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Identify the most important facts surrounding the case.

Identify any key issue or issues.

Identify how the fish species is managed and by whom or what

Explain how the species is harvested

Evaluate if the harvesting technique is sustainable or not

Create a reference for your source (See online writing lab (OWL))

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Some important facts are that even though the population of tuna is low, its still a great choice for sustainability. Right now population level are a bit low, but plans to manage this are in effect. Lots of regulations are in effect for overfishing, habitats, and bycatch. Managed by the IAATC. Purse siene and hook and line, and tarpoons are used to catch tuna.

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-Key Facts: currently above target population levels; three fisheries along Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands, Gulf of Alaska and Pacific Coast, none overfished currently; a species of groundfish, meaning they live along the sea floor; mature slowly; secondary/tertiary consumers; not currently in high demand within the seafood industry

-Issues: currently seen as a low value fish, which discourages fishermen from harvesting them; increased bycatch of other species within flounder habitat, such as rockfish, due to special equipment to sweep the sea floor

-Management: in Alaska->NOAA Fisheries and the North Pacific Fishery Management Council using Groundfish Fishery Management Plans for their regions as well as the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan; these plans include limits on catches, the permit to do so, minimum size to keep, how many can be caught in one fishing trip, which seasons and regions are open for fishing, and gear restrictions to minimize impact on the habitat

-Harvesting: bottom trawl gear, specialized and now known as Bering Sea Flatfish Gear, with minimal impact on other species and their environment

-Sustainability? Yes, because restrictions are in place to prevent overfishing, and recent monitoring shows that the limits in place have been effective.

NOAA Fisheries. (n.d.). Arrowtooth Flounder.
https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/arrowtooth-        flounder

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U.S. wild-caught arrowtooth flounder is a smart seafood choice because it is sustainably managed and responsibly harvested under U.S. regulations.

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Identify the most important facts surrounding the case.

The Atlantic Mahi Mahi (AMM) is a highly productive fish which results in them being not endangered. These are widely spread out among the tropical/subtropical oceans. Adult male mahi mahi tend to have a square head while adult females have a more rounded head. These have a lifespan of about 5 years which is fairly short.

Identify any key issue or issues.

The biggest issue as of right now is that people down in Florida feel like the Atlantic Mahi Mahi is being over fished. I personally don't think that this is accurate because we have caught these fish in larger quantities and have never had a problem before.

Identify how the fish species is managed and by whom or what

The Atlantic Mahi Mahi is managed by the NOAA fisheries and also the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council.  The people who manage the Atlantic Mahi Mahi manages the stock of the Mahi Mahi. The Fishery Management Plan for the Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery of the Atlantic manges this by needing a permit to sell these harvested Mahi Mahi. The Mahi Mahi also needs to be a certain size.

Explain how the species is harvested

The Atlantic Mahi Mahi is commercially fished and are fished on big boats by commercial fishers. In 2020 they harvested around  275,000 pounds of Atlantic Mahi Mahi. They also are harvested by recreational fishing which is like competitive fishing or even just fishing for their pleasure.

Evaluate if the harvesting technique is sustainable or not

As of right now it is sustainable because of how highly reproductive they are. I do eventually see a problem of them being over fished later on because of the consent rise in our population.

Reference list

NOAA Fisheries. (n.d.).
Atlantic Mahi Mahi | NOAA Fisheries

Killer, E. T. C. (2021, October 29). Save the Mahi: Petition aims to conserve dolphin, Florida anglers’ most popular catch. Treasure Coast Newspapers. https://eu.tcpalm.com/story/sports/fishing-boating/2021/10/28/florida-sportsman-save-the-mahi-petition-conserve-dolphin-fish-change-safmc-federal-fishery-rules/6124831001/

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About the Species

U.S. wild-caught mahi mahi is a smart seafood choice because it is sustainably managed and responsibly harvested under U.S. regulations.

Population

Above target population levels.

Fishing Rate

At recommended levels.

Habitat Impacts

Fishing gear used to catch mahi mahi rarely contacts the ocean floor and has minimal impacts on habitat.

Bycatch

Regulations are in place to minimize bycatch.

