catch are accepted, then the total catch, commercial, In 1970 was 35,515,000 pounds. This Is larger than the lower bound estl below the "best estimate" of 44,963,000 pounds, and much less than the upper bound i f our best estimate I s correct, then the Span I sh mackerel 1 s not presentl y over 5-22 fished; nor has It been In the past. However, this estimate of MSY Is based on Imprecise estimates of many parameters. It Is advisable to be very conservative In Inferring present condition from these estimates of MSY a lone. Predicting the future condition of the Spanish mackerel stock Is dependent on the rate at which the catch and fish I ng effort are I ncreas I ng and on the true va I ues of MSY and present tota I catch. Recreational fishing effort for most species of saltwater fish Is Increasing and wIll continue to Increase In the foreseeable future. North (1976) estimated a rate of Increase In saltwater recreational fishermen as 4.5 percent per year. Recreational boats of the size class used by most saltwater anglers (16-25 feet) have been Increasing by approximately 9.5 percent In Florida. This Is probably a reasonable proxy for an estimate of the rate of Increase of recreational fishing effort. Recreational fishing effort for SpanIsh mackerel Is probably Increasing at a rate within this range. Commercial fishing effort and fleet capacity have been Increasing for Spanish mackerel, primarily because of the rapid Increase In power rol fer gl II-net vessel s In south Florida. Most of these vessels are now equipped to fish for either Spanish or king mackerel. The total number Is unknown, but approaches 80. The Increase In number of vessels and effort Is expected to continue. The effect of these Increases In effort depend on the true values of present catch and MSY. If either estimate of present catch Is correct, and the corresponding lower bound estimate of MSY Is correct, then the Spanish mackerel Is already overflshed and further Increases In catch could result In severe reductions In the abundance of the stock, total yield, and catch per unit effort. If one of our "best estimates" Is correct, then there Is some roo for expansion. However, If effort and catch Increase as rapid Iy as seems possible, MSY wi II be reached In a few years. 5.4.3 Cobia 5.4.3.1 Cobia: Assessment and Specl flcatlon of MSY A crude estimate of MSY was obtained from the landing statistics. Deuel (1973) reported the 1970 recreational catch 775,000 pounds In the Atlantic and 125,000 pounds In the Gulf. These may be overestimates, but no data exist with which to correct them. For the period 1965-1977, maximum reported commercial land Ings on the Atl antic coast were 24,000 pounds In 1965 and 23,000 pounds In 1970. The maximum reported In the Gul f was 133,000 pounds In 1974. The maximum total catch was, therefore, 1,057,000 pounds. This was accepted as the best available estimate of MSY. It Is accepted with caution and considered an upper limit estimate. Using maximum reported catch for MSY In a stock which may be overflshed could overestimate the real val ue. Additionally there Is a high probabl I Ity that the recreational catch Is overest Imated. At present, there are not sufficient data available to calculate an accurate estimate of MSY for cobia. The only Information available which could be used to make a crude estimate are commercial and recreational catch statl stlcs and data from Richards (1977). These data Ind Icate that there may be two stocks of cobia In U.S. waters; one In the Atlantic which may be overexploited, and one In the Gulf of Mexico which appears to be underexplolted. 5.4.3.2 Cobia: Assessment and Speclflcatlon of the Present and Probable Future Condition The abundance of cobia Is apparently much lower, even In unflshed populations, than the abundance of other coastal pelagic species. It Is a moderately long-lived species with a correspondingly low natural mortality rate and low rate of recruitment. This combination of characteristics makes 5-23 the cobia more susceptible to overflshlng than other coastal pelagic species. The cobia Is subject to Intense recreational fishing pressure during the summer In Chesapeake Bay, In spring and summer In the northern Gul f of Mexico and, to a lesser degree, during the winter In south Florida. If this fishing pressure Increases, as seems very likely, the cobia could become severely overflshed. This may be happening already In the Atlantic; however, until more data Is available this conclusion Is not definitive. 5.4.4 Assessment and Speclflcatlon of MSY, the Present and Probable Future Condltlon of Cero Mackerel There Is no available Information from which any estimate of MSY for cero mackerel can be produced. Neither recreational nor commercial catch statistics are available. The size of the cero mackerel stock In U.S. waters Is apparently much smaller than the king or Spanish mackerel. There Is no commercial fishery and very i Ittle recreational fishing effort directed at the cero mackerel In U.S. waters. The current landings are primarily Incidental catches. It Is therefore unlikely that the cero mackerel Is presently overflshed or In any danger of becoming overflshed If current trends conti nue. 5.4.5 Little Tunny: Assessment and Spec If I cat I on of MSY, Present and Probab I e Future Cond I tl on There Is no available Information from which any estimate of MSY for little tunny can be produced. The i Ittl e tunny stock In U.S. waters Is apparent i y very large. It Is the most abundant scombrld larvae out of eight species found In the eastern Gulf of Mexico (E. Houde, pers. comm.). There Is very little commercial fishery and no comprehensive landing statistics available, either commercial or recreational. The recreational catch Is probably quite large. Manooch and Laws (In prep.) reported 58,953 pounds of i Ittle tunny caught by the charter fishing fleet In North Carolina. Gentle (1977) reported the i Ittl e tunny to be the second most abundant fl sh In the catch of the charter fishing fleet In Miami, Florida. In that study little tunny were often caught as bait for sharks and large billfish (E. Gentle, pers. comm.). Data In Carlson (1952) IndIcated that the abundance of little tunny along the Atlantic coast was very high. Wade (1977) estimated the Alabama recreational catch In 1975 at 388,444 pounds. Although present catch Is approximately one million pounds, It Is very unlikely that the little tunny Is being overflshed or that It will become overflshed In the forseeable future If present trends con tinue. 5.4.6 Blue fish: Assessment and Specl flcatlon of MSY, Present and Probabl e Future Cond Itlon The bluefish stock or stocks In the Gulf of Mexico appear to be small relative to those along the Atlantic coast. The available data are not sufficient to calculate a reasonable estimate of MSY. The present condition of the stock appears to be healthy; no significant trends In catches, either up or down are seen In either commercial or recreational catches. There Is i Ittle directed fishery for bl uefl sh In the Gul f and no reason to believe that the total catch Is approaching MSY. Without more accurate Information on MSY and present catch, It Is Impossible to predict the future condition of the bluefish. Bluefish populations are known to undergo large fluctuations In abundance of unknown cause. Some data Indicate that the bluefish may be In a period of stock expansion along the Atlantic coast. At present, It appears to be underexplolted In the Gulf. How rapidly this could change as the total catch Increases cannot be predicted with the available data. 5-24 5.4.7 Dolphin: Assessment and Speclflcatlon of MSY, Present and Probable Future Condition There are no available data from which to estimate MSY for dolphin; however, at the present time It Is unlikely that the dolphin Is being exploited at MSY. The dolphin Is a species with a high growth rate, high mortality rate, low age at maturity, and high fecundity (see Section 5.1.7 on biological description). A species with this combination of biological characteristics Is difficult to overflsh, either In terms of recruitment overflshlng or growth overflshlng. 5-25 6.0 DESCRIPTION OF HABITAT 6.1 Cond Itlon of Habitat 6.1.1 Adult Habitat The habitat of all adults of all the species In the coastal pelagic management unit, except dolphin, I s the coasta I waters out to the edge of the conti nenta I she i fin the Gu I f of Max I co and At I anti c Ocean. Dolphin Is an oceanic species that may be found on the shelf. Within that area, the occurrence of these species Is governed by temperature and salinity. All species except bluefish are seldom found In water temperatures less than 20°C. Bluefish are commonly found In water temperatures down to 12°C. Salinity preference varies, but Is generally for high salinity. Dolphin are seldom found In waters with salinity less than 36 ppt. The scombrlds prefer high salinities, but less than 36 ppt. Sa! Inlty preference of little tunny and cobia Is not well defined. BI ueflsh exhibit a wide preference and can be found In estuarine waters of relatively low salinity. Some populations of bluefish are estuarine dependent In the juvenile stage. There appears to be little direct effect of man on the adult habitat which adversely affects adults of these species, nor does It appear likely that there will be sIgnificant effect In the foreseeable future. Habitat degradation Is more likely to affect eggs and larvae or Indirectly affect the adults through predator-prey rei atlons. 6.1.2 Larval Habitat The larval habitat of all species In the coastal pelagic management unit Is the area of spawn Ing. These areas are Identl fled for each species In Section 5.1. area, eggs and I arvae are concentrated I n the sur face waters. water col umn In the Within the spawn Ing There Is, at present, no documented evidence that larval habitats have been degraded by natural or man-made Impact to a degree sufficient to affect recruitment; however, man's Impact on the habitat has greater potential to affect the larvae than the adults, and the magnitude of man's Impact In the spawn I ng area has been rap I d i Y I ncreas I ng. 011 pollution from offshore 011 spills or chronic leakage or discharge from operating 011 wells Is a potential danger to the spawning grounds of coastal pelagic species. The water soluble aromatic hydrocarbon component of crude 011 Is damaging to fish eggs and embryos. Fifty percent mortality was experienced In herring and anchovy larvae exposed to benzene In the range of 20 to 25 ppm In a labora tory experiment CStruhsaker, et al., 1974). Sublethal effects observed In laboratory experiments were abnormal development and altered respiration rates. Eggs and larvae were collected from San Francisco Bay and other locations. San Francisco Bay eggs showed a lower hatching rate (20-25 percent did not hatch) and San Francisco larvae showed a higher percent of abnormalities than eggs and larvae collected from other sites (Struhsaker, et al., 1974). San Francisco Bay Is an area of chronic 011 pollution. Other pollutants such as pesticides may act synergistically with 011 to produce the deleterious effects on the young stages of fish (Struhsaker, et al., 1974). 011 dispersants with water soluble aromatic hydrocarbon fractions also have been found to be damaging to eggs and larvae (Wilson, 1977), although the second generation dispersants are less toxic than those originally used after 011 spl lIs, due to the reduction In aromatic hydrocarbons (Wi i son, 1977). Although no adverse Impacts have yet been doc~ented, growing offshore drl Ii Ing activity In the Gul f of Mexico Is a potential threat to king mackerel In partlcul are A major spawn Ing center Is located off the coast of Texas. The possible Impact of chronic 011 leaks or 011 bearing brine discharges on 6-1 the development of king mackerel larvae should be considered. The recent IXTOC 011 spill demonstrates the potential for single accidents to Impact a very large fraction of the total spawning area. 6.1.3 Habltat of Prey SpecIes Estuaries are critical habitats for most of the major prey species reason, estuarine habitats and factors which affect them should be pelagic management unit. of coastal pelaglcs. For this considered critical to the coastal All the specIes of the coastal pelagic management unit, except the dolphin, have one thing In par ticular In common. They move from one area to another and harvest seasonal abundances of local resources. Many of the prey species of the coastal pelaglcs are estuarine dependent In that they spend all or a portion of their lives In estuaries. This means that the coastal pelagic species, by v I rtue of the u I t Imate source of the I r food, are to some degree dependent upon estuar I es a I so. Therefore, coastal pelagic species can be expected to be detrimentally affected If the productive capab I i I ties of estuar I es are great i y degraded. 6.2 Hab I tat Areas of Part I cu i ar Concern The critical habitats of the species of the coastal pelagic management unit, generally speaking, are: 1) Offshore areas of peak spawning activities 2) All the estuaries on their migration routes. Some genera I statements can be made as to act Ions that wou I d serve to protect the areas of cr I t I ca i hab I tat: 1) Locate the centers for spawn I ng act I v I ty for the coasta i pe i ag I c spec I es, eva i uate the I r current habitat Quality, and protect them from further degradation. 2) Determ I ne whether or not king mackere i hatch I ng or larvae deve i opment I n the western Gulf, a major spawning area, are significantly affected by proximity to operating 011 we Ii s (or br I ne d I scharqes) and If th I s affects recru I tment. 3) Recogn I ze the I mportance of estuar I es to the coasta i pe I ag I c spec I es and act aga I nst damage to natural support capabilities of estuaries by dredging, filling, bulkheadlng, and change I n freshwater runoff, etc. 6.3 Hab I tat Protect I on Programs As discussed In the previous sections, the coastal pelagic fish do not Inhabit any site specific habitat. Rather they are spawned In very large (generally) offshore, geographical areas, and as adults, migrate over great distances. There are comprehensive coastal zone management programs being developed that focus on protecting and enhancing estuarine environments along with other coastal areas. Indirectly these programs will affect In a positive manner the productivity of the management un It. At the federal level no comprehensive habitat protection programs exist. A marine sanctuary program was estab I I shed by the Mar I ne Protect Ion, Research and Sanctuar I es Act. The Act perm I ts the des I gna tlon (by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, NOAA) of specific marine sanctuaries. Existing or proposed sanctuaries wi II not significantly affect the habitat of coastal pelagic species. 6-2 7.0 FISHERY MANAGEMENT JUR I SD I CT ION, LAWS, AND POL I C I ES Management Institutions currently Involved with the species In the coastal pelagic management unit Include the Fishery Management Councils and various states within the range of the stocks. King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, cero mackerel, dolphin and cobia are caught almost entirely within the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico regions. Bluefish are caught In substantial amounts from Mississippi to Massachusetts, but are considered by this plan only In the Gulf of Mexico. Little tunny are caught by recreational fishermen In the South Atlantic and Gul f of Mexico regions, and there I s a moderate commerc I a t catch of f New Eng I and. Exhibit 7-1 shows the proportion of the U.S. commercial catch caught Inside and outside of three ml i es from shore. There may be some Interaction between the stocks of king and Spanish mackerel caught In United States waters and those caught by Mexicans off Vera Cruz. 7.1 Management Institutions The United States, acting through the fishery management councils and the U.S. Department of Comerce pursuant to the FI shery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), has authority to manage fisheries In the FCZ of the United States. The states have authority to manage fish stocks within their boundaries (nine nautical miles for Texas and Florida's west coast and three elsewhere). The principal state conservation agencies are Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Mississippi Department of Wildlife Conservation, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Florida Marine Fisheries Comission, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, South Carolina Department of Wildlife and Marine Resources, and North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community Development. The Gulf States and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Comissions are Interstate compacts which provide coord Inatlon among the member states. 7.2 Federal Laws, Regul atlons and Policies Existing federal laws, other than the MFCMA, have no apparent slgnl flcant Impact on the coastal migra tory pel ag Ic resources; however, Impl ementatlon of coastal zone management programs may have Ind Irect beneficial Impacts on the habitat of the fishery. Also, the Marine Mammal Protection Act Is related to the Spanish and king mackerel and bluefish fishery. These conclusions were reached after a review of the following legislation: o Ooasta i Zone Management Act (and current status of state coasta i zone programs); o Marine Mammal Protection Act; o Endangered Spec I es Act; o Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956; o Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act; o Federal Water Pollution Control Act; and o Outer Continental Shel f Lands Act. 7-1 Exhibit 7-1 Commercial Landings by Species and by Distance Caught off U.S. Shores1 (Thousand Pounds) 2 3-Year Spec I es 1980 1981 1982 Average Percent King mackerel 0-3 m I I es 843 1,187 1,543 1,191 15.9 3-200 ml I es 6,192 6,036 6,643 6,290 84.1 Span I sh mackerel 0-3 6,533 2,298 3,832 4,221 48.0 3-200 5,435 3,869 4,428 4,577 52.0 LI ttl e tunny 0-3 43 96 24 54 22.9 3-200 179 150 217 182 77.1 3 Blue fish 0-3 11,404 10,491 11,627 11,174 68.9 3-200 4,272 6,168 4,710 5,050 31.1 None of the fish In the Management Unit were reported caught beyond 200 miles. 2 Data on cobia and dolphin unavailable. 3 Includes fish from New England and Mid-Atlantic areas. u.s. Department of Comerce, National Marine Fisheries Service, Fisheries of the United States, annual reports for 1980, 1981 and 1982. Source: 7-2 The Coasta I Zone Management Act pi aces res pons I b I I I ty for comprehensive I and and water management of the coastal zone upon the coastal states. The Act also requires that federal actions directly affecting the coastal zone of a state be consistent (to maximum extent possible) with the approved state plans. Of the eight states In the management area, Georgia and Texas do not have approved coasta I zone programs. The final regul atlons of the Marine Mammal Protection Act make It a federal crime to kl II, capture or harass any marine mammal. Amended regulations prohibit the Intentional kl II Ing under any circumstan ces of the bottlenose dolphin, a species which preys on fish In the management unit. Occasionally these porpoises are a nuisance to the fishermen. They bite and tear fish from gill nets used to take Spanish and king mackerel or bluefish and sometimes damage fishing nets. They pull hooked king mackerel off handllnes, sometimes damaging the handllner's gear and Injuring the fishermen. There are no sections of the Act that restrict the provisions of the management plan. The remaining legislation listed above has no Impact on the management un It. 7.3 Treatl es and I nternatlona I Agreements No foreign or Indian treaties or International agreements exist that relate specifically to coastal pel aglcs In the management area. Agreements ex I st regard I ng the Cuba In the Gul f of Mexico and wIth both Mexico and Cuba have Interim maritime boundaries between the United states and Mexico and the Straits of Florida. Governing International Fisheries Agreements expired. 7.4 State Laws, Regul atlons and Policies Coastal migratory pelagic resources are regulated, to a certain extent, by the states of the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico regions. States have jurisdiction extending three nautical miles from shore, but Texas and Florida's west coast have three marine leagues (nine nautical miles). Few states have extensive management restrictions (as compared to shellfish, for example) directed at king or Spanish mackerel or other coastal migratory pelagic resources. However, several states do regulate size limits and have restrictions on the use of fishing gear that affect this management unit. Florida, the state where most fishing for mackerel occurs, has several laws which affect the manage ment unit. In December of 1984, a Florida regulation became effective setting a two fish per person, per trip bag limit on Gulf group king mackerel. This applies to commercial and recreational fishermen In Florida waters. Minimum size limits have been placed on mackerel and bluefish. They are 12 Inches and ten Inches respectively, measured from the nose to the rear center edge of the tall, and apply to commercial and recreational fishermen alike. It Is Illegal to catch, buy, sell, or have In one's possession any fish not meeting the minimum size. Second, the use of purse seines Is prohibited for taking any food fish. Third, there are several special acts passed by the legislature which have local appl Icabll Ity. The only special act directed specifically at fish In the mangement unit Is for Monroe County. It prohibits the use of gill nets having stretched mesh of less than 3-1/4 Inches for the taking of mackerel. Special acts al so prohibit the use of seines and nets In designated waters of Broward and Palm Beach Counties. In Duval, st. Johns, Vol usia, and Broward Counties, special acts place restrictions on mesh size of nets and seines for catching any fish In designated waters. An agreement was recent i y signed between the State of Florida and the Un Ited States concerning the enforcement of MFCMA provisions with respect to foreign fishing In the Gulf of Mexico. There, the state's jurisdiction extends to three marine leagues (approximately nine nautical miles). According to the agreement, only federal fishery laws wi Ii be appl led to foreign fishing between three and nine 7~ miles off the coast of FlorIda. that geographical area. 1 Also, state personnel are author I zed to enforce federal laws w!thln There Is another FlorIda law concernIng jurIsdictIonal Issues whIch Is worthy of notIng. FlorIda, In the absence of federal law, has claImed jurIsdIctIon over the "operatIons of all fIshermen and vessels of thIs state engaged In the takIng of such fIshery resources wIthIn or wIthout the boundar les of state waters" (Florida State Code, SectIon 370.02 (1) (a)). Such extended state jurisdIctIon has been upheld In the courts prIor to the federal government's InItIatIon of a management program under the MFCMA.2 When a management plan Is Implemented, the MFCMA apparently supercedes the state code wIth all waters beyond the state jurIsdIctIon to the 200-mlle IIm!t comIng under federal jurIsdIctIon. A law passed In 1979 In the FlorIda legIslature to regulate the depth of gIll nets used for king mackerel. It was InstItuted to resolve a gear dIspute between hook and lIne and gIll-net kIng mackere i fIshermen on the state's east coast. The new law restr I cts g III nets to 200 mesh (a hang I ng depth of approxImately 57 feet) and a mesh sIze of 4-3/4 Inches In any county on the AtlantIc Ocean except Monroe. One effect of the Act Is to separate the areas fIshed by the two groups of fIshermen, thereby reducIng gear conflIcts by restrIcting the effectIve depth In whIch the nets may be used. The only other states that have laws or regulatIons specIfic to the mangement unIt are Texas and South CarolIna. In both states, restrIctIons are placed on the mInImum sIze of fIsh taken. In South Carolina, It Is un lawful to buy, sell, or offer to sell any mackerel of length less than twelve Inches, measur ed from the nose to the tIp of the ta II. Texas and A I abama have Imp i emented the 12-1 nch minImum fork length for SpanIsh mackerel, and Texas has also added the 33-lnch mInImum fork length for cob I a. Several states on the Gulf coast have general gear restrlct!ons whIch may affect the management unIt. In Alabama, mInImum net mesh may not be less than 1-1/2 Inches from knot to knot wIth a 2-1/2 Inch stretch for use In the Gulf of Mexlco.3 Purse seInes may not be used wIthIn state waters to take spe cies In the management unIt. MissIssIppI prohIbIts harvest of most food fish specIes, IncludIng kIng and Spanish mackerel, by purse seIne gear. PossessIon of these specIes aboard a purse seIne vessel Is a Iso prohIbited. LouIsIana has mInImum lImits for various types of nets; for seInes minImum mesh of 7/8 Inches square or 1-3/4 Inches stretched; for gIll nets not less than 1-1/2 Inches square or three Inches stretched; for trammel nets not less than one-Inch square or two-Inches stretched. For specIes other than menhaden, purse seInes may be used In state waters only by specIal permIt. At present there are no perm I ts for spec I es I n the management un It. No nets or se I nes I n Lou Is! ana may exceed 2,000 square feet In length. In LouIsIana, recreatIonal fIshermen are restrIcted to taking game fIsh (IncludIng the specIes In the management unIt) wIth a reel, artlflcal baIt, spInner, spoon devIce, or spear, or from takIng commercIal fIsh wIth bows and arrows for sport. In Texas, gear restrIctions Include a maxImum length of nets and seInes of 1,800 feet; mInImum mesh sIze of nets and seInes of 1-1/2 Inches square; minImum mesh of trammel nets of eIght Inches square on the outer walls and 1-1/2 I nches square for the mesh of the center wa II; and trot i I nes shou i d have a max Imum length of 600 feet. Purse seInes may not be used In state waters except for menhaden. The same agreement was signed by the State of Texas, which also has a seaward boundary of three mar Ine leagues. 2 In Sklrlotes v. FlorIda the Supreme Court held that a state regulatIon Iflc gear for harvestIng sponges outsIde the terrItorial limIts of the of the polIce power by the state upon one of Its cItIzens, permIssIble conflIct wIth federal law. prohIbItIng the use of spec state was a valId exercIse I n the absence of any 3 In the BaldwIn County area permIssIble net mesh Is 1-1/2 Inches from knot to knot. 7-4 The South Atlantic coastal states also have general gear restrictions for commercial fishing that may affect the mangement unit. In North Carolina, the use of purse seines Is prohibited for taking food fish, and no nets may be pulled by more than one boat except In long haul fishing operations. South Carolina restricts the mesh size of seines to a minimum of 2-1/2 Inches. In Georgia, gillnetting Is prohibited, as Is the use of power drawn nets. The latter restriction effectively prohibits purse seines. Gear restrictions In Florida Include only those discussed earlier In this section. There are no gear restrictions on recreational fishermen In any of the south Atlantic states. The general management programs of all states In both regions Include some i Icenslng requirements for commercial fishermen, wholesale dealers and retail dealers; however, none of the licensing require ments are species specific with respect to coastal migratory pelagic resources. Only Louisiana and Texas have i Icenslng requirements for recreational fishermen. Recreational' Icenses obtained In either state can be used for both freshwater and saltwater sportflshlng. Closed seasons for fishing or taxes on fish landed are not used In the management programs for coastal migratory pelagic resour ces by any of the states. 7.5 Local and Other Applicable Laws, Regulatlons and Pol Icles There are no laws passed by local jurisdictions that directly affect the management unit. having local appl Icabll Ity are In effect In Florida. state laws 7-5 8.0 DESCRIPTION OF FISHING ACTIVITIES AFFECTING THE STOCKS COPRISING THE MANAGEMENT UNIT 8.1 History of Exploitation The species In the management unit have traditionally been sought after by both commercial and recreational fishermen. King mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and bluefish have been historically Impor tant as target spec I es of maj or commerc I a I fisher I es. The spec I es I n the management un I t have been Important In supporting recreational fishing from charter boats and private boats. King mackerel, In particular, have been traditionally Important as a mainstay of the commercial charterboat fishery. Dolphin have been caught commercially as a seasonal supplement to other fisheries. Cobia have been pri marily a recreational species and the commercial catch Is Incidental. Little tunny have been mainly a recreational species within the Gulf and South Atlantic regions. Cero mackerel are not particularly abundant In the United States and have been an Incidental commercial and recreational catch. To date there has been little, If any, foreign participation In the coastal pelagic management unit fisheries In the waters of the United States fishery conservation zone. King mackerel In recent years have been caught commercially primarily In south Florida and to some extent off North Carolina and Louisiana. Historically, there was a small amount of commercial fishing for king mackerel In Chesapeake Bay. Large scale commercial exploitation In Florida did not begin untl i the early 1900s. This coincides with the beginnings of the development of Florida fisheries In general. Total commercial catch appears to have averaged around four ml II Ion pounds during the 1920s and 1930s. The trend In total commercial catch dropped to about two and one-hal f mill Ion pounds In the early 1950s, Increasing to about an eight ml II Ion pound catch In the mld-1970s. Catches declined to five ml II Ion pounds In 1978 and 1979 then Increased to exceed eight ml II Ion In 1982. Traditional commercial user groups Include hook and line fishermen and gilinetters. King mackerel Is a pr Imary target spec I es for these groups, a I thoug h they catch severa I other spec I es I n the of f season. The number of participants In both of these groups has Increased dramatically In recent years. In 1969 there were an estimated 100 hook and line boats and 12 large gl II-net vessel s operating In this fishery In south Florida. This Increased to an estimated 300 hook and line boats and 33 large gill-net vessels by 1977. A significant number of large gill-net boats which fished pri marily for Spanish mackerel entered the king mackerel fishery. The number of gill-net vessels using power rollers was estimated at 121 In 1983 and there were 188 smaller gl I I-net boats and 246 commer cial hook and i Ine boats. Over the past 20 years there have been several developments In gear and fishing techniques. Beginning approximately In the mld-1960s electronic fish finders came Into widespread use. Boat construction changed from predominantly wood to predominantly fiberglass. Hook and line boats began to use power reels for hauling In lines. GIll-net boats Increased In size and the depth of nets Increased. A significant development beginning In approximately 1965 was the development and adoption of power rollers for hauling In gl II nets. In about 1967, monofl I Iment mesh began to be used for nets. AI so, In the late 1950s several fishermen began to use spotter aircraft for spotting schools of fish. The use of spotter aircraft has gradually Increased so that today nearly all of the gill-net vessels and some hook and I I ne vesse i s use them. Earll (1883) reports that Spanish mackerel were taken off Sandy Hook, New 1850. GI II nets were Introduced Into Chesapeake Bay In 1887. Pound nets period In New Jersey, and by the 1880s were the principle means of taking area (Earll, 1883). Jersey, beg I nn I ng around were al so used dur I ng that Spanish mackerel In that Large-scal e commercial exploitation of untl i the early 1920s, when commercial commerc I a I I and I ngs averaged about s I x Spanish mackerel comparable to today's levels did not begin exploitation began on a large scale In Florida. Total U.S. to seven ml II Ion pounds between 1920 and 1940. The 1948 8-1 commercial landings were reported to be 12 million pounds. Landings dropped to about eight million pounds between 1950 and 1965. Land Ings began to Increase again In the late 1960s and reached 14 million pounds In 1976. They have since declined to an average commercial catch of about 7.9 million pounds from 1978 through 1982. This activity has been centered In south Florida. As I n the case of kl ng mackere I, power ro I i ers on the larger vesse I sand monof II ament nets came Into use In the 1960s. Spotter planes were first used In the 1950s, although widespread use by the larger gill-net vessels did not occur until the 1960s. The number and size of vessels In the fishery has I ncreased over the I ast severa i years. Saltwater sport fishing has been a major recreational activity In the southeastern portion of the nation for many years. Much of the activity was shore-based or took pi ace from boats rei atlvel y close to shore untl I the 1950s. As transportation systems Improved and as leisure time Increased with affluence, demand for recreational opportunities grew dramatically. WIth the growth In demand for leisure activity came Improvements In recreational equipment. Sales of boats and motors that could be used for offshore fishing cl Imbed. Fishing tackle became more elaborate. Fishing by private boat for the species In the mangement unit has taken place for many years. However, beg I nn I ng I n the i ate 1950s sma Ii boats capab i e of fish I ng for these spec I es became ava I i ab i e to large numbers of people. Beginning In the late 1960s specialized sportflshlng boats In the 20-foot range were developed and became popular with recreational fishermen. This type of craft Is capable of ven turing offshore to areas where species such as king mackerel, dol phln, and little tunny can be caught. These boats met a growing demand from recreatlonlsts with growing Incomes. These developments brought the opportunity to fish for species In the management unit to large numbers of people. Section 8.2.1.2 presents data on the growth of the number of private boats In the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic regions. Between 1967 and 1974 the number of private boats of 16-foot length and greater I ncreased at an average annua i rate of 10.3 percent. 8.2 Domestlc Commercia I and Recreatlonal Flshlng Activities 8.2.1 Part I c I patl ng User Groups King mackerel and Spanish mackerel are major target species of an Important commercial fishery In south Florida as well as a major target species for the private boat and charterboat recreational fishery along widespread areas within the Gulf and South Atlantic regions. King mackerel are particularly Important to the charterboat and offshore private boat fleets. In addition, smaller amounts of king mackerel are caught as a commercial supplement to the North Carolina charterboat fleet. Small amounts of Spanish mackerel are caught as an Incidental catch or supplemental commercial target species off Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, North Carolina, and to a smaller degree Georgia and South Carolina. Bluefish are a commercial target species off the Florida east and west coasts. While the amounts caught In these fisheries are rather large, the nature of the catch Is that of a supplement to fisheries whose primary target Is other species. Minor amounts of bluefish are also caught commer cially on a supplemental or Incidental basis off Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Bluefish Is also an Important recreational species. In the Gulf of Mexico region It Is caught predominantly from pr Ivate boats. There appears to be a small commercial catch of little tunny within the Gulf of Mexico Atlantic regions. However, i Ittle tunny Is a major supplemental recreational species, for private and charter boats, In various localities throughout these regions. and South particularly Small amounts of dol phln are caught commercially as a seasonal supplement to Florida. They are caught recreatlonally In significant amounts by the small fleets In this area. other fisheries In south boat and charterboat 8-2 Cobia are caught commercially as a minor supplement to other commercial fisheries In Florida and excess recreational catches are sold by charter boat operators. There Is an Incidental catch by shrimp trawlers off Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. For the recreational fishermen, cobia Is a prized game fish throughout the Gul f and South Atlantic regions and Is particularly sought from Mississippi to Florida. 8.2.1.1 Prlmary Comerclal User Groups The pr Imary commercial user groups for species In the mangement un It Incl ude: o The Florida o The Florida o The Florida o The Florida o A Louisiana king mackerel hook and line fleet. king mackerel large boat gill-net fleet. small boat (20-28 feet) Spanish mackerel gill-net large boat (45-48 feet) Spanish mackerel gl II-net hook and line fishery for king mackerel beginning fleet. fleet. In 1982-83. Many gill-net vessels of all sizes are equipped to fish fór both king and Spanish mackerel. Significant secondary commercial user groups Include: o The southeast Florida small boat gl II-net fleet which takes a supplemental catch of king mackerel. o The North Carolina charter boat fleet which rigs up for commercial king mackerel fishing In the spring and fall. o The Florida haul seine fleet which takes a moderate catch of Spanish mackerel. o Purse seine fisheries for Spanish and king mackerel. Florlda Klng Mackerel Hook and Llne Fleet The Florida king mackerel hook and line fleet Includes a group on the east coast centered around the Fort Pierce area. These have been a major traditional user group catching king mackerel along the coast from approx Imate i y Pa I m Beach north to Ca pe Canavera i. The size of these boats range from about 24 to 36 feet. Their numbers have greatly Increased In recent years from about 50 In 1969 to 250 In 1976. These fishermen typically obtain about 70 percent of their value of landings from king mackerel ( Morr Is, Prochaska, Cato, 1977). The other major hook and line user group operates out of the Florida Keys. The boats are somewhat larger -- from 32 to 40 feet. Most of these vessels are primarily dependent upon other fisheries such as spiny lobster, stone crab, popano, snapper or grouper. Their fishing effort for king mackerel varies greatly, dependent upon the availability of fish and success of the lobster season. The number of vessels from the Florida Keys actually fishing for king mackerel averages approximately 50 vessels per year. Klng Mackerel Large Boat GI I I-net Fleet The Florida king mackerel large boat gl II-net fleet had traditionally operated In the Florida Keys and along the Florida west coast around the Naples area. The Naples area has not been a major producer of king mackerel In recent years, and these vessels typically move around the coast In search of the kIng mackerel. These vessel s typically range In sl ze from 40 to 65 feet and are equl pped wIth power 8-3 rollers. The number of such vessels Increased from an estimated 12 In 1969 to 33 In 1977. The pri mary reason for Investing In these vessels Is the profitable king mackerel fishery (Prochaska and Williams, 1976); however, these vessels also fish for Spanish mackerel. In addition, they obtain support from other fisheries such as spiny lobster. The spiny lobster and king mackerel fisheries tend to complement each other during the year as they have different fishing seasons. Small Boat Spanish Mackerel Gill-net Fleet The Florida small boat Spanish mackerel gill-net fleet has traditionally operated along the east coast from about Salerno (In Martin County) to about Sebastian (In Indian River County). These boats are typ I ca II y 20-22 feet I n I ength and may obta I n rough i y 40 percent of the I r va I ue of I and I ngs from Spanish mackerel (Cato, Morris, Prochaska, 1978). They are also the major Florida commercial user group for bluefish which provides them with about ten to 15 percent of their value of landings. Other revenues for this fleet Include catches of king mackerel, popano and mullet. King mackerel landings Include some Incidental catch along with Spanish mackerel, and a directed catch. Some of these fishermen use sma II g I i I nets of 4-3/4 I nch mesh when kl ng mackerel are present In sha II ow water. Large Boat Spanlsh Mackerel Glll-net Fleet The Florida large boat Spanish gl II-net fleet has traditionally operated In three main areas of Florida: the Naples area on the west coast, the Keys, and the east coast between Palm Beach and Cape Canaveral. These vessels typlcal.ly range In size from 30 to 60 feet and are equipped with power rollers. They obtain up to roughly 80 percent of their value of landings from Spanish mackerel. Some of the vessels also fish for king mackerel. Other revenues for their fleet Include catches of bluefish (10 to 15 percent by value of landings) and spiny lobster for those operating In the Keys. Lou Is I ana Hook and Line Fishery This fishery for king mackerel was developed commercially In the winter of 1982-83. A trolled handline fishery Is similar to the Florida hook and line fleet and Is centered In the Grand Isle area. Pole and line fishing Is also common around the offshore platforms. During the height of the season, there may be as many as 60 vessels, some shrimp trawlers landings fish at Grand Isle. Boats land fish at Empire. Secondary Comerc I a i User Groups Of the secondary commercial user groups there has trad Itlonally been a small boat gl II-net fl eet taking king mackerel on the southeast Florida coast from Dade to st. Lucie County. These are typically 18 to 30 foot boats. This fleet Is not particularly directed to any single species, although It does take substantial amounts of Spanish mackerel as well as king mackerel. The total number of gill-net boats on the Florida east coast Is slightly over 300. The North Carolina charterboat fleet numbers approximately 130. Of commerc I a II y for kl ng mackere It n the off season (C. Manooch, NMFS, vessels and trolling effort expended has Increased significantly In I ncreased catch. these, a pprox Imate i y 25 percent fish pers. comm.). The number of recent years resul t I ng In In Mississippi and Florida, processors have Initiated purse seine operations to test the feasibility of small scale purse seines. Ta~get species vary with availability, at times Including bait species and foodflsh, thread herring, Spanish sardine, blue runner, crevalle jack, lady fish, redflsh, mullet and king and Spanish mackerel. Spanish mackerel landings were expected to take place between May 1st and August 31st. An unknown amount of mackerel was caught before passage of a state law prohibiting harvest of most food fish species. Six to seven vessels, 48 feet In length each, are presently operating. Some of these vessels were once part of the power roller gill-net fleet and are typical of such vessels. Spotter aircraft are used to locate fish. 8-4 8.2.1.2 Recreational User Groups Recreational users have Increased In numbers over time. Many come from outside the management un It as well as areas within It. Increased Income, leisure time, and a wide variety of supplies have Increased participation. This participation has, In turn, generated significant amounts of economic va I ue and a I so emp I oyment. These aspects of th I s user group are descr I bed below. Estlmated Number of Ang lers Exhibit 8-1 presents estimates of the number of fishermen who caught particular species In the coastal migratory pelagic resources management unit. In 1975 there were an estimated 6.4 million persons who participated In saltwater recreational fishing In the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico regions. These estimates are based on the state reports of the 1975 Natlonal Survey of Flshlng and Huntlng and WI Idl Ife Recreation (U.S. Department of Interior, 1977) and historical data from the 1960, 1965, and 1970 Sa i twater Ang ling Survey. The tota I number of ang i ers In 1975 was determ I ned by aggregatl ng the number of participants from the various states for the state reports. The estimate of fishermen who caught particular fish In the management unit was based on trend data from the Saltwater Angling Surveys. An analysis of data for 1960, 1965, and 1970 showed that the ratio of anglers In the manage ment area who caught a partlcul ar fl sh In the mangement un It to total ang lers In the South Atl antic and Gulf regions, did not vary greatly over the period of the surveys. In fact, bluefish showed the largest variation, and that variation was relatively small. In 1960, 13.3 percent of all anglers In the two regions caught bluefish. In 1965 that figure was 7.9 percent and In 1970 It was 8.4 percent, a maximum dl fference of less than six percent of the total number of ang lers. Because these ratios were relatively stable, It was assumed that the 1975 ratios were the same as those for 1970. Ratios were ca I cu I ated from the 1970 Sa I twater Ang ling Survey and app I I ed to the est Imates of number of anglers obtained from the 1975 Natlonal Survey of Flshlng and Hunting. WhIle there may be accurate data from the 1970 Saltwater Angllng Survey, It Is relatively more accurate than data on participation (except for species which are caught with relative Infrequency such as cobia). The figures presented here provide a general Indication of the Importance of the species In the mangement unit to total recreational fishing. It Is also recognized that the number of anglers actually catching king and Spanish mackerel may have declined In the last two to three years. These species have not recently been as readily available to recreational ang lers In the eastern Gul f of Mexico and participation Is affected. The figures pre sented above Indicate participation Interest by recreational anglers In these species In what may be considered a "baseline" year. In 1979 (NMFS, 1980) the number of anglers had Increased to 7.6 million In the Gulf and South Atlantic areas. This Is an Increase of 19 percent or almost five percent per year. Exhibit 8-1a presents Information on anglers targeting certain migratory pelagic species and differs from Exhibit 8-1 which depicts ang lers who caught certain species. Type of FI sh I ng Exh I bit 8-2 presents data from the 1970 Sa i twater Ang ling Survey on the method of fish I ng for coasta i pelagic species. The category reported as "Party or Charter Boat" relates mainly to charter boats because local studies show that the coastal pelaglcs are not a predominant portion of head or party boat catches, but they are of major sign I flcance to the charterboat catch. Charter boats refer to craft available for hire at a fixed price per day regardless of passenger or load, while head or party boats refer to craft which charge a per passenger fee and may have a regular schedule. It should be noted that there Is a high standard error In this survey associated with dividIng data Into this many categories. Nevertheless, the data are probably Indicative of general trends, and are generally con sistent with perceptions of persons knowledgeable In the fishery and other local studies. General 8-5 Exhibit 8-1 Estimated Number of Anglers Who Caught Fish In the Coastal Migratory Pelagic Species In 1975* Number of Ang I ers** Spec I es Percent of Tota I South Atlantic Gul f of Mexico Ang I ers Total 454,000 89,000 8.4 543,000 14,000 10,000 0.4 24,000 184,000 212,000 6.2 396,000 374,000 343,000 11.2 717,000 382 ,000 397,000 12.1 779 ,000 *** -*** -*** Bluefish Cobia Do I ph I n King Mackerel Span I sh Mackerel Little Tunny Total Saltwater Ang I er sin Reg Ion 2,820,000 3,608,000 6,428,000 * Estimates based on 1975 Natlonal Survey of Flshlng and Hunting, State Reports and historical data from the 1960, 1965, 1970 Sa I twater Ang ling Surveys. ** Number of anglers Is not additive because an angler may catch several kinds of fish. *** Data Insufficient to estimate number of fishermen who caught little tunny. Exhibit 8-1a Estimated Number of Ang i ers Targetl ng Coastal Migratory Species In 1979* BI uefl sh Do I ph I n King Mackerel Spanish Mackerel Llttl e Tunny 136,584 97,560 149,592 ** Percent of Total Gu i f of Mex I co Ang 1 ers Tota i Number ** 1.8 136,584 ** 1.2 97, 560 183,606 4.4 333,198 130,145 1.7 130,145 4,382,000 7,634,000 Spec I es South Atl antic Tota I Ang i ers 3,252,000 * NMFS, 1980 ** Data not pub i I shed, percentage target I ng spec I es I ess than one percent 8-6 conclusions Include the fact that king mackerel Is caught almost entirely from private boats or charter boats with a relatively even spl It between the two. Spanish mackerel are caught predominantly by private boats, although significant catches are obtained from charter boats, pier fishing, and beach fishing. The majority of dolphin being found further offshore Is caught by private boats, although significant amounts are caught by charter boats. It Is generally true that cobia are caught predominantly In pier and private boat fishing, although a number of them are caught from charter boats. Comerclal Charter Flshlng Boat Fleet The charterboat fleet Is heavily Involved In fishing for coastal pelagic species. King mackerel, In particular, has historically been one of the most Important species In supporting charter-boat opera tions throughout the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico regions. This Is In contrast to head or party boats wh I ch tend to target other spec I es such as snapper and grouper. In North Carolina, 92 percent of the total number of fish taken by anglers from charter boats In 1977 were coastal pelagic species. King mackerel accounted for 36.7 percent of the total number caught, followed by bluefish (28.2 percent), Spanish mackerel (14.8 percent), dolphin (9.3 percent) and little tunny (2.9 percent) (Manooch and Laws, 1979). In southeastern Florida, these species are also Important to the charter fleet. In a study Dade County, Florida, charterboat sport fishery, Gentle (1977), found dolphin, little tunny mackerel accounted for 55.9 percent of the total catch. Dolphin and king mackerel were the third most sought-after species. of the and kl ng second and In a study (conducted In early 1978) of the charterboat fleet along the Florida west coast from Escambla County (next to Alabama) to the Keys (Browder, et al., 1978), king mackerel was found to be a major target species of offshore charter boats. The percentage of total fishing effort directed to king mackerel by season and by Florida coastal area was found to be as follows: Northwest Season Keys West Coast Coast Spr I ng 3.9% 49.0% 31.4% Summer 49.5 Fall 9.3 19.0 50.7 Wi nter 34.3 13.0 7.9 Charter boats fishing In the coastal waters adjacent to the st. Andrews Bay system (Bay County on the northwest Florida coast) are heavily dependent on coastal pelagic species and king mackerel In par t I cu i ar. There fish from the management un I t accounted for 91 percent of the tota I charterboat catch In 1973. King mackerel was the most Important species, accounting for 74 percent of the total catch I n numbers (Suther i and, 1977). I n AI abama In 1975 the percentage of charterboat catch In weight was reported found that king mackerel made up 21.9 percent of the total catch, followed by percent) and Spanish mackerel (4.1 percent). by Wade (1977). He I Ittl e tunny (13.6 8-7 Exhibit 8-2 Percent of FI sh Caught by Mode of Fl sh I ng by Spec I es and by Area In 1970 Bridge, Beach Pr Ivate Party or PI er or or Rented Boat Charter Boat Jetty Bank South At I ant I c BI uefl sh 50.4 23.1 26.2 Dol ph In 97.0 2.4 * LI ttl e Tunny 67.0 32.5 * King Mackerel 82.4 13.5 * Spanish Mackerel 97.2 * * Gul f of Mexico BI uefl sh 68.3 2.7 29.0 * Dol phln 98.1 * * Little Tunny 30.1 64.4 * King Mackerel 95.1 * Span I sh Mackerel 85.7 4.8 8.9 South Atl antic and Gul f of Mexlco** BI uefl sh 59.4 1.3 26.0 13.1 Dol phln 97.5 1.2 * Llttl e Tunny 48.5 16.2 32.2 * King Mackerel 88.7 6.7 * Span I sh Mackerel 91.4 2.4 4.4 .i South Atlantic BI uefl sh 61.4 0.6 13.3 24.7 Dol phln 89.6 10.4 * * Little Tunny 83.6 16.3 * * King Mackerel 58.0 42.0 * * Span I sh Mackerel 90.0 4.7 * Gu i f of Max I co Bluefish 83.0 4.8 11.2 Dol phln 44.5 55.5 * * Llttl e Tunny 90.0 * * King Mackerel 72.9 7.7 18.8 Span I sh Mackerel 82.8 2.8 14.2 * none reported ** average of Gu I f and South Atl anti c percentages no data reported due to low participation In the category relative of sample size NMFS, 1980 8-8 Similar patterns hold tru, for charterboat fishing In Texas. In a study of marine recreational fishing In southern Texas during the 1975-76 season (Trent, 1976), king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, cobia, dolphin, and little tunny were among the ten most abundantly caught species In fishing from Inboard boats. This pattern Is consistent with reports of the composition of catch from charter boats. King and Spanish mackerel and cobia were among the ten most abundantly caught species from outboard boats. King mackerel was clearly the most abundant species caught In all types of boat fish I ng. The charterboat fleet In the South Atlantic and Gul f of Mexico consists of an estimated 966 boats. Exh I bit 8-4 presents the est Imated number of boats by state for each reg Ion In 1984. Pr Ivate Boats A wide range of types of private boats are used by recreational fishermen to pursue coastal pelagic species. They range from open outboards 16 feet In length or even smaller In some cases up through s portf I sh I ng boats of 60 feet or larger. Typ I ca II y, however, fish I ng for these spec I es tend s to be done by boats of about 18-20 feet or I arger because the boats must be capab i e of ventur I ng of fshore. This Is particularly true of fishing for king mackerel, dolphin, and little tunny. No comprehensive data exist on the number of characteristics of private boats that are used specifi cally for species In the management unit. However, a study of the king mackerel fishery In Bay County, Florida (Brusher, et al., 1978), does Indicate the size and relative use of private boats. In Bay County, Florida, private boats In a wide range of sizes are Involved In the king mackerel fishery. The fishing effort for king mackerel Increased with boat size. Boats greater than 20 feet In length tended to fish for king mackerel a considerably greater number of days. Approximately 50 percent of the catch and effort of king mackerel was accounted for by boats greater than 20 feet In length. Approx Imate' y 85 percent of the catch and effort was accounted for by boats greater than 15 feet In length. Exh I bit 8-4 presents data on the tota I number of reg I stered boats greater than 16 feet I n i ength In the states within the Gul f of Mexico and South Atlantic regions by year. Not al i of these boats are used In salt water and not all of them fish for species In the management unit. However, the number of boat registrations has Increased at a rate of 10.3 percent per year over the period 1967 through 1974. In order to estimate the recreational catch for 1975, an adjusting procedure was used which Is described In Section 5.4. This adjusted catch estimate Is the amount on which the best estimate of MSY I s based. 