meeting summary compiled by melissa smith. scallop ... · meeting summary compiled by melissa...

Meeting Summary Compiled by Melissa Smith.

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Scallop Advisory Council Meeting June 13, 2017 in Brewer, ME

DMR staff: Trisha Cheney, Kevin Kelly, Kathleen Reardon, Erin Summers and Brent Chasse. SAC members: James Wotton, Tad Miller, Alex Todd, Curtis Haycock, Justin Boyce, Paul Cox, Andy Mays, and Carla Guenther. SAC members not present: George Freeman, James Sulikowski, Marcus Jones, and Randy Ramsdell. One dealer seat is currently vacant. Public: Chris Sawyer, Tracey Sawtelle, MCCF Staff (E Farr & C Goddard), Togue Brawn, Travis Fogg, Pete Gasperini, James West, James West Jr, Mike Murphy, Mike Murphy II, Ben Crocker Jr., David Leach, Russell Leach, Jacob Leach, Rob Eaton, Mike Eaton, Vance McMahan, Brian Soper, Brian Preney, Owen Moody, Steve Butler, Rob Bauer. Meeting commenced at 4:14pm. Introductions M Smith opened the meeting, and introduced herself as the new Resource Management Coordinator for the Scallops and the DMR staff for the SAC. Council members and public went around the room to complete the introduction process. Council members began new 2-year terms: Spring 2017 to Spring 2019. Current members are:

1. George Freeman, Scarborough – Diver 2. Andy Mays, Southwest Harbor – Diver 3. Paul Cox, Dennysville – Diver 4. Marcus Jones, Steuben – Diver 5. Justin Boyce, Stonington – Dragger 6. Curtis Haycock, Milbridge – Dragger 7. Alex Todd, Chebeague Island – Dragger 8. Jim Wotton, Friendship – Dragger 9. Randy Ramsdell, East Machias – Dealer 10. Vacant – Dealer 11. Carla Guenther, Stonington – Scientist at MCCF 12. James Sulikowski , Biddeford – Scientist at UNE 13. Tad Miller, Tenants Harbor – Public

Election of Officers M. Smith initiated the elections for Chair and Vice Chair. Nominations were requested for both chair and vice-chair. T Miller nominated Alex Todd for chair; seconded by J Boyce. A. Todd accepted the nomination. Vote: All in favor; motion carries. A Todd nominated Justin Boyce for vice-chair; seconded by C Haycock. J. Boyce accepted the nomination. Vote: All in favor; motion carries. Approval of Minutes (06/22/2017) Motioned by A. Todd; seconded by J. Boyce. Vote: All in favor; motion carries. Recap on 16-17 T. Cheney gave a brief recap on last season; see slides (Appendix A). This past season saw a record number of days open for Cobscook Bay (45/50). There was a greater presence of U10 sized scallops and even some reports of U4, U2 and orange/champagne coloured scallops. Prices ranged from $12.50-13.00/lb on average during the season, with premium prices ranging from $16.50-18.00/lb. Also, there were a record number of direct industry reports – 602, providing information on how the fishery is progressing in open areas.


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Questions/Comments from SAC members: CGuenther: What was the number of active harvesters in 2016? Was there an increase in recreational harvest?

MSmith [Edit]: Preliminary numbers for active harvesters of the 2015-2016 season was 344, down from 373 for the 2014-2015 season. In 2015, we issued a total of 115 recreational licenses; that rose to 132 in 2016; 121 renewed in the 2017.

JBoyce: In reference to Figure 3, reported landings was different in 2006 as it was based on a small number of boats actively harvesting compared to larger fleet in 2016. Questions/Comments from Public: JWest: Draggers also grabbed high priced market share with drag-caught product for large and orange scallops. Q1) Can recreational divers bunch up on a boat? Will they also be included in owner/operator scenario?

MSmith [Edit]: Recreational harvesters will not be required to be owner/operator of the harvest vessel. A recreational diver may go on a commercial trip. He would be held to a one gallon limit and the commercial diver would be able to harvest one gallon less because of the vessel limit. A boat on a solely recreational trip would be able to take any amount of divers so long as they did not go over personal limits and did not exceed the area applicable vessel limits (i.e. 15 gallons in Zone 1 and 2 or 10 gallons in Zone 3).

