Marine Fisheries seeks input on changes to sheepshead management – Island Free Press

Report on Proactive Management of the North Carolina Sheepshead Fishery

Introduction: Aligning Fishery Management with Global Sustainability Mandates

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries has initiated a review of management strategies for the Sheepshead fishery. This action is in response to increased fishing pressure and a notable rise in the harvesting of juvenile fish, trends that challenge the principles of sustainable resource management. The proposed changes aim to align state-level fishery policies with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water), to ensure the long-term health and viability of the Sheepshead stock.

Current Framework and Sustainability Assessment

Historical Context and Existing Regulations

State-level management of Sheepshead was implemented in 2015 following the species’ removal from the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Snapper-Grouper aggregate in 2012. The current regulations are as follows:

• Minimum Size Limit: 10 inches fork length
• Recreational Bag Limit: 10 fish per person per day
• Commercial Trip Limit: 300 pounds per trip, with exceptions:
• Gigs and spears: 10 per person per day or trip
• Pound nets: Exempt from trip limit

Challenges to SDG 14: Life Below Water

Recent data indicates that after an initial decline, both recreational and commercial landings have increased. A significant concern is that the majority of harvested fish are juveniles. This trend is a critical indicator of a stock under stress and directly contravenes SDG Target 14.4, which calls for effective regulation of harvesting to end overfishing and restore fish stocks to sustainable levels. These developments have prompted fisheries managers to develop proactive measures to prevent overfishing and secure the resource for future generations.

Proposed Strategies for Sustainable Harvesting

Advancing SDG 14 and SDG 12

The Division of Marine Fisheries is considering several management strategies designed to directly support the objectives of SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). By adjusting harvesting rules, the Division aims to protect the marine ecosystem, ensure the biological sustainability of the Sheepshead population, and promote responsible production patterns within the fishing industry. The potential management actions under consideration include:

• Modifications to the minimum size limit to protect juvenile fish and enhance reproductive capacity.
• Adjustments to the recreational bag limit to control fishing mortality.
• Implementation of recreational vessel limits.
• Changes to the commercial trip limit to manage overall harvest levels.

Public Consultation Process

Stakeholder Engagement in Sustainable Management

In alignment with inclusive governance principles, the Division is seeking public input on the potential management strategies. Stakeholder participation is crucial for developing effective and equitable policies that support both ecological health and economic stability.

Public Hearing Schedule

A hybrid public hearing will be held to gather comments.

• Date: November 4
• Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Venues:

1. Virtual: Via WebEx, registration required.
2. In-person: Division of Marine Fisheries, Central District Office, 5285 Highway 70 West, Morehead City, NC 28557.

Submission of Written Comments

Written comments will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on November 5. The following methods are available for submission:

1. Via an online form on the Division’s website.
2. By mail to: Sheepshead Public Comments, P.O. Box 769, Morehead City, N.C. 28557.
3. By drop-off at the Division of Marine Fisheries’ Headquarters Office at 3441 Arendell St., Morehead City.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

The article on Sheepshead fish management in North Carolina addresses issues connected to the following Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 14: Life Below Water

  This is the primary SDG addressed. The entire article focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of a marine resource, the Sheepshead fish. The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries is taking “proactive management to prevent overfishing” due to “increased fishing pressure” and the harvesting of “juvenile fish,” which are direct concerns related to maintaining marine biodiversity and healthy fish stocks.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  This goal is relevant because the article highlights the process of governance and public participation in environmental decision-making. The Division of Marine Fisheries is described as an effective institution taking action. Furthermore, the article emphasizes that the Division is “seeking public input on potential management strategies” and provides multiple avenues for public comment, such as a “hybrid virtual/in-person a public hearing,” an “online form,” and mail-in options. This demonstrates a commitment to inclusive and participatory governance.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

Based on the article’s content, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 14.4: End overfishing and restore fish stocks

   The article directly relates to this target, which aims to “effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing… and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks.” The actions of the Division of Marine Fisheries are a clear example of this. They are responding to trends that “can be indicative of a stock that is under stress” by considering management strategies like “Changes to minimum size limit” and “Changes to recreational bag limit.” This is a direct effort to regulate harvesting and prevent the overfishing of the Sheepshead population.

2. Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, and participatory decision-making

   This target is demonstrated by the process outlined in the article for developing new management strategies. The text explicitly states, “The Division is seeking public input on potential management strategies.” It then details the mechanisms for this participation, including a public hearing with virtual and in-person options, an online submission form, and mail-in comments. This process ensures that the decision-making on fisheries management is responsive to public concerns and inclusive of various stakeholders.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

The article mentions or implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Indicators for Target 14.4

  While the article does not name official UN indicators, it provides several data points that function as practical indicators for managing fish stocks sustainably:

  • Fish Stock Health Data: The article mentions that “most harvested fish are juveniles, which can be indicative of a stock that is under stress.” The age and size structure of the harvested fish population is a key indicator of the stock’s health.
  • Harvesting Levels: The text notes that “effort and landings have increased in recent years.” Tracking commercial and recreational landings (in pounds or number of fish) is a direct indicator of fishing pressure.
  • Management Regulations: The specific regulations themselves serve as indicators of management effort. These include the “Minimum size limit” (10 inches), “Recreational bag limit” (10 fish per person), and “Commercial trip limit” (300 pounds). Changes to these regulations would indicate a direct response to stock health data.

• Indicators for Target 16.7

  The article provides clear indicators of a participatory decision-making process:

  • Existence of Public Consultation Mechanisms: The article confirms the existence of these mechanisms by detailing the “SHEEPSHEAD PUBLIC HEARING” and listing the various ways the public can comment.
  • Accessibility of Participation: The provision of multiple methods for comment (“Virtual by WebEx,” “In person,” “online form,” “Mail,” “Dropped off”) serves as an indicator of the inclusivity and accessibility of the process for different members of the public.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: islandfreepress.org