8.2.2 Land I ngs/Catch 8.2.2.1 Commerc I a I Land I ngs Exhibits 8-5a through 8-8 present statistics on commercial landings for king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and cobia. Cero mackerel Is not broken out separately In available landing sta tistics but Is aggregated with king mackerel. The study area ranged from Port Aransas south to Port Isabel near Brownsvl lie, Texas. 8-9 Exhibit 8-3 Number of Reg I stered Boats I n Southeastern Coasta I states Greater than 16 feet In Length (1983 and 1967-1974) North South Year Carolina Carolina Georg I a Florida A I abama MI ssl ssl ppl Loul slana Texas Total 1983 61,7723 101,0162 1 354,346 1974 53,291 34,382 34,064 152,372 32,774 18,415 57,251 145,213 527,764 1973 48,235 31,627 24,912 132,862 31 , 192 16,112 49,051 125,756 460,517 1972 41,358 26,664 38,000 127,054 27,956 19,023 47,621 111,987 439,663 1971 35,935 23,391 37,596 116,205 25,724 14,665 47,301 102,035 402,852 1970 39,952 20,865 31 ,683 106,933 22,362 10,764 43,034 83,722 359,315 1969 37,184 20,326 30,349 96,227 20,319 10,760 40,714 80,096 335,979 1968 32,699 18,600 25,491 87,774 18,573 9,400 38,247 64,963 295,747 1967 29,334 16,643 24,313 79,249 16,768 7,244 33,917 58 ,697 266,165 1 5 percent used In Gu' f 2 65 percent used I n mar I ne waters 3 20 percent used In marine waters Source: U.S. Coast Guard and State Agencies. Exh I b It 8-4 Estimated Number of Charter Boats and Head Boats In the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico by State In 1984 State Charter Head North Carolina 128 11 South Caro I I na 31 17 Georg I a 36 2 Florida (East coast) 132 31 Florida Keys 86 24 Florida (West coast) 215 41 A I abama 19 6 MI ssl ssl ppl 15 4 Loul slana 26 10 Texas 102 30 TOTALS 790 176 Source: R. L. Schmied, NMFS, st. Petersburg, FL 8-10 The current total U.S. commercial landIng of king mackerel Is approximately seven million pounds (1983) see Exhibit 8-5a. Roughly two percent or less of the landings occurred outside of Florida waters untl I the 1980s. Record land Ings were 10.5 ml II Ion pounds In 1974. Land Ings began to Increase significantly after 1973 from levels of 4.5 to 6.7 million pounds between 1965 and 1973. Landings by migratory group In recent years are shown In Exhibit 8-5d. The Louisiana commercial hook and line fishery began as a winter fishery November Into January. It has developed Into an annual fishery with 1983-1984 landIngs (In one thousands of pounds as follows): 1983: 1984: January 357 January 15 Jul y 44 February 402 February 44 Aug ust 23 Apr I I-June* 94 March 84 September 11 J u i y-September* 282 April .(1 October 30 October-December* 166 May .( 1 November 40 June 17 December 478 1984 787 * Data i Isted quarterly to provide confidentiality of reporting dealers. Source: NMFS Statistics and Bane, et al. (1984) The 1983 total U.S. commercial Spanish mackerel landing was approximately eight million pounds. Almost all the catch comes from Florida waters. Record landings were 18.0 million pounds In 1976. West coast Florida (Including Monroe County) commercial catches exceeded east coast Florida catches from 1959 to 1976 when east coast landings became dominant (Exhibit 8-6b). In recent years, total commercial production exceeds recreational catch, and the commercial proportion of total catch Is Increasing although total catches are decreasing (P. Eldridge, 1984, pers. comm.) (see Exhibit 8-6c). The current total U.S. commercial bluefish landings Is to 1980). However, most of these landings occurred In I ngs were stab I e from 1966 throug h 1976 at five to s I x since Increased to approximately one million pounds. approximately 13.3 mill Ion pounds (average 1978 the Mid-Atlantic region. Gulf of Mexico land hundred thousand pounds. Gul f land Ings have The current commercial landing of cobia Is approximately 114,000 pounds (1975-1979 average), having ranged between 83 and 151 thousand pounds between 1968 and 1979. More than 95 percent of commercial cobia landings occurs within the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic regions. Commercial dolphin land Ings In the Gul f and South Atlantic regions have varied between 60 thousand and 189 thousand pounds over the period 1966 through 1977. Total reported U.S. commercial landings Include about 60-80 thousand pounds landed In Hawaii. 8.2.2.2 Recreational Catch Data on the recreational catch are much less comprehensive. HI storlcal data on the catch of sal twater ang i ers are ava I i ab I e from surveys for 1960, 1965, 1970 and 1979 for the entl re South Atl anti c and Gul f of Mexico regions. These are presented In Exhibit 8-9. Data are not available on the recreational catch of I I ttl e tunny except for 1979. Cero mackerel I s aggregated wi th Span I sh mackerel In these surveys. The data presented In Exhibit 8-9 should be viewed with caution. The National Surveys for 1960, 1965, and 1970 conducted to obtain the estimates used relatively small regional samples. There was also recall bias (those Interviewed were asked to recall the number and weight by type of fish caught for up to a 12-month period). Substantial positive bias Is believed to have been Introduced Into the estimates. The NMFS researchers who conducted the 1970 survey suggest that the survey may overstate 8-11 the recreational catch by perhaps a factor of two or more on the average for all species (Deuel, 1973, p.34). In addition, there Is a high standard error associated with data on the catch of Individual species within a region. Thus, the data may contain an additional error beyond the recall bias asso ciated with the statistical survey procedure. This latter error Is more severe for species not caught frequent I y such as cob I a. The 1979 survey was designed to solve most of the problems associated with previous studies. It wi II be the basis for an ongoing series of surveys on an annual or semiannual basis. The resulting catch estimates are believed to be more accurate than earlier estimates. However, estimates from the first year should be used with caution. The Initial distribution of sampling effort did not adequately cover all segments of the fishery. For example, charter boats were poorly sampled. In the case of king mackerel, this resulted In an unknown, but probably large, underestimate of the total catch. Th I s type of error wi II be corrected In future surveys. Notwithstanding the problems that have been encountered In conducting recreational fishing research, the results consistently show that anglers are catching substantial numbers of fish In the management unIt. However, because of the high associated error, and differences In methodology between the three surveys, the data presented In Exhibit 8-9 are not considered reliable In drawing conclusions as to trends In the amount of catch over time. In order to estimate the recreational catch for 1975, an adjusting procedure was used which Is described In Section 5.4. This adjusted catch estimate Is the amount on which the best estimate of MSY Is based. 8.2.2.3 Flsh Caught Recreatlonally and Sold Commercially In addition to the expenditures associated with purchases of goods and services for recreational fishing, some fish caught by ang lers are sold In commercial markets. Very little Is known about the final disposition of the recreational catch. Existing evidence Is too limited to approximate the value of fish sold; however, Information from several local areas does, by way of example, provide some Insight Into the amount of recreational catch sold commercially. Preliminary results from a study of Florida Gulf coast charter boats reveal that 53 percent of the operators responding to the survey sold recreatlonally caught fish to commercial markets. Seventy per cent of the fish sold went to wholesale fish houses, 13 percent was sold dIrectly to the public, twelve percent went to restaurants, and five percent went to other retail establishments (Browder, et al., 1978). The study also showed that 34 percent of responding offshore operators fish commercially during a por tion of the year with ten percent of the fish sold being king mackerel. The percent Income of commer cial sale of all species of fish by region were N.W. Florida, 3.0 percent; W. Florida, 8.0 percent, and Florida Keys, 3.2 percent. Danville (1983a) provides estimates of king mackerel sales by charter boats (Exhibit 8-10a). Bay County, Florida, Is a major recreational fishing area for king mackerel, but there Is virtually no commercial troll line fishery there for king mackerel. (As explained In Section 8.2.4.2, trolling Is the dominant method of recreational angling for king mackerel.) In 1975 the estimated recreational catch of king mackerel from private and charter boats was 1.1 million pounds (Brusher, et al., 1977). In that same year the National Marine Fisheries Service commercial catch statistics show that 48,300 pounds of king mackerel sold In Bay County fish houses were caught using troll i Ines. Since there Is v I rtua Ii y no commerc I a i tro II I I ne fishery, most, I f not a I I, of the reported trO II i I ne catch must come from recreational landings. Thus, 4.3 percent (.048 million pounds/1.1 million pounds) of the total recreational catch was sold through fish houses In one county alone. If king mackerel caught from pr Ivate boats are disposed of I n a manner slm I I ar to those caught from charter boats, then the 48,300 pounds represents about 70 percent of the king mackerel sold In the county. The total sold, then, would be 69,000 pounds, or 6.2 percent of the recreational catch. 8-12 ø en L. cc ø c ~ "' - en U i: L.II C II:: II -.. -cc 0c +- i: cII~IIOin UOI '' - 0 en 0 '' +-enci: cc cc c.oC-II - en .t "' X CLL II.. en .t "' +- c- ~ ~ 0 Q. II en ø 0U+-OL.IIOaa+--E en ~ E o c Ü en L. I1 ~ro II - ~ N ,C ro 0- "' en ~ en0 i: 0\ 0\ .. C en N I~ .. N O en L. N ~ 10 ~ in en N - 0 Cf I' in N 0 in ~ iñ0 NCO N iñ 0\ N 1' 0\ ~ 0\ in I' N - N 1'N 0\ 0\ 0\ 10 I' en in in N .. 1' .. .. 1' 1' N CO :. Õ N -"' en i: L. ø 0 ~¡;~ en 0 10 1' N - in 0 - N 1' I' en en N N ~ ~ 1' en"' 0 10 I' 0 0\ .. in 0 N 1'- I' 1' I' .. 1' 0\C 1' 0 0 10 I' 0\ en 10 - N 1' I' 1' N 10 0 10 en~ - N 1' 1' - - .. N N 10 N - N N 1' 1' 1' N -o co ~ i: +- 0 en "' L. CO o LL ~ enLL "' C ~ oø + II + en CD CO 0 cc "' L. o Æ ~c ~ o en L. CO CO .t C 0 +- - i: ~ o 0 en L. en CO "'Ü C ~ o en L. CO CO .t C 0 +- - i: L. o 0Z L. en CO i: Ü c ~ o L. IIø~ en L. CO o - en en N en 1' 0\ in en I' - 0 in 0\ 1' I' 1' .. I' in 0\ 0 - 10 en 1' - I' 1' in N - 0\ 0 0\ N I'o N - 10 I' 0\ I' in I' 10 in 0 en 0 in in .. 1' 1'I'....NN--N 10 1' en 1' 10 N 10 - I' I' N 0\ I' en 1' 10 en N 0\10 en in I' .. 0 1' N 0\ 10 - en 0 1' .. en en en ..o 1' en 0 1' .. N 0\ 10 N I' .. 0\ 1' 0\ in 0\ I' in1'""""I'I'I'I'""I'..I'I'N..NNN-N en L. CO N..O\NN..NN-N I - N , * * N..-I'ioin....-io I 1' 1-- I ..ininIOOOl'in..Nin* -* * * .. ION 1'10-- - I * enlOinenol'l'enen..--Io* N*I' en 1' 0 en N I .. en I' 0\ I' .. en 10 0\ 0 .. I' 1' N 1' .. N in 0\ en~in~~~ONOION -N 1' I' 10 0\ N N in 10 0 0 10 0\ 0\ N 10 en .. in 0\""Ol'lOenl'..inO..N NO\I'enNI'I'I'-N 1' N - 0 0\ en I' 10 in .. 1' N - 0 0\ en I' 10 in en en en en I' I' I' I' I' I' I' I' I' I' 10 10 10 10 10 0\ 0\ 0\ 0\ 0\ 0\ 0\ 0\ 0\ 0\ 0\ 0\ 0\ 0\ 0\ 0\ 0\ 0\ 0\- - -- - - 8-13 J .. en 0\-~ CO +-ø 0; C CO CD "' c: CO en u + en + CO + en en LL ::Zø u L. ~ o en Exhibit 8-5b Annual Commercial Landings of King Mackerel In Florida by Major Gear Type from 1960-1983 In pounds Year Total Hook/L I ne Net Percent Net 1960 3,592,000 3,556,500 35,500 0.99 1961 3,759,000 3,659,700 99,300 2.64 1962 4,097,000 2,764,800 1,332,200 32.52 1963 4,990,000 2,302,500 2,687,500 53.86 1964 3,334,000 1,812,800 1,515,200 45.63 1965 4,447,000 1,931,200 2,515,800 56.67 1966 4,415,000 1,292,200 3,122,800 70.73 1967 6,072,000 1,391,200 4,680,800 77.09 1968 6,190,000 1,399,000 4,791,000 77.40 1969 6,185,000 1,814,700 4,370,300 70.66 1970 6,709,600 2,443,300 4,266,300 63. 59 1971 5,644 , 1 00 1,616,300 4,027,800 71 .36 1972 4,867,300 2,552,500 2,314,800 47.56 1973 5,928,500 2,930,800 2,997,700 50.56 1974 10,400,900 3,665,200 6,735,700 64.76 1975 6,319,100 3,145,400 3,173,700 50.22 1976 7,622,200 3, 1 56,900 4,465,300 58.58 1977 9,131,668 3,361,368 5,770,300 63.19 1978 5,307,193 3,046,449 2,260,744 42.59 1979 5,037,573 3,047,000 1,990,000 39.50 1980 6,074,763 4,262,000 2,310,000 38.03 1981 7,930,898 5,151,898 2,779,000 35.04 1982 6,549,000 4,522,000 2,027,000 30.95 1983 4,366,000 2,696,000 1,670,000 38.2 Source: Powers and Eldridge, 1983a; 1983 Data from NMFS stat I stlcs 8-14 Exhibit 8-5c Annual Reported Net Catches of King Mackerel and Percent of Total Commercial Land Ings from the East and West Coasts of Florida EAST COAST % Total WEST COAST Net Catch (Pounds) % Total Net Catch (Pounds) 1960 13,700 0.76 21 ,800 0.71 1961 15,800 0.76 83, 500 3.47 1962 120,000 5.81 1,212,200 57.61 1963 526, 500 24.23 2,161,000 76.02 1964 433,500 21.46 1 ,087,700 76.02 1965 881,900 34.60 1,633,900 82.82 1966 770,200 43.23 2,352,600 87.38 1967 1,899,800 63.58 2,781,000 79.67 1968 1,483,100 57.35 3,307,900 80.39 1969 1,756,000 59.67 2,614,300 75.11 1970 2,354,000 54.27 1,912,300 76.53 1971 1,692,900 56.08 2,397,900 85.72 1972 1,290,500 36.98 1 ,024,300 70.97 1973 1,175,600 31.67 1,822,100 78.84 1974 1,593,200 37.33 5,142,500 83.30 1975 1,197,500 32.39 1,976,200 72.28 1976 2,068,700 42.91 2,396,600 84.07 1977 1,183,807 27.58 4,690,700 89.91 1978 1,244,700 33.58 1,118,500 64.09 1979 1,032,000 30.84 958,000 56.64 1980 167,000 5.43 1 ,646,000 54.84 1981 758,000 20.49 2,021,000 65.57 1982 583,000* 13.30 1,444,000 66.67 1983 833,000 19.0 837,000 19.10 * Prelim I nary Source: Powers and Eldridge, 1983a; 1983 Data from NMFS Statistics 8-15 Exhibit 8-5d King Mackerel Land Ings by Migratory Group 1979-1983 (thousand s of pound s) FI sh I ng Year Gu I f Group Atl antic Group 2 3 2 Comerc I a I TotalRecreat I ona I Commerc I a I Total Recreat I ona I 1978-79 12,781 3,444 16,228 3,924 1,603 5,524 1979-80 12,781 4,029 16,811 3,924 1,886 5,809 1980-81 12,781 5,991 18,774 3,924 2,634 6,556 1981-82 12,781 5,620 18,407 3,924 2,191 6,109 1982-83 12,781 4,802 * 17 , 593 3,924 3,394* 7,308 Average Land I ngs 12,781 4,777 17 , 563 3,924 2,342 6,260 1 . FI sh I ng year - Gu If: July-June; Atlantic: Apr I I-March 2. Recreational catch Is 1979-1980 average. East Florida divided as In stock assessment. 3. Gul f - Collier County, Florida through Texas: Aprl I - October Vol usia County, Florida through Texas: November - March (This varies from stock assessment definition) 4. Atl antic - North Carolina through Monroe County, Florida: North Carolina through Flagler County, Florida: Apr I I - October November - March * Hand line fishery closed May 6 - June 30, 1983 8-16 at !I~ .. U 1/ :! .! .c 1/ 0- i: =tU II g 'f~o CO -..~Oi:- = .Q 1/ 11 oo .c = 1/ )( - i: i. i: = = ~ 11 0 .. Q. ; g-0u ~ .. su 1/ ....aN at 14""" aC'--.....-"CD"" -tC-. 5t=;~~;:==~~~~ini--.... ..- 1/ II in~COON"CIoOOCloO:;-"'oO = ~..~~l;g:¡;;~~1,::¡;~e"" 0 --~ '0 b;-~~ "'in2"'-I'''N''oin.00~''''= o~õ~~~~~~2~8~8~ 5 :2-N~incooOoO~coco~inl''' 1/ 18 CI-COClNCICOoOCO~"'N"'NO = ~8~~~~~~~..~~~::~fa"' 0 -N i: ~ '0 1/ b~ 1/ : ..~ S=8~~~a~~~~8~¡;õ11 ~ ~inl'in-"'N"'inin"'..co-CI~ o..inClCIinN"'''N''N''-NN VI In 1/8-**--*--.* I.... 11 0 '0 N '" \Q - in"in. . '.-N 1/ ii . . 11-.c = 0~-i: I-N..- *--..N o II 1/ . . u e 5 I "'S!N..in..N..CON-'" 1/ ii ....I'inl'~CI"'''CINCOCOON-- - I~ ÕÕã, ~ 00 in .. '" N - 0 CI co I' 00 in I' I' I' I' I' I' I' I' I' I' 00 00 00 00 00 Ø\ Ø\ CI Ø\ Ø\ 01 01 01 01 01 01 Ø\ 01 Ø\ 01 ~ ~ ..~~ 00 N.. ~ 0 - '" "'~ i '" 1/= ~~~in~~~~"'~;~Ñ~oj. 0 ~--N~-------- -~~i:-11e ~ :; en 1/ ~ ~~~Ñ~~~;~~~~~~~=~ ooin"'oo..ol'~"'-CII'CO..Oo -oOI'NCO--CIOONO-I'ccCI.. ---- 1/ ii. -CIOoO-Ol'''CONOIN-CICO . ~in~\Q"CONØ\inl'in-N-CO '" .. .. .. 0 .. 0 co co CI Ø\ co 00 co in'õ 808 .. )( ~l~. Ø\O"'-I'''I'NCOCONNoO~ine.I'",....",ininNinCl""'I'õo a ~~~;::~~~~~;~~~~ 5 1/ II. yininoONCOCO-"'COoO--N.. . Ø\oOCOCO-oO....NoOoOCIoO..O ClOOl'CI..in""'''N''-NlIu 0 -N .c - '0~~ ~ e ~~~ . ""oOoOONoOin-OIN..CI-N ~ § . ~~~~Ñ~~;~~~~~~ao ..inClØ\inN"'llNlIN"-Nll at a: In .. '" N .. CI .. CI - co 0 in '" --- ""-- N N. ~i~~~::~õ~~~~~ N 1/:e...- . u 0 at - '0-~ i: = i: II 1/--'0...2:~=. .c 5 ,.-..... I. I.' IN"N.... I. I. I 1/ ":e. i I I I. I I I. .. I , I.- . i: 0 = '0 :a 11ø z 1/='0.i. e . 5 11'1-1"...111. 18 aa~ õÕÕ= I' 00 in .. '" N - 0 CI co I' 00 in co I' I' ~ ~I' ~ I' ~ I' I' 00 00 00 00 00 Ø\ Ø\ 01 CI Ø\ CI CI CI CI CI CI Ø\ Ø\ 01 Ø\ 01 8-17 ~e l I 8 .u. Q .. i;~ oo = .c 1/ 11 :a ... 1/ I~ 1/ a ii~.. 1/ at~ 11~ en '0.: e:; at .c~ .. 0 1/ U ~ 1/ ~ II~ en . .c 1/ LA . 8 0 l0in.. U ~.! .. 0 .1/4 ~. i: 11:: Î:§= iiOlle ~..Q.~- 1.°.c 8 g~= ifin O. Q-"ZL. ~ II II a. . een -. *- . L. * :; a. .. at 15 Z ¡u ~ en Exhibit 8-6b Commercial Landings of Spanish Mackerel for South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico 1950-1983 (thousands of pounds) South Gu I f of Total Year Atlantic Mex I co Land I ngs 1950 3,725 2,593 6,318 1951 2,183 6,511 8,694 1952 3,609 4,517 8,126 1953 3,775 3,015 6,790 1954 2,431 2,887 5,318 1955 3,403 1,627 5,030 1956 4,925 2,919 7,844 1957 4,469 3,649 8,118 1958 7,524 3,870 11,394 1959 2, 508 4,691 7,199 1960 2,406 5,468 7,874 1961 3,296 4,014 7,310 1962 2,674 6,912 9, 586 1963 2,267 5,447 7,714 1964 2,083 3,957 6,040 1965 3,032 4,905 7,937 1966 2,261 7,066 9,327 1967 1,879 5,976 7,855 1968 4,484 7,232 11,716 1969 2,402 8,342 10,744 1970 3,639 8,298 11,937 1971 2,681 7,658 10,339 1972 3,475 7,222 10,697 1973 3,276 6,457 9,733 1974 2,422 8,554 10,976 1975 5,210 6,137 11,347 1976 9,627 8,342 17,969 1977 11,035 2,636 13,671 1978 3,465 1,583 5,048 1979 4,901 2,122 7,023 1980 9,893 1,952 11,845 1981 4,227 3,700 7,927 1982 3,949 3,443 7,392 1983 5,989 2,260 8,249 8-18 Exhibit 8-6c Comparison of Recreational vs Commerc I a I Est I mates of Spanish Mackerel Landings 1975, 1979 and 1980 (Thousands of Pounds) Location 1975 1979 1980 Recreat I ona i Commerc I a 1 Recreat I ona I Commerc I a I Recreat I ona i Commerc I a I North Carolina 725 49 108 13 418 75 South Carolina 176 10 29 0 200 7 Georg I a * 6 6 2 65 Florida: East 732 5,145 2,000 4,886 1,011 9,810 South Atl antic 908 5,210 2,143 4,901 1,694 9,893 Florida: West 5,148 5,621 1,061 1,946 1,197 1 ,770 A i abama 942 508 113 1,024 51 Miss I ss I pp I 555 224 55 30 421 76 Loul slana 384 292** 166 33 720 55 Texas * 649 631 Gu' f of Mex I co 7,029 6,137 2,439 2,122 3,993 1,952 Total 7,937 11,347 4,582 7,023 5,686 11,845 Ratio of Commercial to Recreat I ona i Land I ngs 1975 1979 1980 Total 1.43 1.53 2.08 South Atlantic 5.74 2.29 5.84 Gul f of Mexico 0.87 0.87 0.49 * Less than 30,000 pounds. ** Landings for Texas, Alabama, and Louisiana combined. Source: Peter Eldridge, NMFS, Personal Communication. 8-19 E x h i b i t 8 1 C o . . r e l a l l a n d i n g s o f B l u e f i s h 00 00 p ou nd s ël nd 1 00 0 do ll ar s) Y ea r f lo rl d e G u l f o f l I' " (W es t) A le b a a ~ L o u I s I a n a T ex as M e xl Q ) ~ po un ds d o l i a r s po un ds d o l i a r s p o u n 5 a r s po un ds d o l i a r s po un ds do ll ar s po un ds do ll ar s u n . 19 80 : .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. I I 19 79 1 90 12 0 15 1 32 1 . . 94 7 12 8 1 2 8 8 1 al l1 19 18 85 0 10 9 9 I II 2 . . 87 0 II I 11 30 0 U JQ 19 17 95 2 13 2 2 . 26 4 3 . 98 3 13 6 11 12 Q 11 11 19 76 49 0 78 2 . 66 8 I . 55 9 86 10 J8 7 10 1' 19 15 43 6 48 7 I 15 12 12 I 53 0 62 10 81 ,.. 19 14 50 1 " 9 1 16 2 II I 53 7 5 9 . 1 0 5 4 1 '1 41 19 13 49 3 58 27 3 10 1 . . 53 0 62 10 ~ 7 1 JJ 19 72 51 1 . 5 4 22 I 14 2 . . 54 7 57 74 1' 19 71 41 0 49 13 I 9 I 53 2 51 63 11 7. 19 70 65 0 62 22 2 22 2 . . 69 4 66 72 0J 74 a 19 69 52 9 51 32 2 26 3 . . 58 1 56 59 78 70 8 19 68 55 6 59 4 . 84 8 64 4 67 54 04 71 1 19 67 51 3 54 4 . 79 8 59 6 62 42 7i ~ at 19 6 58 4 61 9 I 10 2 10 69 5 n 54 4 ~ 41 19 65 85 9 88 5 I 72 8 93 6 91 50 ~ 00 I .. o to te : . . . 0 (5 00 p ou nd s or $ 50 0 . . . . t o t A v a i l a b I e 1 P re ll. ln a ry S ou re e: " U . S . D ep ar .t i t of C o re e. P r I n U n g O ft I e .. F ls h e ry S ta tls tlc s o f th e U n lte d S ta te s (V a rl o u s Y e a s) . W a sh in g to n , D .C .: G o ve rn M l Y ew E x h i b i t 8 8 C ~ c l a l L a n d i n g s o f C o b i a (1 0 0 p o u d s a n d 1 0 0 d o lla rs ) B y S t a t . Y . . B y R e g i o n N e w M id d le S o u th G u lf o f l It .. E ng la nd A tl an tl c C ~ es aS i~ e A tl an tl c M ex lc o S t~ 1: p o u d s d o l 1 1 p o u d s d o l l a r s p o u n s o . . s p o u n d s d o l l a r s p o u d s d o l l a r s p o u d s . . 1 0 4 8 4 2 5 9 4 . . 1 1 5 9 0 2 7 1 0 1 2 . U 4 8 9 1 9 1 0 4 3 . 1 6 6 1 1 0 2 2 1 2 9 6 1 1 6 4 1 2 0 1 8 1 4 2 5 i 1 3 2 1 3 3 1 5 1 5 1 2 . 1 3 2 1 1 3 1 1 1 2 8 4 . 1 7 2 1 1 8 1 0 1 3 9 4 . ' 1 8 2 1 0 4 7 1 2 6 2 . 2 1 2 1 0 6 9 1 2 9 3 . 1 0 1 7 0 6 8 3 4 . 1 6 i 8 2 7 1 0 2 3 . 1 9 i 4 0 3 6 2 2 . 1 5 . 3 8 2 5 5 1 0 1 1 4 1 2 1 2 4 5 19 79 1 19 78 1 19 77 19 76 19 75 19 74 19 73 19 72 19 71 19 70 19 69 19 68 19 67 19 66 19 65 00 i N 19 79 1 19 78 1 19 77 19 76 19 75 19 74 19 73 19 72 19 11 19 10 19 69 19 6 19 67 19 6 19 65 N ot e: S O W C 8: N er th C ..o ll ne p o u n d s d o l l . . . 4 1 2 . 1 . 2 . 2 . 1 . 2 . 3 . 1 1 1 7 . 6 . 7 . 1 0 . 1 0 . 10 T 8I s. A I" ". ~ L O U I. I' " M I. .I O U 2 ! I .3 5 I 44 3 6 4 4 . 2 7 I 4 6 . 2 5 I 4 1 . 1 6 , 1 0 . 3 , S ou th C ..o ll na p o u d s d o lla rs . . . . F le rl de (E as t) po un ds d ol l. .s 6 3 9 5 1 2 4 1 3 4 1 4 4 1 2 2 I i 2 1 4 2 7 i 1 4 2 4 1 9 i 9 i 5 . 4 . F le r Id a (" es t) po un ds d ol l. .s 7 8 2 4 8 7 2 6 6 8 1 4 1 0 4 2 1 8 4 1 3 8 9 1 0 7 7 8 7 4 6 7 7 6 6 0 5 4 5 3 4 1 3 2 4 2 2 8 2 1 1 1 G eo gi a P õ s d o lla rs . . . .. .~ , . i a . II 1 t a 4 i . c 5 0 p o d s e r $ 5 0 0 P re ll .l n. .y u. s. D ep ar t. .t o f C ~ C 8. P r In t In g O ff I ce . F ls h. .y S ta tl st lc s of t he U nl te d S te te s (V er lo us Y ew s) . " as hl ng to n. D .C .: G oV 8r ß8 t E i c l b l t 8 9 E s t l i i t e d W e i g h t a n d N u m e r o f C o a s t a l M l g r a 1 u r V P e l a g i c f i s h C a u g h t b V A n g l e r s I n 1 9 6 0 , 1 9 6 5 . 1 9 7 0 , a n d 1 9 7 9 b V S p e c i e s a n d R e g i o n ( w e i g h t I s I n 1 0 0 0 ' s o f I b s . . n u s a r e I n 1 0 0 0 ' s ) 19 60 19 65 19 70 19 79 " N o . o f E s t I i i t e d t o . o f E st im at ed t o . o f E st li t ed t o . o f E st l. te d A d j u s t e d £ 1 . I . . . . S o u t h A t l a n t l c fi sh W ei gh t fi sh W ei gh t fi sh W ei gh t fi sh W ei gh t o f W e l a h t l q r 1 9 1 5 . C ob l a 26 17 5 D ol ph in 15 2 1, 00 0 16 6 1 , I 1 8 2, 16 6 27 ,8 06 2, 76 2 14 .1 26 K in g M a ke re l . . 6, 63 9 74 .1 32 4, 16 5 .5 4, 94 2 37 1 4. 03 3 S pa n I sh lC M ac ke re l 7. 38 0 24 ,8 30 7, 54 18 ,1 86 4. 96 7 14 ,6 23 89 8 2, 09 8 L I t t Ie t U ln v 13 6 59 3 T ot al 14 ,7 1. 39 ,4 70 22 ,4 23 10 4, 72 8 2 4 , I 7 5 9 7 ,4 I 7 4, 16 9 20 .8 50 G u l f o f M e x i c o B lu ef is h 54 80 68 5 2, 70 0 56 3 1, 65 9 1, 05 7 1, 48 1 C ob ia 21 6 2. 02 9 9. 5 12 5 D ol ph in 31 3 1 , 2 5 0 46 4 81 3 26 8 2 , 1 . 5 3 36 .5 3 K i n g M a c k e r e l . . 1, 67 5 16 ,2 99 3, 07 2 27 ,4 59 59 8 5 ,9 .5 I co S pa n I sh /C er o M ac ke re l 5, 1 49 I 1 ,3 3 0 I ,7 0 8 4, 28 3 2, 79 .3 7, 80 8 1. 19 6 2, 25 7 ' N L I tt I e tu nn V 14 7 28 8 t, T ot al 5, 51 6 12 ,6 60 4. 74 8 2 6 , I 8 4 6, 78 9 39 ,1 84 .5 ,0 34 10 ,3 20 S o u t h A t l a n t i c a n d G u l f o f M e x i c o C ob ia 21 6 2, 02 9 11 9 90 0 D ol ph in 46 5 2. 25 0 63 0 1, 99 1 2. 43 4 29 ,9 39 2, 80 5 14 .8 72 K in g M ac k. .e l . . 8, 31 4 90 ,0 1 1, 23 1 62 ,4 01 91 5 9, 93 1 2 3 . 1 Q Q S p a n l s h / C e o M a c k e r e l 12 ,5 29 36 ,1 60 9, 25 6 22 ,4 69 1, 16 0 22 ,4 51 2, 10 1 4, 51 4 8, 5Q Q L i t t l e t U l n v 30 3 99 5 T ot al 20 ,2 29 5 2 , 1 .5 27 ,1 11 13 0, 91 2 30 ,9 64 13 6, 62 1 6, 19 0 .5 ,3 12 . 1 9 6 0 s u r v e v I n c l u d e d k i n g M e k e r e l w i t h S p a n i s h a n d c e o 8 8 k e r e l . . . 1 9 7 9 c a t c h I n c l u d e s f i s h l a n d e d w h o I . a n d f i s h g u t t e d o r f i l l e t e d a t s e a . R e le a s fis h a re n o t In cl u d e d . . S o u rc e s: S a l t w a t e r A n g l i n g S u r v e Y s f o r 1 9 6 0 , 1 9 6 5 , a n d 1 9 7 0 ; M a i n e R e c e a t i o n a l f i s h e r y S t a t i s t i c s S u r v e v . 1 9 7 9 . S . . S e c t i o n 5 . 4 f o r e d J u s t e d w e i g h t f ~ r 1 9 7 5 . . / i Exhibit 8-10a Regional Estimates of Pounds and Values of King Mackerel Catch Sold Annually by Charter Boats (from Danville 1983a) North Caro I I na FI or Ida E. FI or I da Keys Florida W. Texas Per Vessel Pounds 69 399 1,154 93 74 Value ($) 86 499 1,443 116 93 Regional Total Pounds 7,910 43,927 203, 1 59 26,573 8,982 Value ($) 9,888 54,904 2",~8 33,216 11,227 In 1984 Florida Initiated a trip ticket reporting system for vessels selling marine products In Florida. This should enhance data on commercial catch. In another area of Florida, Dade County, an boats In 1976 were so i d. Other fish caug ht ( 19.6 percent), moun ted (14.8 percent), and 26.8 percent of the catch was unknown. The genera II y consumed by customers or used for estimated 12.5 percent of all fish caught from charter were used for bait (24.8 percent), consumed by customers released (1.5 percent). The disposition of the remaining researcher al so found that kl ng and cero mackerel were bait (Gentle, 1977). 8.2.3 Fish I ng and Land I ng Areas 8.2.3.1 Comerc I a I Comercial landings of king and Spanish mackerel took place almost entirely within Florida, until recent years when the king mackerel fishery expanded In Louisiana and North Carolina (Table 8-5a). The king and Spanish mackerel fisheries are local fisheries In the sense that the catch Is generally landed at ports within a few hours run of where the fish are caught. Typical one-way trip lengths between fishing and landing areas average about 20 miles on the Florida east coast. In the Florida Keys these distances may be about 40 miles. However during the winter, king and Spanish mackerel season boats may travel around the coast of Florida and temporarily operate out of ports closest to where the fish are current i y ava II ab Ie. The three main traditional Florida landing areas for king and Spanish mackerel have been: o Ooilier and Lee Counties on the west coast of south Florida o Monroe Coun ty I n the F I or I d a Keys o i nd I an River, st. Luc Ie, Mart In, and Pa i m Beach Count I es on the east coast of south Florida. In Collier and Lee Counties major ports at which the Florida Keys major landing ports Include Key landing ports Include Boynton Beach, Palm Beach, fish are landed Include Naples and West and Marathon. On the F i or Ida Jupiter, Port Salerno, Fort Pierce Fort Myers. In east coast major and Sebastian. 8-23 The major fishing areas have Included an area known as "No Man's Land" located approximately 40 miles west of Key West between the Marquesas and the Dry Tortugas. Another major area on the FI or Ida west coast Is located southwest of Cape Romano near Naples. Spanish mackerel are frequently caught In Florida Bay. On the Florida east coast major fishing areas are located along the narrow continental shel f just Inside the Gul f Stream from about Palm Beach north to Sebastian. During the winter season, schools of Spanish and king mackerel will migrate and congregate In certain areas, such as over reef outcropplngs, for a period of time. The boats wi II converge to the areas where the fish are located. Spec I f I c areas and times at wh I ch fish are ava I I ab I e wi II vary from year to year due to ocean and weather cond Itlons. There has historically been considerable season-to-season variation In the proportion of the king mackerel catch landed In areas of the state. While Collier and Lee Counties have been major landing areas In many past seasons, In soe seasons they account for only a small percentage of the catch. This has been the case for the last couple of seasons. In the 1976-77 season, Monroe and Dade Counties accounted for the majority of the landings as they did In 1959 through 1961. Most of these landings were believed to be from fish caught In "No Man's Land", west of Key West. A commercial hook and line fishery for king mackerel was developed off Grand winter of 1982-83. What began as a wi nter fishery has deve loped I nto a year almost 1.5 ml Ii Ion pounds In 1983 and 800 thousand pounds In 1984. Isle, Louisiana, In the round fl shery reach I ng There appears to be somewhat greater consistency In the areas In which Spanish mackerel are landed. The Dade/Monroe County area and the southeast coast area account for about 80 percent of the catch. In northwest Florida there Is a small catch of king and SpanIsh mackerel, taken primarily by haul seines. This generally occurs In the summer season. Bluefish are taken at many locations around the Florida east and west coasts. In North Carolina king mackerel, and Spanish mackerel are caught off various points along the coast such as Wanchese, Oregon Inlet, and Beaufort. In addition, there Is a small commercial catch of king and Spanish mackerel off South Carolina and Georgia. In addition, Spanish mackerel are caught commercially off Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Small amounts of bluefish are taken commercially off Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Dolphin are taken commer cially primarily In the Florida Keys, although significant amounts are also taken off st. Lucie County on the Florida east coast, and In northwestern Florida. Cobia are taken commercially In Florida (particularly off st. Lucie, Monroe, Pinel las, and Bay Counties) and In Texas. In Texas cobia are frequently caught In the vicinity of shrimp trawlers. 8.2.3.2 Recreat I ona I Unlike the commercial harvesting of fish In the management unit, the recreational fishing activity Is widely distributed throughout both the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico regions. Fishing occurs out of virtually all marinas and boat docks that have access to coastal waters. Similarly, anglers can be found on most accessible beaches and shore-based locations such as bridges, piers or jetties. The following discussion mentions those locations that are generally thought to be heavily frequented by anglers catching species Included In the management unit. In the South Atlantic during typical years, recreational fishing for king mackerel and Spanish mackerel occurs heavily In North Carolina and along the eastern coast of Florida. While dolphin, and little tunny are among the fish caught by anglers, they are landed much less frequently In the northern part of the region than In southern Florida. Cobia Is a prized sportflsh, but Is the least frequent I y i anded of the spec I es 1 n the management un It. I n North Caro I I na areas such as Morehead City, Oregon Inlet, Harker's Island, or Hatteras are often frequented by anglers. Along the Florida east coast there Is considerable recreational fishing activity out of the Jacksonvl lie, Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and MiamI areas. In South Carolina considerable fishing occurs out of Charleston and Murrel's Inlet, and In Georgia the st. Simons Island area Is a popular offshore angling site. 8-24 In the Gulf of Mexico, recreational activity Is most heavy In Florida, Texas and Alabama; significant recreational effort also occurs off Mississippi and Louisiana as well. For recreational fishing, king and Spanish mackerel are the most Important species of the management unit In the Gulf of Mexico. Cobia, dolphin and little tunny are landed by anglers throughout the Gulf coast, but as In the South Atlantic they are caught much less frequently. There Is very little fishing from shore-based loca tions for species In the mangement unit. Most fishing occurs offshore from privately owned boats and charter boats. On the west coast of Florida major fishing areas Include the Keys, the Fort Myers-Naples area, the Ci earwater-St. Petersburg area and the Panama CI ty-Destl n area. These areas are popul ar for charter boat fishing as well as fishing from private boats, although charter fishing Is most concentrated In the Keys and Panama Clty-Destln (Bay county) locations. Angling for king mackerel Is normally par ticularly heavy In the Bay County area. In Alabama, the Mobile Bay area, Dauphin Island, and Gulf Shores are heavily frequented fishing areas. Blloxl and Ocean Springs are major areas for coastal recreational fishing In MIssIssIppI, and In Louisiana anglers seeking to fish offshore often depart from areas such as Eades or South Pass. The long Texas coast has many fishing locations. Among the more Important recreational fishing ports for the coastal migratory pelagic species are areas such as Freeport, Port O'Connor, Rockport, Port Aransas, South Padre and Port Isabel. In short, recreational activity Is highly dispersed, but In the aggregate It accounts for a large amount of fishing effort. 8.2.4 Vessels and Gear 8.2.4.1 Commerc I a i a) King Mackerel King mackerel are caught commercially with a variety of gears which Include gill nets, trolled lines, hand lines, haul seines and trammel nets. Currently, trolling and gilinetting are the most widespread fishing methods In use. Exhibit 8-10 presents catch by gear type for the Florida east and west coasts. From 1971 through 1975, of the total Florida king mackerel catch, 58 percent was by gl Ii net, 40 per cent was by hook and line (either trol i line or hand line), and less than one percent each by haul seine and trammel net. During the years up through 1975, the reported east coast gill-net catch was by boats In the smaller (20 to 30 feet) size ranges. The reported west coast catch was predominantly by larger boats (up to 40 to 65 feet) operating In the Keys and Naples area. Traditionally, nearly all of the catch In other states (which Is small compared to the Florida catch) has been by troll line. Hook and line boats operating on the Florida southwest coast typically range from about 24 to 36 feet. Of a survey of ten such boats In February, 1977 (Morris, Prochaska, Cato, 1977), the average boat had a length of 29.9 feet and a fish carrying capacity of 4,000 pounds. Eighty percent were bul It of f I berg i ass and 20 percent wood. These boats are usua Ii y operated by one man, a i though some may have one crew member. Hook and fine boats operating out of the Florida Keys are somewhat larger typically ranging In size from 32 to 40 feet. These boats may operate with crews of two or three men. Most hook and i Ine boats are now equl pped with el ectronlc or hydraulic reel s for retrieving i Ines. Many boats have loran for navigation and marking good fishing spots. Fish are caught on lines with artlfl cal spoons or feathered jigs. Strips of mullet, squid, or dead ballyhoo may also be used for bait. North Carolina fishermen usually use 300-pound monofl lament i Ine trolled on the surface or at various depths using planers or weights. Florida hook and line boats usually use No.9 trolling wire. It has been reported that In the past, hook and i Iners could land 2,000 to 4,000 pounds of king mackerel per boat per day on a good day In the Florida fishery. Off North Carolina catches of 1,000 to 2,000 pounds per day are not unusual. Much of the North Carolina king mackerel fleet consists of charter boats which rig up for commercial fishing during the spring and fall. 8-25 Exh Ib It 8-10 King Mackerel Commercial Catch By Gear Florida East Coast ( pounds) Year Haul Seine Otter Trawl (shr Imp) Runaround Gill net 19771 19761 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1,183,807 2,068,700 1 , 197,500 1,593,200 1 ,175,600 1 ,290,500 1,529,900 2,354,000 1,756,000 1,483,100 1 ,899,800 Hand LI ne 63,688 109,700 63,400 109,200 89,500 15,200 52,200 13,400 17 ,000 22,000 32,200 Troll Line 2,653,399 2,642,500 2,435,900 2,565,000 2,446,600 2,183,700 1,224,500 1 ,970, 500 1,169,700 1,081,100 1,056,200 Florida West Coast (pounds) Year Purse Seine Haul Seine Runaround GI Ii net Trammel Net Hand LI ne Troll LI ne Dr I ft G I I I net 1 9771 * 4,668,397 * 16,099 479,082 * 19761 * 2,396,600 * 104,300 300,400 * 1975 80,800 1,895,400 239,900 406,200 1974 33,400 5,109,100 445,400 545,600 1973 74,400 1,747,300 400 106,900 287,800 1972 46,400 977,900 213,100 140,500 1971 51,200 2,293,900 800 135,900 203,700 52,000 1970 97,300 1,796,000 68,900 390 , 500 19,000 1969 116,400 63,200 2,389,400 600 88,300 539,500 44,700 1968 332,700 78,200 2,880,900 1,100 68,900 226,700 15,000 1967 283,300 4 1 ,800 2,398,900 13 , 000 55,900 247,100 45,000 Preliminary * Not Ava II ab I e Source: u.S. Department of Comerce. FI shery Statlstlcs of the Un Ited States (Varlous Years). Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office. 8-26 Troll line boats generally fish by seeking Electronic flshflnders aid In locating the king mackerel are expected to congregate. centric circles over the schools. out spots where mackerel congregate, such as reefs. fish, and many fishermen know and mark specific spots where As fish are found, the boats wi II begin operating In con In recent years, fishermen using i Ive bait fished with rod and reel have developed a commercial fishery for king mackerel between Jupiter and Miami, Florida. The fishery Is seasonal from mid April to September when schools of bait are present. A commercial pole and line fishery has also developed In conjunction with the Louisiana hand line fishery. The other major component In the king mackerel fishery Is the large gill-net fleet. These are vessels typically ranging In size from 40 to 65 feet with an average size which Is probably between 45 and 55 feet. These vessels have typical carrying capacities of 25,000 to 35,000 pounds. The typical set of the net yields about 8,000 to 10,000 pounds although sets as high as 50,000 pounds have been reported. Most of these vessels are constructed of fiberglass and have diesel engines. Vessels are operated by a capta In and crew of three to five. Fishing gear consists of gill nets of nylon mesh with a center band of monofilament mesh. The common mesh sl ze Is 4-3/4 Inches stretched. Typical nets are 400 to 700 yards long with an average of about 500 to 550 yards. Typical stretched mesh depths are about 80 feet. This allows fishing In waters of up to 57 feet. These vessels use power rollers mounted near the stern for retrieving nets. These are usually hydraulically powered. Aircraft are generally used as spotters. The spotter pi lot wi Ii locate schools of king mackerel and will direct vessels to their location. The vessels will then proceed to "set" the net around the school or portions of It. The net wi Ii then be closed driving the fish Into the net. The process of setting, retrieving, and unloadIng a net takes several hours. There has been a small boat gill-net fleet operating on the southeast Florida coast for a number of years. Historically this catch was made from 18- to 30-foot boats. Some fishermen In this group have small monofilament king mackerel nets. These boats are not usually equipped with power rollers. The main fishing area was from Dade County to St. Lucie County. Many of these boats fish primarily for Spanish mackerel. King mackerel has not been their primary target although significant quantities are landed. Landings by haul seine or trammel net are not a significant part of total king mackerel landings. Most of this catch takes place on the northwestern Florida coast. King mackerel are not the primary target species for craft using this gear. Bycatch of king mackerel In otter trawls appears to be Insignificant. b) Span I sh mackerel Spanish mackerel are caught commercially primarily with run-around gill nets. Small amounts are taken by haul seine, trammel net and hook and line. Minor amounts are taken as a bycatch In shrimp otter trawls. exhibit 8-11 presents catch by gear type for the Florida east and west coasts. Florida accounts for about 90 to 95 percent of the U.S. Spanish mackerel catch. In Florida from 1971 through 1975,85 percent of the Spanish mackerel catch was caught by gill nets. This Includes both small boats (18 to 20 feet) as well as I arger boats (up to 60 feet). Dur Ing those same years approxlmatel y nine percent of the catch was caught with haul seines and six percent was caught by hook and line. Less than one percent was caught In trammel and shrimp otter trawls In Florida. In North Carolina i ess than one percent of the total U.S. catch Is taken through a combination of haul seine, anchor nets, and long seines. One or two percent of total U.S. catch Is typically taken In shrimp otter trawl s of f the Gu i f states. The rest of the Gu i f states catch Is pr Imar I i y by g I Ii net. 8-27 There Is both a small boat and large boat gill-net fishery for Spanish mackerel off the Florida southeast coast. The small boats are typically open skiffs, 20 to 22 feet In length with a fish carrying capacity of 2,500 to 6,000 pounds. The average capacity was approximately 4,900 pounds of fish In 1977 (Cato, et al., 1978). Of the boats In the survey, 14.5 percent used a spotter plane. These boats are frequentl y operated by one man at though they may have one or two crewmen on board for some trips during the year. Both strike or run-around gl II nets and drift nets are used. The large Spanish mackerel gl II-net boats typically range In size from 30 to 60 feet In length and have a fish carrying capacity of 15,000 to 50,000 pounds. According to the survey of Cato, Morris, Prochaska (1978), the average capacity was approximately 29,000 pounds of fish. Of the boats In the survey, 83 percent used a spotter plane. These boats operate with a captain and from one to five crewmen with an average of three crewmen In addition to the captain. Nets with a typical mesh size of 3-3/8 to 3-3/4 Inches are used when fishing for Spanish mackerel. Exhibit 8-11 Spanish Mackerel Commerc I a I Catch By Gear Florida East Coast ( pound s) Year Haul Seine Otter Trawl (shr Imp) Runaround Gilinet Hand LI ne Troll LI ne 1977 1 * * 10,202,253 14,067 769,766 19761 * * 8,731,400 195,400 627,000 1975 16,400 600 4 ,753,900 161,200 212,700 1974 6,900 7,000 2,164,400 79,200 88,600 1973 7,000 20,900 3,020,300 78,600 76,200 1972 40,000 3,400 3,221,200 38,200 66,200 1971 25,000 5, 500 2,416,400 32,300 102,600 1970 6,000 7,000 3,457,300 60,900 43,200 1969 15,000 4,700 2,239,900 36,300 62,900 1968 22,000 13,600 4,219,000 56, 100 95,800 1967 unclassified 3,300 1,667,400 57,000 73,800 Florida West Coast (pounds) Year Purse Se Ine Haul Seine Runaround Gilinet Trammel Net Hand LI ne Troll LI ne Dr 1ft G I II net 1 977 1 * * 6,619,600 * 117 , 1 00 613,800 * 19761 * * 1,709,969 * 61,187 482,929 * 1975 265,600 4,527,900 88,000 184,000 555,800 1974 486,400 6,972,000 162,100 298,100 348,600 1973 602,400 5,370,100 101,800 61,600 58,400 1972 1,541 ,000 4,524,700 130,900 105,300 230,100 1971 1,319,400 5,651,300 126,800 130,000 88,900 66,900 1970 1,224,000 6,476,500 119,500 103,000 78,700 98,200 1969 882,200 6,903,500 96,100 108,100 71 ,300 113,400 1968 198,800 822,100 5,646,900 113,700 130,600 83,600 70,000 1967 194,600 648,600 4,604,500 88,000 103,700 129,300 70,000 Preliminary * Not Available Source: u.S. Department of Comerce. FI shery Stat I stlcs of the Un Ited States (Varlous Years). Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office. 8-28 c) Cobia Cobia Is not a primary commercial target species. It Is caught on a supplemental basis In the Florida hook and line and gill-net fisheries. In Texas It Is caught by hook and line as a commercial supple ment to the charterboat fleet. It Is also caught by shrimp trawler crews. d) Cero Mackerel Cero mackerel Is an Incidental catch to the king mackerel fishery. No separate landing statistics are available. They are aggregated with king mackerel. Cero mackerel Is not thought to be particularly abundant In United states waters. e) Bluefish Bluefish are caught commercially In the Gulf of Mexico region primarily with haul seines, gill nets, and hook and line. Small amounts are landed In shrimp otter trawls, and trammel nets. Exhibit 8-12 presents bluefish catch within the Gulf region for 1973, a typical year. Of the total catch of 531,000 pounds, 39.4 percent was landed by haul seine, primarily In Florida. GI II nets landed 43.7 percent, the bul k of which was In Florida. The hook and i Ine catch was 8.5 percent of the total and this was al I In Florida. In Florida bluefish provide a supplement to fishermen targeting other fisheries. Bluefish are caught here In small gill-net boats (18 to 22 feet), of the same type used for Spanish mackerel using stretched mesh nets. In their survey of small Spanish mackerel net fishermen (Cato, et al., 1978) reported that 13 percent of the value of catch and 19 percent of the weight of catch was bluefish. Florida haul seiners use small open boats In the 20 foot size class. operated by two persons. These boats are typ I ca I I y Exhibit 8-12 Bluefish Comercial Catch by Gear 1973 (thousand pounds) Haul Shr Imp Trammel Seine Otter Trawl ~t 209 32 9 3 Gilinet Hook a~ Line Florida (West) 206 15 45 Alabama Miss I ss I pp I 11 Loul sl ana ( 1) Texas Total 209 10 35 232 45 Percent of Total Land Ings In Gulf and South Atlantic Reg Ions 39.4 1.9 6.6 43.7 8.5 ( 1) Less than 500 I bs. U.S. Department of Comerce. N.M.F.S. Flshery Statlstlcs of the Unlted States, (Various Years). Washington, D.C.; U.S. Government Printing Office. Source: 8-29 f) Little Tunny There appears to be a small commercial catch of little tunny within the Gulf and South Atlantic regions. Purse seines are the main gear used for catching little tunny. It Is used primarily for bait. g) Dol phi n Do I ph I n Is caug ht commerc I a Ii y exc I us I ve I y by hook and I I nee It I s not a pr Imary commerc I a I target species. It serves as a seasonal supplement to the Florida mackerel troll line fishery. It Is caught commercially mostly In April through July, primarily In Monroe County and the southeastern Florida coast. 8.2.4.2 Recreat I ona i Recreational fishermen use rod and reel when they angle for fish In the management unit. Both natural and artificial baits are used, and three different fishing methods are employed. Trolling Is the most commonly used technique by charter and private boat fishermen. Charter boats often use four lines, two unwelghted lines for fishing at the surface and two weighted lines at some depth below. Private boats generally troll with fewer lines and remain closer to shore. Boats troll In a straight i Ine or In a random pattern until fish are hooked, and then trolling continues In circles until fish are no longer being caught. Trolling often Is used when circling surface structures or underwater reefs. Both natural and artificial baits are used. A second technique, jigging, Involves casting a lure or bait Into the water and retrieving It with a jerking motion. This method Is often used from fixed platforms such as bridges or piers. Jigging Is also employed from boats when the boat Is near a sur face or underwater structure. The third method Is float fishing and Is usually done from a drifting or anchored boat, although It can be employed from a fIxed platform. Hooks are baited and suspended below the surface In the water column with a float. Frequently chum Is used to attract the fish (Manooch, 1978; Brusher, et al., 1977). Section 8.2.1.2 presents a discussion of the types of private boats used by recreational fishermen for species In the management unit. Studies of charter boats from North Carolina, Florida and Texas pro vide a soewhat more detailed description of these commercial boats than Is available for private boats. The I ength of charter boats I n North Caro I I na range from 29 to 55 feet and have an average length of 42 feet. Charter boats there range In age from new to 44 years old and on average are 16 years old. Sixty percent of the boats have single diesel engines, and approximately 25 percent have twin diesel engines. The remaining boats have gasoline engines. Nearly all boats were equipped with CB and VHF radios and a fathometer. Just over one-half of the charter boats are equipped with long range navigational devices (loran C or loran A) (Abbas, to be published). i n Texas the average i ength of boats I s about 31 feet. More boats are gaso I I ne powered than d I ese i powered. Gasoline powered boats accounted for 76 percent of those sampled. Nearly all boats were equipped wIth VHF and CB radios and fathometers. Only 28 percent were equipped with loran (Ditton, et al., 1977). On the west coast of Florida the average boat length Is 37 feet. Seventy-eight percent of the boats are diesel driven, the remaining boats having gasoline engines (Browder, et al., 1978). 8.2.5 Employment 8.2.5.1 Assoc I ated with Comerc I a i Harvest This section describes the estimated employment associated with the commercial harvest of king and Spanish mackerel. Data on employment associated with the fisheries for other coastal migratory pelagic 8-30 species are not available. Most of these other species are harvested commercially Incidentally to fIshing activities targeting other species. Employment Information discussed In this section Is for 1980 (Centaur Associates, 1984). Total employment associated with the mackerel fisheries employment level represents that for the harvesting and dealers and restaurants, as well as Indirect employment ducts to the Industry (Exhibit 8-13a). was equivalent to 1,561 person-years. This process I ng sectors, who I esa I e and reta I I assoc I ated with firms prov I ding serv I ce or pro Employment associ ated wI th the harvest I ng sector I s estimated at 593 person-years for the 560 vessel s (Danvil Ie Associates, 1983). Approximately 2,000 fishermen are Involved In the fishery, but the fishery Is seasona I and most boats engage I n other fisher I es dur I ng part of the year. These fishermen represented 475 person-years of employment. Persons provld Ing fuel, supplies, maintenance, and ser vices contributed an additional 118 person-years to the harvesting sector. Employment associated with the mackerel processing sector totaled an estimated 96 person-years for direct and Indirect employment. Employment for primary (fish houses) and secondary mackerel whole salers totaled 249 person-years and employment for retailing mackerel, 249 person years. Employment associated with mackerel In restaurants which Includes Institutional establishments totaled 476 person years. Exhibit 8-13a Total Economic Impact of Mackerei1 (from Danville Associates, 1983) I nd Irect Sa I es (ml Ii Ions of dollars) Indirect Value Added (mill Ions of dollars) Ind Irect Income (ml II Ions of dollars) Ind Irect Employment ( person-years) Fuel and 01 i Bait 2.03 0.07 0.49 o 0.20 0.84 0.04 0.20 o 0.09 0.54 0.02 0.14 o 0.08 24 2 7 o 4 Ice Grocer I es MI sc. Supplies Gear Purchases and Repair 1.33 0.61 0.49 24 0.53 0.43 20 0.16 0.13 6 0.63 0.51 25 0.18 0.13 6 3.28 2.47 118 5.73 4.99 475 Maintenance and Repair (Hull and EngIne) Insurance 1.15 0.33 Boat, Engine, EI ectronlcs Un i oad I ng , "Other" 1.37 Tota i I nd I rect + DI rect Impact 0.47 7.44 8.49 Total Economic Impact of Fish Harvest I ng 15.93 9.01 7.46 593 Domestic landings only. 8-31 Sa i es: Value Added: Income: Employment: Exhibit 8-13a (Contd.) 