Article by Larry Jock
NMFS Backs ICCAT on Recommendations for Sharks
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced the implementation of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) recommendations, which prohibit the retention, transshipping, landing, storing or selling of hammerhead sharks in the family SphyrnidCie (except for bonnethead sharks) and oceanic whitetip sharks caught in association with fisheries managed by ICCAT. This rule affects the commercial Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) pelagic longline, (PLL) fishery and recreational HMS fisheries for tunas, swordfish, and/or billfish in the Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico.
As of September 28, 2011, the retention of hammerhead and oceanic whitetip sharks will be prohibited for:
• Atlantic HMS commercially permitted vessels that have PLL gear on board; and
• Recreational fishermen fishing with a General Category permit when participating in a HMS tournament or fishing under an HMS Angling or Charter/Headboat permit where tunas, swordfish and/or billfish are also retained.
The retention of hammerhead and oceanic whitetip sharks is still allowed for the following activities because they target sharks and are not associated with ICCAT fisheries:
• Shark recreational fisheries when tunas, swordfish and billfish are not retained; and
• Commercial shark bottom longline, gillnet or handgear fisheries.
For further information on this proposed rule and draft EA, contact Peter Cooper at 301-713-2347. Copies of the proposed rule and draft EA are available upon request from the Highly Migratory Species Management Division, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (phone: 301-713-2347, fax: 301-713-1917). The information will also be posted on the HMS website at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfalhms/.
Maryland Celebrates National Hunting And Fishing Day On September 24
In conjunction with more than 30 fishing and hunting clubs, conservation organizations and local businesses, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host Maryland’s 5th Annual National Hunting and Fishing Day Celebration and Expo from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 24 at Schrader’s Bridgetown Manor in Henderson on Maryland’s eastern shore. Anglers, hunters and those interested in learning more about the great outdoors are invited to this free, public event.
“National Hunting and Fishing Day is a great opportunity for Maryland families to spend time together while connecting with nature,” said DNR Secretary John Griffin. “Activities such as hunting and fishing teach children the value of protecting our natural resources so they can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Participants can try fun and challenging hands-on activities including spin casting, waterfowl calling lessons, dog demonstrations and archery and target shooting with skilled instructors. Experienced and novice outdoorsmen and women can check out hunting and fishing displays and demonstrations of outdoor skills.
The event will also feature merchandise, food vendors, free giveaways and live music from The Bay Country Gentlemen.
Formalized by Congress in 1971, National Hunting and Fishing Day was created by the National Shooting Sports Foundation to celebrate the conservation successes of America’s hunters and anglers. Sportsmen and women generate more than $1.7 billion annually, which benefits all who appreciate wildlife and wild places.
For more information call 410-260-8535 or visit dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/Hunt_Trap/NHFD/index.asp.
