UPDATES CFMC
June 2024
In the Caribbean Fishery Management Council (CFMC)'s bulletin you will find announcements, facts about marine species, and valuable information on fishing and rule that regulate this activity in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
THE CONSERVATION OF FISHING RESOURCES PARTICIPATION OF FISHERS IN
The participation of commercial and recreational fishers in the protection of fishing resources is vital for the health and balance of marine ecosystems. There are several ways in which the fishing community is already involved and can continue to be involved in fisheries conservation efforts:
COMPLIANCE WITH CLOSED SEASONS
Closed seasons are limitations on fishing that protect fish populations. For example, seasonal closures protect species during their reproduction season, during which they are most vulnerable to fishing pressure There are local and federal closed seasons and it is key to remember that these fishing closures are not always compatible. It is important to keep up to date with the closures. You can find the closed seasons calendar at https://caribbeanfmc.com/calendars/closed-seasons.
PROTECTION OF FISH AGGREGATIONS
There are species of fish that aggregate to reproduce. It is like a big party in the sea where the fish meet for reproduction These aggregations are the future of the species. Watch the Big Fish Initiative campaign video about Smart Fishing and protecting fish aggregations! Visit https://youtu.be/jTySb-PqQKM?si=W0bJ5yZWonSMJhR1 and look for Big Fish Initiative on social media.
CORRECT REPORTING OF FISHING STATISTICS
The information provided by fishers about their catches is vital for making decisions about the management of a species. Correctly reporting the catches translates into better available data. You can learn more about fishing statistics on the CFMC YouTube channel! Visit
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGplJZPX6mO-4BN3949yVQbMKD-PW 8xL
PARTICIPATION IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS
There are mechanisms in which both commercial and recreational fishers can get involved. The CFMC, for example, has three District Advisory Panels–Puerto Rico, St. Croix and St. Thomas/St. John–in which the members offer their input on issues related to fishing in the US Caribbean
COLLABORATION WITH THE SCIENTIFIC SECTOR
Science is a set of knowledge obtained in a structured way through observation and reasoning. In this set of knowledge, fishers occupy a very important place when documenting and explaining the behavior of species, the state in which they are found, and the patterns observed in the sea. A healthy collaboration between the fishing community and the scientific sector makes a positive difference in marine research processes
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Being up to date in any profession is very important! There are workshops and orientations offered for the fishing community. Examples of this are the Commercial Fishers Education Program (PEPCO), the Marine Resource Education Program (MREP), the Recreational Fishers Education Program (PEPER) and the workshops offered by NOAA Fisheries. Follow CFMC social media to find out the dates and locations of these activities!
FISHERS OF THE MONTH
In this issue, our District Advisory Panel Chairs share their experience in the DAPs and the contributions of the fishers in the advisory bodies. Also, they invite new fishers to participate in the decision-making and fisheries management processes.
GERSON “NICKY” MARTINEZ,
Chair of the St. Croix District Advisory Panel (DAP)
For Gerson, it is a privilege to be the Chair of the St Croix District Advisory Panel (DAP) and represent fishers on the Council. He values the time and knowledge provided by the fishers in this advisory body and understands that the greatest contribution they make to the panel is their years of experience. Despite not having formal studies in marine sciences, fishers spend many hours at sea each day and witness changes in weather and fish behavior. Their experience is their greatest contribution to science As Chair of the St Croix DAP, Gerson invites new fishers and future generations to get involved in the fisheries decision-making process. He understands that belonging to the panel is “a beautiful process” in which fishers can contribute to protect the environment. Also, they meet different people and important issues about fishing are discussed.
NELSON CRESPO,
Chair of the District Advisory Panel (DAP) of Puerto Rico
For Nelson, being Chair of the District Advisory Panel (DAP) of Puerto Rico is a great responsibility and a great challenge, since the fishers’ needs must be communicated to the Council. For this reason, he considers it to be an enriching and ongoing learning experience. Nelson values each member of the DAP as they are key people who represent different sectors related to fishing and who, based on their knowledge and experiences, provide their opinions and recommendations. Likewise, they bring up issues that, to the best of their knowledge, deserve to be addressed by the Council and provide points of view that help the Council make informed actions. Nelson believes that the new generation of young fishers must become involved in the decision-making process and learn about the issues that are discussed in the Council and its various advisory bodies. That is why Nelson understands that it is necessary to give them the opportunity to participate, allow them to express themselves and bring different points of view and ideas Their contributions can complement the experience of veteran fishers.
Chair of the St. Thomas/St. John District Advisory Panel (DAP) JULIAN MAGRAS,
For Julian, the experience as Chair of the St Thomas/St John District Advisory Panel (DAP) has been one of the best he's ever had. It has given him the opportunity to get closer to the fishers and understand their concerns regarding what they have seen in the fishery. Julian believes that the contribution of fishers in the DAP has been outstanding. “When they know that they are being heard, they open up and give voice to their thoughts. They know that their knowledge and experience can help in the process of making a decision as it pertains to their fishery,” he said. Julian would like to invite younger fishers from different sectors to join the DAP This will allow them to be part of the decision-making for the future of the fishery
NOAA Office of Enforcement (NOAA-OLE):
At Council meetings, we heard about the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement. What does this office do in our US Caribbean region?
NOAA OLE has the responsibility of enforcing fishing regulations. Prosecutes violations of fishing regulations at the civil and criminal level, both in state and federal waters. By enforcing laws, NOAA OLE contributes to the conservation and protection of marine resources and their natural habitat.
More information from NOAA OLE at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about/office-law-enforcement.
DO YOU KNOW OF ANY VIOLATION OF FISHING LAWS AND REGULATIONS AND WISH TO REPORT IT?
You can do this confidentially by calling the hotline (800) 853-1964.
You can also contact Mr. Miguel Borges, NOAA OLE Special Agent, at (787) 221-4897.