1 Total Economic Impact of Mackerel (Contd.) DI rect X Multiplier = Total Econom I c Impact $4.2 ml II Ion x 2.17 = $ 9.1 million $0.9 million x 3.11 = $ 2.8 m III Ion $0.3 ml Ii Ion x 3.48 = $ 1.1 m ii I Ion 34 x 2.83 = 96 person years Direct X Multiplier = Total Economic Impact $6.6 mill Ion x 1.52 = $10.0 mill Ion $4.3 million x 1.31 = $ 5.6 million $2.5 mill Ion x 1.37 = $ 3 .4 mil i Ion 182 x 1.37 = 249 person years Direct X Mul tl pi ler = Total Econom I c Impact $2.9 ml Ii Ion x 1.43 = $ 4.1 m III Ion $2.4 ml II Ion x 1.26 = $ 3.0 m III Ion $1.3 m I I I Ion x 1.33 = $ 1.7 m I I i Ion 130 x 1.13 = 147 person years Direct X Multiplier = Total Economic Impact $11.8 mill Ion x 1.54 = $18.2 ml I' Ion $4.6 ml Ii Ion x 1.59 = $ 7.3 million $3.0 m Tlllon x 1.70 = $ 5.1 mill Ion 410 x 1.16 = 476 person years Sa i es2 $57.3 million Value Added $27.7 m I i i Ion Income $18.8 ml II Ion Employment 1,561 person-years Processor Impact: Wholesale Impact: 2Sales: Va I ue Added: Income: Employment: Retal I Impact: 2 Sa 1 es : Value Added: Income: Employment: Restaurant Impact: Sa I es: Va I ue Added: Income: Employment: Total Economic Impact: Domestic landings only. 2 Sa I es refers to the markup for the who I esa I e and reta I I sectors. 8-32 8.2.5.2 Assoclated wlth Recreatlonal Angling Employment In manufacturing, wholesale trade and retail trade related to recreational fishing activity for the coastal migratory pelagic fish of the mangement unit In the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Is estimated to have been 2,990 person-years In 1977. Employment related to the king and Spanish mackerel fisheries Is estimated to have been 1,170 person-years and 900 person-years, respectively, In 1977 for the two regions. These estimates Include employment related to purchases of equipment such as boats, motors, trailers or fishing gear; nondurable goods such as boat fuel or live bait; and ser vices such as charter boat fees, use of marine facl I Itles, or food, lodging and travel. The estimates represent employment benefits which accrue to the nation and not just to the two regions. For example fishing equipment purchased In Florida for use In mackerel fishing may be manu factured In New England and distributed through a mid-Atlantic state. This nonlocal manufacturing and wholesale distribution employment related to equipment used In Florida Is Included In the employment estimates presented above. The method for determining these estimates Is presented In Section 9.1.2. As discussed In Section 8.2.1.2, the coastal migratory pelagic resources management unit Is par ticularly Important to the charterboat fleet. Charterboat fishing Is often not a full-time occupa tion for the boat operators. For some It provides seasonal employment. Other operators may charter these boats only on weekends. For example only 34 percent of Texas operators surveyed In 1975 said that charter fishing was their only occupation. Nearly 60 percent of the operators earned less than 50 percent of their Income from charter fishing (Ditton, et al., 1977). In North Carolina very few captains rei y on charter boating as a sole source of Income (Abbas, to be published). Because of the seasonal and Intermittent characteristics of charterboatlng activity, It Is not possible to provide an estimate of related employment In terms of person-years; however, the estimated number of persons Involved In providing charterboatlng services Is presented below. i n Section 8.2.1.2 the number of charter boats that operated In 1977 was estimated to be 982. Each boat requires a captain, and many boats al so used a mate. In Texas 60 percent of the boats used mates (Ditton, et al., 1977). On the west coast of Florida just over 90 percent of the boats used mates (Davis, et al., unpub. ms.). Assuming then that 75 percent of all charter operators employed a mate for the I r tr I ps In 1977, the tota i number of persons I nvo i ved In prov I ding charter fish I ng serv Ices was 1,719; 982 captains and 737 mates. Regionally 727 persons are estimated to have been Involved In charter fishing In the South Atlantic and 992 provided services In the Gul f of Mexico. A significant portion of those employed In charter boating In both regions are affected by the mackerel and other pelagic species fisheries. As described In Section 8.2.1.2, 92 percent of the catch of boats operating from North Carolina ports were fish In the management unit, 37 percent of which were king mackerel. In southeastern Florida, 41 percent were from the management unit, and from portions of northwest Florida over 90 percent (74 percent were king mackerel) of the fish caught were from the mangement un It. Potential employment In charter boats Is rei ated to the management un It In similar proportions. 8.2.6 Confllcts Among Domestlc FI shermen In recent years there has been a significant degree of controversy among the various user groups par ticipating In the Florida kIng mackerel fishery. Although It Is difficult to document these conflicts through scientific stud les, they are substantiated through public testimony, advisory panel meetings, and personal observations. Because king mackerel Is a species which Is very Important to both the commercial and recreational fishermen, there has been significant competition for the resource which has heightened In recent years. In addition, the hook and line and gl II-net commercial fishermen (two of the main commercial user groups) have been Involved In a continuing conflict which escalated during the 1977-78 season. 8-33 Traditionally the southern Florida peninsula has been the center of the king mackerel commercial fishery during the winter season. Northwestern Florida has recreational fishing during the summer season. Since 1975 king mackerel became less and less available to the recreational fishermen along the Florida Gulf coast from Naples north and west. The 1975 season was reported to be the last good year for recreational fishing In that section of Florida. The recreational catch dropped In 1976 and has remained low through 1983. A somewhat similar pattern has existed with respect to the northern Gulf of Mexico In recent years. During this period the number of large king mackerel roller rig glll net vessels showed a significant Increase. This has led to a widespread perception among recreational fishermen that the large gill-net vessels are depleting the resources. This Is denied by the gill-net fishermen. This climate has led to a series of Initiatives by recreational fishing Interests to cur tailor prohibit the large-scale gilinetting of king mackerel. See Section 7.4 for a description of a recently enacted Florida state law placing certain i Imitations on king mackerel gilinetting. On the southeast Florida coast there have recently been occasional reports of vessel conflicts for fishing ground s between recreat I ona i and commerc I a i fishermen. Significant gear conflicts have occurred between large king mackerel gill-net vessels and the king mackerel hook and line boats on the southeast Florida coast between Sebastian, and Fort Pierce. The conflicts occurred because the two types of craft would disrupt each other's fishing operations. The large net vessels must move In circles of roughly 200 yards diameter while setting their nets on a school of fish. Hook and line boats must troll above and around such schools. This causes physical gear conflicts when both types of craft are attempting to fl sh In the same area. It Is wldel y believed that the two types of gear are basically Incompatible when fishing In localized areas. It Is also believed that gill nets scatter the fish, decreasing the catch rates for hook and line boats for some time afterwards. This gear conflict Issue errupted to a significant extent In February, 1978, over ridge areas between Sebastian and Fort Pierce In southeast Florida. This became an Important public Issue and resulted In the Florida legislature enacting a law limiting gill-net depth to an effective fishing depth of approximately 57 feet or less along the Florida Atlantic coast. It was felt that the conditions are such that the potential for the above type of gear conflict may exist along the eastern Florida coast covering Brevard, Indian River, st. Lucie, Martin and Palm Beach Counties. The primary fishing area of hook and line boats In that area are relatively narrow, rocky ridges. These ridges run parallel to shore and are more productive In approximately 60 to 90 feet of water. These ridges tend to attract the mackerel Into a relatively small, well defined area where they can be consistently located and fished on a dally basis. The primary fishing area of gill-net vessels Is In the expanses of relatively flat sandy bottom be tween the ridges. The majority of the favorable bottom i les between 40 and 60 feet of water. Because of the strong currents often present In that area, setting the net on rocky bottom often results In damage to the net, loss of the catch and occasionally loss of the entire net. However, given con d Itlons of no current and calm seas, nets can be effectlvel y set on a rocky bottom. Until recent years the conflict between the two groups was minimal both because the best fishing areas were on different types of bottom and because the nets were not deep enough to effectively fish water as deep as the best area for hook and i Ine fishermen. The severity of the conflict Increased with the Increase In depth of the nets (before the Florida law was passed) and the number of net vessels In the area. 8.2.7 Assessment of U.S. Harvestlng Capacity Harvesting capacity has been growing rapid Iy In the U.S. number of king mackerel hook and line boats operating In 300 In the last eight years. The number of power roller king mackerel fishery In recent years. The Florida has Increased from an estimated 50 to gIll-net boats has Increased from an estimated 8-34 12 In 1969 to 121 In 1982 (Danville Research Associates, 1983). The recreational fishing pressure and corresponding capacity has been Increasing at approximately ten percent per year or more (see Section 8.2.1.1.). Exhibit 8-13b presents a lower bound estimate of current U.S. harvesting capacity for king mackerel. It Is based on taking the highest catch per unit of gear for the various user types of experienced over the last ten years. The estimate for the Florida east coast hook and line Is based on the catch per boat experienced In 1970 using the current estimate of the number of boats In the fleet. The estimate for the large roller rig gill-net fleet Is the estimated catch per boat experienced In 1974 using the current estimate of vessels capable of fishing for king mackerel. For the other user groups nominal capacity Is expressed as the greatest amount of landIngs experienced by that user group over the last ten years. The recreational capacity Is expressed as the estimated 1975 catch Increased to 1978 by the estimated 10.3 percent annual Increase In fIshing effort. Current capacity Is considerably above current catch levels. Using the estimates In Exhibit 8-13b, current capacity Is estimated at 67 mill Ion pounds (using adjusted recreational catch data) (see Section 5.4.1) versus an estimated adjusted total catch for 1975 of 30.1 million pounds. Similar relationships hold If the unadjusted recreational catch data Is used. Exhibit 8-14 presents a lower bound estimate of harvesting capacity for Spanish mackerel. The capa city for the large and small Florida gl II-net fleets Is based on an estimate of the number of boats In each fleet times the average harvest during the 1976 season of a sample of each vessel type. Whl Ie the sample may represent those vessels that target Spanish mackerel more heavily than others In the fl eet, It does provide an Ind Icatlon of the capacity of each vessel In the fl eet. Current Span I sh mackere i harvest I ng capac I ty Exhibit 8-14 It Is estimated at 80.8 ml Ii Ion of 20.1 mill Ion pounds. Is considerably above current catch estimates. From pounds versus an adjusted total catch estimate for 1975 Wh I I e these estimates of capacity for both kl ng and Span I sh mackerel woul d seem to Ind Icate overcapitalization, the fact that these boats and vessels participate In two or more other fisheries precludes such an obvious conclusion. There have been no direct studies of this Issue for this fishery, and methodology untl I very recently has been lackIng to deal with capacity for multi species craft. In addition the catch rates used to compute commercial capacity were for years of near perfect weather conditions and very high availability. The effective capacity Is less under average con d Itlons. 8.2.8 Assessment and Speclflcatlon of the Extent to Whlch U.S. Vessels Will Harvest Optlmum Yield It has been determined that U.S. fishing vessels will harvest the entire optimum yield specified by the Councl Is both for king mackerel and Spanish mackerel. There Is, therefore, no total allowable level of foreign fishing (TALFF). 8.2.8.1 King Mackerel The Councils have specified total allowable catch to be 14.225 million pounds for the Gulf group. The TAC for the Atlantic group Is 11.8 million pounds for a total of about 26 million pounds. Commercial users have the Intent and capacity to take their allocation. exceeded ten ml Ii Ion pounds In the past (1974). The commercial fl shery has The recreational fishery harvested an estimated 23.7 mill Ion pounds In 1975 catch estimates for 1975. Both commercial and recreational users are to be more than 26 million pounds by management measures though their capacity Is (based on the adj usted i Imlted to a TAC of no higher (Exhibit 8-13b). 8-35 E x h i b i t 8 1 3 K i n g M a c k e r e l H a r v e s t i n g C a p a c i t y (p ou nd s) F l o r i d a E a s t C o a s t H o o k a n d L i n e F l e e t 2 5 0 b o a t s ~ 36 ,0 71 9, 0 18 , 00 0 L a r g e R o l l e r R i g G i l l . n e t F l e e t 1 2 1 b o a ts ~ 2 0 4 , 3 6 4 24 .7 28 ,0 44 F l o r i d a W e s t C o a s t H au l S ei ne F le et 1 9 7 0 l a n d i n g s 97 ,0 00 F l o r i d a W e s t C o a s t T r a m m e l N e t F l e e t 1 9 7 2 l a n d i n g s '1 31 ,0 00 co i W ~ F l o r i d a W e s t C o a s t H o o k a n d L i n e F l e e t 1 9 7 4 l a n d i n g s 99 1, 00 0 N o r t h C a r o l i n a C o m m e r c i a l C a p a c i t y . 1 9 7 7 l a n d i n g s 24 5, 00 0 S o u t h C a r o l i n a C o m m e r c i a l C a p a c i t y 19 73 l an di ng s 1 1 , 0 0 0 G e o r g i a C o m m e r c i a l C a p a c i t y 1 9 7 4 l a n d i n g s 6 , 0 0 0 31 ,7 85 ,0 00 1 R e c r e a t i o n a l F i s h i n g C a p a c i t y ( T o t a l ) 1 9 7 5 c a t c h e s t i m a t e b y 1 0 . 3 p e r c e n t a n n u a l i n c r e a s e i n f i s h i n g p r e s s u r e t o 1 9 7 8 T ot al 6L J1 2 ,0 44 I B a s e d o n t h e a d j u s t e d r e c r e a t i o n a l c a t c h d a t a . U s i n g a n g l i n g s u r v e y d a t a fr om D eu el ( 19 73 ) di re ct ly t he c or re sp on di ng r ec re at io na l fi sh in g ca pa ci ty i s e s t i m a t e d a t 8 4 , 0 4 6 , 0 0 0 p o u n d s a n d t h e c o r r e s p o n d i n g t o t a l c a p a c i t y i s 1 0 8 , 8 5 0 , 0 0 0 p o u n d s . , . E x h i b i t 8 1 4 S p a n i s h M a c k e r e l H a r v e s t i n g C a p a c i t y (p ou nd s) L a r g e F l o r i d a G i l l ~ e t F le et 1 2 1 b o a t s ~ 4 2 5 , 0 0 0 5 1 , 4 2 5 , 0 0 0 S m a l l F l o r i d a G i l l n e t . F le e t 2 5 0 b o a t s ~ 5 8 , 3 6 0 14 ,5 90 ,0 00 F l o r i d a H a u l S e i n e F le et 19 72 l an di ng s 1 , 5 8 1 , 0 0 0 F l o r i d a H o o k a n d L in e F le et 1 9 7 5 l a n d i n g s 1 , 1 1 4 , 0 0 0 00 I W .. C on ue rc ia l F le et i n O t h e r S t a t e s . i n G u l f a n d S o u t h A t l a n t i c R eg io ns 1 9 7 2 l a n d i n g s 79 6, 0 00 R e c r e a t i o n a l F i s h i n g C a p a ci ty ( T o ta l) 1 9 7 5 c a t c h e s t i m a t e b y 1 0 . 3 p e rc e n t a n n u a l i n cr e a se in f i s h i n g p r e s s u r e t o 1 9 7 8 11 ,3 00 ,0 00 1 T ot al 80 ,8 06 ,0 00 I B a s e d o n t h e a d j u s t e d r e c r e a t i o n a l c a t c h d a t a . I I 8.2.8.2 Span I sh Mackerel The Councils have specified optimum yield at MSY and to be 27 million pounds. In order to estimate commercial harvest In 1982, the Increase In commercial landings between 1965 and 1977 was assumed to be a linear function. The following linear regression was calculated: Annual landings = -8.003 x 105 + 411.65 (year) r2 = .41 From this formula, commercial landings for 1982 were estimated to be 15.6 mill Ion pounds. The actual landings may vary widely from this estimate due to weather or availability of fish. The recreational fishery harvested an estimated 8.4 million pounds In 1975. If the catch Increased at the same rate as the estimated 10.3 percent compounded annual Increase In fl shlng pressure, the 1982 recreational catch would be 15.1 million pounds. However, catch per unit effort declines as effort Increases. The actual recreational catch cannot be accurately predicted, but Is expected to be between 8.4 and 15.1 ml II Ion pounds. For the purpose of determining expected domestic harvest, the expected recreational catch for 1981 was estimated at 12 ml II Ion pounds. Expected domestic annual harvest by all users In 1982 was estimated at 27 ml II Ion pounds, equal to OY. 8.2.8.3 Cobia The Councils have determined that optimum yield for cobia Is the available amount of cobia equal to or greater than 33 Inches fork length. This amount Is estimated to be equal to 1,004,000 pounds per year under present conditions and Is expected to Increase under the proposed management regime. Expected domestic harvest In 1982 Is estimated as 1,004,000 pounds. This Is the best estimate of pres ent catch. The U.S. fishermen have the Intent and capacity to harvest all available cobia larger than 33 Inches. Most of the present catch Is larger than 33 Inches. Although commercial landings have decreased In the Atlantic and Increased In the Gulf, total landings have remained relatively stable since 1970. Recreational catch since 1970 has Increased In some areas and decreased In others according to participants In the fishery. No clear trend In the amount of the total catch Is discer n I b i e from the i 1m I ted data ava I i ab I e. Data on growth, morta i I ty, and catch, I nd I cated that the most recent estimate of total catch Is approxlmatel y equal to MSY (see Section 5.1.6.4 and 5.4.6.1). 8.2.9 Assessment and Spec I flcatlon of the Portlon of the Optlmum Yleld Whlch U.S. Harvesters Propose to Deliver to Forelgn Vessel s u.s. harvesters do not propose to deliver any fish In the management unit to foreign vessels. 8.3 Forelgn FI sh Ing Actlvltl es There are no foreign fishing participants believed to be operating In the coastal pelagic management unit fisheries within the fishery conservation zone (FCZ). The only known foreign fishermen who have been operating within the FCZ of the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico are the Japanese seeking bl uefln tunas. The National Marine FI sherles Service Foreign FI sherles Observer Program reports that only a negligible amount of foreign bycatch for the species In the management unit. There Is no h I story of fore I gn fish I ng for the spec I es I n the management un I t as target spec I es wi th I n the Un I ted States FCZ. 8-38 There are extensive Mexican fisheries for king mackerel and Spanish mackerel. These are centered off the State of Veracruz. From 1971 through 1980 reported landings on the Mexican Gulf coast varied be tween 11 and 21.9 mil lion pounds for Spanish mackerel and 1.9 and 4.8 mil lion pounds for king mackerel (Bane and Bane, 1984). See Exhibit 8-15. There may be some Interaction between these and the U.S. stocks. Exhibit 8-15 Mexican Gulf Comercial Landings of King and Spanish Mackerels 1971 - 1980 In Ibs x 1,000 (from Bane and Bane, 1984) YEAR KING MACKEREL SPAN I SH MACKEREL 1971 2,487 7,293 1972 3,316 11,762 1973 4,819 14,453 1974 3,274 11,517 1975 3,122 10,423 1976 3,298 7,394 1977 1,985 9,636 1978 3,384 11,327 1979 6,024 12,679 1980 7,007 11,096 1981 9,458 13,025 1982 9,744 17 , 193 1983 9,894 18,801 8.4 Interactions Between Foreign and Domestic Participants 8.4.1 Harvesting Interactions There are currently no Interactions between domestic and foreign participants In the fishery (see Section 8.3) except for an Insignificant bycatch. The extent to which stocks fished In Mexican and U.S. waters are rei ated Is unknown. 8.4.2 Transfers at Sea to Forelgn Vessel s There are no known transfers of fl sh In the management un It from U.S. harvesters to foreign vessel s. None have been proposed or are ant I c I pated. 8-39 8.5 Domest I c Process I ng Ca pac I ty There Is currently sufficient domestic processing capacity to process and Spanish mackerel. The domestic processing Industry has In recent mercia i harvest necessary to take optimum yield (see Section 8.2.8). the commerc I a I harvest of kl ng years hand i ed the expected com Capacity Is to be measured In terms of adequate capacity and the Intent to uti I Ize that capacity on fish caught by U.S. fishermen. Intent to uti Ilze capacity Is essentially an economic decision by firm owners. In this regard capacity Is defined as the maximum sustainable level of output the Industry can attain within a very short time If demand were not a constraining factor, and when the Industry Is operating Its existing stock of capital at Its customary level of Intensity (Klein and Summers, 1966). Processors appear to have the ab II I ty and I ntent to ut I i I ze the I r capac I ty. Fish houses In st. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach and Monroe Counties, Florida, have from 29 to 59 percent of their fish spe cies represented by Spanish mackerel. King mackerel represents from 47 to 53 percent of the fish volume of fish houses In Indian River, st. Lucie and Palm Beach Counties. Bluefish represent from two to nine percent of the fish volume of these three counties and Martin County. This level of depen dence on these species Indicates a high level of economic dependence and thus the desire to continue the uti i Izatlon of these species. The harvest areas I I e I n fa I r i y close prox 1m I ty to process I ng areas of these fish. Since the maj or commercial production Is In Florida, the fish houses and processors have organized an efficient system to accommodate the migratory patterns of these fish. The organizational systems follow three basic patterns. First, some fish houses have established themselves In the most highly productive areas and are highly dependent on locally caught fish. Other fish houses around Florida may also own vessels which "follow" the fish. Trucks are then sent to the seasonal landing locations and the fish are transported to the fl sh house or point of hand ling or sal e by the trucks. The third method has seen some processors set up satellite freezers or handling locations along the coast to handle the fish as they are harvested near these locations. These techniques have Insured adequate refrigeration and freezl ng capab I i I ty near harvest areas. King mackerel are predominately marketed fresh or frozen whole. Much smal fer amounts are processed Into the steak or smoked form. About 65 percent of Florida's east coast production has In recent years gone to the New York market Iced In boxes In whole form. About 75 percent of king mackerel pro duction from the Florida Keys and the Florida west coast has gone to Puerto Rico. ThIs "lack" of pro cessing has been the result of market preference rather than being due to the Inability to "process" the fish. Spanish mackerel production Is usually sold as fillets In either fresh or frozen form with frozen the predominant market form. During 1974 slightly over one-half of all landings were marketed In that form. Some sources suggest thl s market form may account for as high as 90 percent of total land Ings. In recent years harvest levels were not fully absorbed by the market and some freezer companies had freezer stocks one year 01 d. The overa II market for Span I sh mackerel has dec i I ned. Availability and capacity of labor force, processing machinery, freezers, etc. appear adequate. Secondary handlers presently use machines for gutting and removing backbones of Spanish mackerel; therefore, there Is no constraint by available labor supply In this segment of the total Industry. Capacity In the king mackerel processing sector Is a function of available labor supply since the pro duct Is mainly handled fresh whole and Iced or frozen whole; however, since this requires relatively unskilled labor the supply can be expanded rapidly. The chief capacity restraint In the king mackerel sector Is the market dl strlbutlon system; however, the market Is expected to hand Ie Increased supplies 8-40 since prices have been Increasing along with Increased landings and because of the expanding market In Puerto Rico. Seasonal schedules are variable due to the variability In seasonal landings for king and Spanish mackerel. During peak production months In the king mackerel fishery, much of the landings move Into adequate freezing facl I Itles and thus fll' markets needs during peak demand periods. During the record production year for Spanish mackerel, fishermen were placed on a 15,000-pound per day limit. This gives an Indication of the capacity which Is approximately 18.0 million pounds. This Is con s I derab I y above the average or expected commerc I a I harvest. 8-41 9.0 DESCRIPTION OF ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FISHERY 9.1 Domest I c Harvest I ng Sector 9.1.1 Commerc I a I Val ue of Land Ings Exhibit 8-5 In Section 8.2.2 presents data on the val ue and amount of the total U.S. commercial land Ings of king mackerel. It should be noted that a predominant portion of the commercial exvessel landings of king mackerel Is sold rather than passed through nonmarket transactions. This Is true for the other species In the management un It as well. About 95 percent of total val ue landed had come from Florida prior to development of fisheries off North Carolina and Louisiana. About 95 percent of the U.S. Spanish mackerel commercial landings occur In Florida, although at least some landings occur In all of the states In the Gulf and south Atlantic regions except Texas. The value of Spanish mackerel landings In North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama has averaged less than $10,000 per year over the last ten years. Complete data on the value and amount of total U.S. landings for Spanish mackerel Is presented In Exhibit 8-6 In Section 8.2.2. Spanish mackerel prices have not risen as fast as have king mackerel prices. In the late 1950s, Spanish mackerel prices were about seven to nine cents per pound which was only about three cents per pound below prices of king mackerel. Spanish mackerel prices began to rise In 1973 and reached 21 cents per pound In 1977 which was about half the price per pound of kIng mackerel. This may help explain the recent trend for boats formerly exclusively In the Spanish mackerel fishery to become Involved In the king mackerel fishery as well. Florida Is the only state In the Gulf of Mexico to have significant commercial landings of bluefish. The value of commercial landings of bluefish has generally been less than two thousand dollars per year In each of the other states In the Gulf. Bluefish prices are relatively low compared to other fIsh, and landings easily glut the market. They are not a primary target species but are sought when other more valuable species are not available. Cobia and dolphin are not major target species for commercial fishermen, supplemental basis. They are both landed commercially, predominantly In commercial value of landings In the Gulf and South Atlantic regions have $30,000 for dol phln and $20,000 for cobia. but are caught on a Florida. Total annual typ I ca I i y been I ess than EconomIc Characteristics of the FI eet Cost and return data was obtained from surveys of boats In the king mackerel hook and line fleet, and the Spanish mackerel small and large boat gill-net fleets, (Morris, et al., 1977, 1978). Of the boats I n the survey, the average hook and i I ne boat had tota I revenue of $24,500, $17,500 of wh I ch was from king mackerel. The average small Spanish mackerel net boat In the survey had total revenue of $26,700, $10,500 of which was due to Spanish mackerel. The average Spanish mackerel large boat In the survey had total revenue of $96,400, $76,000 of which was due to Spanish mackerel. The net returns to the captain/owner were $14,900 - king mackerel hook and line boat; $15,900 - small Spanish mackerel net boat; and $21,800 - I arge Span I sh mackerel net boat. Overall yearly profit for vessels and boats In the coastal migratory pelagic fishery Is the remainder of total revenue after fixed and variable costs are paid. Variable costs, which Incl ude fuel, crew shares, gear repair, and maintenance, must be paid to continue fishing during one season. Fixed costs, which Include boat payments, Insurance, and depreciation, could be postponed temporarily either 9-1 totally or In part If total Income Is Inadequate. Vessels and boats such as these that do participate In several fisheries have their fixed costs spread over several activities. Therefore, analysis of the financial performance of a boat or vessel In only one fishery Is Incomplete or would be biased If It Included all fixed costs. Data from these surveys were used to cal cui ate economic ratios of Investment, costs, and personal Income to value of the catch for these fleets. These ratios were then appl led to estimate the econo mic characteristics for the respective commercial fisheries as a whole. Catch was estimated as the 1976-77 average. Then the current (1977) price was appl led to determine the value of landings. To estimate personal Income, the ratio of personal Income/val ue of catch from the surveys was appl led to the value of landings. A similar procedure was used to estimate Investment In the fishery. The total personal Income In the commercial fishery derived from the king mackerel In the Gulf and South Atlantic regions was estimated to be $2,111,000, from the Spanish mackerel fishery $1,888,000, and from the bluefish fishery $326,000. 9.1.2 Recreat I ona I Fish I ng The following sections present a description of the direct economic contribution to the nation asso ciated with recreational fishing for the coastal pelagic species. The estimates are presented In the context of Impacts associated with all marine recreational fishing In the southeast to Illustrate the relative Importance of the fisheries. Presented first are estimates of total expenditures by recreational fishermen and the associated employment, wages and salaries generated by their purchases. It Is conceptually difficult to Identify economic effects associated with a particular species of fish. Often fishermen seek multiple species. Similarly, those fishermen who do direct their effort at particular fish often catch other fish Incidentally. These confounding characteristics of recreational fishing activity make It difficult to clearly delineate activity attributable to a par ticular species. Fully recognizing these conceptual difficulties, species specific estimates were determined by prorating total economic activity using an Indicator of participation such as catch or effort. The Indicators chosen were largely dictated by the limits of available data. In all Instan ces where prorating procedures were used, the method has been described. Thus, whl Ie the estimates presented may not fully represent the accuracy range, they do provide a reasonable perspective of the pelagic fishery vis a vis other saltwater sportflshlng. economic Impacts within the desired relative magnitude of the coastal Tota i Direct Econom I c Impacts Participation In marine recreational fishing results In substantial purchases of goods and services. It has been estimated that In 1975 the expenditures associated with saltwater angling activity In the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico regions were $289 million and $644 million, respectively (Centaur Management Consultants, 1977, pp. 39-42). Exhibit 9-1 presents estimates of direct economic Impacts associated with coastal pelagic species In 1977. As can be seen from the exhibit, anglers' expenditures related to the coastal pelagic species amounted to nearly ten percent of expenditures for all saltwater fishing In the two regions. Regionally, ang i er expend I tures I n the South Atl anti c and Gu i f of Max I co rei ated to coasta I pe I ag I c spec I es amounted to an estimated 15 percent and eight percent of total angler expenditures In the respective regions. In dollar terms, however, expenditures related to these species were greater In the Gulf than In the South Atl antic. With respect to Individual species, total expenditures attributable to king mackerel were estimated to be $40 million, and for Spanish mackerel about $36 million. These figures each represent about four 9-2 E x h i b i t 9 1 E s t i m a t e d E c o n o m i c I m p a c t s A s s o c i a t e d w i t h M a r i n e R e c r e a t i o n a l F i s h i n g i n 1 9 7 7 \0 I u. V a l u e o f W ag es S al es E m pl oy m en t a n d S a l a r i e s ($ 1, 00 0 (P er so n Y ea rs ) ($ 1, 00 0) S o u t h A t l a n t i c l 33 0, 98 0 7, 78 0 60 ,7 50 M an ag em en t U ni t2 51 ,0 70 1, 29 0 10 ,4 50 K i n g M a c k e r e l 14 ,4 30 38 0 3, 17 0 S p a n i s h M a c k e r e l 13 ,8 50 36 0 2, 84 0 G u l f o f M e x i c o l 74 9, 91 0 17 ,4 20 14 8, 31 0 M an ag em en t U ni t2 .5 7, 94 0 1 , 7 0 0 1 2 , 8 6 0 K i n g M a c k e r e l 25 ,7 50 79 0 6, 04 0 S p a n i s h M a c k e r e l 21 ,7 10 56 0 4, 3 20 T ot al l 1, 08 0, 89 0 25 , 2 00 20 9, 06 0 M a n a g e m e n t U n i t 2 10 9, 01 0 2 , 9 9 0 23 ,3 10 K in g M a ck e re l, 40 ,1 80 1 , 1 7 0 9, 21 0 S p a n i s h M a c k e r e l 35 ,5 60 92 0 7, 16 0 lR e p re se n ts t o ta l i m p a ct s a ss o ci a te il w i t h m a ri n e r e cr e a tio n a l f i s h i n g f o r a l l s p e c i e s . 2 R e p r e s e n t s i m p a c t s p r o r a t e d t o s p e c i e s i n t h e M a n a g e m e n t U n i t e x c e p t 1 i t t l e t u n n y , b a s e d o n r e l a t i v e p a r t i c i p a t i o n b y re cr e a tio n a l a n g le rs . D a ta o n p a rt ic ip a tio n s p e ci fic t o l i t t l e t u n n y a r e n o t a v a i l a b l e . S ou rc e: S ee T ex t. , " '. to five percent of the total of both regions. Regionally, expenditures associated with king and Spanish mackerel In the South Atlantic were about $14 million for each, while In the Gulf expenditures amounted to an estimated $26 million for king mackerel and $22 million for Spanish mackerel. Angler purchases create and sustain employment and personal Income In the production, distribution, and retail sale of the goods and services bought. These employment and wage and salary Impacts are also presented In Exhibit 9-1. Of the estimated 25,200 person-years of employment generated byexpen d Itures of all ang lers In the Gul f and South Atl antic reg Ions In 1977, approxlmatel y 2,990 person years can be attributed to all coastal pelagic species. Wages and salaries generated were just over $23 ml Ii Ion. Approximately $9.2 mill Ion can be associated with king mackerel and $7.2 ml Ii Ion with Spanish mackerel. Regionally, employment and Income Impacts were greater for fishing that occurred In the Gul f of Mexico than occurred In the South Atlantic. It shoul d be noted that these direct economic Impact estimates represent benefits that accrue to the entire nation and not just to the two regIons. Included In the estimates are Impacts associated with purchases of durable goods such as boats, motors, boat trailers, and fishing tackle; nondurable goods such as boat fuel, car fuel, or live bait; and services such as charter and head boat fees, use of marine facl i Itles, equl pment rental, or food, travel, and lodging. The above estimates were determined by allocating the estimated regional direct economic Impacts asso ciated with all saltwater sportflshlng In the southeast to coastal pelagic species using a methodology employed In a recent report prepared for the National Marine FI sherles Service (Centaur Management Consultants, 1977). Economic Impacts are prorated based on the number of anglers who caught fish In the management unit. This procedure was modified to adjust for the significant role that the charter fleet plays In the fishery. The methodology provides a reasonable estimate of the national Impacts associated with a particular fishery. The procedure employed takes Into account the fact that many purchases by ang lers are not made for the singular purpose of fishing. This Is particularly true of durable goods. For example, a boat may be purchased for fishing as well as for cruising or water ski Ing. Moreover, a boat used solely for fishing Is rarely (If ever) used for seeking only one species of fish. On the other hand, It would be Inappropriate to completely discount purchases that are not wholly attributable to a particular activity (e.g., angling for king mackerel). Here It Is assumed that the expenditures for the purchase of equipment are attributable to a particular activity In proportion to the amount of time that the equl pment Is used for that activity. Impact estimates for 1977 NMFS (Centaur, 1977). To employment was assumed to are based on the 1975 estimates presented In the report prepared for the obtain the 1977 estimates, real growth In angler expenditures and associated 1 Increase at 3.6 percent annually (North, 1976, p. 42). The effects of Infl atlon were accounted for by usl ng the Bureau of Labor Statl stlcs consumer pr Ice I ndex for expend I tures and i abor cost I ndex for wages and sa i ar I es. It has been reported that sales of fishing equipment for king mackerel Florida have recently declined because fish have declined In abundance three years. However, the data presented In this section are designed I f 1977 were a typ I ca I or average year. fish I ng I n northwestern there over the past two to to represent the Impacts as 9-4 Charter Boats Of the estimated $1.1 billion In total expenditures associated with all marine recreational fishing In the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico regions In 1977, an estimated $23.9 million were for charter boat fees. Estimates of charter revenues and personal Income I II ustratlng the rei atlve Importance of the coastal pelagic fish are presented In Exhibit 9-2. Charter fees associated with coastal pelagic species were estimated to be $11.5 million. Similarly, estimated charter fees associated with fishing for king and Spanish mackerel were $6.2 million and $1.8 million, respectively. Persona i I ncome of the charter operators I s est Imated to be $ 8.3 m I I i Ion In 1977. attributable to coastal pelagic species was an estimated $4.0 million. Estimated with king and Spanish mackerel was $2.2 million and $0.6 million, respectively. Persona i Income Income assoc I ated The revenue estimates were determined by using recent stud les of charter operations In North Carolina (Abbas, to be published), Georgia (Brown and Holemo, 1975), southeastern Florida (Gentle, 1977), the Gulf coast of Florida (Browder, et al., 1978), and Texas (Ditton, et al., 1977). The above research provided estimates of the average annual gross revenues for a boat operating In the area studied. These estimates were assumed to be typical of the proximal geographic region. Data on North Carolina boats were al so assumed to represent boats from South Carolina. Data from stud les of charter boats In Georgia and Dade County, Florida were used to represent the remaining portion of the South Atlantic coast. Northwestern Florida charter boats were assumed to be representative of Alabama charter activities and Louisiana and Mississippi boats were assumed to be similar to those In Texas. While revenues may vary from year to year because of weather conditions, availability of fish or other reasons, the studies (which were conducted In different years) were assumed to represent typical fishing years. Revenue estimates were normalized only for Inflation. To obtain the total revenue estimates, the number of boats In each area (see Section 8.2.1.2) was multlpl led by the respective average annua I revenue per boat. Personal Income earned by the operators was estimated through an analysis of cost and revenue data of charter boats presented In studies of North Carolina, Georgia and Texas boats. Operators' Income as a percent of gross revenues was 32 percent In North Carolina, 33 percent In Georgia, and 39 percent In Texas. Personal Income here Includes all profit remaining after fixed expenses (excluding depreciation) and variable expenses have been paid, but before payment of Interest and taxes. Based on the relatively small range of personal Income observed In the three studies, It was assumed that operators' Income Is 35 percent of all charter operations. This percentage was appl led to gross reve nue estimates for the two reg Ions. The allocation of gross revenue and personal Income to coastal pelagic species and separately to king and Spanish mackerel Is based on catch statistics for all areas except the Florida Gul f coast and Alabama. There the allocation was determined using effort data. Statistics on the number of fish caught from North Carolina boats (Manooch and Laws, unpub. ms.) and southeastern Florida (Gentle, 1977) were used In prorating gross revenue and Income for the eastern Gul f. In the absence of catch or effort data specific to charter boats In the western Gulf, statistics on the catch from Inboard boats fishing In the Gul f off the Texas coast were used to determine the allocation factors (Trent, 1976) . Tour I sm Tourism Is a significant aspect of the marine recreational fisheries of the southeast. Recent regional surveys conducted by the National Marine Fisheries Service show that a substantial number of anglers In the eastern United States do at least some of their fishing In the coastal states of the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, most of them traveling to Florida (Ridgely and Deuel, 1975). 9-5 Exhibit 9-2 Estimated Gross Revenue and Operator's I ncome for Charter Boats In the South Atlantic and Gul f of Mexico, 1977 South Atl antic Gul f of Mexico Total Total A I I Coasta I Pe I ag I c King Mackerel Spanish Mackerel Spec I es 9,899,000 5,445,000 2,324,000 1 ,485,000 14,081,000 6,230,000 4,064,000 365,000 23,980,000 11,675,000 6,388,000 1,850,000 Charter Operators' Income South Atl antic Gul f of Mexico Total Total All Coasta I Pel ag Ic King Mackerel Span I sh Mackerel Spec I es 3,465,000 1,906,000 814,000 520,000 4,928,000 2,181,000 1,422,000 138,000 8,393,000 4,087,000 2,236,000 648,000 Source: See Text. Comprehensive tourism data specific to the charter boat operations (the Importance of Section 8.2.1.2) show that tourism Is very coastal pelagic fisheries are not available, but studies of the management unit to the charter fleet Is discussed In Important to the charter fl shery. A recent study of charter boat fishermen In Mississippi revealed that only 17 percent of the par ticipants live In the coastal counties of that state, and that 57 percent of the participants were from outside Mississippi (Etzold, et al., 1977, p. 10). A study of Texas charter boat fishing In 1976 shows that only two percent of the participants were from Texas coastal counties, while 92 percent were from Inland areas of the state (Ditton, et al., 1977, pp.41-42). In Dade County, Florida, 81 percent of the participants In charter fishing surveyed were nonresidents of the county, and 77 per cent were from outside of Florida (Gent i e, 1977, p. 101). AI so, charter boat operators In Bay County, Florida, have estimated that 98 percent of their customers are nonresidents of the county (Brusher, et al., 1977). Clearly, the charter boat fleet Is heavily dependent on tourism for Its business. In addition to the business tourists bring to the charter boat operators, they spend considerable sums of money In the local economy for other Items such as food, lodging, and travel. It Is estimated that approximately 456,000 tourists participated In charter fishing In 1977 In the South Atlantic and Gul f of Mexico. In addition to the $23.9 ml II Ion they spent for charter fees (see previous section), an estimated $17.9 ml Ii Ion was spent on food, lodging, transportation and miscellaneous Items for the days they fished. Approximately $8.2 ml II Ion of that total was spent In southern Florida. Tourist expenditures attributable to king mackerel prorating procedure similar to that appl led In the based on the proport I on of coasta t pe i ag I c spec I es and Spanish mackerel were estimated using a ana I ys I s of charter boat revenues and Income (I.e., that were caug ht wh I I e charter fish I ng to tota i 9-6 fish caught). Accordingly, expenditures by tourists for food, lodging and travel attributable to coastal pelagic species were an estimated $10.0 mill Ion In 1977. Tourist expenditures associated with king mackerel charter fishing were an estimated $5.6 million. Approximately $0.85 million were asso ciated with Spanish mackerel. It should be noted that while tourists who engage In charter fishing likely comprise the majority of nonlocal participants, there are other tourists who also fish for recreation. Many persons trailer their boats to the southeast for long winter vacations. There are also nonlocal anglers who catch coastal pelagic species from shore-based locations such as beaches, piers or jetties. These tourists are not Inc i uded In the estimates presented above. Therefore, the above expend Iture estimates shoul d be viewed as a lower bound of total tourist expenditures associated with coastal pelagic resources. 9.2 Domest I c Process I ng Sector King mackerel Is sold In fresh whole (eviscerated), frozen whole, frozen steak, and smoked product forms. The great majority Is sold In either fresh or frozen form. Although data are Incomplete, a review of NMFS processed product statistics Ind Icates that less than ten percent Is steaked. It Is reported that the amount of smoked prod uct I s very m I nor. A survey cond ucted by Prochaska and Cato In 1975 (Prochaska and Cato, 1977) Ind Icated that 65 percent of total U.S. king mackerel landed on the Florida east coast was shipped to New York Fulton Fish Market. Fish from this area Is roughly half of total U.S. king mackerel production. Fish are landed at primary wholesalers and boxed and Iced by them. The fish are then trucked to New York by Independent truckers. These king mackerel do not change form untl i they are so i d through the New York market. In 1980, prices at the New York Fulton Fish Market (these are prices for fish sold by New York whole salers) was $1.42 per pound, while southeast exvessel prices averaged 76 cents (Centaur Associates, 1984). In 1980, i and Ings of king mackerel In the Gul f and South Atl antic total ed 7,029,000 pounds valued at $5,356,000 exvessel. The wholesale value was estimated at $8,992,000, an Increase of $3,636,000 over the exvessel val ue, or a 67 percent Increase (Centaur Associates, 1984). In addition to the New York market there Is a similar product flow for a significant amount of king mackerel sold fresh In the local Florida market (e.g., In Miami). A large vo i ume of kl ng mackere i I s frozen and sh I pped to Puerto R I co. An est Imated 75 percent of Ings In the Florida Keys and Florida west coast Is reported to be shipped to Puerto Rico. This market began to greatly expand In the late 1960s, when widespread use of refrigeration became available In the Caribbean areas (Austin, et al., 1978). land King mackerel Is primarily sold In fresh and frozen form, and there Is no real processing Involved, except for handling and freezing. Capacity In handling at fish houses Is mainly a matter of labor, which can be Increased on a relatively short-term basis. Capacity In freezing Involves Interaction with all other frozen fish products. King mackerel Is only a moderate portion of total Florida freezlngs. The chief capacity constraint on processors Is dictated by the market. The frozen market In Puerto Rico Is continuing to expand. Evidence of the continually expanding market for king mackerel Is the fact that while landings have Increased In recent years, prices have continued upward (see Section 9.1.1). Processors Ind Icate that there Is conslderabl e room left for expansion of kl ng mackerel production and marketing. Major product forms for Spanish mackerel Include frozen fillets and fresh whole. During 1980, 77 per cent of Spanish mackerel was sold as frozen fillets. In 1980, 3.041 mill Ion pounds of Spanish mackerel fillets were processed, valued at $4.166 million. Most of this was processed In Florida (Centaur Associates, 1984). In 1980, 11.968 ml II Ion pounds were landed, val ued at $4.17 ml II Ion exvessel and $5.5 ml Ii Ion wholesale. 9-7 Amounts of Spanish mackerel also go to the local Florida fresh fish market. SpanIsh mackerel Is also sold as marine mammal food to aquariumtype attractions. A certain amount Is al so sold for bait. Processing capacity for Spanish mackerel appeared to be reached In the 1975-76 winter season, when boats were placed on 15,000-pound limits. The landIngs during that season were approximately 18 m I II Ion pounds, wh I ch represents an approx Imatl on of market/process I ng capac I ty at that time based on the earlier definItion. Processors Ind Icate that the market Is continuing to expand. The total direct and Indirect economic Impact of the king and Spanish mackerel fisheries are presented In Exhibit 8-13. The total sales value generated by these fisheries was $57.3 million, Including all sales In support Industries. Of this amount, the value added on was $27.7 million and Income was $18.8 million. Bluefish Is sold In fresh, frozen and fillet product form. Historical data are not available on amounts. Bluefish Is a rather low priced fish. The market for bluefish Is unorderly. There Is not a consistent marketing channel for bluefish. When they are available In the fishery and other more attractive species are not, fishermen will catch them. However, they glut the market rather easily. Cobia and dolphin are primarily sold In fresh form. There Is not a well developed marketing channel for them. They are generally sold In local areas to a small group of consumers who are faml i lar with them. 9.3 Other Sectors of the U.S. Flshlng Industry The dependence of other sectors of the fishing Industry follows the relationships presented In Section 11.3. 9.4 i nternatlonal Trade International trade of king and Spanish mackerel appears to occur on a relatively small scale In com parison to domestic trade for these fish. (Trade with Puerto Rico, a major market for king and Spanish mackerel Is not Included In the analysis of International trade.) Imports originate from Latin America, chlefl y Mexico, Venezuela, and Ecuador (E. Berry, NMFS, pers. comm.). Foreign markets are reported to Incl ude Canada and Venezuel a (Austin, et al., 1978). Records of International trade In king and Spanish mackerel are generally aggregated with all mackerel, making International activity somewhat d I ff I cu I t to trace. United States Imports of mackerels are relatively small, and most Is other species than those In the management unit. Mexico Is a major source of king and Spanish mackerel Imports, but In 1977 the total Imported to the United States was less than 55,000 pounds. The fish Is generally sold frozen, although small amounts of fresh Mexican fish do make their way Into Brownsville, Texas, markets. Other Latin American countries which exported mackerel to the U.S. Include Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Honduras. Combined, these countries exported less than 50,000 pounds of frozen mackerel to the U.S. In 1977. Nearly 150,000 pounds of canned mackerel from Peru entered southeastern markets through Mobile and New Orleans In 1977, but these are believed to be Pacific varieties. Historically, the largest Importer of canned mackerel from southeast ports was Japan, but Its Imports dropped dramatically (from a high of nearly 5.8 million pounds In 1973) to just over 100,000 pounds In 1977. The substantial amounts of canned mackerel are In all likelihood Atlantic and/or Pacific mackerel. Because these fish sell at a lower price than king and Spanish mackerel and are sold canned, they probably have little effect on king and Spanish mackerel markets which generally are sold In fresh and frozen forms. Moreover, Japanese Imports should have little Impact now because they have been so drastically reduced. 9-8 European countries Intermittently export mackerel products to the southeast U.S. The nations Include Holland, Poland, Germany, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, Spain, and Portugal. Like the Imports to Japan, these are believed to be other than king and Spanish mackerel. AI so, they appear In small quantities and should not affect U.S. king and Spanish mackerel markets. As In the case of Imports, records on exports of king and Spanish mackerel are also highly aggregated. Canned products are Inc i uded wi th all other mackerel and frozen products are aggregated wi th many non mackerel species. Data on canned products suggest that exports of king and Spanish mackerel are quite small. In total only 1.2 million pounds of all types of canned mackerel were reported to have been exported from U.S. ports; however, the majority of this Is believed to be Atlantic mackerel. Accord Ing to U.S. census statistics Venezuel a received no canned mackerel from the U.S. In 1977 and the only shipments to Canada were from Pacific coast ports. Shipments from Florida ports went to Guatemala, the Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic. Except for Venezuela, tariffs on mackerel products do not appear to be restrictive to International trade. Tar I ffs for sel ected nations for frozen and canned mackerel products are presented below. As can be seen from the exhibit Venezuela has strong protective tariffs, 300 percent on the value of canned products. Canada, the other export market, has no tar I ff on frozen products and a 15 percent tariff on canned products. This Is comparable to the U.S. tariff of 12.5 percent on the value of sh I pments. Tariff Rates for Selected Nations Frozen Canned Canada Japan Mex I co Un Ited States Venezuel a o 10% 35% 10.35t/1 b. 15% 15% 15% 20% 12.5% 300% The U.S. tariff Is being phased out and wi II be zero by 1985 9-9 10.