2016 State of the Coast
June 1-3, 2016
New Orleans, LA
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
stateofthecoast.org
The 2016 State of the Coast conference is a interdisciplinary forum where participants can exchange timely and relevant information on the dynamic conditions of Louisiana’s coastal communities, environment, and economy.
The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL), The Water Institute of the Gulf, and the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana (CPRA) partner to produce this forum, the need for which grows with every acre of land lost to the Gulf.
SOC16 will consist of three full days of presentations by leading experts in concurrent sessions, keynote presentations, poster sessions, and networking opportunities.
More than 1,000 scientists, landowners/managers, federal and state agency personnel, local officials, industry and business leaders, resource users, and interested citizens will be in attendance at the 4th iteration of this biennial conference.
source: stateofthecoast.org
Showing posts with label gulf of mexico. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gulf of mexico. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Saturday, December 26, 2015
Mississippi Red Tides 2015
Along the Mississippi Coast, unusual red tides (harmful algae blooms) are affecting commercial fishing, outdoor recreation, and other activities.
In December, the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), through its Beach Monitoring Program, issued a preemptive closure for all beach segments along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
In addition, officials with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) closed oyster reefs. The decision was made as a precautionary measure due to the proximity of potentially harmful algae blooms in the Mississippi Sound.
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources has information for the public about harmful algal blooms, or red tide, on its website, dmr.ms.gov.
source: Mississippi Department of Marine Resources
In December, the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), through its Beach Monitoring Program, issued a preemptive closure for all beach segments along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
In addition, officials with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) closed oyster reefs. The decision was made as a precautionary measure due to the proximity of potentially harmful algae blooms in the Mississippi Sound.
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources has information for the public about harmful algal blooms, or red tide, on its website, dmr.ms.gov.
source: Mississippi Department of Marine Resources
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Gulf Coast Vulnerability Assessment (USFWS)
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) recently released its Gulf Coast Vulnerability Assessment (GCVA).
The report evaluates the effects of climate change, sea level rise, and urbanization on four Gulf Coast ecosystems and 11 species that depend on them.
The ecosystems are mangrove, oyster reef, tidal emergent marsh and barrier islands. The species are roseate spoonbill, blue crab, clapper rail, mottled duck, spotted seatrout, eastern oyster, American oystercatcher, red drum, black skimmer, Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, and Wilson’s plover.
The GCVA was initiated by four Landscape Conservation Cooperatives (LCCs) that cover the Gulf of Mexico: Gulf Coast Prairie, Gulf Coastal Plains & Ozarks, South Atlantic, and Peninsular Florida.
To learn more about the GCVA visit: http://gulfcoastprairielcc.org/science/science-projects/gulf-coast-vulnerability-assessment/.
source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The report evaluates the effects of climate change, sea level rise, and urbanization on four Gulf Coast ecosystems and 11 species that depend on them.
The ecosystems are mangrove, oyster reef, tidal emergent marsh and barrier islands. The species are roseate spoonbill, blue crab, clapper rail, mottled duck, spotted seatrout, eastern oyster, American oystercatcher, red drum, black skimmer, Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, and Wilson’s plover.
The GCVA was initiated by four Landscape Conservation Cooperatives (LCCs) that cover the Gulf of Mexico: Gulf Coast Prairie, Gulf Coastal Plains & Ozarks, South Atlantic, and Peninsular Florida.
To learn more about the GCVA visit: http://gulfcoastprairielcc.org/science/science-projects/gulf-coast-vulnerability-assessment/.
source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
NOAA-EPA Regional Coastal Wetlands Reviews
NOAA, in partnership with EPA, recently released four regional Coastal Wetland Reviews. According to NOAA, the reports include information regarding recent coastal wetland trends that can help state and local wetlands managers identify key information gaps and determine what is needed to address the ongoing loss of coastal wetlands.
The reviews come following a series of meetings with stakeholders in coastal watersheds throughout the Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, North Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico.