Q2) Can recreational harvesters go everywhere? Replies during meeting: No, must only harvest within open fishing locations. And, there was general consensus in the room that better outreach is needed for recreational license holders. JBoyce: For recreational harvesting, should only allow 1 gallon for boat, or at least, a maximum of 3 gal per boat. Also, daily trip limits should be monitored to avoid double harvesting within a day (would require a legislative change).

On the topic of surveys: JBoyce: North Haven – this area closed because of seed present but area was left open for divers 2/days per week. We need to address survey needs/requirements. Repeating tow stations is inadequate to represent what the area biomass is. Also tidal height matters (slack tides vs. running tides). Scallops are patchy; survey stations towed in a straight line is hard to catch scallops. It’s difficult to assess the details in this zone. Data doesn’t represent what is present in the area. AMays: The [in-season] surveys work very well in Cobscook Bay. However, with the difference in bottom type in most of the Zone 2 areas, the [DMR] drag may not be as effective at capturing accurate information as it is in Cobscook where densities are high. The ability to prospect and poke around during a full day to look for discrete beds should be the choice of the operator. Population has rebuild, so allow for variable harvesting practices. JWest: Early closure from home zone, transferred to Cutler; fishing changed from 2-3 fathoms to deeper water. JBoyce: Need more industry input.

MSmith: There seems to be interest in organizing an Advisory Panel in relation to surveys and methods to determine biomass in specific zone. We can pursue this avenue and allow further discussions on survey methodology specific to regions? Panel would consist of DMR Science staff, interested industry and perhaps MCCF as meeting location potential.

On the topic of calendar days: AMays: Shared days doesn’t always allow divers to harvest, with visibility and safety concerns. Legislative Update T. Cheney gave a brief recap on relevant bills in the Legislature this session; see slides (Appendix A). Several bills have passed and will affect the fishery: Owner-operator, limited entry and drag allowance on Cobscook Bay. Proposed by Jay Carroll to assist harvesters in Cobscook Bay with using separate drags for scallops and urchins, this bill proposes to allow for both drags to be on board at the same time. However, the key restriction is that you shall not have on board an urchin drag with scallop product at the same time.


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Owner-operator legislation approved by the Legislature will require a licensed scallop harvester to own and operate his own vessel next season. There are 2 exemptions for this. First, a family member exemption will be in place for relationships already documented last season and will last in perpetuity for as long as the vessel does not change ownership. Secondly, there is an exemption for current non-family business relationships that will cease December 2019; after that time, the license holder will be required to be the vessel owner. Limited entry will be established through regular rule-making. This will also be separate rule-making from the season setting regulation. Discussions will occur for this in late July/early August, with public hearings anticipated in fall 2017. At the earliest, new entrants may participate in the 2018-2019 scallop fishery season. There will be a separate Scallop Advisory Council meeting in late July/early August to discuss the issue of owner-operator and limited entry. Please watch for notices. Questions/Comments from SAC members: JWotton: Be wary of expanding dive season, and the potential increase by recreational harvesters. JBoyce: What is the average age of the fishery? MSmith [Edit]: The average age for both the dive and drag fleet is 51 years. TMiller: New entrants should maintain landings with 3/5 years to indicate activity and avoid additional latent licenses. Questions/Comments from Public: JWestJr: What is the percent loss of licenses by year? Has the trend been steady or has it increased?

MSmith [Edit]: The number of active harvesters (combined gear type) peaked during the 2012-13 season at 387. The following season (’13-14), the number dropped to 348. For 2014-15, 373 and last season (’16-17), preliminary numbers indicated there were 344 active scallopers. So, the numbers are slowly reducing.