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS, MARKETS, AND ORGANIZATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FISHERY 10.1 Rel atlonshl p Among Harvestl ng, Broker I ng, and Processlng Sectors Historically, king and Spanish mackerel have been sold by fishermen to local fish dealers. These pri mary wholesalers In turn sell to fresh fish markets and restaurants, freezer companies, and secondary wholesalers. The relatively recent organization of several fishermen's cooperatives and corporations has modified the market structure for king mackerel by eliminating the primary wholesale level In some Instances. The Industry structure and markets for king and Spanish mackerel are separately described below. 10.1.1 King Mac kere I i nd ustry Str ucture and Mar kets Commercial fishermen have traditionally had a rather close relationship with the fish houses. The fish houses and fishermen generally have operated under unwritten agreements In which the wholesaler provides a guaranteed market for the catch and boat services such as free docking facilities and Ice, fuel, and fishing equipment for a fee. In exchange, the fishermen agree to sell their catch to par ticular fish houses. There Is some evidence that these relationships are decreasing In Importance. There are approximately 30 fish houses In Florida that purchase king mackerel from commercial fisher men (Exhibit 10-1). Three are located In Collier County (Florida west coast), and the remaining fish houses are divided about equally between the Keys and the east coast of Florida. While fishermen are guaranteed a market for their catch, the price they receive Is not guaranteed. Fish houses pack the fish In Ice, find a buyer and generally arrange and pay for shipping. The fish are transported by truck, usually by Independent firms. Because of concern for the low prices received for their catches, several groups of fishermen have organized cooperatives In order to bypass the fish hous~ and sell directly to the secondary wholesaler. The fishermen organizations have had a signIficant effect on dockside prices. These organizations are discussed In Section 10.2. In past years almost all gl I i net-caught king mackerel sold has been passed wholesalers. Firms In Miami, Palm Beach, st. Petersburg, and Jacksonvl lie ary distribution. Several new firms reportedly have entered the market. through five secondary hand I e most of the second In Instances where fish houses cannot process any more fish either because the facility Is temporarily overloaded or the market Is saturated, fishermen are Informed In advance which species of fish wi II not be accepted. In soe Instances catch limits wi II be set for each fisherman. In the Florida Keys where truck loads are limited to 15,000 pounds of Iced fish, the availability of trucking facilities may a I so I 1m I t the catches that fish houses wi Ii hand Ie. The major markets for king mackerel are Puerto Rico, New York, Florida, Canada and Venezuela. King mackerel Is marketed In several product forms Including gutted and Iced fresh fish, frozen whole or In steaks, smoked, and as a canned smoked paste. In 1980, 24 percent of the catch was exported to Puerto Rico and Latin America (Centaur Associates, 1984). An estimated 75 percent of the catch from the Florida's southwest coast and Keys are marketed frozen to Puerto Rico. This Is primarily the gill-net catch. The remaining portion of the catch Is sold fresh primarily through Fulton's Fish Market In New York. On the east coast of Florida, approximately 65 percent Is marketed fresh. The local Florida market Is attributed largely to the Miami Cuban popu lation (Austin, et al., 1978). This Is primarily the hook and line catch. 10-1 ExhHHit 10-1 King Mackerel Produc t Flows ,~ 21. 9: Small Scale ~Tet Fleet Large Scale ~et neet Hook and l.1ne neet c: Dockside Fish House Fish Rouse Freezer . 561. 321. 20~ 3:' 0 New York Puno Ricol Local Retail :ulton ~larkat Lat in America or ~estrant (total ~1::) (total 32%) (total. 24%) 0 (total j ': S% i 21. 22~ 0 6: Processor and Secondary 'lholesaler Source: Centaur Associates, Inc., Purse Seine Fishery, Task Mar ine Fisheries S erv ice, llQ. 1~80. "Soc io-Econoiii"c 5 tud y 0 f t he ~ac kere 1 I Report." Prepared for the ~at ional Miami, Floriia, ~ontract ~o. ~S~-43-12 10-2 Exhibit 10-2 ,Spanish Mackerel Product Flows Small Scale Nee Fleee Large Scale ~ec Fleet Hoo k and L.ie Fleet Priv.::e S-:!Jt't ;:1 ee: 2.5% 73% % 1: Dockside Fish House Fuh House Freezer 23% % l% 2% 8:1 3: Frozen la1t Local luall M~1 Ner York Inseueionalor le.traDt. letall Harket Fulton Market Bu~'ers (eotal 9% (total 4%) (toeal 8%) (toeal 8%) . (total 4% 0 6% 0 6S~ Puerto Rico Latin America . Processor and Second::ry ':holC!saler Totals may not add due to roi.d1ng. Source: Centaur Associates, Inc., Purse Seine Fishery, Task Marine Fisheries Service, 1l~, lQ80. HSocio-Economic Study of the ~ackerel I Report. H Prepared for the ~at ional ~iami, 'loriia, ~ontract ~o. ~S~-43-l~ 10-3 10.1.2 Span I sh Mackerel Industry Structure and Markets The arrangement between Span I sh mackerel fl shermen and fl sh houses Is slm I I ar to that for the kl ng mackerel fishery (see Section 10.1.1). The major primary and secondary wholesalers are the same as those dealing In king mackerel (Exhibit 10-2). There are s I zab I e markets for both fresh and frozen Span I sh Important product In the fresh fish market. Geographically mackerel Is the southeast, Including Florida. mackerel. Traditionally It has been an the major market for fresh Spanish The market for frozen Spanish mackerel fillets has seen recent expansion. Approximately 77 percent were sold as frozen fl' lets, most going to Institutions (Centaur Associates, 1984). One large cafe ter I a cha I n Is purchas I ng as much as five m I i I Ion pound s of frozen Span I sh mackere I year I y or near I y 50 percent of total annual land Ings. Product forms are determined In part by the size of the fish. Fish over one and one-fourth pounds are preferable for fillets. Some companies ship whole frozen fish three pounds or greater to Puerto Rico. Although the dempnd Is Increasing, the record production of exceeded expected demand. For exampl e, record high harvest not fully absorbed by the market. At the end of 1977, some stl II had stocks of 1976 i and Ings. Spanish mackerel recently has sometimes In the 1975-76 winter-spring season was freezer companies and a cafeteria chain There are three major markets for Spanish mackerel. By far the most Important market outlet Is to approximately 15-20 cafeteria chains In the southeast that purchase frozen Spanish mackerel fillets. It Is estimated that about 75 percent of Spanish mackerel landings are sold to cafeteria chains. The second largest outlet Is to retailers who service home consumers. Products sold to retailers consist pr Imar I I Y of fresh and frozen f I I i ets and who I e drawn, the I atter be I ng both fresh and frozen. The third market outlet consists of two major user groups, I.e., for animal feeding In zoos, aquariums, etc., and for bait by both commercial and recreational fishermen. The Spanish mackerel sold to these outlets consists primarily of the smaller sized fish that have limited acceptance In the restaurant and retail outlets. 10.2 FI shery Cooperatlves or Associations Two fishermen's cooperatives have been Identified In the coastal migratory pelagic fishery. offices and facilities are located In (1) the Port Salerno-Sebastian area, and (2) Key West. Their The formation of cooperatives results from two or more firms desiring to Increase competition and/or to take advantage of consolidated purchasing of supplies. Increased competition takes pi ace through the addition of one or more buyers In the market bidding on supplies or through the cooperative returning part of the marketing spread to Its members. The advantage of consolidated purchase enables a cooperative to benefit from quantity discounts offered by sellers for materials. Through these means, cooperatives can operate both as buyers and sellers for their members. King mackerel fishermen are the predominant members In both cooperatives. The Florida Fishermen's Association In Port Salerno-Sebastian Is made up of hook and line king mackerel fishermen. In Key West another cooperative was recently formed by five king mackerel net fishermen. The new cor poration sells directly to a secondary wholesaler In Miami. It provides docking facilities, boat 10-4 equipment, Ice, and covers some overhead expenditures for the fishermen Involved. The fishermen's catches are packed In Ice and loaded directly onto trucks from the boats. The trucks are provided by the wholesaler specifically for the day's catch (Austin, et al., 1978). There are three other groups of fishermen associations Important to the fishery. Several organIza tions promote commercial fishing Interests. These associations tend to represent different fishermen constituencies such as smal I hook and line or net boats, I arge net operations, and processors. From a statewide area all are Involved In lobbying for legislation supporting commercial fishing and devel oping markets for their products. They have also been Involved In resolving disputes among fishermen such as the recent conflict between hook and IIne..and. net mackerel fishermen on the Florida east coast. Charter boat operators have al so formed associations, but membership Is generally limited to a local area. Associations have been organized In communIties throughout the South Atlantic and Gulf regions. Among their activities are the promotion of charter fishing services through advertising as well as Involvement In supporting sport fishing Interests In their state legislatures and local governments. In northwest Florida several charter associations have expressed their concern over the recent decline In king mackerel In that area of the Gul f of Mexico which they attribute to the growth of commercial net fishing In southern Florida. Recreational fishermen also are Involved In organizations and associations that serve sport fishing Interests. In addition to the organizations that have a national or International membership, there are a I arge number of i oca i ang 1 er clubs estab I I shed for soc I a 1 reasons and concern about the dec i I ne of king mackerel caught In northwest Florida. Several sportflshlng associations have also expressed their organizational purposes. There are an estimated 184 sport fishing clubs In the South Atlantic and Gu I f of Max I co coasta I states. They are d I str I buted by states as fo Ii ows: North Caro 1 I na, 23; South Carolina, 2; Georgia, 13; Florida, 40; Alabama, 39; Mississippi, 20; Louisiana, 25; and Texas, 22. Not all of the members of these clubs are salt water anglers. Based on the preliminary results of a recent survey of sport fishing organizations, the estimated total club membership In the two regions Is 14,720. Of these an estimated 10,300 are salt water recreational fishermen (Stroud, pers. comm.) . 10.3 Labor Organl zatlons There are no known labor organizations In the harvesting or processing sectors that are Involved In the fishery. 10.4 Forelgn Investment There I s no s I g n I f I cant fore I g n I nvestment I n the domest I c sectors of the fishery. 10-5 11.0 sac i AL AND CULTURAL FRAMEWORK OF DOMEST I C FISHERMEN 11.1 Ethnlc Character, Famlly Structure, and Communlty Organization Commerc I a I fishermen who fish for coasta I pe I ag I c spec I es, I n genera I, have an ethn I c and soc I a I character similar to the cross section of people In the states and counties In which they reside. The major exception to this Is the hook and line fishery for king mackerel operating out of the Florida Keys (Monroe County), which contains a concentration of fishermen of Cuban-American heritage, although specific numbers are not available at this time. The boat capta Ins I n the fisher I es for the spec I es In owner/operator entrepreneurs al though there are a few captain owning more than one boat or vessel, In which the management unit are predominantly cases of company-owned boats or vessel s or a case captains may work on an employee basis. The hook and line king mackerel fishery and small scale Spanish mackerel net fishery typically consist of an owner/operator who may fish a lone or who may have one or poss I b i Y more crew members for at I east part of the year. In these cases the crew member frequentl y I s a reI atlve such as a son. The larger net boats operating In the king and Spanish mackerel net fisheries usually consist of an owner/captain and three to five paid crew members. Many of the captains try to work with the same crew year after year. In other cases boats may be operated with one or more Itinerant crew members. There I s a cons I derab I e number of I nstances where fishermen In th Is fishery have come from fam I I I es where the father was a fisherman operating In the same or other locaL. fisheries. Currently, a number of father/son comb I nations are commerc I a Ii y fish I ng for spec I es I n the management un It. Many of these fishermen appear to express a des I re that the I r sons may be ab I e to conti nue wi th a fam I i Y trad I tl on of commercial fishing. The predominant portion of the fishermen reside In those coastal communities surrounding the ports from which they operate. Certain of the communities In which the commercial fishermen live such as Monroe County (Florida Keys), Salerno, Fort Pierce, Sebastian, (Florida east coast), and Naples (Florida west coast) have a large proportion of the total population Involved In the fishing com mun Ity. 11.2 Age, Educatlon, and Experlence of Comerclal Fishermen Specific data on age and years of fishing experience for king and Spanish mackerel fishermen are available only from surveys conducted of Florida Atlantic coast king mackerel hook and line fishermen (Morris, Prochaska, Cato, 1977) and Florida east coast large and small boat Spanish mackerel fishermen (Cato, Morris, Prochaska, 1978). The king and Spanish mackerel fishermen In the surveys are about the same age as Florida fishermen as a whole, but they have considerably more years of fishing experience than Florida fishermen. In 1974, the average age of Florida commercial fishermen was 48 years with a range of 16 to 85 years. Florida Atlantic coast hook and line king mackerel fishermen had an average age of 49 years In 1976 (Morris, Prochaska, Cato, 1977). Similarly, Spanish mackerel fishermen on the Atlantic coast averaged 45.6 years of age for sma i i boats and 45.6 years of age for large fish I ng boats. With respect to years of experience In commercial fishing, Florida fishermen as a whole, averaged 16.5 years In 1974. In contrast, hook and i Ine king mackerel fishermen In the survey had 20.9 years of experience, small boat Spanish mackerel fishermen had 27.3 years of experience and large boat Spanish mackerel fl shermen had 33.7 years. 11-1 It shou I d be noted that the fishermen I n the survey were boat capta I ns and may be skewed toward the more experienced persons In the fishery. However, contact with people In the fishery Indicates that Florida king and Spanish mackerel fishermen have demographic characteristics similar to those of Florida fishermen as a whole. The majority (52 percent) of all Florida fishermen were between 41 and 60 years of age with only eleven percent less than 31 years old and 19 percent over 61 years of age, (Prochaska and Cato, 1977). The average Florida fisherman has fished for approximately 16 years and most have fished between seven and 30 years. Educational attainment averaged 11.3 years for Florida fishermen surveyed In 1974. Years of schooling declined with the age of the fishermen. Data on edu cational attainment specific to mackerel fishermen are not available. 11.3 Emp i oyment Op port un It I es and Unemp i oyment Rates Unemployment has risen sharply In the Florida counties (Martin, Indian River, st. Luclef Palm Beach, Monroe, and Collier) where most commercial fishing of king and Spanish mackerel occurs. Despite rei atlvel y high rates of unemployment In the local economies, overall emp! oyment opportun Itles In com mercial fIshing appear to have remained favorable as have opportunities In the mackerel fisheries. In all six counties the 1977 unemployment rate was more than double the 1973 rate. With the exception of Martin County, all areas had rates we i , above the 7.7 percent rate for all of Florida In 1977. In Martin and Monroe Counties the unemployment rate dropped between 1975 and 1977 while In Indian River and St. Lucie Counties the rate continued to climb during that period. Thus opportunities for employment In the local economies have generally declined since the early part of the decade. No directly comparable unemployment data are available specifically for fishermen, but estimates of the number of fishermen In al i types of fishing actlvl1Y by county between 1970 and 1975 do provide an Indication of the employment opportunities In fishing. The total number of fishermen In the six counties Increased from nearly 3,150 In 1970 to just over 3,900 In 1975, Indicating that employment opportunities In fishing Increased during the time when unemployment rates for the local economies also Increased. Not all counties gained In fishing employment, however. The number of fishermen In Monroe County Increased by more than 50 percent from 1970 to 1975. During that period the county unemployment rate tripled. On the east coast of Florida a similar pattern occurred In st. Lucie and Indian River Counties although the percent Increase In the number of fishermen was not as large. In contrast the total number of fishermen In Martin, Palm Beach and Coli ler Counties decreased between 1970 and 1975. There Is no clear reason for the declining trend there. The statistics on number of fishermen are gathered at the location where fish are landed. The temporary migration of fishermen to other fishing areas (e.g., Monroe County) may partly explain the decline. Employment opportunities In the mackerel fisheries have Increased as demonstrated by the Increase In number of boats participating In the fishery. For example, the estimated number of hook and line boats on the east coast of Florida Involved In the king mackerel fishery Increased from approximately 50 In 1970 to over 200 In 1975. During that period the number of fishermen In the area remained rela tively constant. In 1970 the total number of fishermen In st. Lucie, Martin, and Indian River was 384, and In 1975 the total was 391. It Is likely that much of the Increase In boats Is due to fisher men temporarily entering the fishery when fish were readily available, or are drawn In by rising pri ces for king mackerel relative to other fish (see Section 9.1). Source of all unemployment estimates: Security. Florida Department of Comerce; Division of Bmployment 2 Source of number of fishermen employed: National Marine Fisheries Service, unpublished data. 11-2 Like hook and line boats, the number of net boats In the fishery has also Increased. In 1970 there were an estimated 15 boats. By 1975 the number of boats had nearly doubled and In 1977, 33 gill-net boats participated In the king mackerel fishery. At present, the total Is near 80. Overall then, opportunities for employment In fishing and In the fishery have been favorable despite the rather poor overall employment situation In the local areas of concern. On the southern Florida Atlantic coast (I.e., Indian River, st. Lucie, Martin and Palm Beach Counties) employment In the king mackerel fishery Is a very major component of total fishery employment. An estimated 70 to 80 percent of fishermen In that area are major participants In the king mackerel fishery. These are predominantly the hook and line fishermen. The Spanish mackerel fIshery Is also of great Importance to total fishing In the area. While total employment In that area Is high because of the large population, the amount of total unemployment Is several times higher than the total employment In the fishery. In Monroe County fishing Is an extremely Important Industry to the local economy. The number of fishermen reported for the county Is nearly 15 percent of total county employment. Major participants In both the king and Spanish mackerel fisheries comprise about eIght percent of total fishermen. Unemployment Is high In the area being nearly ten times the number of major participants In either the king or Spanish mackerel fisheries. On the southern Florida west coast (Coli ler and Lee Counties), employment Is relatively small. However, major participants In the Spanish mackerel of total fishermen. Again, the total county unemployment rate Is several fishery. In the king mackerel fishery are about 15 times the employment fl shery percent In the stili many fishermen are not employed full time In fishing (see Section 11.5). A recent survey of Florida fishermen showed that those with Income from nonflshlng activities had widely varied employment. Based on those who specifically reported type of employment, 28 percent were In residen tial or commercial construction. Seventeen percent were employed In marine related jobs such as tug boat cpatalns, marina operators and boat builders. Ten percent were Involved In agriculture, nine percent were employed In security type jobs, and seven percent held jobs as mechanics and repairmen. Twenty-two percent held other occupations such as teachers, chemists, optometrists, broadcasters and flight Inspectors. Only 21 percent of the respondents said that their nonflshlng employment was seasonal (Prochaska and Cato, 1977, pp. 20-21). King and Spanish mackerel fIshing In the major commercial areas In south Florida takes place primarily In the months of December through February. However, the king mackerel hook and line fleet In the Atlantic coast and the large boat gill-net fleet depends heavily on the king mackerel season to justify Its Investment. In Monroe County participants In the king and Spanish mackerel fishery gain additional Income from the spiny lobster fishery. Spiny lobster fishing takes place predominantly from August through November; thus the two fisheries are seasonal complements to one another. Mackerel fishermen also fish for other species such as snapper, grouper, stone crab, mullet, spiny lobster, and pompano. 11.4 Recreat I ona i Fish I ng The motivations and cultural characteristics of anglers seeking species In the management unit are diverse. Many seek the excitement of the sport, the chance to relax and socialize with their friends, or the opportunity to be In a natural environment. Ad Iscusslon of the demographic characteristics of marine recreational fl shermen and the Ir val ues In partlcl patlon I s presented below. 11-3 11.4.1 Demographlc Characterlstlcs of Recreatlonal Fishermen Basic demographic characteristics of marine recreational fishermen In the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico were determined by the U.S. Department of Interior (1972, 1977a, 1977b). Over 51 percent of participants were between the ages of 25 and 54 In 1975. Anglers under 25 accounted for 32.4 percent of the participants, and anglers 55 years old or older accounted for 16.3 percent of the fishermen. Salt water anglers are predominantly male. Nearly one-third of the participants were female In 1975. Forty-three percent of the recreational fishermen had Incomes between $10,000 and $25,000 (U.S. Department of Interior, 1977b). A 1971 study of southeastern wildlife recreation suggests that of the anglers surveyed, there was no heavy concentration of participation from any particular occupational group, although professionals, management, and skilled crafts persons tend to participate more often than members of other occupatl ona I groups (Horvath, 1974). These characteristics apply to anglers In general from the southeast. Data specific to anglers that seek or catch the coastal pelagic species are not available. With the exception of bluefish, these species are caught predominantly by private or charter boats (see Section 8.2). Because of the widespread and growing popularity of smaller boats In the 18-22 foot category capable of fishing for king mackerel as well as other species In the management unit, these species tend to be highly sought by middle Income fishermen as well as fishermen owning the larger sportflshlng craft. Recent research on charter boat fishing In the Gul f of Mexico, the other Important component of the coastal pelagic recreational fishery, suggests that charter fishermen are of higher socioeconomic sta tus than anglers as an entire group. Mississippi charter fishermen tend to have higher Incomes than anglers overall. Eighty percent of the charter fishermen had Incomes over $15,000 and 36 percent had Incomes over $25,000. Occupationally, charter fishermen In Mississippi were much more often employed In professional and managerial positions than the general population of southeastern anglers (Etzold, et al., 1977). A study of Texas charter fishermen yielded similar results. There, 78 percent of charter fishermen surveyed had Incomes over $20,000 and 34 percent had Incomes over $40,000 (Ditton, et a I ., 1977). 11.4.2 Soclal Beneflts of Recreatlonal Fishing Recreational fishing yields significant benefits over and above those measured by the value of expen d Itures presented In Section 9.0. Researchers have found that participants pursue ang i Ing oppor tunities for multiple reasons. Among the benefits are the ful filiment of a desire for solitude; to be outdoors In a natural environment; to have companionship; to explore and have an adventurous experience; for the scenery; to get away from It al i and reduce tension; to experience achievement In catching fish or obtaining a trophy; or for the opportunity to "think things through." These, of course, are In addition to the satisfaction gained from the feeling of sporting accomplishment In suc cessfully catching fish (Bryan, 1976, p. 85). For example, a study of sport fishermen In Rhode Island showed that "catching the fish" ranked second behind "experiencing tension and/or relaxation" among the six categories of values of recreational fishing expressed (Spaulding, 1970). There Is general agreement that the great majority of persons go fishing with at least the expectation that fish wi Ii be caught. In efforts to estimate how fishermen value these benefits of recreational fishing, researchers have devised methodologies for expressing them In monetary terms. For example, a 1971 study of the southeast Indicated that saltwater fishermen received benefits valued at $59.80 for each day of fishing (Horvath, 1974, p. F-48). In contrast, a 1970 national study showed that saltwater anglers spent an average of only $10.77 per day (U.S. Department of Interior, 1972, p. 10). Although the valuation procedure used by Horvath Is not necessarily precise because of Its subjective nature, the resúlts of such a methodology provide a benchmark of the value of the social benefits associated with recreational fishing. 11-4 11.5 Economlc Dependence on Commerclal or Marlne Recreatlonal Flshlng and Related Activities In many Instances persons employed In both commercial and recreational fishing activities are not wholly dependent on fishing for their entire Income. Often the seasonality of fishing activity makes It necessary to find other employment. For example, In North Carolina the charter fishing season generally begins In April and runs through part of November, but the heavy season Includes only the summer months. Most charter boat operators there must find alternate sources of Income to support themsel ves dur Ing the off-season. There are al so a sign I flcant number of "casua I" fl shermen, persons who fish to supplement the Income of their essentially ful I-time jobs. A survey of Florida commercial fishermen found that a number of respondents were employed In occupations such as chemistry, optometry, education, or broadcasting (Prochaska and Cato, 1977). Recent research on commercial fishermen In Florida and charter fishermen In Texas and Florida provides a picture of the Importance of fl sh I ng as a source of Income. In 1974, 48 percent of Florida commercial fishermen surveyed fished full time. Fifty-two percent of the fishermen reported that some of their Income was earned from employment outside of fishing. Approximately 30 percent of the fishermen earn over 50 percent of their Income from nonflshlng employment. On average, all fl shermen (excl ud Ing shr Impl ng operations) earned about 38 percent of their Income from outside sources (Prochaska and Cato, 1977). Spanish and king mackerel fishermen are more dependent than the average Florida commercial fishermen on fishing for a livelihood. A 1976 study of hook and line king mackerel fishermen revealed that 67.7 percent of their Income was earned from fishing (Morris, et al., 1977). Similarly, small boat Spanish mackerel gill-net fishermen earned 71.2 percent of their Income In 1976 from fishing. Large boat Spanish mackerel gill-net fishermen differed somewhat, earning 91.7 percent of their Income from fishing (Cato, et al., 1978). The latter statistic Is probably typical of the proportion of Income earned from fish I ng of I arge boat kl ng mackere i fishermen. Two studies of charter fishing, one In Texas (Ditton, 1976) and one In Florida (Browder, et al., 1978) also Include Information on the operator's dependence on the commercial sport fishing business as a source of Income. Of those operators surveyed In Texas, 66 percent responded that charter fishing was not their only source of Income. On average 61.5 percent of an operator's working time was devoted to charter fishing. When asked what percent of their Income comes from charter fishing, 59 percent said that less than 50 percent of their earnings came from charter fishing (Ditton, 1976). In Florida the situation differs somewhat. Preliminary results of a study of charter fishermen on Florida's west coast revea i that 60 percent of the operators surveyed had other Income, but I ess than 28 percent of the operators had a second job; I.e., retirement Income. Additionally, 90.4 percent of the operators fished full time In season. In short, while fishing Is often not a full-time occupation, It Is a substantial source of Income for those who are directly employed In commercial harvesting and commercial sportflshlng. Very little Is known about the economic dependence of those employed In the processing, distribution, and retail sale of fishery products and of those Involved In producing and selling recreational fishing goods and services. It Is reasonable to assume though that where fishing activity Is seasonal (e.g., In North Carolina), some employment Is also affected. For example, this would likely be true for em p t oyment I n process I ng commerc I a I I y harvested fish, and for recreat I ona I fish I ng, those em p i oyed In activities such as selling bait would also be affected. It Is unclear though to what extent these persons are dependent on king and Spanish mackerel or other coastal pelagic fish In the management unit. With respect to the production of recreational fishing gear (e.g. tackle, boats, etc.) most gear Is not made specifically for use In one fishery. Boats and boat related Items are used for activities other than fishing, and most fishing tackle can be used to catch many kinds of fish. However, there are approximately four or five small firms that manufacture fishing tackle produced 11-5 specifically for catching king mackerel. According to a southeastern distributor of fishing tackle products, these firms are more dependent on the king mackerel sport fishery than most other manufacturers. Sales of these products have reportedly declined In the last two seasons, possibly because of the decline of king mackerel fishing In the eastern Gut f of Mexico (G. Fotl, pers. comm.). The precise extent of economic dependence on the king mackerel fishery of these firms Is unknown present I y. 11.6 Dlstrlbutlon of Income Wlthln Flshlng Communities Spec I f I c data on Income d I str I but I on from th Is fishery are not ava II ab I e. On Florida's east coast In st. Lucie, Indian River, Martin and Palm Beach Counties, the private Industry sectors that contribute the most to total personal Income are wholesale-retail trade, services, contract construction and manufacturing. Palm Beach County has the largest population of these counties, 460,100 In 1975, and the highest per capita Income, $6,940 In 1975. st. Lucie County Is the next most populous area, but It Is much smaller, only 66,300 persons. Its per capita Income was the lowest of four counties In 1975, $4,814. Fisheries, forestry, and agriculture account for about two percent of the personal Income In each of the counties except Palm Beach, where less than one percent Is derived from thos, sources. It Is not possible to subdivide the available data Into fishery der Ived persona I Income. Monroe County, the southernmost county of Florida, has a somewhat dl fferent economic base. Personal Income derived from government Is significant In all six counties, but In Monroe County It Is the leading Income source. This Is largely because of the federal government Installations In Key West, wh I ch can be qu I te cyc i I ca i. Reta I i and who i esa I e trade and serv I ces are the next I argest sectors contributing to personal Income. In 1975 Monroe County had a population of 51,400 and the per capita Income was $5,478. The county has virtually no agriculture or forestry, so that the personal Income estimates for "other Industries" represents the contribution of fisheries to local personal Income. It amounts to about five percent, or $5 million, of the Income derived from private Industry. Note that this does not Include Income related to processing and retail sale of fishery products which are I nc I uded I n the who i esa i e and reta I I trade sector. 1 In the southwestern portion of Florida, Collier County Is Important to the king and Spanish mackerel commercial fishery. In 1975 the population there was 62,400 and the per capita Income was relatively high, $6,647. As with the counties on the east coast, services, wholesale and retail trade, and construction were the private Industries contributing the most to personal Income In 1975. "Other Industries" (Including fisheries) accounted for just over three percent of the total. Thus the fisheries (harvesting) sector constitutes a significant element of the local economies where king and Spanish mackerel are landed. While contributions of two or three percent of total personal Income may not seem large at first glance, In terms of dollars of Income each percentage point repre sents a substantial amount of money earned. Unfortunately available data do not show all flshery related (processing, retail sale) personal Income. Such data would Illustrate more clearly the even larger contribution that fisheries make to the local economies. Recreational fishing also makes an Important contribution to the local economies of communities throughout the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. There are numerous communities In both regions from which anglers embark to catch coastal pelagic species, and the available data Is too limited to show precisely the variations In Income contribution that sport fishing makes. But several studies of Data source: u.s. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis. 11-6 economic Impacts of marine recreational fishing show that salt water ang ling adds substantially to the local economies. A 1971 study of Morehead City (Carteret County), North Carolina, estimated that marine recreational fishing there by nonresidents yielded $1,046 million In direct net Income to the local area. Charterboat fishing activity which Is heavily dependent on king and Spanish mackerel and bluefish yielded over $310,000 In direct net Income (Coastal Zone Resources Corporation, 1972). In a study of Texas charter fishing, It was estimated that charter fishermen spent over $4.2 ml i I Ion In five Texas coastal communities In 1976 for charter fees, food, lodging, travel and miscellaneous expenses (Ditton, et al., 1977). And In Dade County, Florida, charter fishermen spent an estimated $4.1 ml II Ion (Gentle, 1977). Whl Ie the last two stud les did not estimate personal Income derived from fishermen expend Itures, It Is easily seen that the Income portion of these services Is quite sizeable. Furthermore, as Ditton notes, because charter fishing Is so much a tourist activity, the Income derived Is a non local addition to the coastal economies. Thus recreational fishing In general and charter fishing In particular (because It Is so Important to the coastal migratory pelagic resources management un It) al so are Important contr I butors to local economies where the activity occurs. 11-7 12.0 MANAGEMENT PROGRAM A. No ActIon AlternatIve A no actIon alternatIve ts the matntenance of status quo. Analysts of thts alternatIve shows that a revIsed management regtme Is needed If the overflshed condttton of kIng mackerel Gulf mtgratory group ts to be corrected. The current regtme has three stgntftcant flaws: FIrst, the exIstIng FMP's pr tmary regu latory mechantsm ts to prevent overf!shtng by utI I tzlng ftxed quotas based on an overestImated MSY (=OY). Regard less of the stock's condItIon, these quotas allow harvestIng to take place up to a level much greater than the revIsed MSY. AllowIng flshtng harvest (ftshtng mortalIty rate) to contInue at current levels under such a quota system would result In a long-term reductton of abundance of the Gulf mtgratory group to 68 percent (or possIbly as low as 31 percent) of MSY (Exh.tbtt 12-1a). Thts also assumes that flshtng harvest and mortalIty rate would not tncrease over tIme, whtch Is unltkely. ContInued Increases In harvest may result tn severe recruttment overflshtng. EXH I BIT 12-1 a The Effect of Four Management StrategIes on Gulf Group Ktng Mackerel Management Strategy Expected No. Years Untt i Recovery to 5-10% of PMSY Expected Long-Term Abundance as a % of PMSY (Range) 1) Status Quo Recovery not expected 68(31 to 100) 2) F In all years = PMSY 2 to 3 100(78 to 118) 3) F1 = 0; F2+ = PMSY 100(78 to 118) 4) Dec II n t ng F 3 to 5 100(75 to 118) PMSY = populatIon level to produce MSY F = flshtng mortalIty F1 = f Ishtng mortalIty tn year 1 Second, the exIstIng management regtme Is based on a stng Ie kIng mackerel stock; whereas, the new sclenttftc informatIon shows that there are at least two distInct low mlxtng migratory groups (SectIon 5.1.1.1). The Gulf migratory group is overflshed, whtle the Atlantic mIgratory group is underexplotted. Therefore, the exIsting management regtme could not correct for those condlttons. Third, the exIstIng plan provides for no mechanism for tImely adjustment of regulatIons to respond to condtttons of the stock. B. Proposed Action* A 1983 reassessment of the ktng mackerel stock by fIshery scIentists developed a maximum sustaInable yIeld for thts specIes at 26.2 mIllIon pounds, well below the 37 mIllIon pounds the orlgtnal plan. The researchers also establtshed the exIstence of two migratory groups, set in one of * Throughout SectIon 12, selected management opttons are indicated by bold-type headings. 12-1 which was being overflshed to the level where stock was declining. The plan was, therefore, failing to prevent overflshlng and to achieve optimum yield In accord with the first National Standard set forth In the Magnuson Act. The Councils, therefore, determined that It Is urgent to amend the plan accordingly, to restore the stock and achieve a more valid level of optimum yield based on the recent findings. Because stock recovery wi II be gradual and because changes In fishing effort and fishing patterns cannot be anticipated, a flexible plan Is proposed. The amended plan would provide for annual stock assessments for king and Spanish mackerels and provide needed control to restore and maintain the fish populations near MSY. 12.1 Deflnltlon of the Fishery The coastal migratory pelagic resources (mackerels) are those species In the coastal waters and fishery conservation zone (FCZ) of the Gulf of Mexico and off the South Atlantic coast as specified be I ow. 12.2 Management Unlt and Flshlng Year Area for Management: Federal regulation pursuant to this plan will apply to the FCZ within the jurisdiction of the Gulf and South Atlantic Councils. However, maximum sustainable yield, optimum yield, and total allowable catch are based on the stocks In the FCZ, the territorial sea, and Internal waters of the various states. Consequently, allocations Include catches both from the FCZ and waters I and ward thereof. The states .border I ng the areas of j ur I sd I ct I on of the Gu I f of Mex I co and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils are urged to adopt regulations which are compatible with those applying In the FCZ. Regulations are not applied In the area of jurisdiction of the Mid-Atlantic Council because the catches there and the quantities of regulated species occurring there are so small that regulation would not be cost effective and Is not necessary to accompl Ish the objectives of the plan. Similarly, catches there are not Included In OYor In catch allocations. Should a fishery develop which significantly affects the stocks and Is In the FCZ beyond the area for management, the management area may be extended by plan amendment. Management Un It: king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia. other Species In the Fishery: dolphin, i Ittle tunny, cero mackerel and other species caught Incidental to the directed fishing effort are minor species In the fishery. In the Gulf of Mexico, bluefish Is I nc i uded as a m I nor spec I es I n the fishery. No management measures other than data co i i ect I on are proposed for those species at present. Bluefish In the South Atlantic region are not Included because a separate B i uef I sh Management P i an for the ent I re At i ant I c coast I s be I ng prepared. The sc I ent I f I c names of the above spec I es are as fo Ii ows: King mackerel Span I sh mackerel Cero mackerel Little tunny Bluefish Cobia Dolphin (Scomberomorus cava Ii a) (Scomberomorus macul atus) (Scomberomorus regal Is) (Euthynnus all etteratus) (Pomatomus saltatrlx) (Rachycentron canadum) (Coryphanena hi ppurus) 1~2 Q. :: o i. ,. c. QIi. ~ QI i..¥ -tJ iu iu S i. 00 00 .. r: :E.. .¥ II,.II :: o c. a: QI 00 .c r: --..'" i. r: 0 iu II,. i. ~ iu ,. QI " .c ;:--- -: r: 00 CO o r: C\s.. .c QI a: ~ :: .. a:.~ II i. QIiuiu~ ,. 0 :: II Q. S 0 :: '" tJ a: r: r: iu 0N"" i. CO -- c¡ C\ .. 00- r: i. i .. QI 00 II .. " QI r:C\ '" c¡- II QlII QI 0 QI i. Q. 00 .ciu--Si. 0 QI i. i. :: 0 II-c11-. '.... I N.. .. .~ .. 'r .c ~~ ~., l :: ol-~., I:: I" ~ at .. 8., .. 1= z~ ~~~ ==II " 1..11 ~,. .. j. l & .& '" g.. .c., .. :) ... ~ C IS.. .. I ., g I 0' ~ ,c. == 8. , g ,... ~ :: Ie . i i:, i. i f . 1, I. 8'..,.. ::,., N.,. . I t .&II i~ ~ 0., i~ ..,.'S ..i. l II 84 .. ¡,. §..., .. ~ I. , ~ . Nfi 12-3 ~ Millions of Pounds ". FIshIng Year: For the Gulf kIng mackerel group the fIshIng year Is July 1st through June 30th. AprIl 1st through March 31st Is to be the fIshIng year for the AtlantIc group. For other specIes In the fIshery the fIshIng year Is January 1st through December 31st. RatIonale: The fIshIng year for Gulf group kIng mackerel set to begIn July 1st gIves all fIshermen In all geographIc areas access to the resource durIng the fIrst half of the fIshIng year. It Is lIkely that the commercIal fIshery for thIs group wIll be closed at some tIme durIng the fIshIng year when the quota Is fIlled. Based on the average catch 1978 through 1982 a quota of four mIllIon pounds or more would be fIlled In March wIth a fIshIng year begInnIng on July 1st or November 1st (ExhIbIt 12-1b). A July 1st date, however, would have provIded access to the fIsh for northern and western Gulf fIshermen In the summer and fa II and for FlorIda east coast fIshermen dur Ing the wInter and spr Ing untIl the quota Is fIt led. FlorIda east coast fIshermen may begIn fIshIng AtlantIc stock fIsh on AprIl 1st. The July 1st startIng date could have resulted In an earlIer closIng date when the commer cIal quota Is reached dependIng on the magnItude of the hIstorIcally low catches In the Gulf between July and November. The CouncIls, therefore, dIvIded the commercIal Gulf group allocatIon Into eastern and western zones to provIde fIshIng opportunIty In each area regard less of startIng date (see SectIon 12.6.3.1) . The fIshIng year for the AtlantIc group Is set to coIncIde wIth occurrence of that stock through Its full range through south Florrda. The fIsh I ng year for other spec I es I n the management un I tIs set for the ca I endar year to fac III ate collectIon and tabulatIon of statIstIcal data. 12.3 Problems In the FIshery 1 . FIshIng effort Is jeopardlz!ng the bIologIcal IntegrIty of the kIng mackerel fIshery. That portIon of the stock whIch InhabIts the Gulf of MexIco durIng the summer and supports the wInter fIshery In southeast FlorIda has been severely overflshed and fIshIng mortalIty on thIs group needs to be reduced. That portIon of the stock whIch InhabIts the AtlantIc coast has been exploIted to a lesser degree and fIshIng mortalIty rate on that group Is below the level whIch wIll produce maxImum yIeld. 2. Adequate management has been hIndered by lack of current and accurate bIologIcal, statIstI cal and economIc InformatIon. The present system does not provIde a mechanIsm whIch Insures rapId IncorporatIon of new data Into stock assessments. Further, there Is no coordInated p i an to generate stock assessment data. 3. Intense conflIcts and competItIon exIst between recreatIonal and commercIal users of the mackerel stocks; and between commercIal users employIng dIfferent gears. 4. The exIstence of separate state and federal jur IsdIctlon and lack of coordInatIon between the two make bIologIcal management dIffIcult; sInce In some Instances, the resource may be fIshed beyond the al locatIon In state waters. 5. CobIa are presently harvested at a sIze below that necessary for maxImum yIeld and may be overf I shed I n some areas beyond the management area. Most southeastern states have not yet adopted the recommended mInImum sIze lImIt. Also, no management actIon has been taken by states wh Ich have jur IsdIctlon over cobIa populatIons In Chesapeake Bay, whIch appear to have been overflshed. Federal enforcement capabIlIty Is limIted and not belIeved to be very effectIve In thIs case. 12-4 6. Development of a fIshery targetIng large, mature kIng mackerel In the wIntertIme off Louisiana may eventually reduce recruItment to the resource. Total catch of large, mature king mackerel has greatly Increased due to development of a commercial fIshery In LouIsiana dur ing the wInter months. Reported commercIal catch increased from zero dur Ing 1981-82 to 1.2 mIllIon pounds durIng the 1982-83 winter season. Given the already excessIve fishing effort on smaller fIsh in the Gulf of MexIco, IncreasIng fishIng effort on the spawnIng populatIon could result In recruItment declInes. 12.4 Speci fic Management Objectlves In consIderatIon of the relevant bIologIcal, economIc, social and ecologIcal factors, the fol lowIng SpecIfIc Management ObjectIves have been specIfied for the coastal mIgratory pelagic resources manage ment un it. ObJectlve 1 The prImary objectIve of thIs FMP is to stabllize yleld at MSY, allow recovery of overflshed popula tions and maIntain populatIon levels sufficIent to ensure adequate recruItment. RatIonale: ThIs objectIve addresses problems 1, 5 and 6. Stock assessments wI I i consider the con sequences of separate or combined management for various possib Ie stocks or groups withIn each stock. Management measures will be consIdered in relatIon to theIr Impact on abundance of varIous possible stocks and on spawnIng bIomass. ExpansIon of the fIshery into new areas whIch could adversely affect spawning stock abundance wI II be dIscouraged. Objectlve 2 To provide a flexIble management system for the resource whIch mInImIzes regulatory delay whIle retaining substantIal Council and publIc input Into management decIsIons and whIch can rapidly adapt to changes in resource abundance, new scientIfIc Information, and changes In fIshing patterns among user groups or by area. RatIonale: This objectIve addresses problems 1, 3 and 6. The FMP must address fluctuatIng stock abundance and allow regulatory flexibilIty to reduce the harvest If needed to compensate for excessive harvest In the past or to maIntain adequate stock abundance durIng perIods of poor recruItment. This flexibilIty may also be applIed in allowIng catches In excess of maxImum sustainable yIeld durIng per lods of exceptIonally good recruitment, so long as adequate stock abundance is maIntained. The FMP must provIde a mechanism to incorporate the most current and valId bIologIcal Information into stock assessments for species in the management unIt, and allow rapId regulatory changes based on that informatIon. It Is possIble that Improving biologIcal data wi i I demonstrate the existence of more, separate stocks, or of additIonal groups within each stock, whIch should be managed separately In order to Improve biological yield. Itls also possible that estImates of MSY and ABC wi II change as biolog ical analyses are updated. Objectlve 3 To provide necessary InformatIon for effectIve management and estab I Ish a mandatory reportIng system for monl tori ng catch. Rationale: This addresses problems 1, 2 and 6. The Councl Is intend that the FMP focus attentIon on areas of poor Information, encourage research into those areas and provIde a mechanism which will Insure that all available information can be Incorporated into the stock assessment as quIckly as possible. The FMP wi II Improve the data base directly by providing for a mandatory statIstIcal reportIng system which will generate necessary data on catch and other parameters necessary for management. 12-5 ObJective 4 To minimize gear and user group conflicts. Rationale: ThIs addresses problem 3. Intense user group conflicts and competition for the resource I s the ru I e I n the kl ng mackere I fishery and I s present to a I esser degree I n the case of Span I sh mackerel. The FMP wi II minimize these conflicts through allocation of the resource and measures which physically dIvide the users of different gears and by setting the fishing year for each migratory group to allow equal access opportunity for all user groups. A high degree of flexibility Is required to adjust to changing conditions. 12.5 Assessment of Optlmum YIeld Optimum yield (OY) from a fishery Is defined In MFCMA as the amount of fish which will provide the greatest overall benefit to the nation with particular reference to food production and recreational opportunities, and which Is prescribed as such on the basis of the maximum sustainable yield from that fishery as modified by any relevant economic, social, or ecological factor. 12.5.1 Speclflcatlon of OY and TAC 12.5.1.1 Mackerel s The long-term goal of optimum yield from mackerels Is maximum sustainable yield. The amount of opti mum yield which may be harvested annually for each species, defined as total allowable catch (TAC) may vary due to fluctuating recruitment, fluctuating abundance by area or unit of stock, Intensity of f r sh I ng ef fort by area or un I t of stock, soc I a I, econom I c, or eco log I ca I factors, and Improv I ng est 1 mates of MSY. The best ava I i ab i e est Imates are: * MSY (1,000 'bs.) ** TAC (1,000 Ibs.) *** ABC (1,000 Ibs.) Best Est Imate Poss I b I e Range King mackerel Gul f group Atlantic group Spanish mackerel 26,200 27,000 14,225 11,812 27,000 14,225 11,812 27,000 14,997 - 10,713 15,418 - 6,871 * MSY I s assessed and spec I fled In Section 5.4. MSY I s the level of maximum surpl us production of the population. It may be a target or goal which Is to be achieved. In order to reach that goal, fishing mortality rate and, thus, the catch must be altered. The annual catch levels spe cified as a particular strategy for achieving the goal are the total allowable catches (TACs). Therefore, MSY Is a biologically determined level which may be the target of management. Whereas, the TAC Is the catch level specified solely by management to realize a particular mana gement strategy and goal (J. Powers, 1983, pers. comm.). ** Note: The sum of the Atl antic and Gu If ABCs does not necessar I I Y add up to MSY. I f one group Is overflshed Its ABC wi Ii be lower than the long-term average; the reverse Is true If a group Is underflshed. Only If both groups are producing exactly at MSY will the sum of the ABCs from both areas equal MSY. When that occurs TAC for the Gulf group will be larger than at present, while ABC for the Atlantic group wi I i probably be smaller. *** Acceptable biological catch (ABC) Is a biological determination on which TAC Is based. 