According to NOAA, the objective of the reviews was to better understand regional stressors on wetlands in coastal watersheds and local protection strategies with the goal of reversing the trend of wetland loss.
source: NOAA Fish News
The reviews come following a series of meetings with stakeholders in coastal watersheds throughout the Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, North Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico.
According to NOAA, the objective of the reviews was to better understand regional stressors on wetlands in coastal watersheds and local protection strategies with the goal of reversing the trend of wetland loss.
source: NOAA Fish News
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
2012 Gulf of Mexico Dead Zones
According to the latest prediction from NOAA, 2012 Gulf of Mexico hypoxic zone could range from a low of approximately 1,197 square miles to as much as 6,213 square miles. The wide range is the result of using two different forecast models. The forecast is based on Mississippi River nutrient inputs compiled annually by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
The smaller dead zone forecast was generated by researchers from the University of Michigan. Their model is based on spring nutrient inputs from the Mississippi River which are significantly lower than average due to drought conditions throughout much of the watershed.
The larger dead zone forecast is from Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium and Louisiana State University scientists. The Louisiana forecast model includes prior year’s nutrient inputs which can remain in bottom sediments and be recycled the following year. Floods in 2011 and low flows in 2012 influenced the “carryover effect” for the 2012 prediction.
Hypoxic zones, also known as "dead zones" are said to be caused by nutrient pollution and other factors that deplete oxygen in seawater. Fish and other marine life are sometimes unable to survive at or near the seafloor where hypoxic zones exist.
source: NOAA
The smaller dead zone forecast was generated by researchers from the University of Michigan. Their model is based on spring nutrient inputs from the Mississippi River which are significantly lower than average due to drought conditions throughout much of the watershed.
The larger dead zone forecast is from Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium and Louisiana State University scientists. The Louisiana forecast model includes prior year’s nutrient inputs which can remain in bottom sediments and be recycled the following year. Floods in 2011 and low flows in 2012 influenced the “carryover effect” for the 2012 prediction.
Hypoxic zones, also known as "dead zones" are said to be caused by nutrient pollution and other factors that deplete oxygen in seawater. Fish and other marine life are sometimes unable to survive at or near the seafloor where hypoxic zones exist.
source: NOAA
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Asian Tiger Shrimp Found in Gulf of Mexico - South Atlantic
Fishermen and other mariners are reporting higher numbers of non-native Asian tiger shrimp occuring off the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts. In response to the phenomenon, NOAA recently announced that scientists have begun studying causes of the increase as well as possible consequences for native fish and seafood in both areas.
Researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are working with state agencies from North Carolina to Texas to look into how this transplanted species from Indo-Pacific, Asian and Australian waters reached U.S. waters, and what the increase in sightings means for native species.
According to USGS officials, reports of Asian tiger shrimp increased tenfold in 2011. The cause of the rapid increase in tiger shrimp populations remains uncertain. NOAA scientists are launching a research effort to understand more about the biology of these shrimp and how they may affect the ecology of native fisheries and coastal ecosystems.
Anyone who sees one or more shrimp suspected to be an Asian tiger shrimp is asked to note the location and report the sighting to the USGS NAS database at http://nas.er.usgs.gov/SightingReport.aspx
source: NOAA FishNews
Researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are working with state agencies from North Carolina to Texas to look into how this transplanted species from Indo-Pacific, Asian and Australian waters reached U.S. waters, and what the increase in sightings means for native species.
According to USGS officials, reports of Asian tiger shrimp increased tenfold in 2011. The cause of the rapid increase in tiger shrimp populations remains uncertain. NOAA scientists are launching a research effort to understand more about the biology of these shrimp and how they may affect the ecology of native fisheries and coastal ecosystems.