Population Status

Scientists assume populations are abundant because they are highly productive and widely distributed throughout tropical/subtropical oceans.

Scientists conducted an exploratory assessment of mahi mahi in 2000 and determined that the stock was not overfished and not subject to overfishing, but they have not conducted a formal stock assessment.

Appearance

Brightly colored back is an electric greenish blue, lower body is gold or sparkling silver, and sides have a mixture of dark and light spots.

Bright pattern fades almost immediately after mahi mahi is harvested.

Adult males have a square head.

Females have a rounded head.

Distinguished from the pompano dolphin by its 55 to 66 dorsal fin rays and a very wide, square tooth patch on the tongue.

Biology

Atlantic mahi mahi grow up to almost 7 feet and 88 pounds.

They live up to 5 years.

They are capable of reproducing at 4 to 5 months old.

Believed to spawn every 2 to 3 days during the spawning season, releasing between 33,000 and 66,000 eggs each time.

In the Atlantic, spawn under patches of floating brown algae called Sargassum.

Mahi mahi are top predators that feed in surface water during the day.

They eat a wide variety of species, including small pelagic fish, juvenile tuna, invertebrates, billfish, jacks, pompano, and pelagic larvae of nearshore, bottom-living species.

Predators include large tuna, marine mammals, marlin, sailfish, and swordfish.

NOAA Fisheries

Where They Live

Mahi mahi are found in the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean, and are caught from Massachusetts to Texas.

About one-third of U.S. commercial harvest of mahi mahi comes from the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean. The rest comes from the Pacific, mainly Hawaii.

Fishery Management

NOAA Fisheries and the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (in cooperation with the Mid-Atlantic and New England Fishery Management Councils) manage the Atlantic stock of Mahi mahi.

Managed under the Fishery Management Plan for the Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery of the Atlantic :

Permits are required to sell mahi mahi.

Minimum size limit for mahi mahi caught off the coasts of Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina to protect smaller fish.

Harvest

Commercial fishery:

In 2020, commercial fishermen harvested more than 275,000 pounds of mahi mahi in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico (primarily from South Carolina, North Carolina, and Florida) valued at $812,000, according to the NOAA Fisheries commercial fishing landings database.

Gear types, habitat impacts, and bycatch:

Hook-and-line gear (including handlines and longlines) is used for commercial harvest.

Hook-and-line gear has minimal impact on habitat because it does not contact the ocean floor.

Longlines can incidentally catch sea turtles, marine mammals, and other species.

Longline fishermen follow measures to prevent bycatch and protect other species. These include using specific gear and safe handling techniques to reduce impacts on sea turtles, as well as not fishing in certain areas to protect species such as billfish.

Recreational fishery:

The mahi mahi fishery in the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico has historically been recreational.

In 2020, recreational fishermen harvested more than 6.3 million pounds of mahi mahi in the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, according to the NOAA Fisheries recreational fishing landings database.

Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 02/19/2021

Recreational Fishing Regulations

Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 02/19/2021

Commercial Fishing Regulations

Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 02/19/2021

Subsistence Fishing Regulations

Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 02/19/2021

Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 02/19/2021

Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 02/19/2021

Science Overview

Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 02/19/2021

Data & Maps

Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 02/19/2021

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U.S. wild-caught mahimahi is a smart seafood choice because it is sustainably managed and responsibly harvested under U.S. regulations.

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Identify the most important facts surrounding the case: Monk fish is one of the highest valued fish in the U.S., bringing in and approximate 14.5 million dollars for the 23 million pounds fished in 2019. They can live in extreme varying conditions. They can live in shallow waters up to 3,000 ft. down.

Identify any key issue or issues.

This species is not endangered, over fished, or at risk for over fishing.

Identify how the fish species is managed and by whom or what

They are managed by NOAA Fisheries and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils. The process and procedures they regulate include: annual catch limits, limited access permits, size limits, landing limits, and measures to reduce by-catch and impacts on the habitat.

Explain how the species is harvested

Most harvesting is done by the use of bottom trawls that harvest fish and creatures on the bottom level of the ocean. Not as common methods include sink gillnets and scallop dredges. All of these deices are some variation of a net that is hung of the back/bottom of the fishing boat and drag along the bottom level of the ocean.