12-6 ", ). 22 U :aO 19 18 11 I ~ 2 16 ~ 1 0 15 ~ H I . . ' 1 14 0 i: R (/ 13 12 11 10 9 8 1 1 4 6 2 1 s E x h i b i t 1 2 2 . P r o j e c t e d k i n g m a c k e r e l c a t c h e s f o r t h e G u l f m i g r a t o r y g r o u p f o r t h e p r e f e r r e d o p t i o n a n d t h r e e a l t e r n a t i v e s f r o m P o f f e n b e r g e r a n d P o w e r s , 1 9 8 4 . i C u r v e 1 . . . s t a t u s q u o ( A l t e r n a t i v e 1 2 . 5 . 2 . 6 ) 2. . . f is hi ng m or ta li ty r at e eq ua l to t ha t w hi ch p ro du ce s F M S Y t h r o u g h o u t t h e 2 0 y e a r p e r i o d ( p r e f e r r e d a l t e r n a t i v e 1 2 . 5 . 1 . 1 ) C u r v e 3 . . . n o f i s h i n g t h e f i r s t y e a r , f i s h i n g m o r t a l i t y e q u a l C ur ve t o F M S Y . t h e r e a f t e r ( A l t e r n a t i v e 1 2 . 5 . 2 . 7 ) . C ur ve 4 . . . f i s h i n g m o r t a l i t y r a t e g r a d u a l l y d e c r e a s e d u n t i l i t e q u a l s F M S Y t h e t h i r d y e a r ; t h e r a t e e q u a l s F M S Y t h e r e a f t e r ( A l t e r n a t i v e 1 2 . 5 . 2 . 8 ) 1 15 16 11 8 11 12 14 18 19 20 9 10 u Y ea rs . RatIonale: Thls optIon sets the blologlcal base for OY and uses maxImum yield as a goal, not a fIxed number. It establIshes the base for flexIble management whIch can address both mackerel specIes and multIple stocks within each specIes. The annual amount of OY (TAC) is Ilmlted wIthin a range, and lt is possible to set It extremely low to protect an overflshed stock or set It very hIgh to take advan tage of exceptlonally good recruitment. It can protect a stock from overflshing or restore depleted stocks whl Ie malntaining a goal of obtaIning MSY. Powers and Eldrldge (1983b) offered ln part the fol lowIng advice on catch levels allocated to mIgra tory groups: 1) The best estImate ot total allowable catches which are produced by equal f1shlng mortalIty rates are: AtlantIc Mlgratory Group = 11,812,000 pounds Gulf Mlgratory Group = 14,225,000 pounds 2) Due to some uncertalnty ln the estImate of MSY, Fmsy and the present F's and catch levels, we can not be abso lutely sure of the above estImates. Therefore, It ls our conc lusion that the estImates in (1) above could be between 5.4 and 13.6 ml II Ion pounds for the Atlantlc migratory group and between 10.0 and 18.3 mllllon pounds for the Gulf mlgratory group. 3) The above lmplles a reductlon ln catch from the Gulf mlgratory group and an Increase ln catch from the Atlantic migratory group. The management strategy for the Gulf group of kIng mackerel Is to reduce the TAC by about 22 percent from the average catch for the 1974 to 1979 perlod. That average was 5.536 ml Illon pounds for commer cial, 12.781 mIllion pounds for recreatIonal, and 18.317 mIllion pounds total catch. These fIgures are also very similar to the 1982 catch (see Exhibit 8-5d). The 22 percent reductlon in TAC would allow the overfished stocks to rebuIld to a level of MSY production ln about three years (Exhibit 12-2). TAC ls set at the best estimate of ABC. Thls wi Ii requIre a sacrifice ln yield for the first few years with a gain after the MSY level is achIeved (Powers and Eldrldge, 1983b). The TAC speclfied ls for the Initial years of the amended plan. and modified as needed to achieve the long-term goal of MSY. Estimates wlll be reviewed annua Ily For the Atlantic group of kIng mackerel the TAC is set high to allow catches to lncrease from the 1982 level of 7.4 mIllion pounds so that MSY may eventually be achieved. For Spanlsh mackerel TAC is set at MSY. Should conditions change, better information become avallable, or hardship develop for f1shlng groups, the annual assessment provides the opportunlty to adjust the TAC as may be needed to achieve the goals and objectIves as set forth in thls plan. 12.5.1.2 ~ OptImum yield for cobIa was greater than 33 inches fork This amount ls estImated as are lmplemented. determlned to be the avallab Ie amount of cobIa at a size equa i to or length, as measured from the tIp of the head to the center of the tail. 1,000,000 and is expected to increase lf the proposed management measures 12-8 Rationale: This optimum yield will greatly reduce the possibility of recruitment overflshlng, stabl I I ze catch at or near MSY, and I ncrease present yl e I d, average size, and ava I I ab III ty of large, trophy-size fish. The proposed limit protects the cobia untl I the age at first maturity. This greatly reduces the possibility of recruitment overflshlng. Under the estimated levels of fishing mortality In the early 1960s (the latest available data) this measure would Increase yield between 25 percent and 58 percent. If the cobia stock In the Atlantic Is presently overflshed, this OY will restore the stock and prevent overflshlng In the future. 12.5.1.3 Other Specles In the FIshery Optimum yield was not specified for the other species because of lack of data to estimate MSY. When sufficient data become available to estimate MSY and/or OY for other species In the fishery, and the need arl ses for management measures, the Councl I s wi II develop such estimates. At that time, these species will be added to the management unit by plan amendment. 12.5.2 AI ternatlves for OY and TAC Consldered and Rejected 12.5.2.1 Rejected AI ternatlve 1 Set TAC for Gulf group king mackerel for the lower range estimate of 10.7 million pounds. Rationale: The Florida Marine Fisheries Commission requested that the FMP/DEIS Include for pub I Ic discussion an alternative TAC at the lower range estimate of ABC of 10.7 million pounds. The Commission proposes a 2.9 million pound commercial quota and a two fish per angler, per trip limit for Florida waters and requested that It be considered for the FCZ to limit Gul f group TAC to this level. This lower level of harvest Is based largely on recent declines In the commercial landings. It would provide a greater margin of safety to prevent overflshlng and would restore stock to MSY level In a shorter period of time but with greater sacrifice by recreational and commercial fishermen. In December of 1984, the Florida Cabinet adopted a two king mackerel per person, per trip for the Gulf group king mackerel In Florida waters. This also applies to commercial fishing. 12.5.2.2 Rejected Alternatlve 2 Set TAC for Gulf group king mackerel for a medium range estimate of 13 million pounds. Rationale: This reduction of 1.2 million pounds from the 14.2 million pounds proposed for public review would have partially accommodated the request of the Florida Marine Fisheries Commission for a reduced TAC. The Councl i s determined that thl s reduction woul d be too severe for both recreational and commerc I a i fishermen. 12.5.2.3 Rejected Alternatlve 3 The long-term optimum yield goal for mackerels Is-- percent (less than) maximum sustainable yield. The amount of OY which may be harvested annually for each species defined as total allowable catch (TAC) may vary due to variations In recruitment, fl uctuatlons In abundance by area or un It stock, Intensity of fishing effort by area or unit stock, and Improving estimates of MSY. Rationale: Compared to the specified option, setting the OY below MSY results In higher stock abun dance, higher catch per unit effort, greater protection against overflshlng, but lower total catch and requl res much more str Ingent management to enforce. 12-9 12.5.2.4 Rejected Alternatlve 4 A. OY for kIng mackerel Is determIned to be maxImum sustainable yIeld, estImated to be wIthin the range of (example: 25.8 - 32 mIllIon pounds) for all stocks of management area. Within that range, TAC wI II be determined annua Ily for each stock based on the best scIentIfIc informatIon avai lab Ie. B. OY for Spanish mackerel is determined to be maxImum sustainab Ie yIeld, estImated to be wIthin the range of (example: 20 to 30 ml i lIon pounds) for all stocks of management area. Within that range Total Allowable Catch will be determined annually for each stock based on the best scien tifIc informatIon avai lab Ie. Rationale: This would reduce management flexibi i Ity relatIve to options whIch do not specify a fixed range for OY. If new informatIon shows that the MSY estImate is too hIgh and that the real value is below the specIfied range, the only way to protect the resource would be to amend the FMP. This could also occur if one or more stocks were overflshed. (Both have occurred In the case of kIng mackerel.) 12.5.2.5 Rejected Alternatlve 5 OptImum yield for king and Spanish mackerel Is that amount of fish harvested by U.S. fishermen subject to the management regIme establIshed by this FMP. I tIs the 1 ntent of the Counci I s to stab I I I ze the i eve i sustainable yIeld accommodatIng, as needed, biological, achieve maxImum yield over the long-term. of harvest of mackerels at theIr maxlmum economi c and/or soci a i factors necessary to RatIonale: This alternatIve is simIlar to the one specIfied, but does not address protectIon from possib Ie overf I shing of the stock. 12.5.2.6 Rejected Alternatlve 6 ContInue present fIshing effort on Gulf kIng mackerel. RatIonale: Present levels of fIshing are expected to further reduce the abundance to levels to 65 to 70 percent of that necessary to produce MSY. There wou I d be no recovery of stocks and catches wou i d contInue to dec line. 12.5.2.7 Rejected Alternatlve 7 Close fIshing on Gulf group of king mackerel for one year; then resume fishing at MSY. RatIonale: ThIs actIon Is great econom 1 c hardsh 1 p on for th 1 s group. expected to restore the stock to MSY level qu1ckly. It would result In those economIcally dependent on the commercIal and recreatIonal fIsherIes 12.5.2.8 Rejected Alternatlve 8 Reduce present catch rate gradually to achIeve MSY I.e., reduce excess catch by 25 percent of excess over a four-year per 10d. RatIonale: ThIs gradual reductIon would optIon but wou i d requIre a longer per 10d are not so great at fIrst but would last have less Immed late Impact on fIshermen than the preferred (four to fIve years) to restore the stock. Dec lInes In yIeld longer than the preferred optIon. 12-10 12.5.2.9 Rejected AI ternatlve 9 Optimum yield for cobia equal to the best estimate of MSY, 1,057,000 pounds. Rational e: Th I s al ternatlve was rejected. The estimate of MSY Is extreme i y crude, due to Incompl ete and Inaccurate estimates of catch and lack of any estimates of fishing effort or recruitment. Harvest at any numerical estimate based on such poor data may significantly overflsh or underflsh the stocks(s). Neither possibility Is In the best Interest of the nation. Enforcement and data collec tion costs required to limit the harvest to a fixed amount would be prohibitive. 12.5.2.10 Rejected AI ternatlve 10 Effective TAC for Gul f group king mackerel to be 13.7 ml Ii Ion pounds with fixed recreational/commercial ratio of allocation to be 70/30. Recreational bag limits to be two fish per person on private vessels, and on charter boats four fish per angler In western zone, and three per angler eastern zone both excluding captain and crew. Commercial allocation to be 4.0 mill Ion (0.284 ml I i Ion pounds for purse seine, 1.2 million pounds for western zone and 2.7 million pounds for eastern zone). Rationale: This option would have provided a 24 percent reduction In recreational and 27 percent reduction In commercial catches, more than required for the target 22 percent reduction. Additionally, the stock assessment workshop found no basis for separation of management for substocks within the Gulf group. This option was rejected by the South Atlantic Council. 12.6 Management Measures 12.6.1 Mechanlsm for Annual Determlnatlon of MSY. ABC, TAC and Non-Quota Restrictions 12.6.1.1 Preferred AlternatIve A. An assessment group appointed by the Councils will reassess the condition of each stock of king and Spanish mackerel In the management unit on an annual basis. The group shall be composed of NMFS scientists, Council staff, ScientifIc and Statistical Committee members and other state, univer sltyand private scientists as deemed appropriate by the Councils. The group will address the following Items for each stock: 1. Stock Identity and distribution. This should Include situations where there are groups of fish within a stock which are sufficiently different that they should be managed as separate un I ts. I f severa I poss I b i e stock d I v I s Ions ex I st, the assessment group shou I d descr I be the likely alternatives. 2. MSY for each Identified stock. If more than one possible stock division exists, MSY for each possible combination shoul d be estimated. 3. Condition of the stock(s) or groups of fish within each stock which could be managed separately For each stock, this should Include but not be i Imlted to: b. FI sh I ng morta I Ity rate rei atlve to F msy or Fo.1 Abundance relative to an adequate spawning biomass Trends In recruitment Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) which will result In long-term yield as near MSY as possible. Calculation of catch ratios based on catch statistics using procedures defined In the FMP. a. c. d. e. 12-11 4. Overflshlng. A stock of fish shall be considered overflshed If the fishing mortality rate exceeds Fmsy or Fo.1, or spawning biomass Is low enough to affect recruitment. The Fo.1 fishing rate Is the level of fishing mortality at which an Increase In effort produces ten percent of the Increase In yield that would occur In a i Ightly fished fishery for a comparable Increase In effort. An Fo.1 yield per recruit management strategy better protects against growth over fishing and maintains a larger spawning population than does a Fmax management strategy. If any stock or subgroup Is overflshed, the assessment group will estimate levels of ABC which would allow that stock to recover In one year, three years, five years, or other period as requested by the Councl Is. 5. Management Options. If recreational or commercial fishermen have achieved or are expected to achieve their allocations, the assessment group wi II delineate possible options for nonquota restrictions on harvest, Including effective levels for such actions as: a. b. Bag limits SI ze limits Gear restrictions, and Other options as requested by the Councl is c. d. 6. Other biological questions as appropriate. B. The assessment group wi II prepare a written report with Its recommendations for submission to the Councils each year, by such date as may be specified by the Councils. The report will contain the scientific basis for their recommendations and Indicate the degree of rei lability which the Councils should place on the recommended stock dIvisions, levels of catch and options for nonquota control s of the catch. C. The Councils will consider the report and recommendations of the assessment group and such public comments as are relevant to the assessment group's submission. A public hearing will be held at a time and place where the Councils consider the group's report. The Councils will convene the joint Advisory Panel and may convene the Scientific and Statistical Committee to provide advice prior to taking final action. After receiving public Input, Councils will make findings on the need for changes. D. If changes are needed In MSYs, TACs, quotas, bag limits, or permits, the Councils will advise the Regional Director of the Southeast Region of the National Marine Fisheries Service (RD) In writing of the Ir recommendations, accompan I ed by the assessment group's report, reI evant background mater I a I and pub I I c comment. Th I s report sha I i be subm I tted each year by such date as may be spe cified by the Councils. E. The RD wIll review the Councl is' recommendations, supporting rationale, public comments and other relevant Information, and If he concurs with the recommendation, wi II draft regulations In accor dance with the recommendations. He may also reject the recommendation, providing written reasons for rejection. In the event the RD rejects the recommendations existing regulations shall remain In effect until resolved. F. If the RD concurs that the Councils' recommendations are consistent with the goals and objectives of the plan, the National Standards and other applicable law he shall Implement the regulations by notice In the Federal Register each year prior to the appropriate fishing year or such dates as may be agreed upon with the Councl I s. A reasonable period for public comment shall be afforded, cons I stent wi th the urgency, I f any, of the need to Impl ement the management measure. Appropriate regulatory changes which may be Implemented by the Regional Director by notice In the Federal Register Include: 12-12 1. Adjustment of the point estimates of MSY for mackerels within the ranges specified In Sections 5.4.1.1 and 5.4.2.1. 2. Setting total allowable catches (TACs) for each stock or group of fish which should be managed separately, as Identified In the FMP. The TAC may be Increased not to exceed 30 percent annually when warranted by new Information. Any number of Increases may be made so long as they do not exceed 30 percent In any year and provided that no TAC shall exceed the best point estimate of MSY by more than ten percent. Downward adjustments of any percentage are allowed In order to protect the stock and prevent overflshlng. Reductions or Increases In allocations as a result of changes In the TAC are to be as equitable as may be practical uti i Izlng similar percentage changes to all participants In a fishery. (Changes In bag limit cannot always accommodate the exact des I red i evel of change.) 3. Adjusting user group al locations In response to changes In TACs according to the formula spe cified In the FMP. 4. Implementing or modifying quotas, bag limits, or permits, as necessary to limIt the catch of each user group to Its allocation. Rationale: This mechanism Is Intended to adjust TAC and assure a fair allocation of TAC among user groups. The percentage of TAC which Is allocated to each user group Is specified by a formula which Is specified In Section 12.6.3. This approach allows timely management by notice In the Federal Register while retaining substantial Council control. It also allows TAC to be set above or below the long term OY to allow a stock to recover from overflshlng, take advantage of exceptionally good recru I tment, or react to press I ng soc I a i and econom I c Issues. It will promptly Identify overflshlng before damage to the stocks occurs. If a stock has been over fished, the system allows the Councils to balance the severity of regulation against time needed for stock recovery (I.e., extreme restriction of catch will bring a quick recovery but economic disruption) and base the decision on solid scientific advice. The system provides the Councils with a solid scientific basis for recommending bag limits, size limits, or other restrictions as appropriate. It provides a mechanism which strongly encourages scientific research on mackerel and which allows rap I d I ncorportat I on of new b I 0 I og I ca i data I nto stock assessments. 12.6.1.2 ReJected Alternatlve 1 Prior to the beginning 'atest ava I i ab I e stock reported by harvesters of: of each year, the Regional Director wi Ii prepare a written report based on the assessment report prepared by the Nat I ona i Mar I ne Fisher I es Serv I ce, data and processors, and other relevant data. The report wi' I Include consideration 1. the best estimate of the number of stocks, or groups of fish, which require management as separate units and appropriate levels of allowable biological catch for each; 2. exploitable biomass and spawning biomass relative to optimum yield; 3. fishing mortality rates relative to optimum yield; 4. magnitude of Incoming recruitment, and 5. projected effort and correspond I ng catches. 12-13 Based on the Information presented In the report, and In consultation with the Councils, the Secretary will propose annual quotas for king and Spanish mackerel for each Identified group of fish which requires separate management, and divide these quotas Into allocations by user groups by a formula specified In the FMP. The Regional Director wi II publ Ish these allocations In the Federal Register. Comments on the proposed annual allocations may be submitted to the Regional Director within 30 days after publication. The Secretary wi' i consider al I comments, determine appropriate annual allocations and publ Ish them In the Federal Register. Rationale: This alternative places most of the responsibility for annual review on NMFS and the Reg I ona i D I rector. I t removes the Counc I I s from contro I of the fishery without P i an amendment. There I s I I ttl e opportun I ty for techn I ca i rev I ew of the stock assessment by other than NMFS sc I entl sts. 12.6.1.3 ReJected Alternatlve 2 Prior to the beginning latest available stock reported by harvesters of: of each year, the Regional Director wi II prepare a written report based on the assessment report prepared by the National Marine Fisheries Service, data and processors, and other relevant data. The report wi II Include consideration 1. the best estimate of the number of stocks, or groups of fish, which require management as separate units and appropriate levels of allowable biological catch for each; 2. exploitable biomass and spawning biomass relative to optimum yield; 3. fishing mortality rates relative to optimum yield; 4. magnitude of Incoming recruitment, and 5. proj ected ef fort and correspond i ng catches. Based on the Information presented In the report, and with concurrence of the Councils, the Secretary wli i propose total allowable catch levels for king and Spanish mackerel for each Identified group of fish which requires separate management, and divide these TACs Into allocations by user groups by a formula specified In the FMP. The Regional Director wi Ii publ Ish these allocations In the Federal Register. Comments on the proposed annual allocations may be submitted to the Regional Director within 30 days after publication. The Secretary will consider all comments, determine appropriate annual al locations and publ Ish them In the Federal Register. Rationale: This alternative requires concurrence of the two Councils, thus providing more public Input and Council control. It offers less opportunity for technical review than does the preferred a I tern at Ive. Regu I atory response time I siess than the preferred a' ternat Ive but more than the rejected alternative 1. 12.6.2 Separatlon of Mlgratory Groups of Klng Mackerel 12.6.2.1 Preferred DelIneatIon of Klng Mackerel Groups The Councl i s have set seasona I ment purposes. From Apr I I 1 st the two groups. From November boundary (Exhibit 12-3). and areal boundaries to delineate the two migratory groups for manage through October 31st the Monroe/Collier County (Florida) line separates 1st through March 31st the Flagler/Volusla County line, Florida Is the 12-14 Rationale: There Is soe disagreement among scientists on how many stocks of king mackerel are pre sent In the southeast; one, two, or more. However, all agree that at the minimum, mixing rates for fish at the extremes of the range of king mackerel are so low that for practical management purposes the population should be dIvided Into two groups (Section 5.1.1.1). Tagging data show at least two movement patterns, although there may be more. The stock assessment concludes that fishing mortality on the Gulf group of fish has been excessive and needs to be reduced. Further, It IndIcates that fishing mortality on the Atlantic group could Increase. The boundaries set for management purposes are within guidelines recommended by the Scientific and Statistical Comittee. The preferred option of dates and location of boundaries to defIne the migra tory groups would Increase potential king mackerel catch by 525,000 pounds over the May 1st to September 30th option by allowing Florida east coast fishermen to fish the underutllized Atlantic group during April and October. There would be no adverse Impact on the Gul f migratory group of fish. Exhibit 12-3: Seasonal Distribution of Gulf and Atlantic Migratory Groups of King Mackerel with Eastern and Western Zones for Comercial Allocation of the Gul f Migratory Group November Through March April Through October qq 01: 'V ,I: .. '" ~qq qq cf 'V ,I: .. '" ~ qq cf "V ~ qq.. '" ~ 12-15 12.6.2.2 Rejected Alternatlve 1 Set summer boundary at Dade/Monroe County (FI or Ida) I I nee Rationale: The Scientific and Statistical Comittee recommended a Florida. The Dade/Monroe line Is In a high popul atlon area making more difficult than the more remote boundary selected. summer boundary In extreme south data co I i ect I on and en forcement 12.6.2.3 Rejected Alternatlve 2 Set winter boundary at Georgia/Florida' Ine. Rationale: The SSC recommended a division north of Cape Canaveral to the Florida/Georgia i Ine. The state line area has a low population density providing for ease of enforcement and monitoring of catch. The commercial catch of the three northernmost east coast Florida Counties comprises only 1.37 percent of the east Florida catch. There Is a substantial recreational fishery, however, which would be subj ect to the Gu I f group bag i 1m It. 12.6.2.4 AI ternatlve 3 Further divide the Gulf migratory group of king mackerel Into eastern and western Gulf groups for management purposes. Rationale: Louisiana fishermen have stated that they believe the larger fish found off Louisiana In the winter and Texas In the summer do not migrate east of the Mississippi River and thus could be managed as a separate group. The TAC for the Gul f migratory group could, therefore, be subdivided to prov Ide appropr I ate quotas and bag 11m I ts for the separate management un I ts. However, stud I es have shown king mackerel tagged off Texas In the summer have been recovered off southeast Florida In the winter and Florida tagged fish have been recovered In the western Gulf In the summer Indicating mixing of smaller fish. The commercial allocation has been divided, and this meets the desire of Louisiana fishermen to have a fish I ng opportun I ty on an open quota. 12.6.2.5 Rejected Alternatlve 4 Set the seasona I change for May 1 st. Rationale: The SSC recommended a change some time In April which Is the month when Gulf king mackerel leave southeast Florida and the Atlantic group appears In northeast Florida. Landings of the Atlantic group are more substantial than are those of the Gul f group In Monroe County. The benefits of allowing additional harvest of the Atlantic group far outweighed the relatively Insignificant take of the Gulf group In the Keys. More than likely, the Gulf quota will have been taken prior to the last month of the season. This alternative would have reduced potential king mackerel commercial harvest by 525,000 pounds. 12.6.2.6 Rejected Alternatlve 5 Set the seasona i change for Apr I I 15th Rationale: Statistics are maintained on a monthly basis, and It would data Into semimonthly periods since the SSC Indicated either April 1st appropr late. be Impractical to spl It the or May 1st would be equally 12-16 12.6.3 AI locatIons The allocations for the Initial years of the plan as amended are as stipulated In this section. 12.6.3.1 Klng Mackerel Allocation 1 . The TAC for king mackerel Is to be divided between recreational and commercial fishermen based on recent catch ratios. 2. The TAC for king mackerel In the Gulf group Is to be allocated with 68 percent for the recreational fishermen and 32 percent for the commercial fishermen for the Initial year of the plan amendment. This amounts to 9.67 million pounds for recreational and 4.55 million pounds for commerc I a i f I s hermen . 3. The TAC for king mackerel In the Gulf group after the Initial year of this amendment will be allo cated between recreational and commercial (permit) fishermen based on the ratio of the average catch over the most number of years beginning In 1979 for which concurrent recreational and com mercial catch data are available. Following calculation of the R/C catch ratio, two percent Is to be transferred from recreational to commercial allocation to compensate for sal e by recreational fishermen provided the bag limit does not change as a result of the transfer. This calculation Is to be made by the stock assessment group. 4. The commercial allocation for the Gul f migratory group Is to be divided between eastern and western zones with the separation to be the Florida-Alabama border and extending south (Exhibit 12-3a) The allocation Is to be divided as fol lows: After a deduction of 6 percent but no more than 400,000 pounds for the purse seine fishery; 69 percent of the remainder Is allocated for the eastern zone and 31 percent Is allocated to the western zone. For the Initial amendment year, this Is to be: Purse Seines = 284,000 pounds Eastern Zone = 2.94 ml Ii Ion pounds Western Zone = 1.328 ml Ii Ion pounds 5. For the Atlantic group of king mackerel the TAC will be allocated between recreational and commer cial fishermen based on the ratio of the average catch over the most number of years beginning In 1979 for which concurrent recreational and commercial catch data are available. For the Initial year of the FMP this allocation Is 62.9 percent for recreational and 37.1 percent for commercial fishermen. In the Initial year of the plan, this amounts to 7.43 million pounds for recreational and 4.38 million pounds for commercial fishermen. The stock assessment group will calculate the ratio annually. Rationale: The Gulf migratory group has been overflshed and TAC Is a 22 percent overall reduction to rebuild the stock to MSY levels. In order to reduce the catch of various user groups equitably, allo cations based on a measure of historic catch patterns are to be used. In recent years, the recreational fishery has taken approximately 70 percent of the catch with the commercial fishery taking about 30 percent. An allocation ratio of 68 to 32 was selected to al low for recreational catch that Is sold and counted against the commercial allocation. In future years when the TAC changes, the a i I ocat Ions may be ad j usted accord I ng i y. The rationale for the suballocation of the Gulf commercial quota Into eastern and western zones Is to provide fishing opportunity for fishermen throughout the migratory route. Without some means of distribution of the catch, fishermen In one area could take a dIsproportionate share of the quota 12-17 while the fish were present only In that area. The formula specified would provide sufficient fish for the purse seine study and divide the remainder between the historic Florida fishery and the devel oping fishery off Louisiana. Base figures used In the calculations for the Gulf group were the average catches for the period 1975-1979, which Incidentally are comparable to the 1982 catch: 1975-1979 average total = 18.3 M 1975-1979 average commercial catch = 5.536 M 1975-1979 average recreational catch = 12.781 M Allocations: TAC = 14.225 M (22 percent reduction from base) Recreational Allocation = 9.673 M (68 percent of TAC) Commercial Allocation = 4.552 M (32 percent of TAC) Eastern Zone (Florida) = 2.94 M Western Zone (AL, MS, LA, TX) = 1.328 M Purse Seine (Gul f Group) = 0.284 M I:xnlDIT l¿-ja Comparison of Comercial Allocations and King Mackerel Commercial Landings by Calendar Year by Migratory Group and Zone (1979 - 1983) Year Atl antic Group1 Gu I f Group2 E. Zone (FU 3 4 W. Zone 1979 1,921,643 3,593,517 175 1980 2,774,124 4,293,981 0 1981 2,343,367 6,469,133 0 1982 3,834,611 4,178,277 229,186 1983 2,331,662 3,139,542 1,491,947 Allocation 54,380,000 2,940,000 1,328,000 Total Gul f Group 3,593,692 4,293,981 6,469,133 4,407,463 4,631,489 5 4,552,000 Atlantic Group = North Carolina through Monroe County, Florida: April - October North Carolina through Flagler County, Florida: November - March 2 Gut f Group = Coli ler County, Florida through Texas: = Vol usia County, Florida through Texas: Apr I i - October November - March 3 Eastern Zone of Gulf Group = That portion of Gulf Group off Florida 4 Western Zone of Gu I f Group = A I abama throug h Texas 5 Includes purse seine allocations 12-18 The Atlantic group Is presently underflshed, but the catch can be expected to Increase In future years as both recreational and commercial fisheries are expanded. The ratio for allocation therefore Is flexible so that It may be adjusted as the fishery develops. Catch data from both user groups, as they become available, will be used In the recalculation of the allocation ratio. The Imposition of the quotas would not measureably change exvessel prices (Poffenberger and Powers, 1984). 12.6.3.2 Alternatlve AI locations for Klng Mackerel Consldered and Rejected Rejected Alternatlve 1 No separate al location for recreational and commercial fishermen. Rationale: Under and may resul tin there wou I d be no present data collection programs this strategy would render management Ineffective overflshlng. Recreational catch data are not collected on a real time basis, and way to reduce fishing the following seasons If excessive harvest occurred. Rejected AI ternatlve 2 Provide separate commercial at locations for hook and i Ine and net fishermen. Rationale: A sub-allocation could (and did In the first year of plan Implementation) result In a clo sure to one group while the quota of the other was not filled. This was caused by changing patterns In gear use which were not predicted when the sub-quotas were set In the original FMP. Rejected Alternatlve 3 Divide all fishermen Into two groups: hook and I I ne and net fishermen. Rationale: This allocation would require an effective measure of recreational catch In a timely basis not presently available. An annual survey would be required In order to close the fishery when a quota Is reached. Without thIs mechanism overflshlng could occur through the portion of hook and line catch not sold and reported through current commercial statistics. Rejected Alternatlve 4 Maintain the fixed allocation of 68:32 for the recreational :commerclal allocation of the Gulf migra tory group. Rationale: If catch patterns should change In future years, appropriate allocations could be achieved on I y through FMP amendment. Rejected AI ternatlve 5 Allocate 30 percent of the Gul f group TAC to commercial and 70 percent to recreational users. Rationale: The division approximates the average catch of the two groups from 1975 to 1979. Commercial landings decreased somewhat In more recent years, and current recreational data are not yet available. Rejected Alternatlve 6 Establish a fixed ratio for allocation of the Atlantic group of king mackerel. 12-19 Rationale: I ncreas I ng. This group Is presently underflshed and both recreational and commercial fisheries are The ratio of catch can be expected to change as the fl sherles develop. Rejected Alternatlve 7 Provide a sing Ie commercial allocation for the Gul f migratory group. Rationale: With a single commercial allocation, the selection of the fishing year becomes critical to assure fishermen throughout the migratory route an opportunity to fish before the quota Is fl lIed. It Is difficult to select a fishing year which would provide equal access to fishermen throughout the area. Rej ected Alter nat I ve 8 Divide the Gul f group commercial allocation Into eastern and western zones at boundaries other than the Florida-AI abama border. Rationale: The Mississippi River Outlet would have allowed crossover reporting by the Louisiana fleet. A boundary at Cedar Key, Florida, would have provided for facilitation of enforcement but would have placed the Florida Panhandle's large charter fleet In the western zone allocation encouraging fish I ng und er the perm I t quota If charterboats are a I lowed to cross over to fish under commerc I a I per mits. It would also have made management more difficult for the state of Florida. 12.6.3.3 Spanlsh Mac kere i AI location For Spanish mackerel In the Initial years the season wi II close for the remainder of the year when the TAC of 27 million pounds Is reached. The only allocation within the TAC Is for purse seines (see Section D below). Rationale: While this measure could result In a short-term closure of the fishery, It provides a safeguard to prevent overflshlng the stock. The associated short-term economic and social costs of a closure are considered to be small In comparison to protection of the stock and long term biological, economic and social yields. There are Insufficient data at thl s time to divide the stock Into migra tory groups. At the time that the assessment group and Councils determine that divisions or reduced TAC should be Implemented, the regulations may be amended as provided for In Section 12.6.1. 12.6.3.4 Rejected AI ternatlve 1 Establ Ish a formula for development of an allocation ratio for Spanish mackerel should one be needed to reduce TAC I n the future. Rationale: The assessment group will review the stock annually to determine Its condition. A formula reflecting present catch patterns could be Implemented In the event that reductions are needed. At this time the magnitude of any needed reduction Is unknown. It will need to be evaluated carefully with respect to the potential Impacts on users. This action could be addressed more thoroughly through an amendment to the regulations when the full extent of the needed change Is known and can be eva i uated . 12.6.3.5 ~ There are no at locations or quotas for the catch of cobia. Rationale: The Imperfection of the MSY figure due to a dearth of data for this species would not pro vide adequate basis for quotas or allocations. The safeguard to prevent overflshlng Is provided 12-20 through a minimum sIze limit. The commercial fIshery Is small and Is usually not directed specifi cally at cobia. SImilarly, the recreational fishery Is opportunistic rather than directed. 12.6.3.6 Purse SeIne AI locations 1 . An allocation of king mackerel for purse seine purposes Is to come from the commercial quota. Is not to exceed 284,000 pounds In the Initial amendment year from the Gul f migratory group or more than 400,000 pounds from the South Atlantic Council area of jurisdictIon. In subsequent years, the Gul f group purse seine allocation Is to be six percent of the Gul f group commercial allocation, but may not exceed 400,000 pounds as provided for In Section 12.6.3.1. It 2. Within the TAC for Spanish mackerel a purse seine allocation for research purposes annually but Is not to exceed 300,000 pounds from the Gul f and 300,000 pounds from Atlantic Council area of jurisdictIon. Is allowed the South 3. Observers under the direction of National Marine Fisheries Service are required on all purse seine vessels fishing for king or Spanish mackerel during the first three fishing years after this plan I sin ef fect. 4. A bycatch of no more than one percent of kl ng mackerel or ten percent of Span I sh mackerel by weight or number, whichever Is less, Is allowed In purse seines. This bycatch Is to be counted In the purse seine quota, and when the quota Is fl i led, no more of that species may be landed for sale. Rationale: Regulation of the use of purse seines to harvest mackerels Is needed. Implementation of the FMP had removed legal barriers Imposed by state laws and may result In almost unlimited purse seining If no action Is taken. Both Councils and virtually all users of the resource, Including purse seine operators, belIeve that unrestricted purse seining will result In overflshlng and serious socioeconomic Impacts on all users of the mackerel stocks. A recent study (Centaur, 1981), research by Florida DNR (Moe, 1967; Ingle, 1967) and experience of purse seine operators, are all consistent wIth the conclusion that control of this gear Is necessary If Its potential economic benefIts are to be realized without overflshlng the stock or adverse economic Impacts on other user groups. At the same time, the Councils are In a poor position to specify a long-term management strategy for purse seInes because there Is no history or experience In purse seining for these species. For this reason, the proposed purse seine regulations are considered temporary and will be modifIed as soon as sufficient InformatIon 1 s ava I I abl e. The purse seine allocations chosen by the Councils are large enough to allow several vessels to operate. This will allow the Councils to observe mackerel purse seining under normal conditions and develop a long-term management approach to this gear. At the same time the amounts are small enough to have i Ittle adverse effect on other user groups. If any unexpected adverse Impacts develop, the al location wi Ii i Imlt them to a minimum untl I appropriate amendments In the FMP can be made. The allocation for Gul f stock kl ng mackerel Is reduced to correspond with the overall reduction In the TAC for this overflshed stock. During the first partial fishing year of plan Implementation the 16 purse seine boats giving notice of Intent to fish king mackerel landed only a small amount due to the short season. In the 1983-84 season, the 14 boats giving notice are expected to land In excess of 130,000 pounds. All catch Is from the Gul f migratory group and from Florida's east coast. 12.6.3.7 Purse Selne AI locations Consldered and Rejected Rejected AI ternatlve 1 Prohibit purse seine fishing on Gulf group king mackerel. 1~21 Rationale: There Is a limited historic purse seine fishery for king mackerel, and this group Is pre sently overflshed and reduction of catch Is necessary to restore the stock. Purse seines can be used efficiently and can take large catches In a short time. Catches made In 1983-84 season were on the Gu I f stock. The amount to be taken by this gear can be restricted to stay within a reduced TAC, and prohibition of gear without sufficient justification can be construed to be In violation of the National Standards. Rejected Alternatlve 2 Provide a purse seine allocation for Atlantic group king mackerel. Rationale: The purse seine fishery for king mackerel thus far has been limited southeast Florida. The catch has been from Gul f group fl she Theoretically, an on Atlantic group fish could be made In the same area during the summer season. wish to direct fishing for an entire 800,000-pound allocation to one geographic substantial conflict among various gear use groups. to wi nter months In additional allocation The Councl Is did not area which already has Rejected AI ternatlve 3 Provide purse seine allocation to each Council area of jurisdiction. Rational e: The most I I kel y group of kl ng mackerel to be fl shed by purse during winter months. It Is very possible that the total allocation for diction could be taken from the stressed Gulf group. seine Is the Gul f group both Counc I i s' areas of j ur I s 12.6.4 Permits 12.6.4.1 Annual permits are required for boats fishing under the commercial quota on the Gulf king mackerel group. These vessels are exempt from the recreational bag limit. In Initial plan amendment years, permits are not required of boats fishing Atlantic group king mackerel. They may be established under procedures prescribed In Section 12.6.1.1. AI t fishermen who apply for permits (except charter and head boat operators who are Ineligible) must be ab I e to show they der Ive more than ten percent of the I r earned i ncome from commerc I a i fish I ng. Boats fishing a group for which commercial permits are Issued and which do not possess a permit are presumed to be recreational boats and are subject to recreational bag limits. Permits are valid for a fishing year and Owners of newl y reg I stered or documented or documentat I on to obta I n a perm It. are ava II ab i e on i y I n the two months preceed I ng the season. boats, however are allowed a 60-day period after registration Permits are transferable on sale of vessel with new owner being responsible for changing name and address. Persons may appeal to the Regional Director on basis of hardship for Issuance of permits at other times. The Regional Director may Issue permits for cause. Boats with permits must cease fishing for that group or zone of king mackerel when Its commercIal quota Is reached and the season closed. A fee may be charged for the permit, but shall not exceed administrative costs Incurred In Issuing the permits. Fees are expected to be less than ten dollars. RatIonale: It I s the Councl I s' I ntent that the reductions I nail ocatlons made from wi th I n the TAC be 12-22 fair and equitable. This Is to be accomplished by restricting the users to one or the other alloca tion. This wi II also provide further assurance that the TAC Is not exceeded. The Councils believe that requiring permits only of boats fishing a commercial quota that Is likely to be reached during a fishing season Is the procedure which Imposes the least regulation and Imposition on fishermen while stili maintaining the catch within TAC. As proposed In the Initial years of the FMP, there are an estimated 600 commercial boats fishing the Gulf group. The I Imitation of permits to commercial fishing vessels Is not Intended as economic distribution; rather It Is to be a means of achieving an equitable reduction In catch by both recreational and com mercial fishermen. The allocations are based on recent catch ratios. In order to prevent large num bers of recreational fishermen from fishing under the commercial permit system, not selling their catches, and causing TAC to be exceeded through thl s uncounted catch, the permit I Imitation to commer cial fishermen has been added. The ten percent of earned Income from commercial fishing was judged by the Councl Is to be sufficient to Include those who may be partially dependent on social security, retirement benefits, or Investments. New entrants In the king mackerel fishery may establ Ish ellglbl I I ty with a record of I ncome from other commerc I a i fisher I es and bag i I m I t sa I es. Charter boats and head boats are excl uded from permit el Iglbl I Ity because of the probability that many would elect to cross over to permit fishing, thus, either utilizing the commercial quota or exceedIng the TAC with unreported (unsold) catches. The sale of king mackerel by charterboats Is discussed In Section 8.2.2.3. There would be an Impact on those vessels which may seasonally fish commercially for king mackerel. These vessels could continue to sell their catch but would be restricted to the recreational bag limit and could not sell their catch after the commercial quota Is filled. The two percent transfer In allocation provides for bag limit sal e. The Magnuson Act provides that a permit fee may be charged but that It not exceed administrative costs of Issuing the permit. It Is expected that this wi Ii be less than ten dollars per permit. The closure of the permit fishery when the quota Is reached wi II require coord Inated closure by adja cent states In order for this measure to be effective. states wIll be requested to adopt similar measures so that the fishery may be closed In the territorial sea as well as In the FCZ when the quota I s fIll ed for a season. 12.6.4.2 Alternatlve Permlt Requlrements Consldered and Rejected Rejected AI ternatlve 1 Require permits for all vessels fishing for king mackerel. Rationale: Requiring that all vessels fishing for king mackerel have permits would provide a universe for data gathering and would, If separate permits are required, Identify recreational and commercial boats. The public cost of operation and analysis of the system would be large and not cost effective for a sing Ie species. It would duplicate some state i Icenslng programs. Rejected AI ternatlve 2 Require no permits. Rationale: Permits are an Imposition and some vessel owners may forget to obtain them during the available period. Others may wish to enter after a season proves to be particularly attractive. The use of a perm I t system Is, however, I ntended to a I locate the resource fa I r i y and to prevent exceed I ng quotas and the TAC. It would be difficult to enforce a recreational bag limIt when the commercial season I s open. 12-23 Rejected Alternatlve 3 Require all fishermen who sell king mackerel to have a permit and be exclusively under the season quota. Prohibit sale when the quota Is reached. Rationale: This would prevent bag limit fishermen from selling their catch during open or closed season but would require action by the states to require a permit for sale of fish taken In state waters. Rejected AI ternatlve 4 Require permits of any vessels desiring to exceed the bag limit and require that permit vessels cease fishing for king mackerel when the quota Is filled. Rationale: This would allow recreational and charterboats to obtain commercial permits at the risk of ceasing to fish for king mackerel when the quota Is fl lied. Any catch sold would count toward filling the commercial quota, but unsold catch In excess of the bag i Imlt would cause the total allowable catch estimates to be exceeded. Logbooks could be required for permit vessels, but this system would be slow and expensive. Logbooks could be required only of charterboats, but these vessels are not read I i y Identl flab I e. Soe states have no commerc I a t or charterboat I I censes to fac I I I tate Iden tl flcatlon. Rej ected AI ternatlve 5 Prohibit possession of rod and reel aboard permit vessels. Rationale: This would discourage anglers from obtaining the commercial permit and limit permits to handline and net boats. There are commercial rod and reel flsnermen In southeast Florida and Louisiana who fish primarily for king mackerel. The Florida fishermen fish predominantly for the Atlantic migratory group; however, the Louisiana fishermen are dependent on the Gulf group. 12.6.5 Seasonal Closures 12.6.5.1 Klng Mackerel, Gul f Group Boats with commercial permits must cease fishing for Gulf group king mackerel In the FCZ of a zone for the remainder of the fishing year when the commercial quota Is reached for that zone. King mackerel caught In a zone after the quota Is reached for that zone may not be sold. For the Initial years, the Gul f group quota Is 32 percent of the TAC or 4.552 ml Ii Ion pounds. The suballocation Into zones Is provided for In Section 12.6.3.1. The allocation for purse seines and seasonal closure Is separate. 12.6.5.2 Klng Mackerel, Atlantlc Group Commercial fishing for Atlantic group king mackerel must cease In the management area for the remainder of the fishing year when the commercial quota Is reached for that group. King mackerel caught In the management area after the quota Is reached for that group may not be sold. For the Ini tial years this quota Is 37.1 percent of the TAC or 4.382 million pounds. The allocation for purse se I nes and season closure I s separate. 12.6.5.3 Span I sh Mackere I Fishing for Spanish mackerel wi I I cease for the remainder of the fishing year when the TAC Is reached. For the Initial years the TAC Is 27 ml Ii Ion pounds. 12-24 Rationale: In order to maintain fishing within the TAC, the commercial fishery for king mackerel will be regulated by a season which wi II close when the commercial quota Is attained. Comercial catch data can be obtained on a real time basis to monitor the landings and promptly close the fishing season at the appropr late time. The prohibition of sale of king mackerel from the zone or migratory group whose season has been closed wi Ii further separate the allocation to user groups, deter crossover of fishermen to supply a market void, and facilitate enforcement of the closure. The purse seine allocation and seasonal closure Is separate. 12.6.5.4 Seasonal AI ternatlves Consldered and Rejected Rejected Alternatlve 1 No closed season. Rational e: Closed seasons are not presentl y i I kel y for other than Gut f group kl ng mackerel for wh Ich a reduction from present catch Is required. This reduction could be achieved through commercial trip limits or bag limits. Both would reduce harvest efficiency and Increase production costs. Rejected AI ternatlve 2 Close season for king mackerel on all fishermen when TAC Is reached. Rationale: This would require capability of monitoring catch of all fishermen who fish under the TAC on a real time basis. This ability does not presently exist for the recreational fishery. Rejected Alternatlve 3 Close the fishery I n the terr I tor I a I sea of the states as we I I as the FCZ when the perm I t quota Is reached and prohllt sale of the species. Rationale: While this procedure would promptly close the fishery, It would usurp the authority of the states without due process. The action may be beyond the authority of enabling legislation. 12.6.6 Bag LImIts 12.6.6.1 Klng Mackerel The recreational allocation will be controlled by bag limits for anglers per boat trip. Different bag i Imlts may be set for anglers on charter or private recreational vessels. The catch limit for pri vate boats without commercial permits Is two fish, per person, per trip, for only Gulf group king mackerel In Initial years. The bag limit for charter boats Is two fish, per person, per trip, for all persons on the boat, or three fish per angler, per trip, excluding captain and crew, whichever Is greater. Rationale: Statistical catch data on the recreational fishery cannot be obtained In sufficient time to regulate the fishery through quotas within a season. A bag limit, however, may be used to limit future catch to a predefined level, as In this case, within the TAC. Studies have shown that the catch rate of charter boats I s higher than that of pr Ivate boats. The catch rates al so vary geographically. The same trl p bag limit for all recreational boats provides a larger percent reduc tion for charter boats (34 percent) than for private boats (22 percent) and for all boats In high yield areas than In low yield areas. Similarly, expert fishermen wi II experience a greater reduction In catch than lesser skilled fishermen. 