Overview
Title
Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Framework Adjustment 15 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan; Framework Adjustment 6 to the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government is making new rules so that fishing nets in certain areas won't catch too many special fish called Atlantic sturgeon by mistake. Fishermen will start using lower nets in 2026, and they can't leave their nets in the water overnight in some months starting in 2025.
Summary AI
The National Marine Fisheries Service established new gear requirements for the monkfish and spiny dogfish fisheries to reduce Atlantic sturgeon bycatch. These rules require the use of low-profile gillnets in certain areas starting in 2026 and prohibit gillnets from being left in the water overnight during specific months from 2025. The rules aim to balance the reduction of sturgeon bycatch with the economic impact on the fisheries. The regulations, recommended by fishery management councils, include a delay to allow the fishing industry time to adapt to the new measures.
Abstract
NMFS is implementing regulations for Framework Adjustment 15 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan/Framework Adjustment 6 to the Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan, which the New England and Mid- Atlantic Fishery Management Councils jointly recommended and NMFS approved. This action establishes area-based gear requirements for vessels fishing with gillnets in the monkfish fishery, starting on January 1, 2026, and for vessels fishing with gillnets in the spiny dogfish fishery starting on May 1, 2025. This action is necessary to minimize bycatch of Atlantic sturgeon in the monkfish and spiny dogfish fisheries to the extent practicable and fulfill requirements of the Biological Opinion on Ten Fishery Management Plans in the Greater Atlantic Region and the New England Fishery Management Council's Omnibus Habitat Amendment 2.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document is a new set of regulations implemented by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to address the bycatch of Atlantic sturgeon in the monkfish and spiny dogfish fisheries in the Northeastern United States. The rules introduce specific requirements aimed at reducing the unintended capture of this endangered species. By mandating the use of low-profile gillnets and prohibiting the overnight soaking of nets in certain areas and times, the regulations strive to balance environmental protection with the economic needs of the fishing industry.
General Summary
In summary, the regulations require fishing vessels targeting monkfish and spiny dogfish to adopt new gear or modify their fishing practices. For monkfish fisheries, the use of low-profile gillnets is mandated starting January 1, 2026, within specified areas. This gear is designed to reduce interactions with Atlantic sturgeon. Similarly, ships involved in spiny dogfish fishing will need to comply with restrictions that prohibit leaving gillnets in the water overnight during certain months, beginning May 1, 2025. These measures seek to curtail the unintended capture and mortality rates of sturgeon in these fisheries.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several significant issues emerge in the document. The implementation of new gear requirements may incur costs to fishermen, especially small entities, and there is concern over whether the transition period allowed will be sufficient for the industry to adapt. Additionally, a potential conflict with existing regulations regarding twine size for gillnets may create further complications and economic burden if not addressed promptly.
Another concern is the possible indirect economic impact on fishery-dependent industries, such as markets and processors, precipitated by the prohibition of overnight net soaking. This change could disrupt supply chains and market dynamics, especially if the adjustments occur rapidly.
Impact on the Public
Broadly, the public may benefit from these regulations through enhanced environmental protection efforts. By striving to reduce the bycatch of endangered sturgeon species, the policies contribute to the conservation of marine biodiversity and ecosystem balance, appealing to environmentally conscious citizens. However, these measures may also prompt a rise in consumer prices for monkfish and spiny dogfish, as the cost implications for fishermen could ripple through the supply chain.
Impact on Stakeholders
The fishing industry, particularly small-scale fishermen, faces potential economic challenges. The requirement for specialized gear might impose financial strain, and the concerns about adequate preparedness time could exacerbate these pressures. Moreover, markets and processors could experience volatility if supply becomes inconsistent due to overnight soak prohibitions.
Conversely, conservation groups and environmental stakeholders are likely to view these regulations positively. They align with broader efforts to mitigate the ecological footprint of commercial fishing and protect endangered marine species. While NMFS aims to balance conservation efforts and economic viability, ensuring that stakeholder feedback continues to guide regulatory adjustments will be critical.
Issues
• The rule involves significant changes in fishing gear requirements that may incur costs to fishermen. The document claims this should not have a significant economic impact, but it may be difficult for small entities to absorb these costs, especially given the requirement for new gear construction.
• The rule specifies a delay until January 1, 2026, to give industry time to adapt to new low-profile gillnet gear requirements, yet it is unclear if this duration is adequate given manufacturers' constraints.
• Comments suggest a potential conflict between the new gear regulation and existing HPTRP regulations regarding twine size, which could inadvertently cause economic disruptions if not resolved in time.
• Some comments raised concerns about the potential impact on fishery markets and processors, suggesting possible indirect negative economic effects from overnight soak prohibitions.
• Comments requesting specific economic analyses and comparisons of different regulatory alternatives suggest that the document may lack sufficient detail in the analysis of economic impacts of different courses of action.
• The regulations do not explicitly address the potential cumulative environmental effects, particularly concerns related to derelict fishing gear and offshore wind development, though these are sometimes raised in comments.