Evaluate if the harvesting technique is sustainable or not

This technique is mostly sustainable. One of the downsides in the prospect of by-catch. Some of the common by-catch is these nets include spiny dogfish and skates, which the fisherman are allowed to keep if they have proper permits. Another includes the disturbance the net causes to the sea floor. Despite this, research shows that if the equitment is used properly, minimal damage will be done. Neither of these issues are major threats to the species or any surrounding species.

Reference:
NOAA Fisheries,

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Recreational Fishing Regulations

Reporting A Recreational Catch

Commercial Fishing Regulations

Days-At-Sea (DAS)

Limited access monkfish vessels are allocated 45.2 Monkfish DAS each fishing year. Of these, only 37 can be used in the Southern Fishery Management Area (SFMA). Each permit holder may also carry-over up to four unused monkfish DAS from the previous year, which can be applied to either area (Northern Fishery Management Area [NFMA] or SFMA). However, DAS that are not usable because they are tied to a Northeast (NE) multispecies DAS may not be carried over. For more information on DAS, please see the supplemental info page.

Possession Limits and Fish Size Requirements

Minimum fish size: 17 inches total length (whole fish), or 11 inches tail length (tails only) for both commercial and recreational anglers.

Maximum fish size: None

Possession Limits: Monkfish possession limits vary by permit category, area, gear, and DAS use. The specifics of the catch limits for limited access permit holders and incidental catch limits are outlined in the tables below. When viewing the tables, please be aware of the footnotes that are outlined below.

Possession Limits While on a Monkfish DAS

Northern Fishery Management Area

Southern Fishery Management Area

Possession Limits While on Botha Monkfish DAS and a Northeast Multispecies A DAS

Northern Fishery Management Area

Southern Fishery Management Area

Incidental Possession Limits While on a Northeast Multispecies DAS
Note: If you are fishing under a Northeast multispecies DAS, you may have additional possession restrictions based on the specific fishery in which you are participating (e.g., Regular B-DAS Program, Closed Area I Hook-Gear Haddock Special Access Program, or the U.S./Canada Management Areas).
Incidental Possession Limits While on a Scallop DAS or in the Sea Scallop Access Area Program

Incidental Possession Limits for Vessels not under a DAS Program

No DAS

Gulf of Maine (GOM) or Georges Bank (GB) Regulated Mesh Areas (RMAs)

Minimum mesh size or larger. See "Gear" or "Exempted Fisheries" tabs for more information

Up to 5% (converted to tail weight ¹) of the total weight of fish on board

Southern New England (SNE) RMA east of the Mid-Atlantic (MA) Exemption Area boundary at 72° 30' W longitude

Up to 5% (converted to tail weight ¹) of the total weight of fish on board, not to exceed 50 lb (146 lb whole weight) per day ³, up to 150 lb (437 lb whole weight) per trip

MA Exemption area west of the MA Exemption Area boundary

Up to 5% (converted to tail weight ¹) of the total weight of fish on board, not to exceed 450 lb (1,310 lb whole weight) per trip

NFMA or SFMA

Mesh smaller than the minimum (See tabs mentioned above)

50 lb (146 lb whole weight) per day ³, or partial day, not to exceed 150 lb (437 lb whole weight) per trip

Rod and reel or handlines only

No DAS and fishing under a skate bait Letter of Authorization

SNE RMA

Minimum mesh size or larger (See tabs mentioned above)

Up to 5% (converted to tail weight ¹) of the total weight of fish on board, not to exceed 50 lb (146 lb whole weight) per day ³, up to 150 lb (437 lb whole weight) per trip

Incidental Possession Limits for Vessels not under a DAS Program that also Hold Permits in Other Fisheries/Special Cases

NE Multispecies Small Vessel Permit ⁴

NFMA or SFMA

All Gear

50 lb (146 lb whole weight) per day ³, or partial day, not to exceed 150 lb (437 lb whole weight) per trip

Surfclam or Ocean Quahog Permit

Hydraulic clam dredge or mahogany quahog dredge

Sea Scallop Permit

Scallop dredge only (except scallop dredge exemption areas) ⁵

If in a scallop dredge exemption area, 50 lb (146 lb whole weight) per trip. Otherwise, 50 lb per day ³, or partial day, not to exceed 150 lb (437 lb whole weight) per trip

