Amendment3tothe St.CroixandSt.Thomas/St.John FisheryManagementPlans: NewManagementMeasuresfor DolphinandWahoo
SarahStephenson,NMFS-SFD,CaribbeanBranch
181st CaribbeanFisheryManagementCouncilMeeting
April2023
ReviewfromDecember2022CouncilMeeting
• StaffgavepresentationonthedraftamendmenttoallthreeFMPs.
▪ Reviewedthelistofinformationanddataneedsidentifiedbythe interdisciplinaryplanningteam(IPT)thatisdevelopingtheamendment.
▪ Reviewedcommerciallandingsdataforthespeciesbyseasonality, state/federalwaters,andgearuse.
▪ Reviewedthedraftoptionsforsizelimits,recreationalbaglimits,and commercialtriplimits.
Councilrecommendedsplittinginto2amendments,thefirstonefortheUSVI FMPsandasecondoneforselectpelagicspeciesmanagedunderthePuerto RicoFMP.
U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service Page 2
•
RestructuredDraftAmendmentbyIsland,Species
• Action1–NewmanagementmeasuresfordolphininSt.Croix
• Action2–NewmanagementmeasuresforwahooinSt.Croix
• Action3–NewmanagementmeasuresfordolphininSt.Thomas/St.John
• Action4–NewmanagementmeasuresforwahooinSt.Thomas/St.John
Eachactionhas3sub-partsspecifictotheIsland/Species:
a)Establishsizelimits
b)Establishrecreationalbaglimits
c)Establishcommercialtriplimits
U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service Page 3
DraftPurposeandNeed
• ThepurposeofAmendment3istoestablishsizelimits,recreationalbag limits,andcommercialtriplimitsfordolphinandwahooundertheSt.Croix FisheryManagementPlanandtheSt.Thomas/St.JohnFisheryManagement Plan.
• TheneedforAmendment3todevelopconservationandmanagement measuresfordolphinandwahootoensureundersizedindividualsadequate timetomatureandreproduceand,consistentwiththeMagnuson-Stevens ActanditsNationalStandards,toprotectagainstoverfishingorprevent annualcatchlimitsfrombeingexceeded,whileachievingoptimumyield.
U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service Page 4
AdditionalCouncilGuidanceNeeded
QuestionsfromIPTmembers:istherespecific rationale for developing these new management measures fordolphinandwahooinfederalwatersaroundSt. CroixandSt.Thomas/St.John? What problem(s) would they help solve?
a)sizelimits
generally based on the biology of the species and are used to ensure fish have enough time to reproduce before harvest
b)recreationalbaglimits generally used to prevent overharvest of recreational annual catch limits, extend the fishing season, reduce harvest levels or discards, comply with other jurisdictions and reduce enforcement issues
c)commercialtriplimits generally used to slow the rate of harvest to extend the length of the commercial season during a fishing year, or reduce the risk of the annual catch limit being exceeded
U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service Page 5
AdditionalCouncilGuidanceNeeded
AskedforstakeholderinputduringMarch2023USVIDistrictAdvisoryPanelmeetings.
St.ThomasandSt.JohnDAP Recommendations
➢ nocommercialtriplimitsduetotheseasonal natureofthefish
➢ sizelimitsforallfishingtoprotectthe reproductivecapacityofthestock
➢ recreationalbaglimits(perspecies,notan aggregate)toaddressthelackofrecreational dataavailableandthepotentialoverharvest fromthatsector(e.g.,norecreationalcatch limits);suggestedmoreconservativelimitsof5 person/30vesselfordolphinand2person/6 vesselforwahoo.