Anyone who sees one or more shrimp suspected to be an Asian tiger shrimp is asked to note the location and report the sighting to the USGS NAS database at http://nas.er.usgs.gov/SightingReport.aspx
source: NOAA FishNews
Friday, April 6, 2012
Gulf of Mexico Dolphin Illnesses
Bottlenose dolphins in Barataria Bay, Louisiana, are showing signs of severe ill health, according to NOAA marine mammal biologists and their local, state, federal and other research partners. Barataria Bay, located in the northern Gulf of Mexico, received heavy and prolonged exposure to oil during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Based on comprehensive physicals of 32 live dolphins from Barataria Bay in the summer of 2011, preliminary results show that many of the dolphins in the study are underweight, anemic, have low blood sugar and/or some symptoms of liver and lung disease. Nearly half also have abnormally low levels of the hormones that help with stress response, metabolism and immune function. Researchers fear that some of the study dolphins are in such poor health that they will not survive.
NOAA and its local, state and federal partners started the Barataria Bay dolphin study in 2011 as part of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA), the process for studying the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. NOAA is sharing the preliminary results from the study so that stranding responders and veterinarians can better care for live stranded dolphins and look for similar health conditions.
source: NOAA FishNews
Based on comprehensive physicals of 32 live dolphins from Barataria Bay in the summer of 2011, preliminary results show that many of the dolphins in the study are underweight, anemic, have low blood sugar and/or some symptoms of liver and lung disease. Nearly half also have abnormally low levels of the hormones that help with stress response, metabolism and immune function. Researchers fear that some of the study dolphins are in such poor health that they will not survive.
NOAA and its local, state and federal partners started the Barataria Bay dolphin study in 2011 as part of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA), the process for studying the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. NOAA is sharing the preliminary results from the study so that stranding responders and veterinarians can better care for live stranded dolphins and look for similar health conditions.
source: NOAA FishNews
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Gulf of Mexico Dolphin Health Assessment
NOAA scientists and partners recently completed a 15 day capture and release dolphin health assessment in Barataria Bay, Louisiana.
The study, a part of the continuing Natural Resource Damage Assessment for the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, gave scientists the ability to conduct a hands-on physical exam of individual dolphins to assess potential sub-lethal, chronic, and indirect health impacts of the spill.
This study follows up on an initial pre-assessment phase of photo-identification and remote biopsy studies that documented the oil exposure of bottlenose dolphins in Barataria Bay.
Over 50 veterinarians, biologists, and wildlife epidemiologists worked together to conduct comprehensive health evaluations of 31 dolphins during the study.
Specially trained team members humanely encircled the dolphins by net, brought them to a medical vessel for a complete veterinary exam, tagged them with satellite and VHF radio tags, and then released them back into the wild.
Researchers will use the tags to monitor the dolphins over time, to better understand their movements, range, and preferred habitats, which may help with exposure assessment and planning for the restoration of the area.
For more information on the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program:
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/health/
The study, a part of the continuing Natural Resource Damage Assessment for the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, gave scientists the ability to conduct a hands-on physical exam of individual dolphins to assess potential sub-lethal, chronic, and indirect health impacts of the spill.
This study follows up on an initial pre-assessment phase of photo-identification and remote biopsy studies that documented the oil exposure of bottlenose dolphins in Barataria Bay.
Over 50 veterinarians, biologists, and wildlife epidemiologists worked together to conduct comprehensive health evaluations of 31 dolphins during the study.
Specially trained team members humanely encircled the dolphins by net, brought them to a medical vessel for a complete veterinary exam, tagged them with satellite and VHF radio tags, and then released them back into the wild.
Researchers will use the tags to monitor the dolphins over time, to better understand their movements, range, and preferred habitats, which may help with exposure assessment and planning for the restoration of the area.
For more information on the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program:
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/health/
Friday, July 8, 2011
Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone Predicted for 2011
The Gulf of Mexico’s hypoxic zone is predicted to be the largest ever recorded due to extreme flooding of the Mississippi River this spring, according to an annual forecast by a team of NOAA-supported scientists from the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, Louisiana State University and the University of Michigan. The forecast is based on Mississippi River nutrient inputs compiled annually by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Scientists are predicting the area could measure between 8,500 and 9,421 square miles, or an area roughly the size of New Hampshire. If it does reach those levels it will be the largest since mapping of the Gulf “dead zone” began in 1985. The largest hypoxic zone measured to date occurred in 2002 and encompassed more than 8,400 square miles.