¹ Any prorated combination of tail weight and whole weight may also be landed based on the conversion factor for tail weight to whole weight of 2.91 (tail weight x 2.91 = whole weight; or whole weight/2.91 = tail weight). A vessel may also possess or land monkfish livers up to 25% of the tail weight of monkfish, or up to 10% of the whole weight of monkfish, per trip. If a vessel possesses or lands both monkfish tails and whole monkfish, the vessel may land livers up to 10% of the whole weight of monkfish per trip using the following weight ratio: (0.10) x [(tail weight x 2.91) + (whole fish x 1)]. Vessels may also land monkfish heads separate from tails, provided the total head weight does not exceed 1.91 times the total weight of tails onboard.

² For vessels with limited access sea scallop permits fishing in an established Sea Scallop Access Area, the monkfish possession limit is per day fished inside the access area (as determined by VMS), not including steaming time.

³ A day is the 24-hour period that begins when the vessel leaves port or, if the vessel has an operational VMS, when the vessel crosses the VMS demarcation line when leaving port and ends when the vessel returns to port or, if the vessel has an operational VMS, crosses the VMS demarcation line on its return to port.

⁴ These vessels are exempt from a NE multispecies DAS provided they meet the vessel size requirements applicable to the limited access NE multispecies small vessel permit category (vessels < 30 ft in length).

⁵ In order to possess monkfish in the scallop dredge exemption areas, small dredges must be used (combined width not to exceed 10.5 ft).

Reporting A Commercial Catch

Commercial Gear Information

Exempted Fishing

What is an Exempted Fishery?

Exempted fisheries allow vessels to fish for specific species without being subject to certain Northeast multispecies regulations, including days-at-sea, provided the bycatch of regulated species is minimal. To be approved and implemented, exemption programs must have demonstrated that incidental catch of Northeast multispecies is less than five percent of the total catch, by weight, and that the exemption will not jeopardize fishing mortality objectives.

Monkfish Fishery Exemptions

To fish a monkfish day-at-sea (DAS) as monkfish-only DAS (not also using scallop or Northeast multispecies DAS), you must fish exclusively in an exemption area or exempted fishery. If you choose to fish outside of the exemption area or an exempted fishery, you are also required to use a Northeast multispecies or scallop DAS simultaneously with your monkfish DAS.

Monkfish Exemption Areas

There are five main exemption areas that apply to the monkfish fishery. Visit the provided summary pages for more detailed information about each one.

Possession Limits and Mesh Sizes Associated with the SNE and MA Exemption Areas
If you are using trawl gear, you need to be aware that your monkfish incidental trip limits depend upon whether you are fishing on either the east side or the west side of the boundary between the SNE and MA exemption areas. The chart below depicts this area and the table at the end of this section shows the different incidental trip limits.

Minimum mesh size is defined by the summer flounder regulations when fishing west of the SNE/MA Exemption Area boundary, but is defined by the Northeast multispecies regulations when fishing east of this boundary in the SNE Regulated Mesh Area and Exemption Areas. For a specific breakdown of areas, gear, and trip limits, refer to the table below.

Southern Exemption Area Trip Limits by Mesh Size

Smallest Mesh Fished During Trip

5.5-inch diamond/6-inch square, or larger, in body, extensions, and codend

Smaller than 5.5-inch diamond/6-inch square in body, extensions, and codend

Smaller than 6-inch diamond/ 6.5-inch square in body and extensions; and 6.5-inch square or diamond in the codend

6-inch diamond/ 6.5 inch square, or larger, in body and extensions; and 6.5-inch square or diamond, or larger, in the codend

Landing Limit¹(per trip unless stated otherwise)

5% of total weight of fish aboard, up to 450 lb per trip

50 lb per day, up to 150 lb per trip

5% of total weight of fish aboard, not to exceed 50 lb per day, up to 150 lb per trip