St.CroixDAPRecommendations
➢ nocommercialtriplimitsduetotheseasonal natureofthefish
➢ nolimitationsonthesizefishthatcouldbe kept
➢ recreationalbaglimits;DAPwillasktheSTX FACforfeedbackonanalternativebaglimit beforemakingrecommendationtoCouncil
U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service Page 6
ActionandAlternativesSummary
U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service Page 7
Action (Island/Species) (a) Size Limits (b) Rec. Bag Limits (c) Com. Trip Limits 1–STXdolphin 1. NoAction 2. 20”FL 3. 24”FL 1. NoAction 2. 10dolphin/person/day,nottoexceed 32dolphin/vessel/day,whicheverisless 3. TBD 1. NoAction 2. TBD* 3. TBD* 2–STXwahoo 1. NoAction 2. 32”FL 3. 40”FL 1. NoAction 2. 4wahoo/person/day,nottoexceed 20wahoo/vessel/day,whicheverisless 3. TBD 1. NoAction 2. TBD* 3. TBD* 3–STT/STJdolphin 1. Noaction 2. 20”FL 3. 24”FL 1. NoAction 2. 10dolphin/person/day,nottoexceed 32dolphin/vessel/day,whicheverisless 3. 5dolphin/person/day,nottoexceed 30dolphin/vessel/day,whicheverisless 1. NoAction 2. TBD* 3. TBD* 4–STT/STJwahoo 1. NoAction 2. 32”FL 3. 40”FL 1. NoAction 2. 4wahoo/person/day,nottoexceed 20wahoo/vessel/day,whicheverisless 3. 2wahoo/person/day,nottoexceed 6wahoo/vessel/day,whicheverisless 1. NoAction 2. TBD* 3. TBD*
Wouldneed
unit(wholeweight
numberoffish)
*
todecide
or
SizeLimitsforDolphininSt.Croix(Action1a)
St.Thomas/St.John(Action3a)
Alternative 1 wouldnotestablishaminimumsizelimitfordolphininfederal waters. Allsizesofdolphincaughtcouldbekept.
Alternative 2 wouldestablisha20”forklengthminimumsize,which correspondstosizeatwhichapproximately50%offemalesaremature(i.e., capableofreproducing).
Alternative 3 wouldestablisha24”forklengthminimumsize,which correspondstosizeatwhichapproximately100%offemalesaremature.
Rationale: ensure undersized individuals time to mature and reproduce.
U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service Page 8
SizeLimitsforDolphininSt.Croix(Action1a)
St.Thomas/St.John(Action3a)
Comparison of Alternatives (independent of other management measures)
• Alt 2 (20”FL)and Alt 3 (24”FL)wouldhavemorebiologicalbenefitsthan Alt 1 (nosizelimit)becausesmallerdolphinwouldbereturnedtothewater(=more timetomatureandreproducebeforeenteringthefishery),whichprovideslongtermeconomicbenefits.
• Alts 2 and 3 couldhaveshort-termnegativesocio-economiceffectsforthose fishersthatfishforsmallerdolphin.
• Alts 2 and 3 couldhaveagreaterlevelofregulatorydiscardsassociatedwith them,whichcouldincreasemortalityrates(e.g.,ifhookswallowedwhole).
• Both Alt 2 and 3 wouldrequirerulemakingtoimplementthesizelimits, additionaleducationandoutreach,andcouldcreateenforcementissuesifthe statedoesnotadoptcompatibleregulations.
U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service Page 9
SizeLimitsforWahooinSt.Croix(Action2a)
St.Thomas/St.John(Action4a)
Alternative 1 wouldnotestablishaminimumsizelimitforwahooinfederal waters. Allsizesofwahoocaughtcouldbekept.
Alternative 2 wouldestablisha32”forklengthminimumsize,which correspondstosizeatwhichapproximately50%offemalesaremature(i.e., capableofreproducing).
Alternative 3 wouldestablisha40”forklengthminimumsize,which correspondstosizeatwhichapproximately100%offemalesaremature.
Rationale: ensure undersized individuals time to mature and reproduce.
U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service Page 10
SizeLimitsforWahooinSt.Croix(Action2a)
St.Thomas/St.John(Action4a)
Comparison of Alternatives (independent of other management measures)
• Alt 2 (32”FL)and Alt 3 (40”FL)wouldhavemorebiologicalbenefitsthan Alt 1 (nosizelimit)becausesmallerwahoowouldbereturnedtothewater(=more timetomatureandreproducebeforeenteringthefishery),whichprovides long-termeconomicbenefits.
• Alts 2 and 3 couldhaveshort-termnegativesocio-economiceffectsforthose fishersthatfishforsmallerwahoo.
• Alts 2 and 3 couldhaveagreaterlevelofregulatorydiscardsassociatedwith them,whichcouldincreasemortalityrates(e.g.,ifhookswallowedwhole).
• Both Alt 2 and 3 wouldrequirerulemakingtoimplementthesizelimits, additionaleducationandoutreach,andcouldcreateenforcementissuesifthe statedoesnotadoptcompatibleregulations.
U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service Page 11
RecreationalBagLimitsforDolphininSt.