Hypoxia is caused by excessive nutrient pollution, often from human activities such as agriculture that results in too little oxygen to support most marine life in bottom and near-bottom water. The hypoxic zone off the coast of Louisiana and Texas forms each summer and threatens valuable commercial and recreational Gulf fisheries. In 2009, the dockside value of commercial fisheries in the Gulf was $629 million. Nearly three million recreational fishers further contributed more than $1 billion to the Gulf economy taking 22 million fishing trips.
During May 2011 stream-flow rates in the Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers were nearly twice that of normal conditions. This significantly increased the amount of nitrogen transported by the rivers into the Gulf. According to USGS estimates, 164,000 metric tons of nitrogen (in the form of nitrite plus nitrate) were transported by the Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers to the northern Gulf. The amount of nitrogen transported to the Gulf in May 2011 was 35 percent higher than average May nitrogen loads estimated in the last 32 years.
The actual size of the 2011 hypoxic zone will be released following a NOAA-supported monitoring survey led by the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium between July 25 and August 6. Collecting these data is an annual requirement of the Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient Task Force Action Plan.
source: NOAA
Scientists are predicting the area could measure between 8,500 and 9,421 square miles, or an area roughly the size of New Hampshire. If it does reach those levels it will be the largest since mapping of the Gulf “dead zone” began in 1985. The largest hypoxic zone measured to date occurred in 2002 and encompassed more than 8,400 square miles.
Hypoxia is caused by excessive nutrient pollution, often from human activities such as agriculture that results in too little oxygen to support most marine life in bottom and near-bottom water. The hypoxic zone off the coast of Louisiana and Texas forms each summer and threatens valuable commercial and recreational Gulf fisheries. In 2009, the dockside value of commercial fisheries in the Gulf was $629 million. Nearly three million recreational fishers further contributed more than $1 billion to the Gulf economy taking 22 million fishing trips.
During May 2011 stream-flow rates in the Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers were nearly twice that of normal conditions. This significantly increased the amount of nitrogen transported by the rivers into the Gulf. According to USGS estimates, 164,000 metric tons of nitrogen (in the form of nitrite plus nitrate) were transported by the Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers to the northern Gulf. The amount of nitrogen transported to the Gulf in May 2011 was 35 percent higher than average May nitrogen loads estimated in the last 32 years.
The actual size of the 2011 hypoxic zone will be released following a NOAA-supported monitoring survey led by the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium between July 25 and August 6. Collecting these data is an annual requirement of the Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient Task Force Action Plan.
source: NOAA
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
2011 Mississippi River Flood Satellite Images
USGS and NASA satellite images show large amounts of sediment throughout coastal Louisiana as a result of flooding on the Mississippi River, according to the USGS.
Satellite images show three large areas of sediment, or plumes, moving through the floodwaters across Louisiana:
- The opening of the Bonnet Carré water control structure caused a plume that is located in Lake Pontchartrain.
- Another plume was the combined result of the Morganza spillway being opened and flooding on the Atchafalaya River.
- The third plume can be seen where the Mississippi River meets the Gulf of Mexico, also known as the Mississippi Delta.
The revealing image can be found on the USGS delta website, by clicking on the sediment plume option on the right hand side.
The images also illustrate the movement of fresh Mississippi River water into the salty water of Lake Pontchartrain, and ultimately into the Gulf of Mexico.
The satellite images help scientists determine how fast the floodwaters are traveling through Lake Pontchartrain, and how water quality is changing throughout the system.
Similar images helped track an algal bloom that occurred in the lake after the 2008 opening of the Bonnet Carré Spillway.
source: USGS press release
Satellite images show three large areas of sediment, or plumes, moving through the floodwaters across Louisiana:
- The opening of the Bonnet Carré water control structure caused a plume that is located in Lake Pontchartrain.
- Another plume was the combined result of the Morganza spillway being opened and flooding on the Atchafalaya River.
- The third plume can be seen where the Mississippi River meets the Gulf of Mexico, also known as the Mississippi Delta.
