CFMC Updates (November 2023)

CFMC NOTICIAS DEL CFMC UPDATES

Octubre 2023 November 2023

el boletín del Consejo Administración Pesquera del Caribe (CFMC, inglés) InEnthe Caribbean Fishery de Management Council (CFMC)'s bulletin youen will find encontrarás anuncios actividades, sobre distintas especies marinas valiosa announcements, factsdeabout marinedatos species, and valuable information ony fishing información sobre la pesca y las regulaciones que rigen esta actividad en Puerto Rico y and rule that regulate this activity in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. en las Islas Vírgenes Estadounidenses.

FISHING FOR DEEP WATER SQUID IN THE US CARIBBEAN

By Jannette Ramos García

In the deep waters of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands there are two species little known to our fishers and consumers: the diamondback squid (Thysanoteuthis rhombus) and the neon flying squid (Ommastrephes bartramii). Both have a lot of economic potential due to their large size and exquisite flavor. As we explore the opportunities presented by fishing for diamond squid and flying neon squid, it is crucial to approach this activity with the utmost care and responsibility, ensuring the sustainable future of this valuable resource.

The diamondback squid is named for its distinctive thick, muscular diamond-shaped mantle (around its head). It is violet (mauve) in color and has silver or gold sparkles on its lower part. Its tentacles are short.

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Picture provided by Francisco Águeda

Francisco Águeda, fisher from La Coal in San Juan, PR is one of the fishers who has ventured into fishing and selling deep-water squid in the US Caribbean.

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The neon flying squid, for its part, has a generally red or pinkish body and its appearance is thinner and elongated when compared to the diamond squid. It is usually smaller in size and obviously, its weight can be less.

Both species share several characteristics: they are deep-water pelagic species and reach maturity in the first year of life. Their life cycles are relatively short; therefore, this allows them to reproduce more quickly.

A single squid of any of these species can be a prized catch among fishers looking for a lucrative opportunity, especially during snapper or queen conch closures. Unlike other species, fishing for diamondback squid and flying neon squid does not require special permits. They also do not have catch limits nor are they regulated by federal or state agencies. In addition to this, no special permits are required for its sale. Obviously, when reporting fishing statistics, we have the obligation to report their catches.

The beauty of the ocean lies not only in its vastness but also in its ability to sustain life which in turn can be a source of food for us.

To ensure the longevity of the diamondback squid and neon flying squid populations and preserve the delicate balance of marine ecosystems, careful fishing practices must become the norm for every fisher. We must remember that the ocean is like a large bank

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November 2023

from which you take what you need, and leave it stored so that “the account” continues to grow and we have abundance in the future.

As individuals, communities and societies, we must recognize our shared responsibility to protect our oceans and the precious resources they contain. By adopting sustainable fishing practices, respecting closed seasons and advocating for the responsible management of marine resources, we can create a future in which diamondback squid and neon flying squid fishing continues to be a source of income for generations to come.

Although the attractiveness of fishing for both species of squid is undeniable, it is very important that fishers act with caution and responsibility when carrying out this activity.

Unlike well-studied fisheries, there is not much information about the stocks of these species and the reproductive patterns of both species remain largely unknown.

Both diamondback squid and neon flying squid fishing offer a unique economic opportunity, especially during the snappers and queen conch closed seasons. Let us act carefully, respecting the mysteries of the deep, and ensure that our actions today contribute to a thriving marine environment in the future.

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November 2023

WE INVITE YOU TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DEEP WATER SQUID FISHING! VISIT:

Fuete y Verguilla Vol. 15, Núm. 2 La pesca del calamar: Una nueva oportunidad de pesca de profundidad https://issuu.com/seagrantpr/docs/fyv_v ol.15-num.2imprimir_espa_

Fact sheet: New opportunities for deep water squid fishing https://issuu.com/caribbeanfmc/stacks/9 501e976b8b24db7b67f588f3255d76a

For this article, we consulted the following links. We invite you to visit them too: Animalia - https://animalia.bio/neon-flying-squid Oriundo - https://www.oriundopr.com/blogs/ingredients/calamar-diamante-diamond-squid Science Direct - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468550X21001106 Sea Life Base - https://www.sealifebase.ca/summary/Thysanoteuthis-rhombus.html Springer Link - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11160-023-09813-3

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November 2023

FISHER OF THE MONTH DIEGO CARMONA Diego Carmona Sierra was born in Fajardo, PR and has made his life in that same town.