¹Any prorated combination of tail weight and whole weight may also be landed based on the conversion factor for tail weight to whole weight of 2.91 (tail weight x 2.91 = whole weight; or whole weight/2.91 = tail weight). A vessel may also possess or land monkfish livers up to 25% of the tail weight of monkfish, or up to 10% of the whole weight of monkfish, per trip. If a vessel possesses or lands both monkfish tails and whole monkfish, the vessel may land livers up to 10% of the whole weight of monkfish per trip using the following weight ratio: (0.10) x [(tail weight x 2.91) + (whole fish x 1)]. Vessels may also land monkfish heads separate from tails, provided the total head weight does not exceed 1.91 times the total weight of tails onboard. ²A day is the 24-hour period that begins when the vessel leaves port or, if the vessel has an operational VMS, when the vessel crosses the VMS demarcation line when leaving port and ends when the vessel returns to port or, if the vessel has an operational VMS, crosses the VMS demarcation line on its return to port.
A vessel's monkfish incidental catch limit is based upon the mesh size of the smallest mesh fished during the trip. For example, if you are fishing for squid using a 1- ⁷/ ₈-inch diamond mesh and for summer flounder using a 5.5-inch diamond mesh on the same trip west of the 72Ëš 30â€™ W boundary line, you are subject to the more restrictive possession limit of 50 lb tail weight per day, up to 150 lb tail weight per trip.
Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Regulatory Area Exemption Program
A vessel issued a valid High Seas Fishing Compliance Permit and that complies with the associated requirements is exempt from monkfish permit, mesh size, effort-control, and possession limit restrictions while transiting the EEZ with monkfish on board the vessel, or landing monkfish in U.S. ports that were caught while fishing in the NAFO Regulatory Area. A letter of authorization is required for participation in the NAFO Exemption Program, and other requirements and restrictions may apply. For more information, visit the NAFO website.

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The commercial monkfish fishery in the U.S. operates from Maine to North Carolina out to the continental margin. Trawl gear is primarily used in northern waters, and gillnet gear in southern waters. Because it is common for monkfish to be caught in conjun

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-Important facts surrounding the case.
*Northern anchovies have been fished off the West Coast since at least 1916. The fishery was small until the Pacific sardine fishery collapsed in the 1940s and 1950s. Processors began canning anchovies instead of sardines, and fishermen started harvesting more anchovies.
*Today, northern anchovies are used mainly for bait in other fisheries and sometimes processed into fish meal.
-Key issues or issues.
*Recent studies indicate that the northern anchovy’s central subpopulation—which occupies the Pacific off California—is at very low levels
*Consumer demand for anchovies decreased after the sardine population recovered, and the commercial fishery for northern anchovies gradually declined.
-Identify how the fish species is managed and by whom or what
*NOAA Fisheries and the Pacific Fishery Management Council manage this fishery.
*Monitored through landings data. If landings increase significantly or exceed the annual catch limit, then managers may make management changes. Limits on the number and capacity of vessels in the fishery. Regulations to reduce bycatch.
-How the species is harvested
*Northern anchovies are generally harvested in the United States with round haul gear.
-Is the harvesting technique sustainable or not?
*U.S. wild-caught northern anchovies are a smart seafood choice because they are sustainably managed and responsibly harvested under U.S. regulations.
-Reference List
Fisheries, N. O. A. A. (n.d.). Northern Anchovy. NOAA. Retrieved February 25, 2022, from http://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/northern-anchovy#overview
5 reasons to protect Northern Anchovy. The Pew Charitable Trusts. (n.d.). Retrieved February 25, 2022, from http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and analysis/articles/2017/04/06/5-reasons-to-protect-northern-anchovy

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U.S. wild-caught northern anchovies are a smart seafood choice because they are sustainably managed and responsibly harvested under U.S. regulations.

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- The north pacific sword fish population is currently above targeted levels. Both stocks it is involved in are not regularly over fished. Sword fish are also the apex predators of their ecosystem growing up to 14 feet and 1200 pounds.

-The fishing methods for sword fish do not produce much by catch, the only by catch they get is marine mammals, sea turtles, many restrictions are put into place to regulate gillnets and long lines.

- Sword fish harvesting is managed by NOAA fisheries Pacific Fishery management council. Methods of catching them are highly regulated

- Species are harvested commercially as well as for recreation. Both require permits with recreational fisheries only allowed to catch two a day and not sell any of what they catch.