The revealing image can be found on the USGS delta website, by clicking on the sediment plume option on the right hand side.
The images also illustrate the movement of fresh Mississippi River water into the salty water of Lake Pontchartrain, and ultimately into the Gulf of Mexico.
The satellite images help scientists determine how fast the floodwaters are traveling through Lake Pontchartrain, and how water quality is changing throughout the system.
Similar images helped track an algal bloom that occurred in the lake after the 2008 opening of the Bonnet Carré Spillway.
source: USGS press release
Friday, May 28, 2010
NOAA Closes 54,096 Square Miles of Gulf
As of May 25, 2010, NOAA has extended the closed fishing area in the Gulf of Mexico to match the Louisiana state waters closure west of the current boundaries, and to incorporate an area reportedly with oil in the southwest.
The closed area now represents 54,096 square miles, which is slightly more than 22 percent of Gulf of Mexico federal waters.
The closed area now represents 54,096 square miles, which is slightly more than 22 percent of Gulf of Mexico federal waters.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
NOAA Streamlines Gulf Oil Spill Closure Process
NOAA Fisheries Service has announced an emergency rule to expedite the closing and opening of areas affected by the BP oil spill.
To obtain the coordinates of the closed area at any given time, fishermen can visit: http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/deepwater_horizon_oil_spill.htm or call the NOAA Fisheries Service Southeast Regional Office, Sustainable Fisheries Division at 727-824-5305 (after-hours message includes the coordinates of the closure).
More closure information can be found at: http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/.
To obtain the coordinates of the closed area at any given time, fishermen can visit: http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/deepwater_horizon_oil_spill.htm or call the NOAA Fisheries Service Southeast Regional Office, Sustainable Fisheries Division at 727-824-5305 (after-hours message includes the coordinates of the closure).
More closure information can be found at: http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Gulf of Mexico Bird Fallout
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has received numerous reports of a migratory bird “fall-out” event in the vicinity of Gulf Breeze, Florida.
The term "Fallout" refers to birds that are alive and dropping down in big numbers along the migratory path, usually from natural exhaustion during their migration north. It does not mean the birds are falling dead out of the sky. In this case, bird watchers have seen this event in beach areas along the Alabama/Florida Gulf Coast.
According to Service migratory bird biologists, this is a common event that occurs annually.
“We're near the peak of the trans-Gulf migration,” said David Viker, the Service’s assistant regional director for migratory birds in the Southeast Region. “Tens of millions of tiny feathered birds that could fit in your hand are making the jump from South America to North America and are exhausted upon arrival.”
Recent severe weather along the Gulf coast may have also contributed to the birds' exhaustion. A USCG press releases states that this event is not related to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
The term "Fallout" refers to birds that are alive and dropping down in big numbers along the migratory path, usually from natural exhaustion during their migration north. It does not mean the birds are falling dead out of the sky. In this case, bird watchers have seen this event in beach areas along the Alabama/Florida Gulf Coast.
According to Service migratory bird biologists, this is a common event that occurs annually.
“We're near the peak of the trans-Gulf migration,” said David Viker, the Service’s assistant regional director for migratory birds in the Southeast Region. “Tens of millions of tiny feathered birds that could fit in your hand are making the jump from South America to North America and are exhausted upon arrival.”
Recent severe weather along the Gulf coast may have also contributed to the birds' exhaustion. A USCG press releases states that this event is not related to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
EPA Louisiana Oil Spill Website
The EPA has launched a website (www.epa.gov/bpspill) to inform the public about the spill’s impact on the environment and the health of nearby residents. The website contains data from EPA’s air monitoring along with other information about the Agency’s activities in the region.
“We are taking every possible step to protect the health of the residents and mitigate the environmental impacts of this spill,” EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said. “For several days, EPA has been on the ground evaluating air and water concerns and coordinating with other responding agencies. We are also here to address community members -- the people who know these waters and wetlands best. They will be essential to the work ahead.”
In addition to monitoring air quality, EPA is also assessing the coastal waters affected by the spreading oil. EPA deployed twin-engine aircraft to assist in the collection of air sampling data and photograph the spill and surrounding area.