12-25 E xh i b it i 2 3 b E x p e c t e d p e r c e n t r e d u c t t o n t n a n n u a l r e c r e a t t o n a l c a t c h o f k i n g 8 i c k e r e l f r O i t h e G u l f M i g r a t o r y G r o u p r e s u l t i n g f r O l p r o p o s e d b a g 1 1 . l t s o n n u M b e r o f f t s h p e r t r t p . R a n g e o f u n c e r t a i n t y I n t h e e s t t . . t e I s 1 1 5 0 g t v e n . ( F r o m E l d r i d g e a n d P o w e r s , 1 5 8 3 c ) . . P ri va te V es se h C h a r t e r V e s s e l s r P rt va te , C h a rt e r C O It n e d ' B e s t e s t 1 . l t e ' B e s t . e s t l . a t e B e s t e s t ' . i t e B i g I t . l t t n ' o f ci tc h ' ~ . of c at ch ~ o f c a t c h ~ I/ tr l re d u ct t o n 1 r e d u c t t o n I ow re du ct I on 1 a '. 45 34 56 75 69 82 53 44 63 4 35 24 47 . 6 9 61 77 44 34 55 5 28 17 38 63 54 72 37 27 47 6 22 12 32 57 47 67 31 21 41 7 17 8 26 52 42 63 27 17 36 8 ,1 4 6 22 48 37 59 23 14 32 9 . 11 4 18 44 33 55 20 12 28 10 9 3 15 40 29 51 17 10 25 11 7 2 12 37 25 48 15 8 22 12 6 1 10 34 22 45 13 7 19 ~ 13 5 1 ' 8 31 20 42 . 1 2 6 17 N 14 4 1 7 28 17 39 10 5 16 I N 15 3 0 6 26 15 37 9 5 14 ' ' " 16 3 0 5 24 14 34 8 4 13 17 2 0 4 22 12 32 7 3 12 J8 2 0 3 20 11 30 7 .3 10 19 1 0 3 19 9 28 6 3 10 20 1 0 2 17 8 26 6 2 9 21 1 0 2 16 7 25 5 2 8 22 1 0 1 15 6 23 5 2 1 23 1 0 1 14 6 22 4 2 1 24 1 0 1 13 5 20 4 J Ii 25 0 0 1 12 4 19 3 J 6 l/ A ss u. es 7 2. 97 1 of t he r ec re it to na l ca tc h co m es f ro m pr lv it e ve ss el s an t he r es t fr o. c ha rt er v es se 1s . S e e T a b I e 2 . E x h i b i t 1 2 3 c E x p e t e d p e r c e n t r e d u c t i o n I n a n n u a l r e c r e a t i o n a l c a t c h o f k i n g 8 I k e r e l f r O l t h e G u l f M i g r a t o r y G r o u r e s u l t i n g f r O l p r o p o s e d b a g 1 1 . l t s o n n U 8 e r o f f i s h p e r p e r s o n p e r t r l p l . R a n g e o f u n c e r t i l n t y I n th e e st .I .. ~ I s ils o g iv e n . (F ro m E ld ri d g e a n d P o w e rs , 1 9 8 3 c) . . 8 1 g L I . l t I n '/p er so n/ tr l P r l v a t e Y e s s e l s C h a r t e r V e s s e l s B es t es ti .a te B es t es t i. at e o f ci tc h ~ o f ci tc h ~ re du ct io n II ) L oW ' r ed uc ti on I I) L ow H T P rl vi te & C h ir te r C O Iln e B e s t e s t ' u t e . of c at ch ~ re du ct io n II ) L ow I '. 2 45 22 34 12 3 4 11 6 5 6 3 2 o o N I N -. 7 8 i i o o 56 32 69 48 61 37 77 59 52 29 41 ig 6t 39 9 5 25 17 4 I 18 10 34 24 22 14 45 34 17 11 3 i 11 8 6 3 17 13 8 5 26 20 7 5 i I . 5 4 2 1 9 7 3 2 15 1 2 3 2 l A s s . . s 3 p e o p l e p e r p r l v i t e v e s s e l t r l p l A d 4 p e o p l e p e r c h a r t e r v e s s e l t r i p ( c h a r t e r v e s s e h e x c l u s i v e o f ci p til n in d c re w ). . 2 A s S U 8 S 7 2 . 9 7 1 o f t h e r e c r e a t i o n a l c i t c h C 0 8 S f r O l p r l v i t e v e s s e l s l A d t h e r e s t f r O l c h a r t e r v e s s e l s . S ee T ab le 2 . . ( Exhibits 12-3a and 12-3c were compl led from boat surveys In Texas, northwest Florida and North Carolina. Soe assumptions must be made, when one uses the tables, on the average rate of catch and number of fishermen on boats. An average vessel limit of six fish per trip produces a 22 percent reduction for private vessels while a vessel limit of 17 fish per trip produces a 22 percent reduction for charter boats (see Exhibit 12-3b). This Is because charter vessels have a higher catch rate than private vessels. Similarly, a bag limiT may be set as a limit per person per trip by using the average number of fishermen: two on private vessels and four on charter vessels excluslve of captaln and crew. The reduction In catch can be projected using Exhibit 12-3c. A bag 11m I t of two fish, per person, per tr I p wou I d red uce the pr I vate vesse I catch by 22 percent, the charter vessel catch (Including captain and crew) by 34 percent. A three fish limit for charterboats, excluding captain and crew, would also provide a 34 percent reduction for this group based on the average number of four ang lers and two crewmen. (3 x 4 = 2 x 6 = 12). An overall weighted reduction for all recreational vessels Is 25 percent. The Councils opted for the two fish, per person, per trip on private and a two fish - three fish option for charter vessels as being equitable to the anglers and providing sufficient fish for a worthwhile recreational fishing experience while achieving the goal of catch reduction. This achieves the needed reduction of 24 percent. Charterboat operators testl fled that though the average catch would be the same with the two fish for all or three fish excluding captain and crew, the higher limit would be more acceptable psychologically on prospective clients. The Councils, therefore, provided thl s option. The measure will necessarily result In some temporary sacrifice of catch In order to restore the stock to MSY levels In a reasonable period of time. 12.6.6.2 AI ternatlve Bag Llmlts Consldered and Rejected Rejected Alternatlve 1 No bag limit, restrict the recreational catch by closure. Rationale: The MSY level could be restored In one year with total closure of the fishery. have a severe economic Impact on all users (see Exhibit 12-2). This would Rej ected AI ternatlve 2 Estab i I sh a different 11m I t of two, three, or four kl ng mackerel per ang i er, per tr I p. taln and crew from allowable boat catch. Excl ude cap Rationale: To accommodate a TAC of 10.9 mil I Ion pounds, the Florida Marine Fisheries Commission requested a bag limit of two fish per angler, per trip, exclusive of captain and crew on charterboats. A two fish per angler, per trip limit would provide an overal i 29 percent reduction, more than Is required to restore the stock In the goal of three years. The limit Is particularly restrictive on charter vessels which would experience a 48 percent reduction In catch. Furthermore, It would be dif ficult to justify the exclusion of Individuals from participation In the fishery. Following Is the expected time until recovery of the Gulf migratory group assuming that Florida adopts a 2.94 ml II Ion pound commercial quota (for territorial waters and the FCZ) and assuming the following recreation bag limit strategies. (Note that recovery time Is defined here as the time untl i the stock reaches 90 percent of Its level at maximum productivity.) 12-28 Expected Number of Years to Recovery 0) Proposed regulations; 4.55 ml II Ion pounds commercial quota and two fish per per limit. 3.0 years 1) 2.94 ml II Ion pounds commercial quota; 2. f Ish bag limit In Florida territorial waters; 3 fish elsewhere. 2.3 years 2) 2.94 million pounds commercial quota; 2 fish bag limit In Florida territorial waters and Florida FCZ; 3 fish elsewhere. 2.2 years 3) 2.94 million pounds commercial quota; 2 fish bag limit for all areas of the Gulf migratory group. 1.6 years There Is a great deal of uncertainty In estimating future abundance. There Is a significant chance that the stock will not recover under any of the strategies; likewise, there Is a smaller chance that the stock wi II recover I n a shorter time than I s estimated above. However, the above recovery times are best estimates for the a i ternatlve management strateg I es. These projection analyses are primarily based upon data from 1980 and previous. Commercial catches have declined somewhat since 1980. We do not presently have estimates of the recreational catch available for 1981-1983. But If they, too, have declined, then the projected recovery times above are underestimated. However, the relative change In recovery time between the alternative strategies would remain approximately the same (Powers, 1984). A four fish limit would provide only 11 percent or half of the Intended goal of a 22 percent reduc tIon. Unfortunately, a half fish cannot be Included as part of the limit. Rejected AI ternatlve 3 Provide higher king mackerel bag limits for fishermen on charter vessels. Rationale: Because average charter vessels have higher catch rates than average private vessels an equal bag limit constitutes a greater percentage of reduction for charter vessel s. A lower bag limit for fishermen who cannot afford to charter could be considered as unfair. Presumably, charter cap tains are more ski lied and thus more successful than the average private vessel fisherman. However, there are a i so ski I led pr Ivate vesse i fishermen who fa Ii I n the category of hav I ng a greater reduc tion. Any bag i Imlt wi Ii affect some fishermen more than others. Rejected AI ternatlve 4 Provide for different bag limits by geographical area. Rationale: Fish In the western Gulf may be larger than those taken In the eastern Gulf; therefore, the average bag i Imlt may constitute a greater catch In weight. Fish may be more abundant In some areas and may contain a mixture of fish from another migratory group. The Councl Is are, however, reg u i at I ng each migratory group as determ I ned by the best ava I i ab Ie techn I ca i data, as a un It throughout Its range In accord with the Magnuson Act. The bag limit Is Intended to reduce the number of fish caught as a percentage of the present catch. It Is not derived from the weight or size of fish. 12-29 Rejected AI ternatlve 5 Provide for a three fish per angler, per trip bag limit for all recreational boats and exclude captain and crew on charterboats. Rationale: This was the option selected by the Councils for presentation at the first round of public hearings. It achieved an overall recreational reduction of only 17 percent Instead of the needed 24 percent (see Section 12.6.3.1). It was discriminating toward the captain and crew of charterboats. Rejected Alternatlve 6 Allow retention of one king mackerel over 50 Inches In length In the FCZ only off Louisiana. Rationale: The recent development of a commercial winter fishery for large, female king mackerel occurred off Louisiana where these fish tend to school seasonally. Although larger fish do occur In other areas throughout the range of this migratory group, they apparently are most available In the area off Louisiana where In excess of one million pounds was landed during the 1982-83 winter season. Rejected Alternatlve 7 A bag limit of one cobia per person per day be Implemented In the South Atlantic Council area where data support the need for the measure. Rationale: This measure would have reduced recreational enjoyment of the fishery on those occasions when more than one per day Is caught. It would have also had a significant Impact on cobia tour naments which are held throughout parts of the regions. The potential benefits In reducing harvest were felt to be unnecessary at this time. Rejected AI ternatlve 8 Prohibit the sale of cobia. Rationale: The commercial fishery for cobia Is not a major directed fishery and the total commercial catch Is small compared to the recreational catch. Thus, this measure would have little beneficial biological Impact. It would, however, Interfere with the operations of a certain number of fishermen. Rejected AI ternatlve 9 No more than one kl ng mackerel per tr I p, may be reta I ned from bag i Imlt or commercial quota. more than 50 I nches fork I ength or 53 Inches tota I i ength per person, the Gulf of Mexico FCZ In boats fishing either under the recreational Rationale: A new winter commercial fishery for large king mackerel was developed off Grand ISle, Louisiana, In the 1982-83 season. Approximately 1.2 million pounds of mostly large females were landed. Tagging studies conducted by NMFS at the time showed the fish ranged up to about 70 pounds (1,516 mm fork length). The mode was between ten and 25 pounds, however, with less than one percent over 40 pounds. The Impact of the Increased catch from these schools of large females Is not known. The Councils' Scientific and Statistical Committee advised a conservative approach In exploiting this group until better data become available. The SSC did, however, recommend against this measure as being Ineffective. Returns from fish tagged from this group through 1984 are from off Louisiana, Texas and Mex I co. 12-30 12.6.7 SI ze Limits 12.6.7.1 Spanlsh Mackerel Minimum size limit Is 12 Inches fork length or 14 Inches total length. An undersized catch of up to five percent by weight of the boat catch 9f Spanish mackerel Is allowed. Rationale: The 12-Inch minimum size for Spanish mackerel would prevent the harvest of fish below the size required for optimum biological yield. A 12-Inch Spanish mackerel Is 0.5 years old and weighs approximately 0.5 pounds. Maximum yield per recruit Is obtained with an average age at recruitment of 1.0 years, when fishing at F 1. Because age at recruitment Is an average and not all fish In a yearo. class become vulnerable at exactly the same age or size, fishing mortality must begin at a slightly younger and smaller size to obtain the required average. Under the present conditions In the fishery, both the beneficial and negative Impacts of this measure are relatively minor because the catch Is small. The major benefit of this measure Is to prevent the development of a large fishery for small fish. Such a development would have a negative Impact on the total yield of the fishery and on the availability of the more desirable, larger fish. The State of Florida al ready Imposes a 12-lnch minimum size limit. Ninety-eight percent of the commercial catch and a large proportion of the recreational catch Is currently caught In Florida. South Carolina also Imposes a 12-Inch minimum size. Texas has a commercial size i Imlt of 14 Inches total length which Is comparab I e. There appears to be i Ittle or no negative economic or social Impact of these management measures. The desirability of fish smaller than 12 Inches Is much less. Sport fishermen generally prefer a larger fish. Such small fish are too small to fillet or cut Into steaks, i Imltlng their marketabl i Ity. The meat yield Is low limiting Its food value to sport fishermen and other consumers. Fish this small are currently not caught to a significant extent In the commercial fishery. The five percent allowance of undersize fish prevents waste through the variance allowed since gill nets are not perfectly selec tive. Fish that are caught and which would not survive release may be retained within the five per cent var lance. Alternative percentages for Measure B(2) were rejected because five percent was considered large enough to provide for any Incidental harvest and small enough to discourage marketing of small fish. There wi Ii be a slight negative Impact on some recreational fishermen who wi Ii be prevented from catching smaller fish. This catch Is not thought to be large; most occurs within state waters. Release mortality Is not expected to be high since It Is fairly easy to release Spanish mackerel In the recreational fishery. These fish would soon enter the fishery at legal size. 12.6.7.2 ~ Minimum size Is 33 Inches fork length or 37 Inches total length. Rationale: The 33-Inch size limit for cobia supports and Implements the chosen OY alternative. It protects the stock from recruitment overflshlng, should stabilize the fishery at or near MSY and will Increase the present total yield, average size and availability of large, trophy-class fish. Although the majority of the stock(s) and total catch occur In the management area, there Is some evi dence that the extension of this measure Into the waters off the mid-Atlantic states may have a bene ficial effect on some populations of cobia. The Gulf and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils will provide the Mid-Atlantic Council and the Secretary with the available data In order that the Mid-Atlantic Council can determine the suitability of this measure for their area of jurisdiction. 12-31 This measure would Interfere with the current fishing activity of those now taking fish smaller than 33 I nches. Because the cob I a Is pr Imar I I Y a sport fish and most sport fishermen des I re a large fish when seeking cobia, the negative Impacts on user groups of this measure are small. It appears that much of the small cobia are caught Incidentally while seeking other species. There wi Ii be some short-term loss of production to the commercial fishery, but potential yield wi Ii Increase In the long term. This long-term Increase In yield Is estimated at between 13,000 and 41,600 pounds worth $8,150 over the next five (present value with ten percent discount factors). Th Is fishery I s of the nature of a suppl ementa I catch. The tota I va t ue of commerc I a i cob I a has been I ess than $60,000 per year I n the Un I ted States and most are be i I eved to be larger Inches. The landings are widely distributed between Texas and Virginia. I and I ngs than 33 12.6.7.3 Size Llmlt Alternatlves Consldered and Rejected Rej ected AI ternat Ive 1 Provide a four (4) pound size limit for king mackerel for all fishermen both commercial and recreat I ona i . Rationale: The four pound size limit corresponds to a 25-Inch limit. This measure would prevent har vest of king mackerel below the size of a maximum economic yield. It was rejected because survival rate of released king mackerel by the average recreational 1st would be low and because most recreational fishermen are nonselective In the size of fish they catch. In addition, the measure wou i d have had a severe econom I c and soc I a I I mpact on the recreat I ona i sector I n some areas since In some years In specific locations as much as 79.5 percent of the catch Is less than 25 Inches In fork length (northwest Florida In 1978, based on data suppl led to Councl i by NMFS, Panama City Laboratory) this measure would be to virtually eliminate a very valuable fishery In that and other areas. The potential gain In total yield was not considered of great enough value at this time to offset the adverse Impact on the recreational fishery. Rejected Alternatlve 2 Prohibit purchase, sale, or processing for commercial use king mackerel under 25-Inch fork length. Rationale: This measure would have slightly Increased the abundance of larger fish, slightly decreased commerc I a I catch, and s I I ght I Y I ncreased the average pr I ce per pound. When proposed, th I s measure did not appear to have any significant negative Impacts. Its major benefit was to prevent development of a large commercial effort directed at small fish. Objections to this measure were raised at public hearings and during a National Marine Fisheries Serv I ce rev I ew of the p i an. Pub i I c comment I nd I cated that a bycatch of sma II kl ng mackere I occurred In gill-net catches of SpanIsh mackerel and that this measure would cause unavoidable and at times substantial waste. This measure was rejected by NMFS because It discriminates against commercial fishermen when no similar restriction Is placed on recreational fishermen who also have a large catch of small king mackerel. The Counc I Is rej ected the measure for the above reasons. Further, they reasoned that I f the catch of small fish needed to be reduced In the future, It could be accomplished through measure 12.6.1.1. Rej ected AI ternat Ive 3 No more than one king mackerel more than 50 Inches fork length or 53 Inches total length per person, per trip, may be retained In the Gulf of Mexico FCZ. 12-32 Rationale: the winter. This measure would limit the catch of large female fish found schooling off Louisiana In Less than one percent of the catch off Lou I s I ana I s I arger than th I s size, however. 12.6.8 Gear RestrictIons 12.6.8.1 Klng Mackerel GIII Nets M In Imum mesh percent king catches. size may not be I ess than 4-3/4 I nches stretched measure. A bycatch of no more than ten mackerel as compared by number with Spanish mackerel Is allowed In smaller mesh net Rationale: This measure will slightly Increase biological vent recurrence of wasteful fish I ng practices, he! p reduce effectiveness of regulation by the State of Florida. and economic yields of king mackerel, pre user group conflicts and Increase the This measure wi II eliminate the recurrence of a wasteful fishing practice, the use of small mesh gl Ii nets to take king mackerel. At times, particularly along the southeast Florida coast, gli I-net fishermen have used small mesh gill nets designed to catch Spanish mackerel, In trying to catch king mackerel. During 1978 and 1979, an extremely Intense conflict developed along the southeast coast between g I II-net fishermen and hook and I I ne fishermen. Much of th I s conf I I ct concerned a II eged loss or "drop-out" of king mackerel from gl Ii nets. Subsequent testimony at several pub i Ic hearings and research Into the drop-out problem Indicated that dropout from 4-3/4 Inch stretch mesh nets was pro bably minimal but that significant waste had occurred when small mesh nets were used. To the degree that waste occurs with use of small mesh nets, this measure wi I' Increase the potential yield from the fishery. Use of I arge mesh nets resu I ts I n harvest of larger, more va i uab I e fish. Freezer processors are the major market for gl II-net catches. These processors report that smaller fish are less desirable and that large catches of small fish would result In lower exvessel prices. The size distribution of catches made with 4-3/4 Inch stretch mesh results In the optimal marketable product. Tr I a I and error exper Imentat Ion by commerc I a I fishermen I nd I cates that the 4-3/4 I nch mesh size I s the optimal mesh size for maximum average catches out of the average size distribution In fish schools on which the nets are normally set. Only when set on schools of fish which are primarily smaller than 25 Inches fork length wi Ii this mesh size be Inefficient. During the normal fishery, schools of such sma II fish are uncommon. This measure will aid the State of Florida's enforcement of Its Identical regulation, reducing enforcement costs to the state and Improving effectiveness of that enforcement. 12.6.8.2 Purse Selnes for Kln~ and Spanlsh Mackerel Owners or operators must: 1. Notify the Regional Director In writing of Intent to fish for king or Spanish mackerel 30 days I n advance of fish I ng year and I nc I ude number of vessel s and area to be f I shed, and 2. Notify Center Director 48 hours In advance of trip, and 3. Report catch to Center D I rector, and 4. Accommodate observers for sc I ent I f i c and stat i st I ca i purposes for the first three years of p I an operation, and 12-33 5. Possess a commercial quota permit, If required, to fish on that migratory group. See Section 12.6.3.6 for allocation and rationale for purse seines. The Councils have provided an allocation with observers required for the first three years of the plan In order to evaluate the effect of the use of purse seines In this fishery. The procedures outlined assure availability of observers for purse seine vessels as needed. 12.6.8.3 AI ternatlves for Gear Regul atlon Consldered and Rejected Rejected AI ternatlve 1 other minimum mesh sizes for king mackerel gill nets. Rationale: Alternative mesh sizes were considered and rejected because (1) there was no reason to believe that any mesh sizes, either slightly larger or slightly smaller than 4-3/4 Inches would be more beneficial than the proposed mesh; (2) a mesh size smaller than 4-3/4 Inches would conflict with Florida law causing difficulties In enforcement for both state and federal agencies; (3) the proposed mesh size Is consistent with advice of the Advisory Panel, review by the Scientific and Statistical Committee, and present fishing practices In the Industry; and (4) an Increase In the minimum mesh size would adversely affect the Industry by forcing many operators to purchase new nets. Rejected AI ternatlve 2 No minimum mesh size for king mackerel gill nets. Rationale: It may be argued that no regulation Is needed, that the fishery wi Ii pol Ice Itsel f. This argument Is patently false In open access fisheries such as this one. Competition and economic pressure often force fishermen Into Inefficient fishing practices or practices which are detrimental to the stock even though many fishermen may realize the long-term negative aspects of their activi ties. The use of smal I mesh nets to catch king mackerel on the east coast of Florida Is a prime example. It has been well established by trial and error of other fishermen since the early 1960s that large mesh nets (approximately 4-3/4 Inches) result In the best and most efficient harvest of king mackerel. On the southeast coast of Florida small mesh nets were used by fishermen who did not yet have large mesh nets, many fishermen knowing that small mesh nets were less efficient. Less than optimum catches and waste through drop-out were the resul t. Rejected AI ternatlve 3 Restrict the use of spotter aircraft In the king mackerel fishery. Rationale: This measure would reduce the efficiency of fishing effort of a particular user Spotter aircraft are used predominantly by large boat gilinetters and by a small percentage and line boats. These actions may make more fish available for other user groups. group. of hook This measure was rejected because It would reduce economic efficiency, and Increase the variability of the catch. This would adversely affect the economic returns of the user groups being restricted, and cause Interruptions In the supplies of fish to consumers. Since catch limits are provided to prevent exceed I ng MSY, the use of spotter pi anes wi II not i ead to overf I sh I ng. Rej ected AI ternatlve 4 Restrict the number of i Ines and hooks used In the king mackerel fishery. 12-34 RatIonale: This measure would also reduce the efficiency of fIshing effort for a particular group. It was rejected because of the adverse economic effect on the user group being restricted and possibly reduced supply to traditional consumers. It was not considered to be necessary because of catch I Imi tations to prevent exceed I ng MSY. Rejected Alternatlve 5 Use of purse seInes to harvest king or Spanish mackerel In the area of jurisdiction of the South Atlantic Council shall be prohibited except for specified research. Rationale: The South Atlantic Council proposed this measure because of Its belief that use of purse se I nes wou I d be detr Imenta' to the fishery and that I ts use shou i d be proh I b I ted unt I I research showed that It could be used safely. The measure was disapproved by the Secretary of Commerce for the fo Ii ow I ng reasons. There was not enough Information In the plan to demonstrate that purse seines would be harmful to the fishery and that total prohibition was necessary and appropriate. The measure appears to violate National Standard 2, which specifies that regulations be based on the best scientific InformatIon available. The measure restrIcts purse seines more severely In the South Atlantic than In the Gul f, without deve loping a reason for the difference. This violates National Standard 3. The total prohibition of purse seines was considered an allocation of fishing prlvl lege to users of other gear. With no conservation or other rationale given, this violates National Standard 4. Finally, a total prohibition without clear reasons violates National Standard 5 which requires efficIent utilization where practicable. The South Atlantic Council was unable to develop sufficient reasons to answer the objectIons of the Secretary of Commerce, and rejected the measure In favor of measures allowing limited use. 12.6.9 Measures to Resolve User Conflict 12.6.9.1 Procedure for Regulatory Amendment To resolve user or gear conflicts for king and Spanish mackerel the Secretary of Commerce, after con sultation with the affected Councl Is and states, may by regulatory amendment: 1 . When conflict arises from expansIon of a historIcal fishery In a traditIonal fishing area, the Secretary may separate users or gear by area or time, assign local quotas based on historic catch, or limIt use of gear. 2. When con f' I ct ar I ses from I ntroduct I on of gear Into may prohibit use of the gear, allow limited use for area, or allow unrestricted use of gear. nontraditional fIshing areas, the Secretary evaluation, limit number of units In conflict 3. When con f I I ct ar I ses as a resu I t of circumstances I n the fishery other than as descr I bed In (1) or (2) above, the Secretary may Imp i ement the measures descr I bed above or take other appropr I ate action to resolve the conflict In a manner consistent with the goals and objectives of the plan, National Standards, MFCMA, and other applIcable law. Rationale: In the mackerel fishery there Is a long history of conflict between users of net gear and of hook and line gear. Because of the seasonal nature of the fishery, direct conflicts are usually of short duratIon, one to eight weeks per year, and may reoccur In the same area each year. Because of the mobilIty of the gill-net fleet and the migratory habits of the fish, these conflicts may arise suddenly, with little warning. As effort by all groups Increases and commercial gear technology con tinues to Improve, expanding the fIshable area available to net gears, the potential for conflicts 12-35 Increases. It Is expected that such conflicts wi' I further Intensl fy In the future and spread to areas where no direct conflict exists today. These measures are designed to enable the Council to address gear and user group conflicts as quickly as possible through the use of the regulatory amendment process. They delegate authority from the Councl I to the Secretary of Comerce to address such conflicts. The del egatlon of authority Is i Imlted by certain fixed guidelines. In practice, the Regional Director of the Southeast Region of the National Marine Fisheries Service acts as designee for the Secretary In Implementing this measure. It Is Intended that any action taken by the Regional Director wi II be based on consultation with and recommendation by the Councils. Should the action (or nonactlon) of the Regional Director be unaccep table to the Council, the plan amendment process can be started. If action Is needed, the Regional Director, after consultation with the Councils, will Issue proposed regulations. If significant, an Environmental Impact Statement and Regulatory Analysis will be pre pared. Public hearings wi II be held to allow full public review before final regulations are Issued. The entire process requires a minimum of 90 days but Is expected to require more time under normal circumstances. Because mackerel fisheries are highly seasonal, It Is likely that a regulatory amend ment could not be Implemented until the fishIng season one year after a conflict develops. In some cases, where conflicts are partlcul arly Intense, regul atlons wi Ii be needed very qulckl y. At such times the Councl I s expect that emergency Impl ementatlon of a regul atory amendment wi Ii be necessary. This will reduce the required Implementation time to less than 30 days. 12.6.9.2 Procedure for Regulatlon By Notlce In the Fed era I RegIster To resolve user or gear conflicts for king mackerel In the area off southeast Florida between 27°0.6'N latitude In the vicinity of Fort Pierce the Secretary, after consultatIon with Council Chairmen and State officials, may by notice In the Federal Register establ Ish fishing windows to separate gl i 'net and hook and line fishermen by area or time. He may close the area to fishing for king mackerel to all fishermen If the conflict results In death, serious bodIly Injury, or significant gear loss. Procedures for evaluating the existence of a conflict: 1 . The following procedures must be employed by the Regional Director In his decision process regarding the existence of a conflict for which a notice Is appropriate and prior to the Implemen tation of such a notice. ( a) At such time as the Regional Director Is advised by any party that a conflict exists, he must confirm the existence of such a conflict through InformatIon suppl led him by NMFS, U.S. Coast Guard or other appropriate law enforcement agencies. ( b) I n the event that such I nformatl on I s not ascerta I nab I e from those i aw enforcement personnel as provided In (a) above, such confIrmation may be made through Information suppl led by per sonnel of the state agency wi th mar I ne fishery management res pons I b I I I ty. ( c) Confer with the Chairmen of the affected Councils, mar I ne fishery management res pons I b II I ty, and such deems appropriate, If any. the office of the state agency(s) with the other persons as the Reg I ona i D I rector 2. When the Regional DIrector, Southeast Region, NMFS, determines, based on rei lable Information, that a conflict, as described In FMP Section 8.2.6, exists or Is about to exist, he wi II take one of the following actIons by notice. The time period during which such restrictions shall be enforced will be determined by length of time a direct conflict exists or Is expected to exist. 12-36 ( 1) Establ Ish a fishing window within the following points: (see Ex h I bit 12-4) ( a) Bethel Shoal light (27° 44.3'N, 80° 10.4'W). ( b) A wreck 15 miles southeast of Fort Pierce Inlet (27° 23.5'N, 80° 3.7'W). (c) Marker WR 16, five miles northeast of Jupiter Inlet (27° 0.6'N, 80° 2.0' W) . (d) 100 fm depth due east of point c (27° 0.6'N, 79° 55.0'W). (e) 100 fm depth due east of point b (27°23.5'N, 79° 54.0'W). ( f) 100 fm depth due east of point a (270 44.31N, 790 53.5' W) . The Regional Director may prohibit use of gill-net gear to take king mackerel within the area a-b-e-f, b-c-d-e or a-c-d-f. If additional action Is needed, prohibit use of hook and line gear to take king mackerel within a window landward of a line between the points a-b, b-c or a-c. (2) Establ Ish two fishing zones seaward (east) of state jurisdiction. These zones shall be the waters of the FCZ between 27° 10' north latitude and 27° 50' north latitude divided Into two areas along the line of 27° 30' north latitude. ( a) In the fIrst year In which a conflict arises, the use of gl II nets for taking of king mackerel shall be prohibited In the area south of 27° 30' north latitude and use of hook and line gear for taking of king mackerel shall be prohibited In the area north of 27° 30' north latitude. In any succeeding year when a conflict develops, the area In which each gear Is proh I b I ted may be changed. ( b) When a conflict arises, use of each gear within the zone between 27° 10lN and 27° 50lN may be al ternated da I i y. ( I) On even days of the month, use of g I II-net gear to take kl ng mackerel may be proh I blted. (I I) On odd days of the month, use of hook and line gear to take king mackerel may be prohibited. ( c) Close the fIshery for king mackerel to all users within the zone between 27° 10'N and 27° 50'N. This measure shall only be Imposed If the conflict results In: ( I) Death or ser lous bod I I y I nj ury. (I I) Significant gear loss. 3. Restrlctlons on Regulatlon By Notlce In the Fed era I Register ( a) No regulation by Fed era i Register notice may be Implemented which results In the exclusive access of any user group or gear type to the fishery during the time the field order Is In ex I stence. ( b) A regulation by Federal Register notice may be rescinded by the Regional Director If he finds through application of the same procedures set forth In (1) above that the conflict no longer exists. 12-37 Exhibit 12-4 - Area divisions possible under king mackerel Measure B. .; ~ .~ ~ ~ i lOa F thoms 27 50' N f 27 10' N Ft. Piere Florida e 27 la' N d 12-38 (c) No regulation by Federal Register notice may be Implemented for a time period greater than fIve (5) days except under the conditions set forth In Section (e) below. ( d) At such time as the Regional Director submits to the Federal Register a regulation for Imple mentation under these provisions, he shall Immediately arrange for a fact-findIng meeting In the area of the conflict to be convened no later than 72 hours from the time of Impl emen tatlon of the field order. The following shall be advised of such fact-finding meeting: ( 1) The Cha I rmen of the affected Counc I Is; (2) The office of the state agency with fishery management responsibility; (3) Local med fa; (4 ) Such user group representatives or organizations as may be appropriate and practicable; (5 ) others as deemed appropriate by the Regional Director or as requested by Chairmen of the affected Councils or the state agency. This fact-finding meeting shall be for the purpose of evaluating the following: ( 1) The existence of a conflict needing resolution by the field order; (2 ) The appropriate term of the field order, I.e., either greater or less than five (5) days; (3) other possible solutions to the conflict other than federal Intervention; (4 ) other rei evant matters. ( e) In the event It Is determined as a result of the fact-fInding meeting that the term of the regulation should exceed five (5) days, the Regional Director may, after consultation with the Chairmen of the affected Councils and the Involved state agency, extend such fIeld order for a period not to exceed 30 days from the date of Initial Implementation. In the event the Reg I ona I D I rector determ I nes that I tis necessary or appropr I ate for the term of such reg u i a tlon to extend beyond 30 days, such extension may be made after consultation with the Chairmen of the affected Councils and for such period of tIme as necessary and appropriate to resolve the conflict. Rationale: This measure addresses an existing conflict (see Section 8.2.6) by separating groups of fishermen who use different gears. This will reduce the severe social and economic confl lets which have occurred In this fishery In recent years. The measure offers considerable flexibility In response to this gear conflict. If, after the plan Is Implemented, little or no actIve conflict exists, no action need be taken. If an active confl let again develops, several options are available. The most appropriate can be Implemented by notice In the Fed era I Register within a very short time period. The procedures for evaluating the existence of a conflict ensure that no unnecessary action wi II be taken. Rapid public review, through the required fact-finding meeting, will ensure that the most appropriate action had been taken. This Is par ticularly Important If the fishery Is totally closed. In that case the fact-fInding meeting can then be used as the basis to choose a less restrictive solution to the conflict. Option (1) would establish an Inshore, offshore division of the users. Several alternatives for closed areas are provided to ensure that a viable solution Is available which affects the least possible area. The division corresponds to a natural and traditional separation of fishing grounds. 12-39 Hook and I I ne fishermen norma I I Y fish over rocky reef areas, most of wh I ch are enc losed with I n po I nts a-c-d-f. Net fishermen more often fish over smooth bottom, most of which Is located Inshore of a line between points a-b-c. Nets can only be used over rocky areas when wind and currents are unusually calm. Options (2)(a) and (2)(b) would establish a north/south divIsion of fishing grounds. Within a designated zone, fish schooling at any depth or over any type of bottom would be available to the designated gear. This measure Is equally restrictive to both user groups. Neither group Is per manently restricted from any área. The average availability and catch of each user group Is not expected to be affected, although short-term fluctuations may be Intensified. KIng mackerel are pres ent I n both areas every year, but the area of greatest concentration and best catch per un It ef fort may sh I ft from year to year. Sh I ft I ng ava Ii ab II I ty may be advantageous or disadvantageous to either group In the short term, but each group shares an equal risk. Option (2)(c) provides for total closure of the fishery In cases of extreme conflict. This measure can be used as a cool lng-off period. Rapid public review through the required fact-finding meeting can result In a less restrictive field order within a very short period of time. The area affected Is a major fishing zone. IndIan RIver. For the period 1972-1977, an harvest was landed In those counties during It lies off the coast of two average of 17 percent of the the affected time period. counties, st. Lucie and tota I annua I U. S. commerc I a i Approximately 200 of the estimated 300 hook and line vessels In the fishery are based In these two counties and fish primarily In the affected area. A significant, but unknown number of vessels from other areas al so fish In the area. The number of commercial hook and i Ine fishermen affected Is esti mated at 320 or more. The number of large power roller gl II-net vessels based In the area Is unknown. Because of the high mobility of the gill-net fleet, all of the vessels In Florida could be expected to fish this area at some time. In most years, approximately 30 vessels or less are present. The number of fishermen affected I s est Imated at 120. The number of private recreational or charter boat fishermen who might be affected by this measure Is unknown. Efficiency of both gears wi II be Increased by separation. At present the setting of gl II nets Is sometimes delayed or prevented by the presence of hook and line fishermen over schools of king mackerel. Conversely, many fishermen allege that the setting of gill nets on a school of fish which have congregated over a given spot disperses that school and makes the fish less available to hook and i I ne fishermen. 12.6.9.3 AI ternatlves to Resolve User Conflicts Consldered and Rejected Rejected AI ternatlve 1 When a conflict results In repeated acts of violence, the Secretary shall aid In the prosecution of the perpetrators of the violence, and shall Implement as a temporary emergency measure one or more of the options under Section 12.6.9. Said temporary emergency measure shall remain In effect no more than 45 days (or 90 days). Rationale: This measure was orglnally part of the recommended measures for resolving gear and user group conflicts. It was felt to be unnecessary. 12-40 Rejected AI ternatlve 2 In the areas of Brevard, Indian River, st. Lucie, Martin and Palm Beach Counties of Florida, dense concentrations of Incompatible gears, particularly commercial hook and line gear and gill-net gear, cause Inefficiency In the use of both of these gears. Therefore, optimum use of the resource Is not achieved. In order to achieve optimum use, the following gear restrictions are proposed. The following Is to be In effect from April 1st to April 15th, In the FCZ off of Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin and Palm Beach Counties of Florida: That commercial net boats be prohibited from fishing for king mackerel In a water depth of more than 60 feet, but less than 110 feet. That commercial hook and line boats be prohibited from fishing for king mackerel In a water depth of less than 50 feet. Charter and recreational fishermen are specifically excluded from this restriction. That In the overlapping zone where both groups are allowed equal fishing rights, commercial hook and I I ne, charter or recreat I ona I boats are req u I red to ma I nta I n a reasonab i e and proper d I stance from gl I I-net boats In the process of fl shlng and that gl II-net boats maintain a reasonable and proper dl stance from commercial hook and i Ine, charter or recreational boats engaged In trolling over a body of king mackerel so as not to disrupt the fishing activities of the hook and line boats by setting nets In the area where tr.oll boats are engaged In fishing. Rationale: This measure would separate two groups of commercial mackerel fishermen to avoid gear conflicts. The separation Is by depth and time. This measure was not proposed because (1) there are overlapping zones In which fishing can take place by both gear types; and (2) the length of the separation In time, although at the peak of the season, Is not long enough to at low for different availabilities of mackerel year to year. Because of these factors enforcement would be difficult, conflicts may stl II occur, and efficient use of both gear may be Inhibited. Measure B was adopted as a more flexible alternative. The positive aspects of this measure were Incorporated Into Section 1 of Measure B. Rejected Alternatlve 3 Establ Ish seasonal net free zones In the FCZ off the east coast of Florida In coordination with a clo sure of portions of Florida's territorial waters. The closures proposed by the Florida Marine 'Fisheries Comission (FMFC) would be located near Key West and Fort Pierce from January 1st through March 31st. This measure was Included for public discussion at the request of FMFC. Rationale: i Ine drawn d Itlonally favored by Channel. FMFC had requested consideration of a net free zone In the FCZ three mIles seaward of a between Satan Shoal and Coalbln Rock (Exhibit 12-5). According to FMFC this area was tra used on I y by hook and i I ne fishermen pr lor to 1978, and there are other areas nearby net fishermen which would remain open Including No Man's Land, smith Shoal, and Boca Grande The area proposed for closure by FMFC off Fort Pierce Is between Loran Coordinate lines 43450 and 43220 and wou I d extend of fshore I nto the FCZ to the 100 fathom Isobath (Exh I bit 12-6). The area Is presentl y f I shed by both hook and I I ne and net fishermen. Net fishermen, however, did not fish the offshore portion prior to 1978. FMFC proposed to resolve gear conflict and by conducting studies In the areas determine whether net fishing can affect availability of fish locally by reducing abundance, disrupting schools, or changing habits of the fish. In addition, the stock assessment Indicates overflshlng of the Gulf group, to be 12-41 possibly severe. If king mackerel segregate Into local populations, FMFC suggested some additional restriction on netting to protect some of the local population Is justified as a biologically conser vative approach to a stressed resource. FMFC believes that these netting restrictions are prudent to maintain and net fishermen within Its proposed quota of 2.9 million pounds for Gu I f group. a ba i ance between hook and I I ne the commerc I a i harvest of the The Councils rejected the proposal because the commercial fishery Is to be limited to an annual quota and because the plan already provides measures to resolve gear conflict off Ft. Pierce. 12.6.10 statlstlcal Reportlng Measures A. The Councl I s conceptua II y accept a i and I ngs survey system and creel census data system that woul d provide sufficient Information for fishery management. Sample frequency, rates and mechanics of the system are to be developed by National Marine Fisheries Service for approval by the Councils. B. Require a reporting system for all user groups and processors based on statistical sampling whereby It would be mandatory for a selected respondent to provide answers to the sampling questionnaire on a recurring basis that Is not of great frequency. One of the major problems In this fishery Is lack of data needed to estimate MSY and monitor the pro posed user group allocations. This greatly Increases the risk of overflshlng. The present data collection system Is Inadequate to provide the Information required for this FMP. The above measures have been carefully considered In order to minimize costs and burdens on respondents, while obtaining the necessary Information. This Is achieved using a statistical sampl lng, rather than a complete cen sus approach. Also, the statistical reporting system specified In this plan will be Integrated with those for all plans In the respective Council areas In order to achieve efficiency and standardization. Reporting Measure A provides a method of obtaining both commercial and recreational catch and effort. Statistical surveys by mall and/or telephone will delineate the statistical universe of users and gather data on participation rate and economic characteristics. Creel census samples wi Ii be used to obtain data on recreational catch rate combined with data obtained from commercial producers to esti mate total catch and effort. This measure Is required to provide the data needed to Implement the proposed allocation system for the recreational sector and to develop catch and effort data needed for MSY determination. This system Is considered to be the most cost effective way to provide that data with the least Imposition and cost to the users of the resource. Impacts on the users woul d be i 1m Ited to the amount of time required to answer the required questions and would be Imposed on only a small sample of the users. The system Is stili In the process of development and there Is little Information available on required sample sizes or survey costs. Costs to the government cannot be accurately estimated at this time, although they are expected to be substantial. Costs are tentatively estimated at approximately $80,825 to $81,859 for all coastal pelagic species. Because this system Is used for all plans In the Gulf and South Atlantic, the costs per management plan are expected to be small In relation to the va i ue of the fishery. The proposed measure has cost advantages over other systems. Rei yl ng entlrel y on a creel census system would be accurate but would be prohibitively expensive. Statistical surveys by phone or mall of the entire popul atlon of the southeast I s expensive and has proven to be hlghl y Inaccurate. Combining statistical surveys with a creel census wi Ii reduce the required creel census sample. Therefore, the costs of obta I n I ng catch per un I t effort and tota i catch data wi II be great I y red uced. 12-42 ., .. .'" ',-: :::.-~~, . A~li "'. ~ '~"';j!-~.' :~:, ::, I.'" ,'tlll~. .~~ ~~- ~ (':' "", . : '" "-- " .. .."',. ; . ~ ~ ~;;;-~l ~ l, 'l~)"'c- .~. .~..~,,., ;; ~.". -!)-1~~:.~ \ ;;:~J.:- . :~ ~~-::: --~;r "' .; . '" -- --'::~ t ":, ':-. ~.I, ;;. ,l!i::'-::Il.:.,- -' '-=¡ -~ -- ~~ . ft..- -. -- 1 :('? :(~- -~Lj -= ..' - --- -- '~'F ~!: c~ 'i'" -"-"''1, gfA G - ... .' .... a:" f';; l"" sf-/ y~. ~ 1 ~ :-1-'-,; ) . f l ,~ ~r' . :.. h. . ll~' , ~ ~ ¡j ~.. ! L -..0 ,'.\,., i ' .~:¡ . r- ~'-'. 'j''~/'" ~y'" .¡ -', 1 .. - :I- .. l-~ - ~~ i==- ''', ~'r:~.l' :. ''Vl A ) ;,4,. a. . . "--: ',. "'", / 1(..; ~ -,'.. / .% i ö l'r : :r"¡ 1I~. . i "'," , dJ¿ ,'~~ , '1 .. f ~ J i ~J = /~ ;;~ '., , , '"; .. iI , , , . \ ::. --; - , I ~~ Y ~ a ./ ..~--/:.\.- "----..."" ..i':.~.:'..~-~ "/' iJI' , ~ ¡¡. ',/.,. , "! ': -"-"' . ---.. , . :: /; .,'1 ¡~. , ¡r\.. '. \I W (. ~ ,\i ,'- .. . 'I~ " ~'.).... 11 ': . l "", GI ,"',¡ t:r. '.1' ~ . ¡ ;: ~ .r. .. : . ".. ",.ft ~ ~ == , ~ ~J . -- ..L /:/ / ¡ Q Q ¡ ;¡z i ~ .. J' i 1 " l ~f . .. l (,. I" .;0 ~ . . "::;~ ~~~::\~j ., ...r r::~.~:.~~ -. . li. .....--. ~ " "' :-:'1. l . - ~~ ;; ;: a .. "V '.. -:.CV, 12-43 . ~ . ~ ~ t .: ~ i: a ~ 00 00 ~ ~ a a a:;u .0 00 '' '' Q) I Q)'i N 00 J.- a Q) p. .c.¡ a 00 'i- J.'i .0 i: ~ 'i .c 00 Q) x Q) i: ~ i:'i a J. N ø :: Q) Q)' co J. '' ~ ~ J..¡a Q) i-Z~ ;;, \ \ \ \ .. ~ \ ~\ ~\ i.(' \ Vero Beach N' + , 10 nautical miles 4 60 feet ",", I 120 fcet ,,' óQO'fcct "" . \ \ I e ZONE f Primary Fishing Grounds ~I'''~ Seconèary Fis~ing Grounds ~\\:~ ~orth of "12" Grounds = Offshore Bar 1 2= 12-44 Reporting Measure B supports Measure A by requiring a reply from those persons selected for the survey. It also Includes processors In the mandatory reporting requirement for that Information deemed necessary by NMFS. This Information Is already being collected on a voluntary basis, but some processors do not report at present. Costs of th I s measure are I nc I uded I n Measure A. 12.6.11 Rejected Statlstlcal Reportlng Measures c. Permits for all users for statistical purposes only. This measure was considered and rejected because It was unnecessarily burdensoe on vessel owners. D. For Spanish mackerel - A mandatory trip ticket system for all charter and head boat operators. This measure was considered and rejected as not cost effective. obtained from a sample of operators. Sufficient Information can be E. Require commercial fishermen to report catch and effort using trip tickets. Rationale: This measure would greatly Improve measures of total catch and fishing effort needed to monitor the fishery. It was rejected because funding required to Implement the system Is not available. The National Marine Fisheries Service Is developing a unified approach to data collection In the Southeast Region which wi Ii attempt to collect the required data at a lower cost. Approved Measures A and B are cons I stent wi th th I s approach. F. ( 1) Require logbook reporting of king mackerel for all charter and headboat operators. ( 2) Require logbook reporting of Spanish mackerel for a statistical sample of charter and head boat operators. The sample shall be limited to the minimum necessary for management needs. Rationale: This measure would provide precise measure of catch and effort and catch per unit effort for a signifIcant portion of the recreational fishery. It was rejected because (1) funding may not be available and (2) It Is discriminatory to one user group. 