RBauer: What about limited entry for dealers? Sea Urchin Season T. Cheney updated the group that public comment has closed on the proposed sea urchin regular rulemaking that includes the calendar dates for the fishery. Handouts were available for interested parties. See appendix for calendar details. Or refer to the rulemaking document at http://www.maine.gov/dmr/laws-regulations/documents/Chapter%2026%20Sea%20Urchin%20Regulations%20and%202017-2018%20Harvesting%20Season.pdf. Pectinid Conference T. Cheney gave a brief update regarding Industry Day held during the International Pectinid Workshop held in Portland, ME this past April. DMR staff (Cheney, Smith and Kelly) all provided materials to share at the conference. Research topics that were presented during this meeting can be found at http://ipw2017.com/. Northern Gulf of Maine [NGOM] M. Smith provided a brief summary on the discussions of NGOM and the most current motions set forth by the Scallop Committee for Framework 29. FW29 will address four 2017 scallop management priorities, including: fishery specifications for the 2018 scallop fishing year and default specifications 2019; flatfish accountability measures for scallopers; scallop access area modifications to be consistent with pending habitat area revisions; and, measures for the NGOM management area. The next NEFMC Council meeting is scheduled for June 20-22 and will include a report from the Scallop Committee, scheduled for June 21st at 1:45pm at the Holiday Inn by the Bay. The next Scallop Advisory Panel & Committee meeting is scheduled for September 19th and 20th in New Bedford, MA. For more information, refer to the Scallop plan page at: http://www.nefmc.org/management-plans/scallops. Questions/Comments from SAC members: CGuenther: What is the number of license holders in Maine?

MSmith [Edit]: 92 NGOM permits issued in 2014. There are approximately 35 active permit holders in Maine.

http://www.maine.gov/dmr/laws-regulations/documents/Chapter%2026%20Sea%20Urchin%20Regulations%20and%202017-2018%20Harvesting%20Season.pdf



http://ipw2017.com/

http://www.nefmc.org/management-plans/scallops


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DMR Zone 2 Spring Survey [Appendix B for slides] Kevin Kelly presented data results on the scallop survey that occurred in late April/early May 2017. See Appendix B for slides. Seven rotational areas were assessed during the 2017 Spring survey with 240 stations sampled over 12 vessel days. This was the 2nd time around that these rotational areas have been surveyed (last in 2014), however, there have been improvements to the sampling design and therefore, the efficiency of the survey has improved. Only relative comparisons may be made. Bold Coast Area had 20 stations surveyed and there has been an increase in harvestable biomass available when relatively compared to 2014. Sublegals are present but there were limited seed scallops observed. Englishman Bay Area Area had 54 stations surveyed and there has been a slight increase in harvestable biomass available when relatively compared to 2014. Both sublegal and seed scallops are present. Addison Area Area had 19 stations surveyed and there has been a decline in harvestable biomass available when relatively compared to 2014. Both sublegal and seed scallops are present, but in limited numbers. Frenchmen’s Bay Area had 20 stations surveyed and there has been a decrease in harvestable biomass available when relatively compared to 2014. Sublegals presence has slightly increased but there were limited seed scallops observed. Swans Island Area had 58 stations surveyed and there has been an increase in harvestable biomass, especially in the larger size classes, available when relatively compared to 2014. Sublegals are present but there were limited seed scallops observed. Isle Au Haut Bay Area had 36 stations surveyed and there has been no increase in harvestable biomass available when relatively compared to 2014. Sublegals are present but there was limited seed scallops observed. Upper Penobscot Bay Area had 18 stations surveyed and there has been a moderate increase in harvestable biomass available when relatively compared to 2014. Sublegals are present but there was no seed scallops observed. K. Kelly also mentioned the tagging study that was completed in Cobscook Bay. There are rewards being offered for returned tags, a disk tag, and information regarding this will be released before the 2017/18 season. 2017-18 Season Management Recommendations Trish reviewed the DMR recommendations for rulemaking for the SAC to discuss:

• Status quo on Zone 1 (60 days & 15 gallons) and Zone 2 (70 days & 15 gallons)

• Increasing Zone 3 to 55 days while keeping 10 gallons

• Allow for the Outer Islands in State waters (North Rock, Machias Seal Island, Mount Desert Rock) to open for the entire duration of the season from December 1 – April 15

• Dive season: Start Dec 1st and introduction of a limit per license for divers Comments regarding enforcement and transporting of scallop product through federal waters were discussed in reference to the proposal of opening state waters around Machias Seal Island, North Rock and Mount Desert Island. It was suggested to discuss topic with Marine Patrol and then move towards action. On the topic of Drag Calendars: By general consensus of the SAC, in reference to the provided drag calendars for Zone 3, the calendars for both dive and drag were accepted as presented.