- These harvesting methods are sustainable as their is minimal damage to other species or the environment around them. The sword fish them selves are above their target population.

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U.S. wild-caught North Pacific swordfish is a smart seafood choice because it is sustainably managed and responsibly harvested under U.S. regulations.

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-Important Facts: the Banggai Cardinalfish is endemic to the Banggai Archipelago in Indonesia. But was introduced to the ornamental live reef trade which is outside of its natural range.
-Issues:  NOAA Fisheries received a petition to list the Banggai cardinalfish as threatened or endangered. The Banggai Cardinalfish is also dealing with habitat destruction.
-Management: The Endangered Species Act petition requests that we extend the prohibitions of the ESA to the Banggai Cardinalfish, including prohibitions on import, export, and all commercial activities for both wild and captive-bred populations
-Harvesting: Commercial harvest for the ornamental live reef trade
-Sustainable: No because the commercial harvest for the ornamental live reef trade is labeled as a threat for the Banggai Cardinalfish. It is actually one of their main threats.

-Reference:
NOAA Fisheries, (August 4, 2021), Banggai Cardinalfish,
https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/banggai-
cardinalfish#overview

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The Banggai cardinalfish is a small marine bony fish. The species is endemic to the Banggai Archipelago in Indonesia but has been introduced outside of its natural range through the ornamental live reef trade. Learn more about the Banggai cardinalfish!

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Important Facts The population level of the Moonfish is unknown, but it is presumed to be stable, the fishing rate is at the recommended level, there are little habitat impacts, and there is no directed fishery. There is not much info on the species's biology since they are not a major commercial seafood species and they live deep in the ocean. However, scientists have estimated aspects of their biology, such as their growth rate, lifespan, and other general characteristics. Opah are found primarily in tropical and temperate waters around the world; they are U.S. wild-caught from Hawaii, California, and surrounding high seas.

Key Issue(s) U.S. wild-caught opah is managed sustainably and harvested responsibly, therefore, it is a smart seafood choice. They are not caught often, but they are prized by deepwater recreational anglers for their unique colors and light flavor.

Management Under the Fishery Ecosystem Plan for the Pelagic Fisheries of the Western Pacific, NOAA Fisheries and the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council manage this fishery, but there are no management measurements in place that apply specifically to opah. It is required, however, for fishermen to have permits to record their catch, and permits are limited.

Harvesting Opah are harvested responsibly and have no directed commercial fisheries, but they are harvested in small but significant quantities incidentally in fisheries targeting swordfish and tuna.

References

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Important facts: "Scalloped hammerhead sharks are moderately large sharks with a global distribution." There are two distinct population segments of the scalloped hammerhead shark that are listed as endangered, then two are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
(Key) Issues: They are threatened by commercial fishing because of them being mainly hunted for their fins in trade.
Management: NOAA Fisheries are committed for conserving and protecting. And the ESA (Endangered Species Act) is the whom, who is managing.
(How) Harvested: Commercial fishing for their fins.
Harvesting Technique: Not sustainable. (due to overfishing)
Reference:
Scalloped Hammerhead Shark. (2020, May 14). NOAA. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/scalloped-hammerhead-shark#overview

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Important facts surrounding the case.

The Pacific Blue Marlin can be located in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans, and is at the above target population level and at recommended level regarding its fishing rate. The gear used to harvest blue marlin rarely contacts the ocean floor, so habitat impacts are minimal. Lastly, Regulations are in place to minimize bycatch in the tuna and swordfish fisheries, which incidentally catch the most commercially available blue marlin.

Key issue

Marlins are primarily caught as a bycatch incidentally in commercial fisheries for tuna and swordfish. They are also a popular target fish for recreational fishermen.

How the fish species is managed and by whom or what

NOAA Fisheries and the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council manage the Pacific blue marlin fishery. Managed under the Fishery Ecosystem Plan for Pacific Pelagic Fisheries of the Western Pacific Region.

Entry to this fishery is limited to a maximum of 164 vessels and permits and logbooks are required.

Observers are required on all Hawaii-based longline vessels and NOAA Fisheries vessel monitoring system program requires longline boats to be equipped with a satellite transponder that provides real-time vessel position updates and tracks vessel movements.