12.7 Trade-offs Between the Beneflclal and Adverse Impacts of the Preferred or Optlmal Management Options Optimum yield was selected by trading off unlImited access to the resource to protect against over fishing. The selected management regime Is Intended to restore depleted stocks and achieve MSY levels. The preferred management options represent the trade-offs Involved In minimizing the adverse Impacts on anyone user group. The 22 percent reduction In catch from the Gulf king mackerel migratory group Is proposed as a short term- trade off to provide long term stab I i Ity and higher yields. 12-45 13.0 REVENUES FROM THE FI SHERY AND MANAGEMENT COSTS 13.1 Revenues The major Impact of proposed manaqement In this plan are benefits to be derived from restoration of the king mackerel Gulf migratory group to produce MSY. Various alternatives were considered In Section 12 and are evaluated by Poffenberger and Powers (1984). The proposed action of reducing catch by 22 percent to restore the kIng mackerel stock In about three years would over a ten-year period produce 127.8 million pounds valued at no less than $124 million. This presumes a dIscount rate of five percent and places equal value ($0.97 per pound) on both recreational and commercial catch. ThIs Is a very conservative value for the recreational catch of 89.1 ml II Ion pounds over the period. Following discussions at the Councils' ScientIfic and Statistical Committee meeting, further discount ca i cu i at Ions were performed us I ng three percent. Rates of five and ten percent were used In Poffenberger and Powers (1984) and because of the physical nature of landings, It was argued that a rate closer to the real rate of return (I.e. a rate that does not Include compensation for InflatIon) shou I d be used. A discount rate of three percent was used I n the South At i ant I c Snapper-Grouper FMP. The results from a three percent discount rate show that the Councl Is' management option of 22 percent reduction In catch would be anticipated to have a larger present value than the other alternatives considered In the FMP. The relative PVs for three percent for the four alternatives are i Isted below. SensitivIty analysis of present values for king mackerel catches (millions of pounds) resulting from management strategies as calculated by Poffenberger (personal communication) using 20-year time span at 3 percent discount rate with a 32-68 percent catch a II ocat I on between commerc I a i and recreat I ona i fishermen: One-year Morator I um Phased Reduction Status DuoCouncl i Choice 342.5 M 342.0 M 340.6 M 248.6 M The relative values of the numbers are close In all options. hor I zon s, however. These will shift with different time Without remedial action, the Gulf king mackerel stock can be expected to decline further to 65 to 70 percent of MSY for an annual yield of something less than 12 ml II Ion pounds. Annual permits Issued to fish for Gulf group king mackerel under commercial quota are expected to be about 600 In number. Cost not to exceed administrative costs would be under $10 each. Poffenberger and Powers (1984) summarize the effects of the proposed regulations as follows: Commercial FIshery (Gul f Group) o exvessel decrease wou i d be pr Ices wou i d I ncrease on the average approx I mate i y $ O. 02 In landings resulting from a 4.2 mIll Ion pound quota; no anticipated from a 4.5 mill Ion pound quota. per pound due to the meas ur ab i e pr I ce Increase o the geographical boundaries, Monroe/Collier (Florida) county line for the winter fishery and the Florida/Georgia state line for the summer fishery, would reduce the potential catch of king mackerel In the Gul f group (which ranges from Texas to the respective summer or winter boundary), by approximately 240 pounds In relation to other alternatives for these boundarIes. 13-1 o the seasonal boundaries, April 1st through October 31st for the summer fishery and November 1st through March 31st for the winter fishery, would Increase the potential king mackerel catch an average of 525,000 pounds annua II y In reI atlon to other al ternatlves for the seasonal boundaries. o the twelve-month fishing (or quota) year begins July 1st and ends June 30th, which places most of the effects of the quota on hook and line fishermen on the east coast of Florida during March. Recreational Fishery (two fish per angler, per trip - charters have option of three excluding captain and crew) o available data are Inadequate to estimate the effects on the demand for recreational fishing. o perm I t system forces fishermen boat operators who fish I n the by th I s system. to choose between the commercial quota and a bag limit; charter Gulf of Mexico are anticipated to be the most severely affected 13.2 Costs Like I y to be Incurred In Management P I an Deve' opment13.2.1 The cost of development of this amendment Includes expenses and salaries of Councils and staffs, and costs for meetings of Advisory Panels and Scientific and Statistical Committees for review. Also Included are printing costs and expenses for public hearings. Total. cost Is approximately $95,000. NMFS costs would add $30,000 for a total of $125,000. 13.2.2 Data Collectlon and Monitoring NMFS estimates Its data collection and monitoring costs for this management unit to be $76,750 per year and costs for the states to be about $52,000. 13.2.3 En forcement Costs Enforcement costs for the original FMP were estimated to be $294,000. Additional costs for enforcing the amended FMP are estimated to be $40,000 per year If states adopt compatible regulations. If they do not, costs are estimated to be about $64,000. 13-2 14.0 SPECIFICATION AND SOURCE OF PERTINENT FISHERY DATA 14.1 Genera I Certain key data are vital to effective fishery management. Better statistics on catch and effort are needed to provide more precise management Information for the coastal pelagic fishery. The type of data specified In this plan to be required from the public has been carefully considered to minimize the burden on respondents whl Ie obtaining the necessary Information. This wi II be achieved by using statistical sampling where practical, rather than a complete census approach. AI so, the statistical reporting system specified In this plan will be Integrated with those for all plans In the respective Council areas In order to achieve efficiency and standardization. The required data elements have been carefully considered so as to require only those for which there Is a critical need. In addition to statistical data collection, areas of needed research have been spec I fled In order to encourage appropriate groups to undertake efforts to Improve the Information base for effectively managing the fishery. 14.2 Domestlc and Forelgn Harvesters Reporting requirements for domestic fishermen are discussed In Section 12.6.10. In addition to the above data reporting provisions, the Councils have recommended that the National Marine FIsheries Service provide the Councils with a draft logbook for distribution to the coastal migratory pelagic recreational fishermen that could be filed on a voluntary basis. There are currently no foreign fishermen participating In the fishery except for an Inconsequential Incidental catch. No TALFF (total allowable level of foreign fishing) will be available under this plan. However, foreign fishermen taking species In the managment unit as a bycatch must cooperate In reportl ng the amount of such catch. 14.3 Processors Processors are required to report under the provisions In Section 12.6.10. Such reporting will the duty to cooperate In gathering commercial catch and trip ticket data for those who purchase d I rectI y from fishermen. Incl ude 14.4 Areas of Research Needed to Improve the Management Information Base Effective management of the coastal migratory pelagic resources wi II be fostered as Improved research Information becomes available. The Councils have recommended: A. That the research needs as they apply to king mackerel be Instituted according to the following pr lorlty order: 1. Provide better estimates of recruitment, natural mortality, fishIng mortality and standing stock for king mackerel. Information Is needed on mortality resulting from the bycatch of king mackerel In the Spanish mackerel fishery. Specific Information should Include an esti mate of total amount caught and distribution of catch by area, season and type of gear. Determining the catch In gl II-net gear should be given first priority. 2. Determine the number of separate stocks of king mackerel, their seasonal distribution and migration patterns and the distribution of fishing effort between stocks. 14-1 B. 3. Determine size distribution of the catch by area. 4. Determine the effect of purse seine use on king mackerel stocks. Research should Include size d I str I but I on of the catch, bycatch of other spec I es, catch per un It ef fort, ab I I I ty of f I sher men to determine the size and species composition of the catch prior to pursing the net, and ability to rei ease a school unharmed. 5. Conduct migration stud les to determine normal king mackerel migration routes, variations In these routes, and the climatic or other factors responsible for these variations. 6. Determine the relation between migration of prey species (I.e., herring), and the migrations of kl ng mackerel. 7. Assess the extent and effect of gl II-net fallout. That the research needs as they apply to the Spanish mackerel stock be Instituted according to the following pr lorlty order: 1 . Provide better estimates of recruitment, natural mortality rates, fishing mortality rates, and stand I ng stock. 2. Determine the number of separate stocks, their seasonal distribution, migration patterns and the d I str I but I on of fish I ng ef fort between stocks. 3. Determine the effect of purse seine use on Spanish mackerel stocks. Research should Include size distribution of the catch, bycatch of other species, catch per unit effort, ability of fishermen to determine the size and species composition of the catch prior to pursing the net, and ability to release a school unharmed. 4. Conduct migration studIes to determine normal and changes In coastal migratory pelagic migra tion routes and the climatic or other factors responsible for changes In the environmental and habitat conditions which may affect the habitat and availability of stocks. 5. Assess the extent and effect of g I II-net fa II out. 6. Determine the relation between migration of prey species (I.e., herring), and the migration pattern of the stock. Better estimates of recruitment, natural mortality, fishing mortality, and size of standing stocks are Important to prov I de more prec I se es Imates of MSY. Know I edge of kl ng mackerel bycatch I n the Span I sh mackerel fishery Is needed because of the possibility that this bycatch may be large enough to adver sely affect the directed king mackerel fishery. Determining the number and characteristics of separate stocks (If any) of king and Spanish mackerel Is Important because of the possibility that separate stocks exist and that some stocks may be fished more heavily than others. Size distribution of the catch and any differences by area will be very Important If the Councils consider size limits on king mackerel as a method to limit total harvest. This may require a long-term, on-going sampling program. Migration studies are needed because questions have arisen as to the reasons for king and Spanish mackerel not being as abundant In certain areas during certain years. In particular, fisher men have pointed out that king mackerel became less and less abundant during 1976, 1977, and 1978 In areas of the northern Gulf of Mexico. A better understanding of the cyclic nature of king and Spanish mackerel migrations and the possible relationship to migration of prey species would greatly contri bute to their effective management. Research on the extent and effect of gl II-net fallout Is needed to resolve questions which have been raised as to the number of fish kl lIed but not harvested during 14-2 gilinetting operations and the effect that this has on the status of the stocks. on this topic has been Initiated for king mackerel. A research proj ect 14.5 Specl flc Research Requl rements for the Amendment to Coastal Mlgratory Pel ag Ic FMP Amendment of the plan has provided the flexibility for annual assessments of stock size and condition and for annua I Impl ementatlon of the management measures needed to assure that the stocks are ma In talned near a MSY level. In order to manage the fishery under this provision of the plan, specific scientific Information wi II be required. This section delineates these data collection and research requirements. Initially, emphasis on research and data collection should be directed toward providing Information for management of king and Spanish mackerel stocks, but eventually similar Information will be required for other species managed under the plan. 14.5.1 Stock Assessment Requ I rements 14.5.1.1 Catch and Effort Information i n order to Improve upon or mod I fy MSY estimates and other stock assessment parameters, a time ser les of catch and effort statistics Is required on a timely and continuous basis. Most of these data are currently being collected, but the timeliness of data availability must be Improved and more specific analyses of the data collected will be required. Other required data elements will necessitate changes In data collection programs or new programs. The data requirements are as fol lows: A. Total Commerclal Catch and Landlngs Statlstlcs by Area and by Month Landings data are currently collected by NMFS and state port agents and are available by county, by month. This program should continue and be broadened to Include those commercial sales not currently monitored. Catch data by statistical grid Is collected through general canvas surveys. The Interview frequency for king mackerel vessels should be Increased In these surveys. Data entry format should allow disaggregation of catch Information by month or season. B. Comerclal Effort and CPUE Data by Gear Type, by Area and by Season Port agents In conducting general canvas surveys should collect Individual vessel CPUE data. Effort data for the commercial harvest of mackerel are generally not available and are needed for stock assessment. C. Tlmely, Total Recreatlonal Catch and Landlngs by State (or area) and by Season (or Bimonthly i nterva i) The annual national recreational surveys conducted by NMFS collect catch and landings Infor mation and should be continued. The timeliness of data availability should be Improved. Specific consideration should be given to producing more rapid preliminary estimates of mackerel catch by state and by season or bimonthly sampling Interval. D. Recreatlonal Effort and CPUE by Area and by Season (or Blmonthly Interval) Data currently collected by Intercept creel clerks for the national recreational survey should be anlayzed to provide CPUE for mackerel caught by persons fishing from private recreational and charter boats. The regional charter boat survey should be expanded to ade quately sample each area for CPUE on both a man-hour and vessel-hour basis. 14-3 14.5.1.2 Mortality, Age and Growth Information The estimates of mortality are critical to setting ABC and TAC for the stocks, and age and growth parameters are used In establishing mortality estimates. Mortality estimates are required on a con tinuous, annual basis and should be available for various geographical areas throughout the range of the stocks. Data needed for these estimates are as follows: A. Size Frequency and Sex Informatlon for Flsh Harvested by Gear Type, by Area and by Season These data are partlculary needed for mackerel harvested In areas outside of Florida and should be collected on an annual basis. Port agents or other technicians should periodically measure length frequencies of commercial catches by subsampllng. Recreational catch should be per I od I ca Ii y mon I tored by NMFS I ntercept survey cree i clerks or state b I 0 1 og I ca i person nel, possibly under the cooperative statistical program with NMFS. Particular emphasis should be placed on monitoring the catches of large king mackerel from off Louisiana. B. Size/Age Information Agreement between stud I es on ag I ng measuring length frequency of king i aboratory personnel. king mackerel Is not good. Federal and state personnel mackere I shou I d co Ii ect oto i I ths for ag I ng stud I es by NMFS 1 4. 5.2 Stock Def I nit I on Req u I rements Information Is needed to determine whether additional migratory management groups exist and to more clearly define the separation between groups and their migratory patterns. Data needed are as follows: A. Tag and Recapture Information In further defining the migratory groups of mackerel and their migration patterns, tagging studies should be conducted with particular emphasis on king mackerel populations off Louisiana and In the south Texas/Mexico area. Additional tagging should be carried out off southeast Florida during April to more clearly determine which migratory group Is dominant In that area dur I ng Apr I I . B. Genetic Difference Evaluations Electrophoretic studies of king and Spanish mackerel tissue should be continued. C. Movement Information The reg I ona I charter boat survey shou i d be ut I i I zed geographically stratifying participating reporters first, I ast and peak catches each year. to determl ne movement patterns by and analyzing Information on dates for 14.5.3 Year C I ass Strength Pred I ct I on Req u I rements The management strategy for king mackere i, at I east I n the Gu If, I s to ma I nta I n the stock at near MSY levels adjusting the management measures to compensate for smaller (more restrictive measures) or larger (less restrictive measures) year classes entering the fishery. Methodology for' predicting year class strength should be developed. The relationship between larval abundance and subsequent year c i ass strength shou i d be exam I ned. Spawn I ng areas and samp I I ng times and areas for I arva I abundance 14-4 should be delineated so that this relationship can be studied. Such sampling areas should be Included MARMAP or other annual surveys. Length/frequency and bycatch Information should be examined for use fulness In predictions, etc. 14-5 15.0 RELATIONSHIP OF THE RECOMMENDED MEASURES TO EXISTING APPLICABLE LAWS AND POLICIES 15.1 Flshery Management Plans Other existing or anticipated fishery management plans have little effect on the Coastal Pelagic Fishery Management Plan. Implemented plans which affect the management area are the Shrimp and Stone Crab FMPs In the Gulf and the Surf Clam FMP on the Atlantic Coast. Fishing for, or regulation of stone crabs have no significant Impact on coastal pelaglcs. The Shrimp FMP may affect coastal pela glcs through predator-prey relations. The Shrimp FMP will promote long-term reduction In bycatch of groundflsh, a significant food source for mackerels. This may have some beneficial effect on mackerel populations. Gulf Reef Fish and Coral FMPs have also been Implemented. None of these plans Is expected to have significant Impact on coastal pelagic resources. Implementation of this FMP will have little Impact on other management plans. Harvest of coastal pelaglcs has little If any Impact on species regulated by other FMPs. There Is substantial overlap of fishermen and vessels between coastal pelaglcs and spiny lobster, stone crab, and reef fish. However, this FMP is not expected to result In any displacement of user groups or major changes In abundance of coastal pelaglcs. Therefore, It Is not likely that the FMP will substantially affect fishing activity for other spec I es. The statistical reporting system proposed In this plan will be Incorporated Into the total data collection effort for all plans In the Gulf and South Atlantic regions. This will achieve coor dination, minimize costs and keep to a minimum the burden on respondents. 15.2 Treatles or Internatlonal Agreements There Is no significant foreign participation In the Gulf and South Atlantic coastal pelagic fishery. There are no specific treaties or International agreements applicable to this management unit other than the general governing International fIshery agreements. These are general bilateral agreements In which the participating nations agree to abide by the fishing regulations of the other nation when fishing In their waters. Currently there have been no applications for foreign fishing permits for any spec I es I n the mangement un I tin the Gu i f and South Atl anti c reg Ions. There I s reported I y an occasional but Insignificant Incidental catch of king mackerel by Japanese longllne vessels. 15.3 Federal Laws and Policies Many federal laws and policies relate to this management unit In a peripheral way. However, there are no applicable federal laws or policies which wi II significantly constrain any of the measures of this plan. The Intent of all data collection efforts under this plan Is to maintain the confidentiality of Individual responses as specified by the Privacy Act. Porpoises which are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act occasionally Interfere with catching species In the management unit, and cause certain problems for fishermen; however, the provisions for this plan do not threaten the existence of the porpoise. Section 7 consultations have been conducted to determine If measures In this plan have adverse Impacts on any threatened or endangered species as listed under the Endangered Species Act. A Section 7 consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service concerning sea turtles and marine mammals resulted In a biological opinion that the plan was not likely to jeopardize these species. Consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service resulted In a conclusion that the FMP will have no affect on the brown pelican or the West Indian manatee. The plan Is In keeping with the Coastal Zone Management Act In that It Is consistent with state coastal zone plans to the extent practicable. Other federal laws such as the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act may constrain fishing for the species In the management unit to a limited extent; however, there are no adverse affects to management under this plan. 15-1 15.4 state and Local Laws and Policies Florida, and some other states In the absence of federal law, have claimed jurisdiction over the "operations of all fishermen and vessels of this state engaged In the taking of such fishery resources within or without the boundaries of state waters." (Florida state Code, Section 370.02 (1) (a)). Such extended state jurisdiction has been upheld In the courts prior to the federal government's Initiation of a management program under the FCMA. The FCMA Is assumed to supercede the state code In conflict In all waters beyond the state jurisdiction to the 200 mile limit coming under federal juris diction. In most cases, those state laws and policies not In agreement with this FMP wi II not adver sel y Impact proposed management measures for the FCZ, nor wi II they Impact overall management of the fishery. The State of Florida prohibits possession of foodflsh (except tuna) taken with a purse seine both Inside and outside state waters. This law wi II conflict with activity legal under the plan. Florida also prohibits possession of gl Ii nets used for taking of king mackerel which have a hanging depth of more than 200 meshes, 4-3/4 Inch stretch mesh In any county along the AtlantIc coast, with the excep tion of Monroe County. This may Interfere with gill-net operators fishing In the FCZ. If tested In court, It Is likely that the portions of these laws which apply to fishing In the FCZ will be struck down. If this happens, It wIll become more difficult for the state to enforce these regulations as they appl y to state waters. When federal regulations which provide for bag limits and seasonal closures on the filling of quotas are Implemented, It becomes crucial that adjacent states promulgate similar measures. (Florida adopted the two fish bag limit for Gulf group king mackerel In December of 1984.) Because regulatory flexibility Is proposed to adjust the federal management measures to the states of the stocks, state regulatory authority should be similarly responsive under Ideal circumstances. Without compatible measures In state waters, enforcement of federal regulations would be difficult, and their effec tiveness would be weakened. In the future, effectIve and equitable management may require a workable means of differentiating true commercial from true recreational fishermen. This could be particularly Important In Implementing allocations to user groups. Therefore, the Councl I s have recommended that each state give con sideration to requiring all persons who sell fish to have a commercial license, that the commercial license be of significant dollar value and that severe penalties be levied against any commercial operator purchasing fish from an Ind Ivldual not possessing a commercial license. 1~2 16.0 COUNC I L REV I EW AND MON I TOR I NG OF THE PLAN 16.1 General Approach The Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils will, after approval and Implemen tation of this plan by the Secretary, maintain a continuing review of the fishery managed under this pi an by the fo II owl ng methods: A. Assess the stock and modify the regulations and plan as provided for In Section 12.6.1.1. B. Maintain close liaison with the fishery resource research, planning, management, and enforcement agencies Involved to assess the condition of the stocks and the effectiveness of the management measures and regulations and com pi lance by the fishermen with the regulations. The state resource agencies, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), and the U.S. Coast Guard are the primary agen cies with which especially close liaison wi I' be established for plan monitoring. C. Maintain close liaison with the members of the Coastal Migratory Pelagic Sub panel of the Councils' Fishery Advisory Panel to assess the effectiveness of the management measures (and regulations) and the need for Implementation of other measures or revisions of existing measures. D. Promote research to Increase the knowledge of the fishery and resources by the following methods: a. Identify the research required for better management of the fishery and resource. b. Request the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to consider these Identify those which they can Immediately address and those which will other agencies or groups. research needs and require efforts by c. Request state and university participation In research under their own programs to fill these data needs. d. Provide Council funding for research that cannot be addressed by NMFS, state and university entities. e. Assess the effectiveness of the statistical reporting system and recommend changes to NMFS or fund spec I flc one-time surveys for data collection where data gaps exist. E. Conduct public hearings I s concentrated to hear needed In the pi an. at appropriate times and locations In the areas where the fishing effort testimony on the effectiveness of all aspects of the pi an and the changes F. Consider by Oouncl I and Its advisory groups all Information gained from the first four activities I I sted above, and I f necessary, prepare amendments to the p I an. Ho I d pub i I c hear I ngs on the amendments pr lor to send I ng them to the Secretary. 16.2 Specl flc Monltorlng Considerations A. Status or cond I tl on of the stocks. Maximum sustainable yield will be determined based on best available data. The condition of the stocks will be periodically reviewed to determine If overflshlng Is occurring. As the statistical reporting system Is Improved and other research Is completed, these additional data wi Ii be care f u I I y rev I ewed to determ I ne I f changes I n management measures are needed. 16-1 B. Catch Limits. If the catch appears as If It will exceed or has exceeded any of the catch allocations In the plan, the Councils will review the data as of that time to determine whether the excess catch Is a result of high abundance of fish, Increased local avallablillty, Increased effort, or Inaccuracies In the historical landings data. If appropriate, recommendations for bag limits or size limits wi II be forwarded to the Reg lonal DI rector, NMFS. If the updated MSY so Indicates, the allocations will be changed accordingly by appropriate amend ment. C. Gear or User Group Conflicts. If gear or user group conflicts arise, the appropriate Council will Investigate the causes and extent of the conflict, potential sol utlons to the conflict, the economic and social Impacts of any proposed I Imitations on any user group, and other factors as appropriate. Recommendations for appropr late action wi II be made to the Regional Director, NMFS. Public hearings wi Ii be hel d as appropriate to hear testimony concerning significant conflicts. D. Harvesting Practices. Harvesting practices proposed under the pi an wi II be eval uated for their effectiveness and for the additions, deletions or modifications needed. In particular, the results of limited commercial purse seining and the proposed research programs to determine the effects of purse seining of king and Spanish mackerel wi II be carefully reviewed. E. Standard I zatl on of Management Measures. The Councl i wi II conti nue to work wi th the affected states to attempt to standard I ze regul atlons for the fishery In the FCZ and state territorial waters, where such standardization wi II serve a useful purpose. 16-2 17.0 LITERATURE CITED Abbas, L. In press. The North Carolina charter boat Industry. In: ProceedIngs of the Third Annual Marine Recreational Fisheries Symposium. Sport Fishing Institute. Washington, D.C. Alves, M. I. M. and G. S. Tome. 1967a. Algusn aspectos do desenvolvlmento maturative da cavala, Scomberomorus cavalla (Cuvler, 1829) (In Portuguese, English summary). Estacao de Biologla Marlnha da Unlversldade Federal do Ceara 7(1): 1-9. das gonadas Arqulvos da 1967b. Notas sobre os anexos dlgestlvos da cavala, Scomberomorus cavalla (Cuvler, 1829) (In Portug uese, Eng I I sh summary). Arqulvos da Estacao de Blo i og I a Mar I nha da Un Ivers Idade Federal do Ceara 7(2): 173-175. Anderson, W. W. 1954. Appendix SA-2, progress report, South Atlantic fishery Investigations. Atlantic states Marine Fisheries Commission, 13th Annual Meeting, Baltimore, Maryland. Pt. 2:211-213. (Mimeograph). In: Anonymous. 1980. Marine recreational fishery statistics survey, Atlantic and Gul f coasts, 1979. Current Fishery Statistics Number 8063, U.S. Department of Comerce, National Marine Fisheries Service, 139 pp. Austin, C. B., R. D. Brugger, J. C. Davis and L. Siefert. 1977. Recreational boating In Dade County. Special Report No.9. University of Miami Sea Grant, Coral Gables, Florida. Austin, C. B., J. A. Browder, R. D. Brugger and J. C. Davis. 1978. Mackerel workshop report. Special Report No. 14. University of Miami Sea Grant, Coral Gables, Florida. Austl n, C. B. and G. mackerel stocks. Charleston, S.C. T. Waugh. 1984. Present value analysis of alternative time paths to rebuild Un pub I I shed document. South At I ant I c Fishery Management Counc I I , Axelson, F. and J. B. Lewis. 1967. Food of the dolphin, Coryphaena hlppurus Llnnaeus, and the yellowfln tuna, Thunnus albacares Lowe, from Barbados, West IndIes. J. Fish. Res. Board Can. 24: 683-686. Backus, R. A. 159: 1-4. 1962. Age In a small sample of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrlx, Llnnaeus). Brev lora Backus, R. H., S. Springer and E. L. Arnold, Jr. 1956. A contribution to the natural history of the white-tip shark, Pterolamlops longlmanus (Poey). Deep-Sea Res. 3: 178-188. Bane, G. W. and A. W. Bane. 1984. A fisheries related visit to Pesca, Mexico. Unpub. trip report. Center for Wetlands Resources, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Bane, G. W., C. Boulet, S. Ellsworth, S. J. Russell, and A. Slater. 1984. Commercial mackerel fishery research program In Loul slana, Annual Report 1983-84. Coastal Ecol. and FI she Inst., L.S.U., Baton Rouge, La. 47 pp. Bannister, J. V. 1976. The length-weight relationship, condition factor, and gut contents of the dolphin fish Coryphaena hlppurus In the Mediterranean. J. Fish Bioi. 9: 335-338. Barger, L. E., L. A. COIL Ins, and J. H. Finucane. 1978. First record of bluefish larvae, Pomatomus saltatrlx, In the Gulf of Mexico. Northeast Gulf SCL. 2(2): 145-147. 17-1 Barroso, L. M. 1967. Biology and fishery of flying fish (Hlrundlcthys afflnls Gunther) In the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Bol. Estud. Pesca 7: 9-37. Baughman, J. L. 1941. 1941 (2): 117. On a heavy run of dolphin, Coryphaena hlppurus, off the Texas coast. Copela, 1950. Random notes on Texas fl shes, Part II. Tex. J. Sc I . (2) 42-263. Beardsley, G. L., Jr. 1964. the Straits of Florida. Contr I but I on to the b I 0 logy of the do I ph I n fish, Coryphaena hi ppurus, In M.S. Thesis, Un Iverslty of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 79 p. 1967. Age, growth, and reproduction of the dolphin, Coryphaena hlppurus, In the Straits of Florida. Copela, 1967: 441-451. Beaumarlage, D. S. 1969. Returns from the 1965 Schiltz tagging program Incl ud Ing a cumul atlve analysis of previous results. Fla. Dept. Nat. Resour. Mar. Res. Lab., Tech. Sere 59. 38 p. 1970. Current status of biological Investigations of Florida's mackerel fisheries. Proc. Gulf and Carlbb. Fish. Inst. 22nd Annual Meeting, 1969, p. 79-86. 1973. Age, growth, and reproduction of king mackerel, Scomberomorus caval la, In Florida. Dept. Nat. Resour. Mar. Res. Lab., Florida Marine Research Publication No.1. 45 p. FI a. Berkeley, S. A., E. D. Houde and F. Wi II lams. 1975. Fishery and biology of ballyhoo on the southeast Florida coast. Special Report No.4. University of Miami Sea Grant, Coral Gables, Florida. 19 p. Berrien, P. and D. Finan. 1977. Biological and fisheries data on king mackerel, Scomberomorus cavalla (Cuvler). Nat. Mar. Fish. Serv., Sandy Hook Laboratory, Highlands, New Jersey., Tech. Sere Rep. No.8. 42 p. Saverton, R. and S. Holt. 1957. On the dynamics of exploited fish populations. Mlnlst. Agrlc. Fish. Food (G. B.) Sere 2, 19: 1-533. FI she Invest. Bigelow, H. B. and W. C. Schroeder. 1948. Fishes of the western North Atlantic. Part 1. Sears Found. Mar. Res. Mem. 1(1): 104-172. Sharks. 1953. FI shes of the Gu i f of Ma I nee U.S. Fish Wild. Servo Fish. Bul i. 74(53): 383-343. Bohl ke. J. E. and C. G. Chapl In. 1968. Fishes of the Bahamas and adjacent tropical waters. Livingston Publ. Co., Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. 771 p. Briggs, J. C. 1960. FI shes of wor i d wi de (c I rcum-trop I cal) d I str I butlon. Cope I a, 1960 (3): 126-180. Browder, J. A., J. C. Davis, and C. B. Austin. 1978. Study of the structure and economics of the recreational paying-passenger fisheries of the Florida Gulf Coast and Keys, from Pensacola to Key West. Contract Number NOAA/03/7/042/35142. Un Iverslty of Miami Contract Final Report to Nat. Mar. Fish. Serv., Southeast Fisheries Center, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, Florida. Brown, E. E. and F. J. Holemo. 1975. Industry. Mar. Fish. Rev. 37(4): An econom I c ana I ys I s of Georg I a's mar I ne charter boat fish I ng 11-12. Brown, H. H. 1942. Bu I i et I n No.1: The sea fisheries of Barbados. 1-32. Development and we i fare In the West Ind les. 17-2 Brusher, H. A., L. Trent and M. L. Will lams. 1978. Recreational fishing for king mackerel In Bay County, Florida during 1975. In: (C. B. Austin, et al.! Mackerel Workshop Report. University of Miami Sea Grant. Spec. Rep. No. 14. Un Iverslty of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida. p. 117-139. Bryan, H. 1976. The sociology of fishing: a review and critique. In: (R. Stroud and H. Clepper! Marine Recreational Fisheries. Sport Fishing Institute, Washington, D.C. Burnett-Herkes, J. N. 1966. An ecological study of the parasites Infesting the gills and buccal cavity of the dolphin-fish, Coryphaena hlppurus Llnnaeus, caught In the Miami area. M. S. Thesis, Un Iverslty of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida. 72 p. Burukovsky, R. N. 1968. The feeding of the western African coast shrimp (Penaeus duorarum Burkenroad). In: Symposium on the Living Resources of the Africa Continental Shel f between the Straits of Gibraltar and Cape Verde, 1965. 1975. The feed Ing of four shr Imp species of the genus Penaeus occurring In the Atl antic Ocean. Tr. Atl. NIRO 58: 157-167. Cadenat, J. 1950. Po I ssons de mer du Senega i. Inst. Francais: Noire, Inst. D'Africaines ILL. 345 p. Carlson, C. B. 1952. Atl antic coast of p. 89-94. Exploratory fishing for the little tuna (Euthynnus alletteratus) off the the United States. Proc. Gulf Carlbb. Fish. Inst., 4th Annual Session, 1951, Cato, J. C. and F. J. Prochaska. 1976. fishermen National Fishermen 56(9). Porpoise attacking hooked fish Irk and Injure Florida Cato, J. C., A. R. Morris and F. J. Prochaska. 1978. Production, costs, and earnings by boat size: Florida Spanish mackerel fishery. University of Florida Sea Grant Program, Gainesville, Florida. Marine Advisory Program Report No.4. 16 p. Centaur Management Consultants, Inc. 1975. Economic Impacts of the A report prepared for the U.S. Department of Comerce, Nat. Mar. Associates, Inc., 1120 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. U.S. commercial fishing Industry. Fish. Servo 307 p. Centaur 1977. Economic activity associated with marine recreational fishing. A report U.S. Department of Commerce, Nat. Mar. Fish. Serv., 206 p. Centaur Associates, Connecticut Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. prepared for the Inc., 1120 1981. Socioeconomic study of mackerel purse fishery. Two volumes. Contract report to the U.S. Department of Comerce, Nat. Mar. Fish. Servo Contract No. NA79-GA-C-0049, 445 Pp. Centaur Associates, Inc., 1120 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 1984. Socioeconomic study of the mackerel purse seine fishery, Task I Report. Nat. Servo Contract No. FSE-43-12-119, 1980. Centaur Associates, Inc., 1120 Connecticut Washington, D.C. Mar. FI she Ave., N.W., 1984. Economic Impact of the commercial fishing regions. Final report prepared for the Gulf and Inc. Centaur Associates, Inc., 1120 Connecticut Industry In the Gul f of Mexico and South Atl antic South Atlantic Fisheries Development Foundation, Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. Cervlgon, F. 1966. Los peces marlnos de Venezuela, Vol. 2. Estaclon de Investigaciones Marinas de Margarita, Fundaclon la Salle de Clenclas Natural es, Caracas, Monografla no. 12, p. 449- 951. 17-3 Chittenden, M. E., Jr. 1977. Simulations of the effects of fishing on the Atlantic croaker, Mlcropogon undulatus. Proc. Gulf Carlbb. Fish. Inst. 29th annual session, p. 68-86. Clark, E. and K. von Schmidt. 15: 13-83. 1965. Sharks of the central Gulf coast of Florida. Bull. Mar. Scl. Clark, J. R. 1962. The 1960 salt-water ang ling survey. U. S. Fish Wlldl. Servo Clrc. 153. 36 p. Clarke, M. R. 91-300. 1966. A review of the systematics and ecology of oceanic squids. Adv. Mar. Bioi. 4: Coastal Zone Resources Corporation. 1972. The In Morehead City, North Carolina. A report State of North Carolina. 178 p. economic Impact of commercial sport fishing activities prepared for the Department of Administration, Collette, B. B., R. H. Gibbs, Jr. and G. E. Clipper. 1969. Vertebral numbers and Identification of the two species of dol phln (Coryphaena). Copela, 1969: 630-631. Collette, B. B., J. L. Russo, and L. A. Zavala-Camln. 1978. species of Spanish Mackerel from the Western Atlantic. 76: 273-280. Scomberomorus brasl i lensls, a new U.S., Nat. Mar. Fish. Serv., Fish, Bull. Collette, B. B. and J. L. Russo. 1979. An Introduction to the Spanish mackerel s, genus Scomberomorus. In: Nakamura and Bull Is (eds.), Proceedings: Colloquium on the Spanish and King mackerel resources of the Gulf of Mexico. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Comission, No. 4, p.3-16. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, P.O. Box 726, Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Daniel, D. L. 1974. A survey of sport fishing related expenditures In a selected portion of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. A report prepared for the Mississippi - Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, University of Southern Mississippi. MASGP-74-019. 22 p. Danvl lie Research Associates. 1983. Mackerel vessel enumeration U.S. Department of Comerce. Contract No. GA82-GA-C-00026. FI sher les Center, 75 VI rg I n I a Beach Dr Ive, MI ami, Florida. study, final report. Prepared for Nat. Mar. Fish. Serv., Southeast 1983a. An analysis of Region. Final Report. Nat. Mar. Fish. Serv., the sale of charter vessel catch In the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Prepared for U.S. Department of Comerce. Contract No. NA82-GA-C-00043. Southeast Fisheries Center, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, Florida. Davis, J. C. paper. Tampa, 1979. Migratory status of the i Ittle tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus). Inhouse review 6 pp. Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, 5401 West Kennedy Boulevard, Suite 881, Florida. Dawson, C. E. 1971. Occurrence and description of prejuvenlle and early juvenile Gulf of Mexico cobia, Rachycentron canadum. Copela, 1971: 65-71. deSylva, D. P. and W. F. Rathjen. 1961. from the southeastern Un Ited States. Life history notes on the little tuna, Euthynnus alletteratus, Bull. Mar. Scl. Gulf and Carlbb. 11: 161-190. Detwyler, R. and E. D. Houde. 1970. Food selection Harengula pensacolae (Pisces, Clupeldae) and the Engraul Idae). Mar. Bioi. 7: 214-222. by I aboratory-reared I arvae of the sca led sard I ne bay anchovy Anchoa mitchllil (Pisces, 17-4 Deuel, D. G. 1973. The 1970 salt-water ang ling survey. U.S. Department of Comerce, Nat. Mar. Fish. Servo Current Fisheries Statistics, No. 6200. 54 p. Deuel, D. G., J. R. Clark and A. J. Mansuetl. 1966. Description of embryonic and early larval stages of bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrlx. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 95 (3): 264-271. Deue I, D. G. and J. R. Ci ark. Resour. Publ. 67. 51 p. 1968. The 1965 sa It-water ang I I ng survey. u.s. Fish Wi Id. Serv., Ditton, R. B. 1976. Texas charter fishing survey: summary highlights. Parks, Texas A & M Un Iverslty. 5 p. Department of Recreation and Ditton, R. B., N. J. Jarman, on the Texas Gu I f Coast. University. 195 p. T. J. Mertens, M. P. Schwartz and S. A. Woods. 1977. Charter fishing Texas Agrlcul tural Experiment Station (Recreation and Parks), Texas A & M Dol, T., and D. Mendlzabal. 1979. Evaluclon prel Imlnar de la pobloclon de sierra, Scomberomorus maculatus (Mitchell), Frente a las costas de Vera Cruz. In: Nakamura and Bullis (eds.). Proceedings: Colloqulm on the Spanish and King mackerel resources of the Gulf of Mexico. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, No.4, p., 43-55. Gul f States Marine Fisheries Commission, P.O. Box 726, Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Doub I eday, W. C. Atlant. Fish. 1976. Environmental fl uctuatlons and fisheries management. Selected Papers (1): 141-150. Int. Com. Northw. Dragovich, A. 1969. Spec. Sc I. Rep. Review of studies of tuna food In the Atlantic Ocean. Fish., No. 593. 21 p. U.S. FI sh Wild. Servo Dwinell, S. E. and C. R. Futch. 1973. Spanish mackerel and northeastern Gul f of Mexico, June through October, 1969. Leafl. Sere Vol. 4, Pt. 1, No. 24. 14 p. king mac kere I I arvae and j uven I I es I n the Fla. Dept. Nat. Resour. Mar. Res. Lab. Earll, R. E. 1883. The Spanish mackerel, Cyblum maculatum (Mitch.); propagation, with an account of the origin and development of the Fish and Fisheries, Report for 1880, p. 395-426. Its natural history and artificial fishery. U.S. Comissioner of Ehrenbaum, E. 1924. Report on the Danish oceanographic expeditions 1908-10 to the Mediterranean. (Biology), A Ii: 1-30. 2(8) Eldred, B., R. M. Ingle, K. D. Woodburn, R. F. Hutton and H. Jones. 1961. Biological observations on the commercial shrimp Penaeus duorarum Burkenroad, In Florida waters. Fla. Dept. Nat. Resour. Mar. Res. Lab. Prof. Pap. Sere 3. 139 p. Eldridge, P. and J. E. Powers. 1983. Effect of bag i Imlts on recreational catch of king mackerel. 23 p. Nat. Mar. Fish. Serv., Southeast Fisheries Center, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, Florida. Ell Is, R. W. 1967. Catches of fish by charterboats on Florida's east coast. Mar. Res. Lab. (Fla. st. Bd. Conserv.), Spec. Servo Bull. No. 14, 6 p. FI a. Dept. Nat. Resour. Erdman, D. S. 1958. Foods of pelagic fishes from Puerto Rico and the Bahama Islands. Third International Game Fish Conference, Miami Beach, Florida, November 1958. 10 p. (Unpublished). 17-5 Etzold, J. E., N. O. Murray and C. C. D. Veal. 1977. Charter boat fishing on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. A Report prepared for the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, University of Southern Mississippi. MASGC-T-002. 15 p. Evermann, B. W. 1899. Investigations In Puerto Rico of the United States Fish Comission steamer FISH HAWK, In 1899. U.S. Comission of Fish and Fisheries. Washington, D. C. Finucane, J. H., L. A. Coli Ins, and L. E. Barger. 1978a. Ichthyoplankton. In: Environmental Assessment of an Active 011 Field In the Northwestern Gul f of Mexico, 1977-78. NOAA Annual Report to EPA. Nat. Mar. FIsh. Serv., Southeast Fisheries Center, Galveston Laboratory, 4700 Avenue "U", Galveston, Texas. Finucane, J. H., L. A. Collins, L. E. Barger and J. D. McEachran. 1978b. Ichthyoplankton/mackerel eggs and larvae. In: Environmental Studies of the South Texas Outer Continental Shelf, 1977. NOAA Final Report to BLM. Nat. Mar. Fish. Serv., Southeast Fisheries Center, Galveston Laboratory, 4700 Avenue "U", Ga i veston, Texas. Fisher, M. 1980. Size distribution, length-weight relationships, sex ratios, and seasonal occurrence of king mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla) off the southeast Louisiana coast. La Dept. of Wi Id. FI she Tech. Bull. No. 31. 21 p. Florida Department of Environmental Regulation. draft. Tallahassee, Florida. 168 p. 1978. The Florida coastal zone program: legislative Fluchter, J. 1974. Laboratory rearing of common sole (Solea solea L.) under controlled conditions at high density with low mortality. In: J. H. S. Blaxter (ed.). The early life history of fish. Springer-Verlag. New York. p. 725-730. Fowler, H. W. 1945. A study of the fishes of the southern Piedmont and Coastal Plain. Scl. Philadelphia, Monograph NO.7, 408 p. Acad. Nat. Freeman, B. L. and S. C. Turner. Unpublished. The Pomatomus saltatrlx, an actively swimming fish. Laboratory, Highlands, New Jersey. effects of anoxic water on the bluefish, National Marine Fisheries Service, Sandy Hook Gentl e, E. C., ILL. February, 1977. 1977. The charterboat sport fishery of Dade County, Florida, March, 1976, to M. S. Thesis, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida. Gestelra, T. C. V. 1972. Sobre a reproducao e fecundldade da serra, Scomberomorus maculatus (MItchlll), no Estado do Ceara i In Portuguese, Eng Iish summary). Arq. Clenc. Mar. 12(2): 117-122. Gibbs, R. H., Jr. and B. B. Collette. 1959. On the Identification, distribution, and biology of the dolphins, Coryphaena hlppurus and... equlsells. Bull. Mar. Scl. Gulf Carlbb. 9: 117-152. Godsl i, H. C. 1954a. Euthynnus ya Ito. A comparison of Japanese and Hawaiian specimens of the black skipjack, Cal If. Fish and Game, 40 (4): 411-413. 1954b. A descriptive study of certain tuna-like fishes. 97: 1-185. Cal If. FIsh and Game, Fish Bull., Gorbunova, N. N. and N. Y. Llpskaya. 1975. Feeding of larval blue marlin Makalra nlgrlcans Jorden et Snyder (Pisces, Istlophorldae). J. Ichthyol. (Engl. Transl. Vopr. Ikhtlol.). 15: 109-116. 17-6 Gulland, J. A. 1969. Manual of methods for fish stock assessment. UN FAO Man. Fish. Scl. 154 p. Part 1. FI sh popul atlon anal ys Is Hall, D. N. F. 1955. Recent development In the Barbadian flying-fish fishery and contributions to the biology of the flying-fish, Hlrundlchthys afflnls (Gunther). Colonial Office, Fish. Publ.7: 1-41. Hassler, W. W. 1964 (Unpublished). Life history aspects of the cobia Rachycentron canadum (Llnnaeus) In Pam i Ico Sound, N. C. Report to Sport Fishing Institute, Washington, D.C., 8p. Hassler, W. W. and W. T. Hogarth. 1977. Carolina. Aquaculture 12: 115-122. Growth and culture of dolphin, Coryphaena hlppurus, In North Hassler, W. W. and R. P. Rainville. 1975a. Techniques for hatching and rearing cobia, Rachycentron canadum, through larval and juvenl Ie stages. Publication UNC-SG-75-30. North Carolina State University Sea Grant, Raleigh, Ne. 26p. 1975b. Techniques for hatching and rearing dolphin, Coryphaena hlppurus, through larval and nile stages. Publication UNC-SG-75-31. North Carolina State University Sea Grant, Raleigh, 22 p. j uve Ne. HI I debrand, H. H. 1955. A study of the fauna of the pi nk shr Imp grounds In the Gu I f of Campeche. Publ. Inst. Mar. Scl. Unlv. Tex. 4(1): 169-232. Hildebrand, S. F. 1963. Family Clupeldae. Mar. Res. Mem. No. 1 part 3: 257-454. In: FI shes of the western North Atl antic. Sears Found. Hochachka, P. W. 1974. Temperature and pressure adaptation of the bind Ing site of acetyl chol In esterase EC-3.1.1.7. Blochem J. 535-539. Hoese, H. D. 1958. A partially annotated checklist of the marine fishes of Texas. Scl. Unlv. Tex. 5: 312-352. Publ. Inst. Mar. 1965. Spawning of marine fishes In the Port Aransas, Texas area as determined by the distribution of young and larvae. Ph.D. DI ssertatlon, Un Iverslty of Texas, 144 p. Horvath, J. C. 1974. Southeastern economic survey of wildlife recreation, executive summary. State Un Iverslty, Atl anta, Georgia, 68 p. Georg I a Hoss, D. E., W. F. Hettler, Jr. and L. C. Coston. 1974. Effects of thermal shock on larval estuarine fish-ecological Implications with respect to entrainment In power plant cooling systems. In: J. H. S. Blaxter. (Ed.) The early life history of fish. Springer Verlag, New York. p. 357-372. Houde, E. D. and W. Richards. 31(12): 32-34. 1969. Rearing larval tunas In the laboratory. Oommer. Fish. Rev. Houde, E. D., J. C. Leak, C. E. dance and diversity In the Management, Contract Number Dowd, S. A. Berkley and W. A. Richards. 1979. Ichthloplankton abun eastern Gul f of Mexico. Final report to the Bureau of Land AA550-CT7-28. 546 pp. Howell-Rivero, L. 1953. Los escombrldos en Cuba su blologla e Industrialization. Centro de Investigaciones Pesqueras del Banco Fomento Agrlcolas e Industrials, Contrlbuclon No.2, Habana, Cuba. p. 1-105. 17-7 Hunter, J. R. and C. T. Mltcheel. 1966. Association of fishes with flotsam In the offshore waters of Central America. U.S. Fish Wlldl. Serv., FIsh. Bull. 66: 13-29. Hun tsman, G. R. Rev. 38(3): 1976. 13-23. Of fshore head boat fish I ng I n North Caro I I na and South Caro I I na. Mar. Fish. Ingle, R. M. 1967. Purse net studies In Florida. Bd. Conserv.) Spec. Sc I. Rep. No. 19. 15 pp. Fla. Dept, Nat. Resourc. Mar. Res. Lab. (Fla. st. Inque, M., Y. Iwasaki, M. Aokl, A. Mlyashlta and H. Yatoml. 1972. Studies on culture and domestica tion of tuna, billfish and other large-sized oceanic fish. Part 1. Culture and domestication of Thunnus thynnus, Katsuwonus pelamls, Sarda orlental Is, Auxls thazard, Auxls tapelnosoa, Euthynnus afflnls, Hlstlophorus oriental I, and Ooryphaena hlppurus In a fish preserve and a portable pool at Mera,1970-1971. J. Coli. Mar. SCL. Technol. Tokal Unlv. 6: 69-78. Ivo, C. T. C. 1972. Epoca de desova e Idade na prime Ira maturacao sexual da caval a, Scomberomorus cavalla (Cuvler), no Estado do Ceara (In Portuguese, English summary!. Arg. Clenc. Mar. 12(1): 27-29. 1974. Sobre a fecund Idade da caval a, Scomberomorus cavalla (Cuvler), em aguas costelras do Estado do Ceara (Brasil) (In Portuguese, English summary!. Arq. Clenc. Mar., 14(2): 87-89. Jinadasa, J. 1972. Predators of flying fish Hlrundlchthys coromandelensls and Its suitability as a bait fish. Ceylon Association for the Advancement of Science, Proceedings of Annual Session. 28 (I): 88. Johnson, A. G., W. A. Fable, Jr., M. L. Wi II lams, and L. E. Barger. 1983. Age, growth, and mortality of king mackerel, Scomberomorus caval la, from the southeastern United States. Fish. Bull: 81 No.1. 97-106. Joseph, E. B., J. J. Norcross and W. H. Massman. 1964. Spawning of the cobia, Rachycentron canadum, In the Chesapeake Bay, with observations of juvenile specimens. Chesapeake Scl. 5: 67-71. Kendall, A. W., Jr. and L. A. Walford. 1979. Sources and distribution of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrlx) larvae and juveniles off the United States east coast U.S., Nat. Mar. Fish. Servo Fish. Bull. 77. KI rsch, A. D., E. L. Mabrey and southeastern Un Ited States, 7333, 13 p. D. G. Deuel. 1977. Participation In marine recreational fishing, 1974. U.S. Nat. Mar. Fish. Servo Current Fisheries Statistics No. Klawe, W. L. 1961. Young scombrolds from the waters between Cape Hatteras and Bahama Islands. Mar. Scl. Gulf Carlbb. 11(1): 150-157. Bull. KI awe, W. L. and B. M. Shimada. 1959. Scl. Gulf Carlbb. 9: 110-115. Young scombrold fishes from the Gulf of Mexico. Bull. Mar. Klein, L. R. and R. Summers. 1966. The Wharton Index of capacity uti I Izatlon. Wharton School of Finance, Dept. Econ., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 94 p. Unlv. Pennsylvania, Klima, E. F. 1959. Aspects of the biology latus (MItchlll), of southern Florida. Conserv.) Tech. Ser., No. 27. 