The site plans to publish data, frequently asked questions, fact sheets, and links to more information on the spill and the government’s response.
The EPA BP Spill website is:
http://www.epa.gov/bpspill
Information on efforts of the U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies is available at:
http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com
“We are taking every possible step to protect the health of the residents and mitigate the environmental impacts of this spill,” EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said. “For several days, EPA has been on the ground evaluating air and water concerns and coordinating with other responding agencies. We are also here to address community members -- the people who know these waters and wetlands best. They will be essential to the work ahead.”
In addition to monitoring air quality, EPA is also assessing the coastal waters affected by the spreading oil. EPA deployed twin-engine aircraft to assist in the collection of air sampling data and photograph the spill and surrounding area.
The site plans to publish data, frequently asked questions, fact sheets, and links to more information on the spill and the government’s response.
The EPA BP Spill website is:
http://www.epa.gov/bpspill
Information on efforts of the U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies is available at:
http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson to Map Gulf of Mexico
NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson, one of the most technologically advanced hydrographic survey vessels in the world, departed from its Norfolk, Va. homeport on April 6 to conduct a five-month long effort to map the seafloor and look for hazards to navigation off the Gulf coast.
Thomas Jefferson's primary mission is to collect and process the data needed to maintain and update the nautical charts along the U.S. East Coast, Gulf of Mexico, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Nautical charts and other navigational products are available on NOAA's Office of Coast Survey's website.
For more information, see: http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2010/20100407_jefferson.html
Thomas Jefferson's primary mission is to collect and process the data needed to maintain and update the nautical charts along the U.S. East Coast, Gulf of Mexico, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Nautical charts and other navigational products are available on NOAA's Office of Coast Survey's website.
For more information, see: http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2010/20100407_jefferson.html
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper Recovering
A recent scientific update on Gulf of Mexico red snapper shows that fishermen may be able to catch more fish next year. “The update showed harvest levels were still a bit too high in 2008; however, scientific projections are promising for 2009, indicating that the stock may improve enough to support higher harvest levels,” said Dr. Bonnie Ponwith, Southeast Fisheries Science Center director for NOAA’s Fisheries Service. “This is very exciting news and is evidence of how science and management can work together to protect our natural resources.”
Historical records indicate fishermen have targeted red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico since the late 1800s as a subsistence fishery. However, fishing pressure became too great throughout the mid-1900s as coastal populations increased and saltwater sport fishing became more popular. Heavy fishing since then brought this population to a level that could not be sustained or reproduce as much as it could.
In response to the poor condition of this once prolific population, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council began to address the issues in the mid-1980s. The actions taken by the council have ranged in variety and degree, from adjusting recreational size limits to implementing a catch share program for commercial fishermen in 2007.
“This has been our most challenging fishery issue in the Gulf of Mexico to date,” said Dr. Roy Crabtree, southeast regional administrator for NOAA’s Fisheries Service. “The Gulf Council deserves a lot of credit for making some very difficult decisions and commercial and recreational fishermen deserve equal credit for complying with the regulations to help this species recover.”
The red snapper population is still a long way from making a full recovery, but reducing fishing pressure has expedited the recovery process and continues to provide long-term benefits to the fish, as well as to those dependent upon it for business and recreation. As the species’ condition continues to improve, fishermen are reporting red snapper in areas where they haven’t been seen in many years, such as off of Tampa Bay, Fla., and southward.
The scientific update was completed by a panel of experts selected by the Gulf Council and comprised of academic, state, and federal scientists. This panel presented their results to the Gulf Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee in early December.
The Gulf Council may review this information at their next meeting in February in Mobile, Ala., and make a recommendation to NOAA’s Fisheries Service to increase the current red snapper catch levels. The update suggests the current catch level can be increased from five million pounds to slightly more than 6.9 million pounds.