Croix(Action1b)
St.Thomas/St.John(Action3b)
Alternative 1 wouldnotestablisharecreationalbaglimitfordolphininfederal waters. Alldolphincaughtcouldbekept.
Alternative 2 wouldestablishabaglimitof10dolphinperpersonperday,notto exceed32dolphinpervesselperday,whicheverisless.
Alternative 3 (TBD)forexample,wouldestablishamoreconservativebaglimit (e.g.,5dolphin/person/day,30dolphin/vessel/day,whicheverisless).
Rationale: protect against overfishing the resource.
U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service Page 12
RecreationalBagLimitsforDolphininSt.
Croix
St.Thomas/St.John(Action3b)
(Action1b)
Comparison of Alternatives (independent of other management measures)
• Unlimitedharvestbythesector(Alt 1)couldpotentiallydepletethelocalresource.
• Alt 2 (10/32)and Alt 3 (TBD)wouldhavegreaterbiologicalbenefitsthan Alt 1 (nobaglimit) becausetheywouldleavemoredolphinforfuturecatch,whichinturnwouldprovidelong-term economicbenefits.
• Alts 2 and 3 couldhavenegativesocio-economiceffectsifrecreationalfisherstypicallycatchand keephighnumbers(e.g.,>15perperson)ofdolphinperday.
• Alts 2 and 3 couldincreasediscards(e.g.,fishersthrowfishbackthattheywouldusuallykeep) anddiscardmortality.
• Alt 2 wouldbecompatiblewithnewUSVIregulationsfordolphin; Alt 1 wouldnotbecompatible andcouldcreateenforcementissues;if Alt 3 setsamoreconservativebaglimitinfederalwaters, expectminimalenforcementissue.
• Alts 2 and 3 wouldrequirerulemakingtoimplementbaglimitsandeducationandoutreachfor newregulations.
U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service Page 13
Recreational
BagLimitsforWahooinSt.Croix(Action2b)
St.Thomas/St.John(Action4b)
Alternative 1 wouldnotestablisharecreationalbaglimitforwahooinfederal waters. Allwahoocaughtcouldbekept.
Alternative 2 wouldestablishabaglimitof4wahooperpersonperday,notto exceed20wahoopervesselperday,whicheverisless.
Alternative 3 (TBD)forexample,wouldestablishamoreconservativebaglimit (e.g.,2wahoo/person/day,6wahoo/vessel/day,whicheverisless).
Rationale:protectagainstoverfishingtheresource.
U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service Page 14
RecreationalBagLimitsforWahooin
St.Croix(Action2b)
St.Thomas/St.John(Action4b)
Comparison of Alternatives (independent of other management measures)
• Unlimitedharvestbythesector(Alt 1)couldpotentiallydepletethelocalresource.
• Alt 2 (4/20)and Alt 3 (TBD)wouldhavegreaterbiologicalbenefitsthan Alt 1 (nobaglimit) becausetheywouldleavemorewahooforfuturecatch,whichinturnwouldprovidelong-term economicbenefits.
• Alts 2 and 3 couldhaveshort-termnegativesocio-economiceffectsifrecreationalfishers typicallycatchandkeephighnumbers(e.g.,>15perperson)ofwahooperday.
• Alts 2 and 3 couldincreasediscards(e.g.,fishersthrowfishbackthattheywouldusuallykeep) anddiscardmortality.
• Alt 2 wouldbecompatiblewithnewUSVIregulationsforwahoo; Alt 1 wouldnotbecompatible andcouldcreateenforcementissues;if Alt 3 setsamoreconservativebaglimitinfederal waters,expectminimalenforcementissue.
• Alts 2 and 3 wouldrequirerulemakingtoimplementbaglimitsandeducationandoutreachfor newregulations.
U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service Page 15
CommercialTripLimitsforDolphininSt.
Croix(Action
St.Thomas/St.John(Action3c)
1c)
Alternative 1 wouldnotestablishacommercialtriplimitfordolphininfederal waters. Alldolphincaughtcouldbekept.
Alternative 2 wouldestablishacommercialtriplimitofxxpoundspertrip (limit TBD).
Alternative 3 wouldestablishacommercialtriplimitofxxpoundspertrip (limit TBD).
Rationale:needed.
U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service Page 16
CommercialTripLimitsforDolphininSt.
Croix(Action1c)
St.Thomas/St.John(Action3c)
Comparison of Alternatives (independent of other management measures)
• Alt 1 wouldnotestablishacommercialtriplimitfordolphin;landingswould continuetobemonitoredtocommercialACLandaccountabilitymeasurefor pelagicstocksthatarealreadyinplaceundertheFMP.
