David Rainer: Anson promoted to Marine Resources Division Director – Yellowhammer News

Leadership Transition and Commitment to Sustainable Marine Resource Management

New Directorate Focused on Sustainable Development Goals

Kevin Anson has been appointed as the new Director of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Marine Resources Division (MRD). With over 27 years of experience within the division, Director Anson is poised to continue the state’s commitment to sustainable fisheries management. His leadership will focus on data-driven policies that ensure the health of marine ecosystems and the viability of fisheries, directly supporting the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water).

The new administration’s agenda includes:

• Maintaining healthy fish stocks through scientific monitoring and responsive management.
• Enhancing public access to marine resources in a sustainable manner.
• Addressing environmental and fishery challenges with evidence-based solutions.

Strategic Management of Marine Ecosystems and Fisheries for SDG 14

Ecosystem Protection and Biodiversity (SDG 14.2)

Alabama’s marine productivity is intrinsically linked to the health of its coastal ecosystems. The 260,000-acre Mobile-Tensaw Delta serves as a critical nursery habitat for a diverse range of fish species. The MRD’s strategy emphasizes the protection of this vital area by maintaining clean, unpolluted water, a key component of SDG 14.1 (Reduce Marine Pollution). Furthermore, Alabama’s artificial reef program, the largest in the world, spans over 1,200 square miles and is a cornerstone of its efforts to manage and protect marine ecosystems, contributing to SDG 14.2.

Sustainable Fisheries Management in Practice (SDG 14.4)

The MRD employs science-based management plans to regulate harvesting, end overfishing, and rebuild fish stocks, directly aligning with SDG 14.4. This approach has yielded significant successes in key state fisheries.

1. American Red Snapper: The transition from federal to state-level management has enabled a more adaptive approach. By closely monitoring recreational catch against established harvest limits, the MRD can adjust season lengths to prevent overfishing while maximizing recreational opportunities. This management ensures the stock remains at an optimum yield, demonstrating a successful implementation of sustainable harvesting practices.
2. Southern Flounder: The flounder population has shown a significant rebound due to targeted conservation measures. These include a temporary seasonal closure to protect pre-spawning aggregations and an increase in the minimum size limit. These regulations, combined with favorable environmental conditions in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta nursery, exemplify a holistic approach to species recovery and sustainable management.

Enhancing Economic Viability and Responsible Production (SDG 8 & SDG 12)

Pursuit of Sustainability Certification for the Shrimp Fishery

In a strategic move to support SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), the MRD is assisting local shrimp processors in obtaining sustainability certification. This certification is intended to:

• Increase the market value and economic return for the local shrimping industry.
• Provide consumers with transparency and assurance of sustainably sourced seafood.
• Align Alabama’s shrimp fishery with certified standards already adopted by other Gulf states.

Achieving this certification requires the development of a comprehensive Shrimp Fisheries Management Plan (FMP), which will outline goals, objectives, and strategies for the sustainable long-term management of the resource.

Fostering Partnerships and Public Engagement for Goal Achievement (SDG 17)

Collaborative Governance and Scientific Research

The MRD’s success is built on a foundation of strong partnerships, reflecting the principles of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). These collaborations are essential for integrating the best available science into management decisions, a core tenet of SDG 14.a (Increase Scientific Knowledge).

• Governmental Collaboration: Director Anson has served as Alabama’s representative on the Gulf Council since 2008, advising NOAA Fisheries on the management of federal fisheries and ensuring state and federal efforts are coordinated.
• Academic Partnerships: The MRD collaborates with institutions such as the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and the University of South Alabama to analyze environmental data and fishery trends, enhancing the scientific basis for management actions like those taken for the southern flounder.