Currently, he is 68 years old and is passionate about everything related to fishing. Like many other fishers, Diego started fishing “since he was a kid,” as he told us.

“I walked and fished,” he said to let it be known that he has been fishing since he was a child.

In his family, practically all the men fished.

His father, Álvaro Carmona, was a lifelong fisherman; as well as his brothers and a sister named Mérida Carmona.

“They were the bravest fishermen,” Diego said proudly.

Of his sister, he also highlighted her Diego Carmona, fisher from Fajardo, PR, has also bravery. She told us that she wasn't afraid started fishing for deep-water squid. Despite having of anything either and that she put her been fishing for decades, his desire to learn new things hands on wherever she wanted to get is incessant. lobsters and shrimp. Diego has had several stages in his life as a fisherman. At first, he fished with seine nets, and also scuba-dived. As the years went by, he understood that learning new techniques made him grow as a fisherman.

“I evolved,” he told us.

He exchanged the nets and diving for bottles and a rope because he did not have the means to buy new machinery. Later, he built his own fishing machinery using electric wheel chair motors “because that was what he could buy” and with that, he built winches that, although they worked, had a “short life”. As soon as he could, he purchased Crystal machines and continues to use them today. www.caribbeanfmc.com

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November 2023

He is passionate about deep-water fishing. Diego expressed that it is a difficult fishing and that it requires a lot of knowledge. For this, he humbly expressed that he consults all the time with fishers who are willing to share their knowledge. He mentioned the fishermen Javier Arroyo, Nelson Crespo, Marcos Hanke and Luis Alberto “Berto” Román (now deceased) and the scientist Jorge “Reni" García as part of the people with whom he shares his doubts and from whom he learns about deep-water fishing.

“I've only been doing deep-water fishing for 8 to 10 years and that's not enough time to learn everything. One has to read a lot, nourish oneself with knowledge,” said Diego, who a few months ago participated in the Marine Resource Education Program (MREP).

Recently, a new concern has arisen in him. Diego has become interested in deep-water squid fishing and has once again become close to several people who have helped him and contributed their knowledge so that he, in turn, can learn about this fishing. He wants to learn how to catch them, market them, and even use them as bait if necessary. He recognizes the value that this fishing can have and above all, he knows that he can have greater profits with his fishing and eventual sale. Learning about this fishing is a challenge that motivates him to continue at 68 years old.

Diego strongly believes in closed seasons as a tool to preserve the fishing resource and ensure abundance in the future. He told us that when he was young, fishing was abundant and he no longer sees it that way. However, he understands that there are prohibitions that must be reevaluated. He thinks that the ban on silk snapper is unnecessary because he understands that there is an abundance in the stock and because it is difficult to locate them. At the same time, he says that if the closed season continues, the date should be moved because outside the closed season he has found many females with eggs. He understands that the fines should be greater for people who break the law and fish for the species during their seasonal closures.

“When it's my turn to look for them, there won't be anything because unscrupulous people have taken everything because they don't have any respect,” Diego shared, very concerned.

His love for the sea and fishing is what drives him daily.

“I see the Glory of God every day of my life in my family, in nature, in the deep sea, in the dawn,” he expressed with gratitude.

Note: The CFMC appreciates the interview and photos provided by Diego Carmona.

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November 2023

SEASONAL CLOSURE REMINDER Fishing for Silk snapper (Lutjanus vivanus), Blackfin snapper (Lutjanus buccanella), Black snapper (Apsilus dentatus) and Vermillion snapper (Rhomboplites aurorubens) in federal waters and USVI jurisdictional waters is prohibited from October 1 to December 31. In the case of the jurisdictional waters of Puerto Rico, only the Silk and Blackfin snapper have seasonal closure during the period of October 1 to December 31.

Silk snapper Chillo ojo amarillo Lutjanus vivanus

Blackfin snapper Alinegra Lutjanus buccanella

Black snapper Chopa negra Apsilus dentatus

Vermillion snapper Besugo Rhomboplites aurorubens

FIND US ON: BÚSCANOS EN: www.caribbeanfmc.com www.caribbeanfmc.com

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