• Alts 2 and 3 couldreducetheriskoftheACLbeingexceededandthusprevent overfishinginthefuture.
• Alts 2 and 3 couldhavenegativesocio-economiceffectsifcommercialfishers neededtochangefishingeffort(e.g.,reducecatchpertrip,fishmoredays)orif theyarenotabletomeetmarketdemand.
• Alts 2 and 3 couldincreasedolphindiscards,anddiscardmortality.
• Alts 2 and 3 wouldrequirerulemakingtoimplementthetriplimits.
U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service Page 17
CommercialTripLimitsforWahooinSt.
Croix(Action2c)
St.Thomas/St.John(Action4c)
Alternative 1 wouldnotestablishacommercialtriplimitforwahooinfederal waters. Allwahoocaughtcouldbekept.
Alternative 2 wouldestablishacommercialtriplimitofxxpoundspertrip limit TBD).
Alternative 3 wouldestablishacommercialtriplimitofxxpoundspertrip (limit TBD).
Rationale:needed.
U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service Page 18
CommercialTripLimitsforWahooinSt.
Croix(Action2c)
St.Thomas/St.John(Action4c)
Comparison of Alternatives (independent of other management measures)
• Alt 1 wouldnotestablishacommercialtriplimitforwahoo;landingswould continuetobemonitoredtocommercialACLandaccountabilitymeasurefor pelagicstocksthatarealreadyinplaceundertheFMP.
• Alts 2 and 3 couldreducetheriskoftheACLbeingexceededandthusprevent overfishinginthefuture.
• Alts 2 and 3 couldhavenegativesocio-economiceffectsifcommercialfishers neededtochangefishingeffort(e.g.,reducecatchpertrip,fishmoredays)orif theyarenotabletomeetmarketdemand.
• Alts 2 and 3 couldincreasewahoodiscards,anddiscardmortality.
• Alts 2 and 3 wouldrequirerulemakingtoimplementthetriplimits.
U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service Page 19
ActionItemsandNextSteps
•Councilfurtherrefines/editsthecurrentproposedmanagement actionsandprovidesrationale,whereapplicable
April 2023
•Councilselectspreferredalternatives,wherepossible
May-July 2023
•IPTupdatestheactions, alternatives,andPurposeandNeed statementsandpreparesfullamendment
•Staffpreparesdraftcodifiedtext(regulations)forCouncilreview
•Councilreviewsfinaldraftamendmentanddraftcodifiedtext
•Councilselectspreferredalternatives
August 2023
•Ifpossible,Councilapprovesamendmentforsubmissionto SecretaryofCommerce(allowingstafftomakeeditorialedits)
U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service Page 20
Questions
ReviewManagementMeasuresforPelagicSpeciesundertheSt.
CroixandSt.Thomas/St.JohnFisheryManagementPlans
• Allfinfish,includingPelagics,mustbemaintainedwithheadandfinsintact1
• CurrentlynogearrestrictionsforPelagics2;
• Currentlynosizelimits,commercialtriplimits,recreationalbaglimits,orseasonalclosures
3 forPelagics
• Managementreferencepoints–SustainableYieldLevel(OverfishingLimitproxy),AcceptableBiological Catch,AnnualCatchLimits(=OptimumYield),AnnualCatchTargets
• AccountabilityMeasures-TheCouncilestablishedtheACTas90%oftheACLtoserveastheAMtrigger. If landings4 exceedtheACT,theCouncilinconsultationwiththeSEFSCwouldassesswhethercorrective actionisneeded.
• DescribedEssentialFishHabitatforPelagics
1 exceptionsforbaitandconsumptionatsea
2 undertheTrawlandNetGearAmendment,anygearrestrictionsselectedwouldapplytothePelagicspeciesmanagedintheFMPs
3 exceptionsforseasonalclosuresthatprohibitallfishingintheUSVI: STT/STJ-GrammanikBankFeb1-Apr30andHindBankMCDyearround;STX–LangBankDec1–lastdayofFebandMuttonSnapperSpawningAggregationareaMar1–June30
4 followingimplementationoftheFMPs,thelandingscomparedtotheACLsandACTswouldstartwiththemostrecentsingleyearandthenprogressuptoa3-yearaverage
U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service Page 22
ManagementReferencePointsforPelagics
SYL(OFLproxy),ABC,ACL(=OY),ACT listedareinpoundswholeweight.
