Maybe should have put this one first but you get the idea.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, DECEMBER 18, 2009
PRESS CONTACT, TINA BERGER, 202/289-6400



ASMFC American Lobster Board Releases Draft Addendum XVI for Public Comment and Review


Washington, DC – The Commission’s American Lobster Board Management Board has approved Draft Addendum XVI to Amendment 3 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for American Lobster for public comment. The Draft Addendum proposes options for new reference points for each of the three lobster stocks. It also proposes changes in the procedures for adopting and implementing new reference points. The Draft Addendum can be obtained via the Commission’s website at http://www.asmfc.org under Breaking News. It is anticipated that Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut will be conducting public meetings on the Draft Addendum; information on those meetings will be released once they become
finalized.

The reference points first established in Addendum VIII require revision. The reference point estimates are based on the 2006 assessment covering 1982-2003. They are not compatible with the 2009 assessment which covers data from 1982-2007. The Lobster Technical Committee and the Review Panel for the 2009 American lobster stock assessment recommended developing new reference points for future management.

Currently, to incorporate new stock status determination criteria (overfishing/depleted status) that may result from updated, peer-reviewed science, the Board must enact an addendum adjustment or amendment to the American Lobster FMP. The stock status determination criteria are defined under Section 2.3.1 of Addendum VIII to the FMP. Though these criteria may be modified or replaced through an addendum or amendment, the timing of updated survey information, subsequent analysis and peer-review, and the addendum or amendment process means that the availability of the best available scientific information may be significantly delayed from entering the management process and responding to poor stock health.

Fishermen and other interested groups are encouraged to provide input on Draft Addendum XVI, by either attending public hearings or providing written comments. The Draft Addendum can be obtained by contacting the Commission at (202) 289-6400 or via the Commission's website at http://www.asmfc.org under Breaking News. Public comment will be accepted until 5:00 PM (EST) on January 20, 2010 and should be forwarded to Toni Kerns, Senior Fishery Management Plan Coordinator for Management, 1444 ‘Eye’ Street, NW, Sixth Floor, Washington, DC 20005; (202) 289-6051 (FAX) or at tkerns@asmfc.org (Subject line: Draft Addendum XVI). For more information, please contact Toni Kerns at (202) 289-6400.


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PR09-52


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Tina Berger
Public Affairs Specialist
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
1444 I Street. NW, Sixth Floor
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202)289-6400
FAX: (202)289-6051
Email: tberger@asmfc.org
http://www.asmfc.org

ASMFC Vision: Healthy, self-sustaining populations for all Atlantic coast fish species or successful restoration well in progress by the year 2015. ReplyReply AllMove...InboxCt Sportsman Allianc...EbayInsuranceJob searchKeys TravelerKimProbateSaved mail