While this is good news, an increase to the total allowable catches may not support an increase to the length of the recreational fishing season. Preliminary data indicate the recreational fishery exceeded its annual quota by more than one million pounds in 2009. Any decision regarding the length of the 2010 recreational fishing season will need to take into account final information on the extent of that overage. NOAA's Fisheries Service will determine the length of the recreational season early next year; however, the season will begin on June 1.
It is important to note that red snapper are managed separately in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic (North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida’s east coast). Earlier this month, NOAA’s Fisheries Service announced a temporary rule to protect red snapper in the South Atlantic as its population is in poor condition, much like the Gulf of Mexico population once was. The temporary measures for the South Atlantic become effective on Jan. 4, 2010, and will not apply in Gulf of Mexico waters.
source: Gulf Council press release
Historical records indicate fishermen have targeted red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico since the late 1800s as a subsistence fishery. However, fishing pressure became too great throughout the mid-1900s as coastal populations increased and saltwater sport fishing became more popular. Heavy fishing since then brought this population to a level that could not be sustained or reproduce as much as it could.
In response to the poor condition of this once prolific population, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council began to address the issues in the mid-1980s. The actions taken by the council have ranged in variety and degree, from adjusting recreational size limits to implementing a catch share program for commercial fishermen in 2007.
“This has been our most challenging fishery issue in the Gulf of Mexico to date,” said Dr. Roy Crabtree, southeast regional administrator for NOAA’s Fisheries Service. “The Gulf Council deserves a lot of credit for making some very difficult decisions and commercial and recreational fishermen deserve equal credit for complying with the regulations to help this species recover.”
The red snapper population is still a long way from making a full recovery, but reducing fishing pressure has expedited the recovery process and continues to provide long-term benefits to the fish, as well as to those dependent upon it for business and recreation. As the species’ condition continues to improve, fishermen are reporting red snapper in areas where they haven’t been seen in many years, such as off of Tampa Bay, Fla., and southward.
The scientific update was completed by a panel of experts selected by the Gulf Council and comprised of academic, state, and federal scientists. This panel presented their results to the Gulf Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee in early December.
The Gulf Council may review this information at their next meeting in February in Mobile, Ala., and make a recommendation to NOAA’s Fisheries Service to increase the current red snapper catch levels. The update suggests the current catch level can be increased from five million pounds to slightly more than 6.9 million pounds.
While this is good news, an increase to the total allowable catches may not support an increase to the length of the recreational fishing season. Preliminary data indicate the recreational fishery exceeded its annual quota by more than one million pounds in 2009. Any decision regarding the length of the 2010 recreational fishing season will need to take into account final information on the extent of that overage. NOAA's Fisheries Service will determine the length of the recreational season early next year; however, the season will begin on June 1.
It is important to note that red snapper are managed separately in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic (North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida’s east coast). Earlier this month, NOAA’s Fisheries Service announced a temporary rule to protect red snapper in the South Atlantic as its population is in poor condition, much like the Gulf of Mexico population once was. The temporary measures for the South Atlantic become effective on Jan. 4, 2010, and will not apply in Gulf of Mexico waters.
source: Gulf Council press release
Thursday, September 24, 2009
NOAA Scientists Catch Rare Giant Squid
Scientists from NOAA’s Fisheries Service have captured a giant squid while conducting research off the Louisiana coast in the Gulf of Mexico. This is only the second known giant squid obtained from the Gulf of Mexico – the first was collected in 1954 off the Mississippi Delta where it was found floating dead at the surface.
This giant squid was collected on July 30, during a 60-day scientific study where scientists from NOAA’s Southeast Fisheries Science Center and the Department of the Interior’s Minerals Management Service were studying the availability and diversity of sperm whale prey. The scientists were aboard the NOAA research vessel Gordon Gunter when the squid was caught in a trawl pulled behind the research vessel at a depth of more than 1,500 feet.
"As the trawl net rose out of the water, I could see that we had something big in there…really big,” said Anthony Martinez, marine mammal scientist for NOAA's Fisheries Service and chief scientist for this research cruise. "We knew there was a remote possibility of encountering a giant squid on this cruise but it was not something we were realistically expecting.”