U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service Page 23
STT/STJ FMP SYL ABC ACL ACT Dolphin 20,585 10,293 9,778 8,800 Wahoo 14,482 7,241 6,879 6,191 STX FMP SYL ABC ACL ACT Dolphin 182,386 91,193 86,633 77,970 Wahoo 57,390 28,695 27,260 24,534
DolphinandWahooaveragecommerciallandingspermonth: St.Croix2000-2021
Fordolphin,thehighestlandingsarein April
Forwahoo,thehighestlandingsarein November
U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service Page 24
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Landings (lbs) -2000 0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Landings (lbs) 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 St. Croix Dolphin St. Croix Wahoo
DolphinandWahooaveragecommerciallandingspermonth: St.ThomasandSt.John2000-2021
Fordolphin,thehighestlandingsarein April
Forwahoo,thehighestlandingsarein NovemberthroughJanuary
U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service Page 25
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Landings (lbs) -500 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Landings (lbs) -400 -200 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 St. Thomas/St. John Dolphin St. Thomas/St. John Wahoo
PART622-FISHERIESOFTHE CARIBBEAN
• Hook-and-linegearmeansautomaticreel,banditgear,buoy gear,handline,longline,androdandreel.
• Longlinemeansalinethatisdeployedhorizontallytowhich gangionsandhooksareattached.Alonglinemaybea bottomlongline,i.e.,designedforuseonthebottom,ora pelagiclongline,i.e.,designedforuseoffthebottom.The longlinehaulermaybemanually,electrically,or hydraulicallyoperated.
• Bottomlonglinemeansalonglinethatisdeployed,orin combinationwithgearaboardthevessel,e.g.,weightsor anchors,iscapableofbeingdeployedtomaintaincontact withtheoceanbottom.
• Pelagiclonglinemeansalonglinethatissuspendedby floatsinthewatercolumnandthatisnotfixedtoorin contactwiththeoceanbottom.
PART635-ATLANTICHMS
• Longlinemeansfishinggearthatissethorizontally,either anchored,floating,orattachedtoavessel,andthatconsistsofa mainlineorgroundlinewiththreeormoreleaders(gangions) andhooks,whetherretrievedbyhandormechanicalmeans.
• Bottomlonglinemeansalonglinethatisdeployedwithenough weightsand/oranchorstomaintaincontactwiththeocean bottom.Forthepurposesofthispart,avesselisconsideredto havebottomlonglinegearonboardwhenapower-operated longlinehauler,amainline,weightsand/oranchorscapableof maintainingcontactbetweenthemainlineandtheoceanbottom, andleaders(gangions)withhooksareonboard….
• Pelagiclonglinemeansalonglinethatissuspendedbyfloatsin thewatercolumnandthatisnotfixedtoorincontactwiththe oceanbottom….
• Green-stickgearmeansanactivelytrolledmainlineattachedtoa vesselandelevatedorsuspendedabovethesurfaceofthewater withnomorethan10hooksorgangionsattachedtothemainline. Thesuspendedline,attachedgangionsand/orhooks,andcatch mayberetrievedcollectivelybyhandormechanicalmeans. Green-stickdoesnotconstituteapelagiclonglineorabottom longlineasdefinedinthissection.
U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service Page 26
PART622-FISHERIESOF THECARIBBEAN
• Buoygearmeansfishinggearthatfishesverticallyinthe watercolumnthatconsistsofasingledroplinesuspended fromafloat,fromwhichnomorethan10hookscanbe connectedbetweenthebuoyandtheterminalend,andthe terminalendcontainsaweightthatisnomorethan10lb(4.5 kg).Thedroplinecanberope(hemp,manila,cottonorother naturalfibers;nylon,polypropylene,spectraorother syntheticmaterial)ormonofilament,butmustnotbecableor wire.Thegearisfree-floatingandnotconnectedtoothergear orthevessel.Thedroplinemustbenogreaterthan2times thedepthofthewaterbeingfished.Allhooksmustbe attachedtothedroplinenomorethan30ft(9.1m)fromthe weightedterminalend.Thesehooksmaybeattacheddirectly tothedropline;attachedassnoods(definedasanoffshoot linethatisdirectlyspliced,tiedorotherwiseconnectedtothe dropline),whereeachsnoodhasasingleterminalhook;oras gangions(definedasanoffshootlineconnectedtothedrop linewithsometypeofdetachableclip),whereeachgangion hasasingleterminalhook.
