Fluke, porgy limits likely to increase in 2011

Last week, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) met in Philadelphia and adopted higher quotas for fluke (33 percent) and porgies (41 percent), based on updated stock assessments approved by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This, ultimately, should result in slightly relaxed catch and size limits for both species next year.

On the surface, this appears to be a small victory for local anglers. In reality, it may be a true turning point as fisheries regulators seem to have finally grasped the concept that it is possible to loosen the noose when fish stocks are clearly rebuilding - as long as stock growth can continue at a satisfactory rate.

"This brings these committees back to reality," said Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY), who lobbied hard for an increase in the quotas by writing to the MAFMC members, arranging meeting between representatives of Long Island's fishing community and NOAA executive director Dr. Jane Lubchenco, and speaking with the New York representative on the ASMFC council.

"Everyone agrees," continued Schumer during a telephone interview on Wednesday, "that overfishing is not an option. Still, if a specific stock is clearly rebuilding it should be possible to maintain a viable fishery even while moving toward the goal of full recovery."

Jim Donofrio, executive director of the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA), a political action organization that represents the recreational fishing community, noted that when the Draconian rebuilding plan for fluke went into effect in 2000, an amendment was added allowing the Mid-Atlantic Council to extend the recovery timeframe an extra three years. That added flexibility helped avoid a possible moratorium on fluke catches over the past few seasons.

"Whether it takes 10 years or 13 years to restore a fishery to healthy status," said Donofrio, "fishing communities should not be forced to shut down when it's possible to take some fish and rebuild stocks at the same time."

Schumer agreed, adding that "flexibility, not rigid, arbitrary deadlines," is the key to rebuilding fish stocks without crushing fishing communities.

"Fisheries regulators need to have the ability to make adjustments based not only on science, but also on common sense," Schumer noted. "For years, fishermen claimed fluke stocks were rebounding faster than the science indicated. They've been right all along. Hopefully, these new quotas will help keep anglers fishing, and fishing businesses open. It's been frustrating getting to this point, but I think we are headed in the right direction."

The long-term goal, according to Schumer, is to build strong and active fisheries. He would like to see the same flexibility allowed with fluke and porgy rebuilding plans extended to other fisheries management decisions. Approval of The Flexibility in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act of 2009, introduced in the House of Representatives by congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ), and Schumer's similar senate bill, would help. Both offer additional leeway in setting rebuilding timelines, stock recovery target dates and, ultimately, size and creel limits.

"Short term," said Schumer, "the next step is to lobby for an increase in New York State's individual fluke and porgy quotas. There's no reason our regulations should be so much more restrictive than those in neighboring states."

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