Celebration of World Oceans Day tempered by social, health & economic crises plaguing our country

Celebration of National Oceans Day tempered by social, health and economic crises plaguing our country © The Sportfishing Conservancy

Normally the first week of June is a time of excitement and celebration for both the outdoors community and many groups who work in support of our coast and oceans. While these are hardly normal times, we see at least one bright spot.

Monday was World Oceans Day. In better times, from free fishing days across many states to pro conservation rallies in DC, fishers and fish lovers celebrated. Sadly, the very real troubles gripping our nation have curtailed many of the opportunities of the past. However, for just one moment, setting aside the depth of crises which we as a nation face today, I did want to mention one glimmer of hope for some Atlantic fish and fishers.

Last month, a coalition of national recreational fishing groups petitioned the South Atlantic Fishery management Council in support of NOAA Fisheries' proposed rule to implement Amendment 29 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan in the South Atlantic. The rule is designed to improve the post release survival of specific reef fish bycatch by requiring non-offset circle hooks and descending devices on recreational fishing vessels.

You might ask, "why is this a big deal?" In short, this rule effectively addresses systemic problems in a very popular, but troubled fishery. One might also ask "why is this such a big deal for the Sportfishing Conservancy?" Answer: eleven years ago, we at the Sportfishing Conservancy, in concert with the Sportfishing Conservation Coalition, the Ocean Conservancy, the Environmental Defense Fund, Anglers for Conservation, the National Marine Sanctuaries Foundation, and the National Marine Fisheries Service led a series of workshops starting in Massachusetts, then running through the Carolinas, Georgia, Florida, and then west, demonstrating "best practices" for recreational fishing, specifically addressing deep release protocols.

We enlisted Dr. Chris Lowe of California State University, Long Beach. Chris and his students did the seminal scientific research behind the use of descending devices and the amazing post release survival potential of fish properly released. Chris lectured with us in person and on video about the opportunity at hand. Research and data specific to the snapper/grouper complex would be needed, but the use of descending devices had the potential to dramatically change troubled fisheries.

By improving regulatory discard release mortality, descending devices provide for increased fish survival and consequently the potential of more fishing opportunity. While it is sad that it took more than a decade for Dr. Lowe's work to sink in, we are enthusiastic about the possibilities that lie ahead.

Tight lines,
Tom