PART635-ATLANTICHMS
• Buoygearmeansafishinggearconsistingofoneormore floatationdevicessupportingasinglemainlinetowhichno morethantwohooksorgangionsareattached.
U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service Page 27
Amendment1totheIsland-basedFMPs:ModificationofBuoyGear
• Modifytheauthorizedgeartypestoprohibittheuseofbuoygearbythe recreationalsectorinfederalwaters.
• Modifytheregulatorydefinitionofbuoygeartoincreasethemaximumnumber ofhooksfrom10to25infederalwatersforfisherieswherebuoygearis authorized.
• St.CroixandSt.Thomas/St.John-ReefFish(managedspecies),commercialfishery
• St.CroixandSt.Thomas/St.John-Pelagic(managedspecies),commercialfishery
• St.CroixandSt.Thomas/St.John-Pelagic(non-managedspecies),commercial fishery
• St.CroixandSt.Thomas/St.John-(non-managedspecies),commercialfishery
• St.CroixandSt.Thomas/St.John-(non-managedspecies),recreationalfishery
U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service Page 28
PercentCommercialLandingsbyGear: St.Thomas/St.JohnandSt.Croixfor2000-2021
U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service Page 29
GearType Dolphin Wahoo GearType Dolphin Wahoo BYHAND - 0.07 BOTTOMFISHINGHOOKANDLINE - 0.03 CASTNET 0.03- BUOY(YO-YO) 0.00COMBINEDGEARS 0.40 0.82 CASTNET 0.06 0.12 DIVING 0.04 0.49 COMBINEDGEARS 0.14 0.12 FISHTRAP 0.38 0.30 DIVING 0.11 0.02 HANDLINE 7.38 2.76 DIVINGWITHNETS 0.03 0.00 HOOKANDLINEWITHPOWERWINCH 1.50 5.09 DRIFTLONGLINE 0.01 0.04 HOOKANDLINE-UNKNOWNTYPE 7.51 5.97 GILLNET 0.02 0.02 LINEFISHING 48.55 59.66 HANDLINE 34.50 49.17 LOBSTERTRAP 0.00- HOOKANDLINEWITHPOWERWINCH 0.13 0.73 LONGLINE 0.00 0.02 HOOKANDLINE-UNKNOWNTYPE 0.47 0.54 RODANDREEL 29.58 23.66 LINEFISHING 62.78 46.44 SEINENET 2.47- LONGLINE 0.64 0.54 TRAMMELNET 0.01- RODANDREEL 0.60 1.78 TRAP-UNKNOWNTYPE 0.05- SEINENET 0.16 0.19 TRAPS 1.68 0.20 SPEARFISHINGWITHSCUBA 0.02 0.06 TROLLEDHOOKANDLINE 0.40 0.70 TRAPS 0.15 0.04 UNKNOWN 0.01 0.27 UNKNOWN 0.18 0.16
St. Thomas and St. John St. Croix
OpenAccessCommercialPermits: CommercialCaribbean SmallBoatPermits
Commercial Caribbean Small Boat Permits
Commercial Caribbean Small Boat Permits
Commercial vessels less than or equal to 45’ in length that want to fish for and sell Bigeye, Albacore, Yellowfin, and Skipjack (BAYS) tunas, and swordfish caught in PuertoRico and the U.S.
Commercial vessels less than or equal to 45’ in length that want to fish for and sell Bigeye, Albacore, Yellowfin, and Skipjack (BAYS) tunas, and swordfish caught in PuertoRico and the U.S.
Virgin Islands must have this permit. No other Commercial Atlantic Shark, Swordfish, or Tuna permitcanbeappliedforalongwiththispermit.
Virgin Islands must have this permit. No other Commercial Atlantic Shark, Swordfish, or Tuna permitcanbeappliedforalongwiththispermit.
Pelagic Longline Fishery Longliners target bluefin and BAYS tunas and swordfish. Dolphinfish and wahoo are caught as bycatch in the longline fisheries. (See Table 5.22 in the 2021 Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation Report for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species).
U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service Page 30
Home Port State # Permits Pennsylvania 1 NorthCarolina 1 SouthCarolina 3 Florida 28 PuertoRico 18 Texas 1 U.S.VirginIslands 2
Source:AllSoutheastRegionalOfficeVesselPermits(updated03/06/23)