Public Consultation and Stakeholder Involvement

As part of the shrimp fishery certification process, the MRD is hosting public listening sessions. This initiative directly supports SDG 17.17 by promoting effective public-private and civil society partnerships. These sessions provide a platform for the shrimping industry and the general public to contribute ideas and feedback on the goals and objectives of the new management plan, ensuring that the path to sustainability is inclusive and reflects the needs of all stakeholders.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The article’s primary focus is on the conservation and sustainable use of Alabama’s marine resources. It details the management of saltwater fishing, the health of fisheries (red snapper, flounder, shrimp), and the protection of critical marine habitats like the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. The work of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Marine Resources Division (MRD) directly aligns with the goal of conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article touches on the economic aspects of the fishing industry. The effort by local shrimp processors to receive sustainability certification is aimed at increasing “the size of the market as well as prices for shrimp.” This initiative represents a move towards higher economic productivity and value addition for a local industry, which supports economic growth.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The pursuit of sustainability certification for the shrimp fishery is a direct link to this goal. The article notes that certification “gives customers who want to buy those shrimp more clarity and transparency in the buying process.” This promotes sustainable production patterns and provides consumers with the information needed to make responsible choices. The overall management of fisheries to avoid overfishing also reflects the sustainable management of natural resources.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Under SDG 14 (Life Below Water):
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems. This is addressed through the emphasis on the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, described as a “nursery that provides the great fishing we have here,” and the importance of keeping it “clean and not heavily nutrient-loaded.”
   • Target 14.4: Effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing. This is the most prominent target, demonstrated by the detailed management of the red snapper fishery (adjusting seasons based on catch data against a harvest limit) and the flounder fishery (closing the season to protect spawning stock and increasing the minimum size). The goal is to keep the fishery at “optimum yield” and ensure the stock is “self-sustaining.”
   • Target 14.7: Increase the economic benefits from the sustainable use of marine resources. This is relevant to the discussion of state management of red snapper being a “huge success for the state’s private recreational anglers” and the effort to certify the shrimp fishery to increase market value and prices for commercial fishermen.
   • Target 14.a: Increase scientific knowledge and research capacity to improve ocean health. The article highlights a data-driven approach, stating, “We will address issues when they arise and when data shows we need to make a change.” It also mentions collaboration with the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and the University of South Alabama to review environmental data and trends, using MRD surveys to inform management decisions.
2. Under SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth):
   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through innovation. The shrimp industry’s initiative to obtain sustainability certification is an innovative strategy to add value to their products and increase their market competitiveness and prices, thereby boosting economic productivity within that sector.
3. Under SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production):
   • Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. The entire framework of fisheries management described in the article, such as monitoring harvest levels against an allowance for red snapper, is a direct application of this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. For SDG 14 (Life Below Water):
   • Harvest vs. Limit Data: The article provides specific figures for the red snapper fishery: “the harvest was estimated at 575,220 pounds with a 2025 harvest limit of 664,552 pounds.” This is a direct quantitative indicator for measuring the effectiveness of regulating harvesting (Target 14.4).
   • Fishery Management Regulations: The implementation of specific rules serves as an indicator of management actions. Examples include the closed season for flounder in November and the increase in minimum size from 12 to 14 inches (Target 14.4).
   • Fish Stock Health Assessment: Qualitative assessments are mentioned, such as the red snapper stock being described as “fantastic” and “self-sustaining,” and the flounder population showing a “rebound.” These assessments, based on MRD surveys, act as indicators of stock status (Target 14.4).
   • Development of Management Plans: The creation of a “new draft shrimp fishery management plan (FMP)” is an indicator of progress towards science-based management and sustainability certification (Targets 14.4 and 14.a).
2. For SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth):
   • Sustainability Certification: The attainment of “sustainability certification” for the shrimp fishery would be a key indicator. The article states that the other four Gulf states already have this certification, providing a benchmark for Alabama’s progress (Target 8.2).
3. For SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production):
   • Public Engagement and Transparency: The hosting of “two listening sessions” for the public and industry stakeholders to provide feedback on the shrimp FMP is an indicator of a transparent and participatory process aimed at achieving sustainable production (Target 12.2).

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article. In this table, list the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), their corresponding targets, and the specific indicators identified in the article.

Source: yellowhammernews.com