This giant squid was preserved and sent to the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum for Natural History for further study. It measures just over 19½ feet long and weighs more than 103 pounds. Photographs of the specimen were sent from the research vessel to squid experts at NOAA’s National Systematics Laboratory, which is housed at the Smithsonian museum. Other experts at Smithsonian, the University of Miami, and Texas A&M University also confirmed the specimen was in fact a giant squid.
“This is an incredibly rare find in the Gulf of Mexico,” said Dr. Michael Vecchione, director for NOAA’s Fisheries Service’s National Systemics Laboratory and a giant squid expert. “Giant squid have been found more commonly in areas of the world where there are deep-water fisheries, such as Spain and New Zealand, but this is the first time one has actually been captured during scientific research in the Gulf of Mexico.”
According to Vecchione, scientists have known giant squid are in the Gulf because remnants of them have been found in the stomachs of predators (such as sperm whales) from Gulf waters, as well as from nearby waters of the Caribbean and Florida Keys. This find illustrates how little we know about what is swimming around in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Giant squid are difficult to capture, but they are usually found in continental-slope areas, where the relatively shallow water near the continent drops off into the deep sea. They seem to be concentrated in places where undersea canyons cut into the slope, where they feed on fishes and other squids.
At the National Museum of Natural History, the giant squid will be archived and studied by Vecchione and other interested researchers. Vecchione noted that it will be an important addition to the worldwide study of giant squids and their biology.
source: SEFSC news release
This giant squid was collected on July 30, during a 60-day scientific study where scientists from NOAA’s Southeast Fisheries Science Center and the Department of the Interior’s Minerals Management Service were studying the availability and diversity of sperm whale prey. The scientists were aboard the NOAA research vessel Gordon Gunter when the squid was caught in a trawl pulled behind the research vessel at a depth of more than 1,500 feet.
"As the trawl net rose out of the water, I could see that we had something big in there…really big,” said Anthony Martinez, marine mammal scientist for NOAA's Fisheries Service and chief scientist for this research cruise. "We knew there was a remote possibility of encountering a giant squid on this cruise but it was not something we were realistically expecting.”
This giant squid was preserved and sent to the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum for Natural History for further study. It measures just over 19½ feet long and weighs more than 103 pounds. Photographs of the specimen were sent from the research vessel to squid experts at NOAA’s National Systematics Laboratory, which is housed at the Smithsonian museum. Other experts at Smithsonian, the University of Miami, and Texas A&M University also confirmed the specimen was in fact a giant squid.
“This is an incredibly rare find in the Gulf of Mexico,” said Dr. Michael Vecchione, director for NOAA’s Fisheries Service’s National Systemics Laboratory and a giant squid expert. “Giant squid have been found more commonly in areas of the world where there are deep-water fisheries, such as Spain and New Zealand, but this is the first time one has actually been captured during scientific research in the Gulf of Mexico.”
According to Vecchione, scientists have known giant squid are in the Gulf because remnants of them have been found in the stomachs of predators (such as sperm whales) from Gulf waters, as well as from nearby waters of the Caribbean and Florida Keys. This find illustrates how little we know about what is swimming around in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Giant squid are difficult to capture, but they are usually found in continental-slope areas, where the relatively shallow water near the continent drops off into the deep sea. They seem to be concentrated in places where undersea canyons cut into the slope, where they feed on fishes and other squids.
At the National Museum of Natural History, the giant squid will be archived and studied by Vecchione and other interested researchers. Vecchione noted that it will be an important addition to the worldwide study of giant squids and their biology.
source: SEFSC news release
Monday, March 2, 2009
Gulf Council Seeks Applicants for Panels and Committees
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is currently recruiting applicants for its Advisory Panels (APs), Scientific and Statistical Committees (SSCs), Stock Assessment Panels (SAPs), and Socioeconomic Panel (SEP). Appointments are for two years and will be made during the April 14 – 17, 2009 Council meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Letters should be mailed to the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, 2203 N. Lois Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33607; faxed: 813-348-1711; or e-mailed: phyllis.miranda@gulfcouncil.
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