39 p. and the fishery for Span I sh mackerel, Scomberomorus macu Fla. Dept. Nat. Resour. Mar. Res. Lab (Fla. st. Bd. 17-8 1976. An assessment of the fish stocks and fisher I es of the Campeche Ban k. Atlantic Fishery Comission (WECAF) Studies, No.5. 24 p. FAO, Western Central Knapp, F. T. 1949. Menhaden uti I Izatlon In relation to the conservation of food and game fishes of the Texas Gulf coast. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 79:137-144. 1951. Food hab I ts of the sargeant fish Rachycentron canadum. Copela, 1951: 101-102. Kojima, S. 1955. A study of dorado fishing conditions In the western part of the Japan Sea, I. Bull. Jpn. Soc. Scl. Fish., 20 (12): 1044-1049. 1956. FI shlng for dol phlns In the western part of the Japan Sea -- II. Why do the fl sh take shelter under floating materials? Bull. Jpn. Soc. Scl. Fish., 21 (10): 1049-1052. 1960a. Fishing for dolphins In the western part of the Japan Sea -- iV. Behaviors of fish gathering around bamboo rafts. Bull. Jpn. Soc. SCL. Fish., 26 (4): 379-382. 1960b. Fishing for dolphins In the western part of the Japan Sea -- V. to bamboo rafts. Bull. Jpn. Soc. Scl. Fish., 26(4): 383-388. Species of fl sh attracted 1963. Studies of fishing conditions of the dolphin, Coryphane (sic) hlppurus L., In the western region of the Japan Sea -- VII. Comparison of juvenile fish fauna In the sea and In the stomachs . of dolphin. Bull. Jpn. Soc. Scl. Fish., 29 (6): 507-513. 1964. Studies on fishing conditions of the dolphin, Coryphaena hlppurus L., In the western regions of the Sea of Japan. -- ix. Quantatlve analysis on stomach contents. (Eng. Abst.). Bull. Jpn. Soc. Fish. 30: 619-623. 1965. Studies on fishing conditions of the dolphin Coryphaena hlppurus L., In the western regions of the Sea of Japan. -- X. Results of tagging experiment. Bull. Jpn. Soc. Scl. Fish. 31:575-578. 1966. Studies on fishing conditions of the dolphin, Coryphaena hlppurus, In the western regions of the Sea of Japan. -- xi. School of dolphins accompanying various kinds of flotages. Bull. Jpn. Soc. Scl. Fish. 32:647-651. Kolarov, P. 1964. Razmeren Iv "Zrastous" stav na lefera (Pomatomus saltatrlx L.) ot Bulgarskoto chernomorsko Kralbrezhe. (Size and age composition of P. saltatrlx off the Bulgarian Black Sea coast) I zv. Inst. Rib. Varna. 4:207-220. Laroe, E. T., III. 1967. A contribution to the biology of the Lol Iglnldae (Cephalopoda: Myopslda) of the tropical western Atlantic. M. S. Thesis, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Fla. 220 p. 1970. The rearing and maintenance of squid In confinement, with observations on their behavior In the laboratory. Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida. 136 p. Lassiter, R. R. 1962. Life history aspects of the bluefish Pomatomus saltatrlx (Llnnaeus), from the coast of North Carolina. M.S. Thesis, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C. 123 p. Lenarz, W. H., W. W. Fox, Jr., G. T. Sakagawa, and B. J. Rothschild. 1974. An examination of the yield per recruit basis for a minimum size regulation for Atlantic yellowfln tuna, Thunnus albacares. FIsh. Bull. U.S. 72(1): 37-61. 17-9 Lewis, J. B. and F. Axelsen. 1967. Food of the dolphin, Coryphaena hlppurus Llnnaeus, and of the yellowfln tuna, Thunnus albacares (Lowe), from Barbados, West Indies. J. Fish. Res. Bd. Can. 24:683-686. LI plnskl, M. 1973. The pi ace of squids In the biological and fl shery structure of the world ocean. Squid Symposium, Gdynla, June 5-6 1973. (Symposium Kalmarowes 5-6 Czerwlec 1973, Gdynla). Translated from Polish. Published by Sea Fishery Institute. 173 p. LI ppson, A. J. and R. L. Moran. f I shes of the Potomac River PPSP-MP 13, 282 p. 1974. Manual for Identification of early developmental stages of estuary. Martin Marietta Corporation Environmental Technology Center. Llpskaya, N. Y. 1974. Metabolic rates In the young of some tropical fish species. (Engl. Transl. Vopr. Ikhtlol). 14: 934-943. J. Ichthyol. Low, R. A., Jr. 1973. Shore i Ine grassbed fishes In Blscayne Bay, Florida, with notes on the avail ability of clupeld fishes. M. S. Thesis, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida. 145 p. Lozano-Cabo, F. 1961. Blometrla, blologla y pesca de la lampuga (Coryphaena hlppurus L.) de laslslas Bal eares. Mem. ReI. Acad. Clenc. Eactas. FI s. Mar. Sere Clenc. Nat. 21: 1-93. Lund, W, A., Jr. and G. C. Maltezos. 1970. Movements and migrations of the bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrlx, tagged In waters of New York and southern New England. Trans. Am. fish. Soc. 99:719-725. Lyles, C. H. 1969. F. S. no. 4936. The Spanish mackerel and king mackerel fisheries. 21 p. U.S. Fish Wild i. Serv., C. Mabrey E. L., D. G. Deuel and A. D. Kirsh. 1977. Southeastern regional survey of saltwater fishermen, 1974-1975. U.S. Nat. Mar. Fish. Servo Magnuson, J. J. and J. G. Heitz. 1971. GI II-raker apparatus and food sel ectlvlty among mackerel s, tunas, and dolphins. U.S. Fish. Wlldl. Servo Fish. Bull. 69: 361-370. Magnuson, J. J. and A. E. Murchl son. 1966. Notes on the coloration and behavior of the common dolphin, Coryphaena hlppurus. Pac. Scl. 20: 515-517. Manooch, C. S., ILL. 1979. Recreational and commercial fisheries for king mackerel, Scomberomorus caval la, In the South Atlantic Bight and Gulf of Mexico, U.S.A. In: Nakamura and Bullis (Eds.). Proceedings: Colloquium on the Spanish and King Mackerel Resources of the Gulf of Mexico. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Comission, No.4, p. 33-41. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, P.O. Box 726, Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Manooch, C. S., III and S. T. Laws. 1977. Mar. Fish. Rev. 41 (4): 1979. 15-27. Survey of North Caro I I na charter boat tro i I ed I I ne fishery, Manooch, C. S., III, E. L. Nakamura, and A. B. He Ii. 1978. Annotated bib I lography of four Atl anti c scombrlds: Scomberomorus bras I I lensls, --. caval la, --. maculatus, and --. regal Is. U. S. Dept. Comm., NOAA Techn. Rep. NMFS Circ. 418, 166 p. 17-10 Marchal, E. 1963. Expose synoptlque des donnees biologiques sur la Thonlne Euthynnus alletteratus (Raflnesque) 1810 (Atlantique Oriental Medlterranee). Synopsis on the biology of little tuna Euthynnus al letteratus (Raflnesque) 1810 (East Atlantic and Mediterranean). Species Synopsis No. 20, FAL Fisheries Biology Synopsis No. 63, Fisheries Division, Biology Branch, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Mather, F. J., ILL and C. G. Day. Cope la, 1954: 179-188. 1954. Observations of pelagic fishes of the tropical Atlantic. Mayo, D. A. 1973. Rearing, growth, and development of the eggs and from the Straits of Florida. Ph. D. Dissertation, University of 138 p. I arvae of seven scombr Id f I shes Miami, Coral Cables, Florida. Menezes, M. F. 1969. Allmentacao da cavala, Scomberomorus cavalla (Cuvler), em aguas costelras do Estado do Ceara (In Portuguese, English summary). Arq. Clenc. Mar. 9(1):15-20. 1970. AI Imentacao da serra, Scomberomorus maculatus (MItchlll), em aguas costelras do Estado do Ceara ( In Portuguese, Eng I Ish summary) Arq. Clenc. Mar. 10(2): 171-176. McEachran, J. D. and J. H. Finucane. 1979. (Abstract). Distribution, seasonality, and abundance of larval king and Spanish mackerels In the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. In: Nakamura and Bullis, (eds.), Proceedings: Colloquium on the Spanish and King Mackerel Resources of the Gulf of Mexico. Gul f States Marine FI sherles Comission, No.4. p. 59. Gul f States Marine FI sherles Commission, P.O. Box 726, Ocean Springs, Mississippi. McHugh, J. L. 1972. Marine fisheries of New York State. U.S. Fish. Wlldl. Fish. Bull. 70:585-610. McilwaIn, T. D. 1976. Salt water angling In Mississippi. J. MI SSe Mad. Sc I. 21 (Suppl). 85 p. Mlto, S. 1960. Egg development and hatched larvae of the common dolphin-fish Coryphaena hlppurus L. Bull. Jpn. Soc. SCL. Fish. 26: 223-226. Moe, M. A. 1967. Basic consideration of fishery production and management with special reference to purse nets. FI a. Dept. Nat. Resourc. Mar. Res. Lab. (FI a. st. Bd. Conserv.) Spec. Scl. Rep. No. 20. 12 pp. Morl, K. and M. Takahashi. 1973. Stud les on rei atlve growth In body parts compared In Coryphaena hlppurus and~. equlsel Is, and notes on gonadal maturation In the latter species. Jpn. Far Seas FI she Res. Lab. Bull. 8:79-113. Morris, R. A. 1977. Primary economic Impact of Florida's commercial fishing Industry. University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla. 180 p. M.S. Thesl s, Morris, R. A., F. J. Prochaska and J. C. Cato. 1977. An economic analysis of king mackerel tlon by hook and line on the Florida Atlantic Coast. University of Florida Sea Grant, Gainesville, Florida. Marine Advlslory Program Report No.1. 8 p. prod uc 1978. Production costs and earnings by boat sl ze: of Florida Sea Grant, Gainesville, Florida. Florida Spanish Mackerel Fishery. Un Ivers I ty Mowbray, L. S. 1956. The game fishes of Bermuda. First International Gameflsh Conference. Nassau, Bahamas. The Marine Laboratory, Un Iverslty of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida. 1-8 (Mlmeogr). 17-11 Munro, I. S. R. 65-95. 1943. Revision of Austral Ian species of Scomberomorus. Mem. Queensl. Mus. 12(21): Murawski, S. A., D. G. Frank and S. Chang. 1978. Biological and fisheries data on butterflsh, Pepr I I us tr I acanthus (Peck). U. S. Nat. Mar. FI she Serv. Tech. Ser. Rep. No.6. Sandy Hook Laboratory, Hlghl ands, New Jersey. Murch I son, A. E. 1966. hlppurus. Pac. Scl. Notes on the coloration and behavior of the common dol phln, Coryphaena 20:515-517. Nakamura, E. L. 1976. Scombrld fishes In st. Andrew Bay, Florida. Bull. Mar. Scl. 26(4): 619-621. Nakamura, E. L. and H. R. Bu II! s, Jr. (ed s.) . 1979. Proceed I ngs: Co I! oqul ur on the Span I sh and King Mackerel Resources of the Gulf of Mexico. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, No.4, 117 p. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, P.O. Box 726, Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Nomura, H. 1967. Dados Blologlcos Sobre a Serra, Scomberomorus Maculatus (MItchlll), Das Aguas Cearenses. Arq. Estac. Bioi. Mar. Un Iv. Fed. Ceara, 7(1): 29-39. Nomura, H. and R. S. Costa. 1968. Length-weight relationship of two species of Scombrldae fishes from northeastern Brazil. Arq. Estac. BioI. Mar. Unlver. Fed. Ceara, 8(1): 95-99. Nomura, H. and M. S. S. Rodrigues. 1967. Biological notes on king mackerel, Scomberomorus cava I I a (Cuvler), from northeastern Brazil. Arq. Estao. Bioi. Mar. Un Iv. Fed. Ceara. 8(1): 95-99. Norcross, J. J., S. L. Richardson, W. H. Massman and E. B. Joseph. 1974. Development of young bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrlx) and distribution of eggs and young In Virginia coastal waters. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 103(3): 477-497. North, R. M. 1976. Economic values for marine recreational fisheries. In: Clepped, (eds.), Marine Recreational Fisheries. Sport Fishing Institute. R. Stroud and H. Washington, D. C. North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community Development. Carolina management program and draft environmental Impact statement. 264 p. 1978. State of North Ral elgh, North Carolina. O'Conell, C. P. 1972. The Interrelationship between biting and fettering In the feedIng activity of the northern anchovy. J. Fish. Res. Bd. Can. 29: 285-293. 01 I a, B. L. and A. L. Studholme. 1972. Dally and seasonal rhythms of activity In the bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrlx. (Pages 303-3261 In: Behavior of Marine Animals (Vol. 31. Plenum Publishing Corp. Onmanney, F. S. 1948-1949. 1953. The pelagic fishes. Report on the Mauritius Sychelles fisheries survey, Colonial Off., Publ. 1(3): 58-104. Ovcharov, O. P. respiration. 1970. Hydrodynamic role of the branchial system In fish under the passive way of Zool. Zh. 49: 1583-1585. Padoa, E. 1956. Uova, larve e stadl glovanlll dl Teleostel. Divlslone: Scombrlformes (Famlglle Scombrldae, Thunn Idae, Gempylldae, Tr Ich I ur Idae, Istlophorldae, Xi ph I Idae, pages 471-521 In: (Fauna e flora del Golfodl Napoll-381. 17-12 Pearson, J. C. 1950. The young of some marine fishes taken In lower Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, with special reference to the gray sea trout, Cynosclon regal Is (Bloch). U.S. Fish Wlldl. Serv., Fish. Bu I I. 50: 79-1 02. Perret, W. S., W. R. Lataple, J. F. Pollard, W. R. Mock, G. B. Adkins, W. J. Galdry and C. J. White. 1971. Fishes and Invertebrates collected In trawl and seine samples In Louisiana estuaries. Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Comission, Cooperative Gulf of Mexico Estuarine Inventory and Study, Phase IV, Biology, Section I, p. 35-105. Pesson, L. L. 1973. The coastal fisherman of Louisiana: their characteristics, attitudes, practices and responsiveness to change. Loul slana State Un Ivers I ty Sea Grant Off Ice, Baton Rouge, Loul slana. LSU-T-73-004. 60 p. Pew, P. 1957. Occurrence of young dolphin, Coryphaena hlppurus, In a Texas bay. Copela, 1957: 300. Poffenberger, J. R. 1985. Center, Miami, Florida. Personal Commun Icatlon. Nat. Mar. Fish. Serv., Southeast Fisheries Poffenberger, J. R. and J. E. Powers. 1984. Estimated economic consequences of proposed measures for king mackerel fisheries In the southeast United States. Nat. Mar. Fish. Southeast Fisheries Center, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, Florida. 53 p. management Serv . , Postel, E. 1950. Peche sur les cotes d'Afrique occidentale. Rapport et note sur quelques polssons de surface de la presqu' lIe de Cap Vert. Inspection generale de I'elevage Dakar, French West Africa. (2): 1-77. 1954. Comparison entre la tall Ie des males et des femmelles tall Ie de premiere maturlte chez Euthynnus alletteratus (Raf.) Bull. Soc. SCL. Bretagne 29: 155-157. 1955. 137: Contribution a I 'etude des thonldes de I' Atl antique tropical. 31-32. Rapp. cons. Explor. Mer. 1956. Contribution a I'etude de la blologle de quelques Scombrldae de l'Atlantique troplco oriental. Bull. Soc. SCL. Bretagne 31: 107-111. Potthof f, T. Atl antic. 1971. Observations on two species of dol phln (Coryphaena) from the tropical mld U.S. Fish Wlldl. Servo Fish. Bull. 69(4): 877-879. 1978. Development and structure of the fins and fin supports In hlppurus and~. equlsells (Pisces, Coryphaenldae). M.S. Thesis, Gables, Florida. 120 p. the two do i ph I n f I shes Coryphaena Un Iverslty of Miami, Coral Powell, D. 1975. Age, growth, and reproduction In Florida stocks of Spanish mackerel, Scomberomorus maculatus. Fla. Dept. Nat. Resour. Mar. Res. Lab., Fla. Mar. Res. Publ. No.5, 21 p. Powers, J. E. and P. Eldridge. 1983a. A preliminary assessment of king mackerel resources of the southeast United States. 38 p. Nat. Mar. Fish. Serv., Southeast Fisheries Center, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, Florida. 1983b. Assessment of Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic king mackerel. 24 p. Serv., Southeast Fisheries Center, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, Florida. Nat. Mar. Fish. 17-13 Powers, J. E. 1984. Effects of Florida strategy on management of the gul f migratory group. Nat. Mar. Fish. Serv., Southeast Fisheries Center, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, Florida. Un pub I I shed Report. Prochaska, F. J. 1976. Florida commercial marine fisheries: growth, relative Importance, and Input trends. University of Florida Sea Grant, Gainesville, Florida. Report No. 11. 47 p. 1978. Prices, marketing margins and structural change In the king mackerel marketing system. Southern Ag. Econ. Journal. 7: 105-109. Prochaska, F. J. and J. C. Cato. 1977. An economic profile of Florida commercial fishing firms: fishermen, commercial activities and financial considerations. University of Florida Sea Grant, Gainesville, Florida. Report No. 19. 22 p. Prochaska, F. J. and J. S. WI Ii lams. 1976. lobster fishery by boat and vesse I size. Galnesvll Ie, Florida. Economic analysis of costs and returns In the spiny SUSF-SG-76-004. Un Iverslty of Florida Sea Grant, Putter, A. 1909a. Jena. 168. Die Ernahrung der Wassertlere und der Stoffhaushalt der Gewasser. Gustav FI scher, 1909b. Die Ernahrung der FI sche. Zeltsch. Allg. Physiol. 9: 147-242. Reid, G. K. Jr. 1954. An ecological study of the Gul f of Mexico fishes In the vicinity of Ceder Key, Florida. Bull. Mar. Scl. Gulf Carlbb. 4(1): 1-94. Richards, C. E. 1965. Availability patterns of marine fishes caught by charter boats operating off Virginia's eastern shore 1955-1962. Chesapeake Scl. 6: 96-108. 1967. Age, growth and fecund Ity of cobia Rachycentron canadum, from Chesapeake Bay and adjacent Mid-Atlantic waters. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 96: 343-350. 1977. Cobia (Rachycentron-canadum) tagging within Chesapeake Bay and updating of growth equations. Chesapeake Scl. 18: 310-311. Richards, S. W. 1976. Age, growth, and food of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrlx) from east-central Long Island Sound from July through November 1975. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 105(4): 523-525. Ricker, W. E. 1975. Handbook of computations for biological statistics of fish population. FI she Res. Bd. Can. 191: 1-300. Bull. Ridgely, J. E. and D. G. Deuel. 1975. Participation In marine recreational fishing northeastern UnIted States, 1973-74. U.S. Nat. Mar. Fish. Servo Current Fisheries Statistics No. 6236. 8 p. Rivas, L. R. 1951. A preliminary review of the western North Atlantic fishes of the family Scombrldae. Bull Mar. Scl. Gulf Carlbb. 1 (3): 209-230. Robson, D. S. and D. G. Chapman. 181-189. 1961. Catch curves and mortality rates. Trans. Am. Fish Soc. 90: Rodriques, M. S. S. and R. C. F. Bezerra. 1968. Nota sobre a mortal Idade da cavala e da serra no Estado do Ceara ¡In Portuguese, English summary). Arq. Estac. Bioi. Mar. Unlv. Fed. Ceara 8(2): 157-161. 17-14 Ronquillo, I. A. J. Fish. 2: 1954. 71-83. Food hab I ts of tunas and dol ph I ns based on the I r stomach contents. Ph I I I pp. Rose, C. D. 1966. The biology and catch distribution of the dolphin, Coryphaena hlppurus (Llnnaeus), In North Carolina waters. Ph.D. Dissertation, North Carolina state University, Raleigh, N.C. 167 p. Rose, C. D. and W. W. Hassler. In North Carolina waters. 1968. Age and growth of the dolphin Coryphaena hlppurus (Llnnaeus), Trans. Am. FI she Soc. 97: 271-276. 1969. Application of survey techniques to the dolphin, Coryphaena hlppurus, fishery of North Carolina. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 98: 94-103. 1974. Food habits and sex ratios of dol phln Coryphaena hl ppurus captured In the western Atl antic off Hatteras, North Carolina. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 103: 94-100. Ryder, J. A. 1887. On the development of osseus fishes, Including marine and freshwater forms. U.S. Fish. Comm. 13(1885): 489-605. Rep. Schekter, R. C. 1971. Food habits of some larval and juvenile fishes from the Florida current near Miami, Florida. M.S. Thesis, University of Miami, Coral Gables. Fla. 85 p. Schuck, H. A. :35-39. 1951. Notes on the dolphin (~. hlppurus) In North Carolina waters. Copela, 1951 Schuck, H. A. and J. R. Clark. 1951. Record of a whltetlp shark, Carcharhlnus longlmanus, from the northwestern Atl antic. Copela, 1951: 172. Shaw, D. A. and R. E. Warner. 1978. The mackerel resources of Monroe County and adjacent areas. Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Key West, Florida. 74 p. Shcherbachev, Y. N. 1973. Biology and distribution of dolphins (Pisces, Coryphaenldae). Ichthyol. (Engl. Transl. Vopr. Ikhtlol.) 13: 219-230. J. Sissenwlne, M. P. 1977. Is MSY an adequate foundation for optimum yield? Report of the National Workshop on the concept of Optimum Yield In Fisheries Management. Pt. II, 91-117. Snedaker, S. D., de Sylva, M. Oorbett, E. Corcoran, J. Richard, P. Lutz, E. Sullivan and D. Cottrell. 1977. The role of freshwater In an estuary. Summary report for a i Iterature search for the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Tampa, Florida by University of Miami, Rosenstlel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, Miami, Florida. Solchl, M. 1978. Spawning behavior of the dolphin, Coryphaena hlppurus, In the aquarium and Its eggs and larvae. Jpn. J. Ichthy. 24(4) 290-294. Spaulding, I. A. 1970, Selected Rhode Island fishermen and their fishing activity. 403. Kingston, Rhode Isl and. AEA Bulletin Springer, V. G. and N. Plrson. 1958. Fluctuation In the relative abundance of sport fishes as Indi cated by the catch at Port Aransas, Texas, 1952-1956. Pub. Inst. Mar. Scl., Un Iv. Tex. 5: 169-185. 17-15 Struhsaker, J. W., M. B. Eldridge and T. Echeverria. 1974. Effects of benzene (a water-soluble component of crude 011) on eggs and larvae of Pacific herring and northern anchovy. P.253-284. Vernberg and W. B. Vernberg, eds. Academic Press, New York. sturm, M. G. de L. 1968. Aspects of the biology of Scomberomorus maculatus (MItchlll) In Trinidad. J. Fish. Bioi., 13: 155-172. Suther I and, D. F. 1977. Catch and catch System, Florida, and adjacent coastal Report NMFS SSRF - 708. 9 p. rates of f I shes caug ht by ang i ers I n the st. And rew Bay waters, 1973. U.S. Department of Comerce, NOAA Technical 1978. Estimated average dally Instantaneous numbers of recreational and commercial fishermen and boaters In the St. Andrew Bay System, Florida, and adjacent coastal waters, 1973. U.S. Department of Commerce. NOAA Technical Report NMFS SSRF 724. Tagatz, M. E. and D. L. Dud ley. 1961 . Seasona I occurrence of mar I ne f I shes I n four shore hab I tats near Beaufort, N. C.. 1957-1960. U.S. Fish Wlldl. Servo Spec. Scl. Rep. Fisheries, No. 390.19. Tanaka, S. 1960. Popul atlon dynamics. Bull. Tokal Reg. Fish. Res. Lab. (28): 1-200. Tester, A. L. and E. L. Nakamura. 1957. Catch rate, size, sex, and food of tunas and other pelagic fishes taken by trolling off Oahu, Hawaii, 1951-55. U.S. Fish Wlldl. Servo Spec. Scl. Rep. 250: 1-25. Thomson, J. M. 1957. The size at maturity and spawning times of some western Austral Ian estuarine fish. Fish. Bull. West Aust. (7): 1-13. Trent, L. 1976. Evaluation of marine recreational fisheries In the northwestern Gulf Port Aransas to Port Isabel, Texas, 1975-1976. A report prepared by the NMFS Gul f Center for the Bureau of Land Management. 236 p. of Mex I co from FI sher I es Trent, L. and E. A. Anthony. 1979. Commercial and recreational fisheries for Spanish mackerel, Scomberomorus maculatus. In: Nakamura and Bullis (eds.). Proceedings: collogulum on the Spanish and king mackerel resources of the Gulf of Mexico. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. No.4. p. 17-32. Gul f States Marine Fisheries Comission, P.O. Box 726, Ocean Springs, MI ssl ssl ppl. Trent, L., G. Bane, W. Fable, A. Trimble, S. Et Isworth, and C. Boulet. (In prep.) Lengths and sex ratio of king mackerel from the recreational and commercial hook and line fisheries In Louisiana, and management groups hypothesized from these data. Nat. Mar. Fish. Serv., Panama City Laboratory, Panama City, Florida. Trent, L. and P. J. Pr I stas. St. Andrew Bay, Florida. 1977. Se i ectlv I ty of g I II nets on estuar I ne and coasta I f I shes from U.S. Nat. Mar. Fish. Servo Fish. Bull. 75(1): 185-198. Trent, L., R. O. Williams, R. G. Taylor, C. H. Saloman, and C. S. Manooch, III. 1981. ratio of king mackerel, Scomberomorus caval la, In the southeastern United States. Comm., NOAA Tech. Me. NMFS-SEFG-62. 59 p. SI ze and sex U.S. Dept. of U.S. Department of Comerce, National Mar Ine FI sher les Serv Ice. States. U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C. Annual FIsheries of the United Annual. Fishery statistics of the United States (Statistical digest). Office, Washington, D.C. U.S. Government Printing 17-16 1965-1976. FI or Ida Land I ngs. Southeast Fishery Center, Miami, Florida. u.s. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. 1972. hunting. U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 1970 national survey of fishing and 1977a. The 1975 survey of hunting, fishing and wi Idl I fe-associated recreation; State technical reports. Individual state reports prepared by National Analysts, Booz, Allen and Hamilton. 1977b. 1975 survey of hunting, fishing and wildlife-associated recreation. Nation Analysis, Division of Booz, Allen and Hamilton, Inc. 91 p. A study conducted by Van der Etst, R. 1976. Game fish of the east coast of southern Africa. I. The biology of the elf, Pomatomus saltatrlx (Llnaeus), In the Coastal waters of Natal. S. African Oceanogr. Res. Inst. Invest. Rep. 44, 59 p. Veno, T. 1965. On two rare pelagic fishes, Luvarus Imperlal Is and Rachycentron canadum recently captured at Yolch, I-kkaldo, Japan. Jpn. J. Ichthyol. 12: 99-103. Voss, G. L. 1973. Cepha I opod resources of the wor I d. Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, Rome. FAO Fisheries Circular No., 149. Un I ted Vovk, A. N. 1972. 0 pitanil severoamerkans kogo kal'mara Loligo paelel Les. (Feeding habits of the North American squid Loligo paelel Les.). ITr. Atl. Nauchno-Issled. Inst. Rybn. Khoz. Okeanogr.) 42: 141-151. (Translated by the Translation Bureau (NDE) Multilingual Services Division. Department of the Secretary of State of Canada, IDept. Env. Fisheries and Marine Serv.l, Biological Station, st. Johns, Newfoundland, 1974. 14 pages typescript. Translation Series No. 3304. 1974. Polozhenle d I Innoperogo Kal 'mara Lolio peal el Les. ve ekoslsteme. (The position of the longfln squid Lolio pealel Les. In the ecosystem). (Translated by the Translation Bureau (NDE) Multilingual Services Division. Department of the Secretary of State of Canada, IDept. Env. FI sherles and Marine Serv.) Biological Station, st. Johns, Newfound land, 1977. 13 pages typescrl pt. Transl atlon ser les No. 3977). Wade, C. B. 1950. Juvenile forms of Neothunnus macropeterus, Katsuwonus pelamls and Euthynnus yalto from Phllllppine seas. U.S. Fish Wlldl. Servo Fish. Bull. 51: 395-404. 1951. Larvae of tuna and tuna-II ke f I shes from Ph I i I pp I ne waters. Bull. 57: 445-485. u.s. Fish Wlldl. Serve Fish. 1977. Survey of the AI abama marine recreational fl shery. Resources, Marine Resources Division. 22 p. AI abama Department of Natural Warmke, G. L. 1961. Brown paper nautilus IArgonauta hlans) recovered from fish stomach ICoryphaena hl ppurus) In Puerto Rico. Carlbb. J. Scl. 1: 142. Wheeland, H. A. 1973. Fishery Statistics of the United States, 1970. Service, Statistical Digest No. 66. National Marine Fisheries Whlteleather, R. T. and H. H. Brown. 1945. An experimental fishery survey In Trinidad, Tobago and Br Itlsh Guiana. Ang Io-Amerlcan Caribbean Com., Washington. 130 pp. Wickham, D. A., J. W. Watson, Jr. and L. H. Ogren. structures for attracting pelagic sport fish. 1973. The efficiency of mid-water artificial Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 102: 563-572. 17-17 Wllk, S. J. 1977. Biological and fisheries data on bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrlx (Llnnaeus). Tech. Sere Rep. No. 11. National Marine Fisheries Service, Northeast Fisheries Center, Sandy Hook Laboratory, Highlands, New Jersey. 56 p. 1978. Bluefish bibliography. Sandy Hook Laboratory, Northeast FIsheries Center, National Marine Fisheries Service. Highlands, New Jersey. (Unpublished manuscript). 97 p. Wi II lams, F. and B. S. Newell. 1957. Notes on the biology of the dorade or dol phln-flsh (Coryphaena hlppurus) In East African waters. East Afr. Agrlc. For. J., 23: 113-118. Wi II lams, R. O. 1976. King mackerel tagging and stock assessment study. 2nd Annual Progress Report to National Marine Fisheries Service from Florida Department of Natural Resources, Tallahassee Florida. July 1, 1975 to September 30, 1976. (Unpublished manuscript.) 1977. King mackerel tagging and stock assessment study. 3rd Annual Progress Report to National Marine Fisheries Service from Florida Department of Natural Resources, Tallahassee, Florida. July 1, 1976 to September 30, 1977. (Un pub II shed manuscr I pt.) Williams, R. O. and D. F. Sutherland. 1979. (Abstract). King mackerel migrations. In: Nakamura and Bull Is (Eds.) Proceedings: Colloquium on the Spanish and King Mackerel Resources of the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, No.4, p. 57. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, P.O. Box 726, Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Wi Ii lams, R. O. and migration along Mar I ne Research R. G. Taylor. (In prep.) Effects of winter the west Florida continental shelf. Florida Laboratory, st. Petersburg, Florida. weather on spr I ng king mac kere I Department of Natural Resources, Wi I son, K. W. 1976. 36: 259-268. Ef fects of 0 I I dispersants on the deve lop I ng embryos of mar I ne fish. Mar. Bioi. 1977. Acute toxicity of 011 dispersants to marine fish larvae. Mar. Bioi. 40: 65-74. Witman, R. 1974. Neonate sea turtles from the stomach of a pelagic fish, Copela, 1974: 548. Wollam, M. B. 1970. Description and distribution of larvae and early juveniles of king mackerel, Scomberomorus cavalla (Cuvler), and Spanish mackerel, Scomberomorus maculatus (Mitchell); (PI sces: scombr Idae) : I n the western North Atl anti c. FI a. Dept. Nat. Res. Mar. Res. Lab., Tech. Ser., No. 61. 35 p. Zhudova, A. M. 1969. Materials on the study of the eggs and larvae of some species of fish from the Gul f of Guiana and from the adjacent waters of the open ocean. Translated from Russian by W. L. Klawe, 1971. 17-18 18.0 COMMENTS AND RESPONSE 1 . No need for management of kl ng mackere I I n western Gu I f where there I s no commerc I a I fishery. Response: According to best available scientific data, there Is one migratory group In and It Is overflshed. Available data are Insufficient at this time to divide the group management purposes. the Gu If, for 2. The limit of one king mackerel over 40 pounds wi II prevent trophy fl shlng. Response: Th I s proposa I has been del eted. 3. A recreational bag limit of two king mackerel will cause a because of Its psychological effect on potential clients. where stocks are pi entl ful . hardsh I p on charter boat operations It I s un necessary I n the western Gu I f Response: See 1. above. The bag limit Is Intended to reduce the recreational catch by 24 per cent, and, therefore, must apply to all sectors. It Is true that the percent reduction may be greater on some charter boats just as It may be greater on expert fishermen, or In areas of higher abundance. A three fish limit excluding charter captain and crew yields the same average catch as a two fIsh I 1m I t I nc I ud I ng capta I n and crew. Charter boats have an opt I on of the greater of the two limits. There Is no evidence that the bag limit wi Ii reduce an ang ler' s desire to fl sh for king mackerel. 4. There Is no need to reduce recreational catch as the commercial net fishery Is the cause of the decline of king mackerel. Response: The recreational catch Is approximately 70 the commerc I a 1 fishery I and I ngs about 30 percent. Of produced less than 40 percent In recent years. percent of the catch of kl ng mackerel wi th the commerc I a i i and I ngs, net fish I ng has 5. Net fish I ng shou I d not be proh I b I ted I n zones proposed I n state and federa I waters as proposed by the Florida Marine Fisheries Comission. Response: The Councils propose to restrict commercial fishing by quotas. Specific zones may be allocated to net and hook and line fishing off Ft. Pierce If conflict develops among fishermen. 6. Recommendations were made for Gulf group king mackerel fishing years to begin July and November In order to provide maximum opportun Ity to partlcul ar geographic areas. Response: Because of the migratory patterns and seasonal availability of king mackerel, the Councils divided the commercial allocation Into eastern and western zones; thus, making the scheduling of the fishing year less Important. 7. Concern was expressed for over fishing of Spanish mackerel stocks. Response: The Counc I i s have requested a reassessment of the Span I sh mackerel stock, and the amendment provides for annual review and some flexibility In regulation. 8. Commercial landings In 1982 are comparable to 1970 Indicating that the commercial catch Is static. Response: Commercial and recreational landings are cyclic, depending on recruitment strength from various year classes. The trend In the Gulf migratory group Is downward, and that Is the group for which a reduced catch Is proposed. 18-1 9. A gradual reductIon In TAC would have less Impact on the fishery users even though recovery may take longer. Response: The Councl Is about the max Imum wh I ch group. considered thIs option but felt that a recovery period of three years was should be consIdered due to the poor conditIon of the Gulf mIgratory 10. The winter boundary between the Atlantic and Gulf mIgratory groups of king mackerel should be moved farther south than the Flag ler-Volusla County line. Response: The stock assessment group and the Councl Is' SSC recommended a dIvIsIon at any poInt between the northern boundary of Vo I us I a County and the Georg I a border. 11. No severe restrictions should be placed on kIng mackerel until the 1981-82 recreational catch data are verifIed and revIewed. Response: Because of the long delay In obtaining these data, the Councl Is must proceed with the best data aval lab Ie. The amendment provides for annua i review, and when these data become aval lab Ie they will be used In updating the stock assessment. 12. Because TAC Is based on pounds, the bag limit should consider weight of fish. geographIcally. FIsh vary In size Response: The bag 11m I tIs based on percentage red uct I on of number of fish. weIght of the bag limit may vary due to preval ling size of the fish. It Is true that the 13. Allow charterboats a greater bag limit than pr !vate boats because theIr average catch Is greater, and they wI Ii have a greater percentage of reduction. Response: See 3. (preced I ng page). 14. The variable boundary between migratory groups Is biased In favor of the Atlantic group. Response: The boundary fo i lows the recommendatIon of the stock assessment group and SSC, and Is based on tagg I ng stud I es conducted by state and federa I fIsh I ng agenc I es. 15. FIx the mIgratory group boundary at Key West. Response: See 10. above. 16. Close "No Man's Land" off the Florida Keys to net fishIng. Response: See 5. (preced I ng page). 17. In order to obtain good catch Information, recreational fishermen should be required to obtain permits. Response: The logistics of Issuing permits would be costly. Catch Information may be obtained more easily through sampling and wIth much less Inconvenience to the fishermen. 18. The concept of annual review and more flexible management was endorsed. Response: The Councils agree. 18-2 19. The commercial allocation should be subdivided between net and hook and line fishermen. Response: The present FMP contains this provision, and It has not worked well. The first year of the plan, the hook and line quota was filled and fishing terminated, while the net quota remained unfl lIed. Changing catch patterns In the fishery makes this dIvision Impractical. 20. Fishing tournaments should be exempted from bag limits. Response: There would be a difficulty In defining a bonaflde fishing tournament. The Councils propose to restore the stock with a fair reduction In catch which Is as equitable as possible and practical. 21. The bag limit will be self-defeating because king mackerel are difficult to release alive. Response: King mackerel tagging programs utilize fish caught by hook and line. released In good condition by fishermen who try to do so. FI sh can be 22. Some fl shermen 1 I ke to fl i et the Ir fl sh at sea. Response: Fish with size and bag limits would be required to be landed whole, or In an Iden tifiable condition. 23. Seasonal closures would be preferred to a bag limit. Response: Seasons would be more difficult because of the seasonal movement of the fish. 24. Close the Louisiana fishery because It takes larger fish. Response: The size of fish taken off Louisiana varies with the price break on fish size. fish often br I ng lower pr I ce per pound. The Lou I s I ana commerc I a i fishery Is restr I cted In western zone quota. Larger the 25. Restr I ct the use of purse se I nes and spotter planes. Response: The purse seine fishery has been allocated a quota for study purposes, and a decision wi Ii be made on the use of the gear when the study Is completed after the three-year program. The Councils do not propose to restrict efficiency of gear at this time. Total catch Is limited by quota. 26. Close the king mackerel fishery for two years to allow stocks to recover. Response: A one-year closure would be adequate and was considered. Its severe Impact on various users. It was rejected because of 27. The proposed quota for the western zone I s based on on i y a few years' data and I s us I ng an excessive share of the Gul f group quota. Response: The Louisiana fishery Is new, and the allocation for the western group was based on recent catches. 18-3 28. Charter boats should be allowed to fish with a permit under the commercial quota. Response: Vesse I s catch I ng fish I n excess of the bag I 1m I t but not se I I I ng the I r catches wou i d cause the TAC to be exceeded. The Councils considered many options to restrict or to count this catch. 29. The requirement that a commercial permit seeker be required to share his Income tax forms with Councl i members or staff Is an Invasion of pr Ivacy. Response: Councils will not be Involved In Issuance of permits. NMFS will limit Issuance to Individuals who certify that at least ten percent of their earned Income Is derived from commer cial fishing. Some may be required to substantiate this certification. 30. If future allocations are to be based on average catch In years for which both commercial and recreational catches are available, the commercial catch can only decline. It Is limited by a quota, while total number of recreational participants can continue to Increase. Response: Because the ratio Is to be based on an average of several years, any change wi Ii be dampened or small. It Is possible that for economic or other reasons the recreational catch could decline. The change could work either way. 31. Allow a larger bag i Imlt for king mackerel In the western Gul f. Response: Present data Indicate one migratory group of fish In the Gulf. There Is, therefore, no j ustl fl cation for differential bag limits. 32. Adopt the lower TAC and management regime proposed by the Florida Marine Fisheries Commission. Response: The Councils considered those measures to be too severe. The Councils' stock assessment group recommended a reduction of 22 percent for a recovery of the stock In three years. Th I s I s the I ntent of the amendment. 33. The Louisiana fishery Is not given proper consideration In the amendment. Response: The Louisiana fishery and landings are described In Section 8, and an allocation Is provided based on land Ings. 34. Fishermen and other groups have Inadequate notice and Inability to participate In development of the FMP and amendment. Response: Each Council has an advisory panel and has held public hearings during plan develop ment. News releases, meetings, and notices of changes have been distributed. All public com ments are reviewed and considered before the final draft Is submitted for Secretarial review. 35. Quest I on whether the restr I ct I on aga I nst a capta I n or crew member of a charter boat be I ng I nc I uded In the bag limit Is constitutional. Response: This restriction has been changed, and the captain and crew are now to be allowed a bag i Imlt option. 18-4 36. The allocation reduction from the FMP to the amended FMP I s greater for recreational fl shermen than for commerc I a i fishermen. Response: In the original FMP, the TAC was equal to MSY. The commercial allocation was based on historic landings (1971-1975) with the remainder of TAC being allocated to the recreational fishery. The problem Is that the MSY was overestimated. In the amendment, allocations are based on a ratio of the catch of the two user groups. 37. If one divides the recreational allocation (9.6M pounds) by average weight of fish (6.6 pounds), this shows only 1.5M fish are available. If thIs Is divided by an estimated number of angler days, there are only 0.13 fish available per angler day. Response: The two fish bag i Imlt Is estimated to reduce the total recreational catch percent, based upon average catch rates. The 9.6M pound allocation Is not a cell lng, reduced estimated level of catch which may be attained with a two fish bag limit. by about 25 but Is the 38. As a recreational fisherman, i support the two fish bag limit; however, i feel that stringent regulations should apply to the commercial sector as well. Response: The commerc I a I fishery I s to be restr I cted to a quota and commerc I a i fish I ng wi Ii cease In a zone for king mackerel when the quota Is reached. The commercial allocation Is also reduced slml i ar to the recreational allocation. 39. The Councl Is should hold a public meeting before changes are made. Response: The Councl Is held 25 public hearings on the proposed amendment. 40. Consideration should be given to placing key members of professional groups such as the asso ciations who have technical expertise from a user's perspective on the stock assessment team for Identl flcatlon of TAC. Response: Such Individuals constitute the advisory panel which Is to review the findings of the techn I ca i stock assessment group. 41. Rejected alternative to require permits for all mackerel fishermen appears to be In conflict with the recommendation that state's should license recreational and commercial fishermen. Response: Permits for a single species would not be cost effective or practical. The Council would prefer that all states Issue licenses for recreational and commercial fishermen as some have at ready done. 42. Council review and monitoring of the FMP (Section 16) should Include coordination of effort with other profess I ona i resource agenc I es. Response: This Is the Intent, and wording has been revised to clarify. 43. Charter boat operators are dependent upon selling portions of their catch and should be allowed to do so. Response: Charter boats are to be defined as recreational boats for the purpose of reducing the catch fairly. Anyone may sell his catch so long as the commercial quota Is not fl lied; however, only boats with commercial permits may exceed the recreational bag limits. Permit vessels must cease to fish for king mackerel when the quota Is filled. Recreational boats may continue to fish. 18-5 USDeen,.of Trapoon . Un Sta .Co Gu Kr. William P. Jensen Jr. Chief, Fisher, lfanaB~ent . Division tInited States Departent NOAA, NM Washington, DC 202'5 Dear ~fr. Jensen: Cond United Stat..Coast Gurd Operations of Co erce Wasington. OC 20593 =:ymCO: :';-ûtZ/'1 (202)Î;;-~ 155 16207.2 JUl 1,3 198 This in in reply to your letter of June 27, 1984 relardi~ Amendment 1 to the Fishery !ünagement Plan for the Coastal Zfigra tory Pelagic ResOurces I have no comments concernng the enforcement aspect of this plan. Thaa you for allowing me the opportunty to reYiew and provide comment3 on these proposed chaes. Sincerely, . . ,.'. '. ~ \"C,~\ ';¡ /'¡ \, . .~(..J''ì~l- l~/'. / R.')r GROOlBERG Commander, U. S. Coast Guard Chief: Fisheries Law Enforcement Division By direction of the Commandant t .. DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE REGIONAL CIVIL ENGINEER, EASTERN REGION (HQ AFESCI 5Z. TITi.ii 8UIi.DING. 30 .."va" 8T"iiiiT. ..W. "Ti.ANTA. GiiO"GI" 30303 "...""y TO ATTN al'i ROV2 20 July 1984 SU8J.CTI Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Amendment No.1 to the Pishery Management Plan for the Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources (Mackerels) (Your "Ltr, 22 June 84) TOI - . National Marine Pisheries Service Attn: Mr. Jack T. Brawner Director, Southeast Region 9450 Koger Street North Duval Building St. Petersburg, PL 33702 1. We have reviewed. the subject DEIS. Execution of the proposed amendment to the management plan will not adversely impact Air Porce operations in the Eastern Region. 2. Thank you for the opportunity to review this DEIS. Our point of contact is Mr. Winfred G. DOdson, telephone (404) 221-6821/6776. 'POR 'rE COMMNDER. ~/.~.MONNIE L. GORE, JR. Captain, USAP, Deputy Chief Environmental Planning Di vision cc: HQ USAP/LEEV ..7 /',J v,,\'~O sr",,.,,,j ~ .. "0~ . z ~ ~YI1 ~'i ..~ r! ""ofl PAO,~c.\" UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION Vi 120 I ELM STREET DALLAS. TEXAS 75270 JUL 1 8 1984 Ns. J aye eM. T. l~ood Chief, Ecology and Conservation U.S. Department of Commerce Nati onal' (keanic and Atmospheric Room 6111 Washington, D.C. 2n230 lli vi $i on Adm; ni strati on near Ns. Wood: We have campl eted our rev; ew of your Draft Envi roninental Impact Sti'tement (ElS) for the Fishery r"1anageiænt Plan on the Coastal r-igratary Pelagic Resources. The proposed action will arnend an existing fishery management plan in response to new scientific findings particularly with respect to the King M~ckeral stock. This stock is to be divided into migratory groups for management purposes. This plan will provide more flexibility to address changes in the fish populations. We classify your Draft Envi ronmental Impact Statement as If)-l. Speci fically, 'He have no objections to the project as it relates to Environinenti'l Protection Agency's (EPA) legislative mandates. The statemnt contained sufficient infor mation to adequately evaluate the possible environmental impact which could result from project implementation. Our classification will be published in the Federal Register in accordance with our responsibility to inform the public of our views on proposed Federal actions, under Section 309 of the Cledn Air Act. Ddinitions of the categories are provided on the enclosure. Our procedur~ is to categori ze the E is on both the envi rorrmenta 1 consequences of the proposed acti on and on the adequacy of the EIS, at the draft stage, whenever possible. . \~e apt)reci ate the opportunity to revi ew the Draft ElS. Pl edse send our office five (5) copies of the Final EIS at the same time it is sent to the Office of Federal Activities. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, O.C. 51 ncerely yours, /s/ Frances E. Phillips tor Oi ck Whi tti ngton, P .E. Regional Administrator Enc losure cc: Mr. Jack T. Brawner .~ E~Vr::C~~~1::NiAL r~?ACT OF ïHE -ACiiON LO - Lack of Objections EPA has no objections to the proposed action as described in t~e draft impact statement; or suggests only minor changes in the proposed action. ER - Environmental Reservations E?A has reservations concerning the environmental effects of certa;n aspects of the proposed action. E?A bel ieves that further study of suggested alternatives or modifications is required and has asked the originating Federal agency to re-assess these aspects. EU - Environmentally Unsatisfactory EPA believes that the proposed action is unsatisfactory because of its potentially harmul effect on the environment. Furthermore, the Agency believes that the potential safeguards which might be utilized may not adequately protect the environment from hazards arising from this action. The Agency recommnds that alternatives to the action be analyzed further (including the possibility of no action at all). ADEOUACY OF THE IMPACT STATEMENT ffteaory 1 - Adeauate The draft impact. statement adequately sets forth the environmental impact of the proposed project or action as well as alternatives reasonably available to the project or action. Cateaory 2 - Insufficient Information E?A believes the draft impact statement does not contain sufficient information to assess fully the environ~~nta 1 impact of the proposed project or action. However, from the information submitted, the Agency is able to make a preliminary determination of the impact on the environment. EPA has requested that the originator provide the information that was not included in the draft statemnt. Cateaory 3 - Inadeauate E?A believes that the draft impact stat~~ent does not adequately assess the environmental impact of the proposed project or act ion, or that the statement inadequately analyzes reasonably available alternatives. The Agency has requested more information and analysis concerning the potential .environmental hazards and has asked that substantial revision be made to the impact statement. If a drart statemnt is assigned a Category 3, no rating wi 11 be made of the project or action, since a basis does not generally exist on which to make a qetermination. ,t'" :fo: r/t£t.l I :; i liCiM.' ~C/ st.1 M ,ek~ lJ United States Department of Stat. Wåshinf:ion. D.C. 20.)2U August l7, l~-. I i Mr. Jack T. Brawner National Marine Fisheries Service F / SER 2 9450 Koger Boulevard St. Petersburg, Florida 33702 / Dear Mr. Brawner: \,:;~ . AUG 3 0 ;984 ..:;...),,'J); ~ .. ..-~~ ,."~~':' ~/ '/?''''; "'.C: (.;:- "1 '\ .~.::~:/..' The statement made on page 7-1 of the document that" there may be some interaction between the stocks of king and Spanish mackeral caught in Uni ted States waters and those caught by Mexicans off Vera Cruz.. was noted wi th interest. We appreciate the fact that research to determine the extent of this relationship is planned. Since the very. purpose of this fishery management plan is to maintain a viable stock of mackeral, the plan should give no problems to the Government of Mexico even if a relationship between the two stocks is further established. However, due to the importance of our fishery relationship with Mexico, we will be sending a copy of the DEIS to the Regional Fisheries Attache, Mr. Charles Finan, at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City for his information. I thank you for the opportuni ty to review this environmental impact statement. Sincerely, . #~:: United States Department of the Interior OFFICE OF ENIRONMENTAL PROJECC REVIEW Southeast Region / S~ite i360 Richard B. Rusell Federal Building 75 Spring Street, S. W. / Atlanta, Ga. 30303 Teiephon~ 404/221-4524. FTS: 2424524 AUG10 88 ER-84/861 Mr. Wilam P. JEIen, Jr., Chef Fish~ Magat Options Division Natina Occ and Atmpheric Addstrtion Naiona Maine Fiseries Serice Wahingtn, D.C. 20235 De Mr. JEla': The Department of the Interior dJ IDt have a:ts an Amt 1/Fishery Magat Pla/Retory Inct Reiew (ambi) for th Cæta Migrtory Pelgic Reures (Maels). . We appreciate the c:patuni ty to review ths cDt. Sú=Y;¡~ Jam H. Le . Reiona Enirartal Officer /'¡./ ! DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY ~o '. F/:SEr6 2. ( SO ATLNT DIISI CORS 01 ENGER 510 TITL II 30 PRYOR STRET. S.W. ATLA. GEORA 30835..801 August 9, 1984 REPt Y TO A TT OF: Planning Division Mr. Jack T. Brawner Director, Southeast Region National Marine Fisheries Service 9450 Koger Street, North, Duval Building St. Petersburg, Flori da 33702 Dear Mr. Brawner: The attached comments are provided in review of the draft environ mental impact statement for Amendment number one to the Fishery Management Plan for the Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources (Mackerels). We apprec iate the opportun i ty for revi ewi ng th i s document. I f there are any questions on the attached, please contact Dr, M. A. Cooper at(404) 221-4619. . Si ncerely, (ì ~. tt,.~ ~:' Mauld' Chief, Planning Division ~ Attachment SOUTH ATLANTIC DIVISION CORPS OF ENGINEERS COMMENTS ,ON DRAFT AMENDMENT ONE, FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN EIS FOR THE COASTAL MIGRATORY PELAGIC RESOURCES 1. ' Page 2-1, paragraph 2.0. It would be helpful if the first National Standard set forth in the Magnuson Act were descri bed. 2,. ~e 2-2~ paragraph 2.4. Footnote explanations of the abbreviations used in the Tabe headings should be provided for clarification. 3. Page 2-6, paragraph 2.73. It would be helpful to include a brief description of the composition, roles and functions of the Councils, including any provisions \ for coordination with related resource agencies and user groups (reference page 10-4, paragraph 10-2). 4. ~ paragraph 2.8.2(8). Identify the territorial jurisdiction of the s ta tes adJ 0 in 1 ng the F edera 1 Coas ta 1 Zone (FCZ) re 1 at i ve to the f is hery resou rces problems and proposed solutions presented in the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) (reference Exhibits 7-1, 8-2, 10-2). Provide some insight into the significance of the states' jurisdiction and management of these- resources in relation to the goals of the FMP (see also pages 7-3 and 7-4). . 6. Page 12-9, paragraph 12.6.1.1 (8). Consideration should, be given to placing key membe~s of professional groups, such as the Associations who have technical expertise from a user's perspective, on the assessment team for identification of the total a llöwab1 e catch (TAC). ;~ co~~ci2;~ih ~:~~~:~~ai~~~~4~~. pa::j~:je1t~~)e~~~;;~:P~02.~.~~pe~~~s t~h~~ld be c1 arified a1 so in relation to recommendations of the FMP given on page 15-2 ~ paragraph 15.4 (bottom). 8. Page 12-40, paragraph 12.6.11 (E and F). Reconsideration of this alternative shou1a-be made based on the stated value of the informtion and need for it (page 14-1, paragraph 14.4 et a1). Alternate means for implementation should be pursued. Stati stica1 samp1 ing methods shou1 d continue ,to be inc1 uded. 9. Page 16-1, Section 16. Measures identified should include coordination of efforts with other professional resource agencies and groups having profess ional concerns and' potential inputs to planning actions. ~