Longlines are prohibited in certain areas to protect endangered Hawaiian monk seals and reduce the potential for gear conflicts and localized stock depletion.

Vessels operating under longline general permits must carry special gear to release incidentally hooked or entangled sea turtles.

How the species is harvested

Pacific Blue Marlins are harvested commercially with a longline, together with tunas and swordfish. Recreational fishing is also allowed for the Blue Marlins due to their high value in the market.

Evaluate if the harvesting technique is sustainable or not

U.S. wild-caught Pacific blue marlin is a smart seafood choice because it is sustainably managed and responsibly harvested under U.S. regulations.

Effective conservation and management of this resource require international cooperation as well as strong domestic management. Two organizations, the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) manage this fishery internationally.

Reference List:

NOAA Fisheries. (n.d.). Pacific Blue Marlin.

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/pacific-blue-marlin

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Important Facts
It is the only rock-fish in the perch family that lives in the Atlantic. They are relatively small fish which has huge eyes, in which many develop red pigments on their flesh. They have very low reproductive rates despite the average 50 years of age that they live till. They mate in late autumn but do not release their eggs until late spring in which one female can produce 15,000 larvae. Many of the young feed on plankton they find in the top of the ocean until they grow and move to the bottom in which they feed on small fish. They live off the coast of Norway all the way to Georges Bank in Massachusetts.
Key Issue(s)
They are often a part of bycatch, but only in small quantities. They are also facing issues in habitats being closed for trawl gears to work.
Managed/By whom?
This species is managed by the NOAA Fisheries, New England Fishery Management Council, and Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan. They are putting in place regulations such as closing the areas in which they live off for certain periods of time, minimum fish sizes to prevent the capture of the young, catch limits, and permitting requirements for large fishing companies.
How is it harvested?
They are harvested through the use of trawl nets and gillnets as well as the occasional fishing rod/reel.
Sustainable?
The redfish is sustainably harvested due to the limitations on them that allow for the young to grow, preventative of habitat, and stop overfishing.
Reference
NOAA. (2021). Acadian Redfish. NOAA Fisheries.
https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/acadian-redfish#overview

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Recreational Fishing Regulations

Commercial Fishing Regulations

Subsistence Fishing Regulations

This dataset depicts the boundaries of the Redfish Exemption Area of the...

This dataset depicts the boundaries of the Atlantic Red Drum Fishery...

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Acadian redfish, also known as ocean perch, are slow-growing, long-lived deepwater fish. Ranging from Iceland to the mid-Atlantic, they are common in the deep waters of the Gulf of Maine. Learn about the status and management of these northeast groundfish

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Key Facts- The Atlantic Wolffish have many  rows of teeth and a few of them stick out of their face, such as the two prominently coming out in the picture shown above. Males and Females can be easily identified by the stripes located on the side of their bodies. Females have many vertical stripes that are on the side of the fish. Many Wolffish live in rocky, complex environments. The Atlantic Wolffish tend to live alone, excluding their mating season.

Issues- The Atlantic Wolffish is currently being over-harvested and there is a loss of habitat within their complex environment.

Management- The fish species are managed by Northeast Multispecies (Groundfish) Fishery Management Plan. This plan also regulates a total of 12 other species of groundfish. This organization is managing the Atlantic Wolffish by enforcing a zero-possession species, time closures, animal catch limits, and permitting requirements. Along with this plan, the  NOAA fisheries and the New England Fishery Management Council keep tight regulations on how these fish are used for recreational uses.

Harvesting- The Atlantic Wolffish is harvested through optional sectors that set strict requirements for when a group of managed fishermen is allowed to catch the Atlantic Wolffish.

Sustainability- The Atlantic Wolffish is currently sustainable because it is over-protected by many organizations and regulations that prevent any over-fishing or harm.

Reference:
NOAA Fisheries. (n.d.). Atlantic Wolffish
https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/atlantic-wolffish

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Status According to the 2017 operational assessment, Atlantic wolffish is overfished and overfishing is not occurring. Appearance Atlantic wolffish have a tapered body shape with a large rounded head and a slender tail. Wolffish have multi