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For Zone 2 calendar, it was suggested on those months where there are no divers, that there should be more allowance for draggers. On the topic of Targeted Closures: There were several areas that are recommended for targeted (seed) closures:

• Damariscotta River (Zone 1)

• Muscle Ridge (Zone 1)

• Casco Passage (Zone 2)

• Skillings River (Zone 2)

• Sullivan Harbor (Zone 2)

• Carvers Harbor? (Zone 2) General discussion on these targeted closures highlighted that these areas were the only places within a rotational area that may have any harvestable product. And, with using a commercial drag, impact to the seed should be limited. Unless, all harvestable product is removed and only seed/sublegal scallops remain. P. Cox moved to leave Zone 2 recommended targeted closures open and J. Boyce seconded. C. Guenther made a suggestion to amend the motion to include having an action plan to evaluate. The plan will be to schedule marine patrol assessments, and possible at-sea assessments with DMR staff (M. Smith). Vote: 7/0/1; motion carries. On the topic of Conservation Closures and Limited Access Areas (LAA) in Zone 2: J. Boyce is not in favour of using LAAs in zone 2. It would be best to phase them out. They do not benefit the fishery. Moving forward, it would be great to have some areas closed every other year, rather than all on a two year closure to reduce boat clustering. J. Boyce moved to open Frenchboro channel to allow for harvesting with the use of a “light drag” inside the cable area and was seconded by C. Guenther. Vote: All in favor; motion carries. On the topic of Conservation Closures and LAAs in Zone 1: There are several conservation and limited access area closures within Zone 1, including Sheepscot River, Damariscotta River, Muscle Ridge and Muscongus Bay. T. Miller commented that Muscle Ridge does limit the fleet, and agrees the area has been beat down. Miller feels the area will benefit from a closure. The area has lost seed, potentially from increased effort. J. Wotton also suggested an LAA for Muscle Ridge for the upcoming season. The general consensus was that Muscle Ridge would become an LAA with a possible delayed start (January) with limited harvestable options. J. Wotton also pointed out that Damariscotta River LAA was heavily fished during the 2016-17 season and should be fully closed for the upcoming season to allow for recovery. Also, Wotton suggested that Muscongus Bay to open this year as an LAA. OTHER BUSINESS Discussion on recreational harvesting and the allowance of recreational harvesters on commercial vessels was also discussed. Comments that were tossed around were to restrict recreational harvesters on commercial vessels, and also to limit the number of recreational divers on any boat. Brief mention of the use of Digby rings was brought up and that it would be beneficial to test this style drag. A special license will be required to test the gear in the upcoming fishing season. Meeting dissolved at 7:30pm.


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Appendix A Trisha Cheney’s Slides


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10


11


12


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O = Open = Closed

Early Season for Divers, Rakers and Trappers Late Season for Divers, Rakers and Trappers

September 2017 October 2017 December 2017 January 2018

S M Tu W Th F S S M Tu W Th F S S M Tu W Th F S S M Tu W Th F S

1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 1 2 3

O O O O

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

O O O O O O O O O

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

O O O O O O O O O

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

O O O O O O O O O O

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28

O O O O O O O O

31

0.9 0 0.9 0

Early Season for Draggers Late Season for Draggers

December 2017 February 2018 March 2018

S M Tu W Th F S S M Tu W Th F S S M Tu W Th F S

1 2 1 2 3 1 2 3

O O O O O O

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

O O O O O O O O O O O

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

O O O O O O O O O O

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

O O O O O O O O

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

O O O O O

31

Proposed 2017-2018 Sea Urchin Season for Maine Zone 1


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O = Open = Closed

Early Season for Divers, Rakers and Trappers

September 2017 October 2017 November 2017 December 2017


1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 1 2

O O O O

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

O O O O O O O O O

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

O O O O O O O O O O O O

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17 18 19 20 21 22 23


24 25 26 27 28 29 30 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

O O O O O O O O

31

Late Season for Divers, Rakers and Trappers

December 2017 January 2018 February 2018 March 2018


1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 1 2 3

O O O O O

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4 5 6 7 8 9 10


10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 11 12 13 14 15 16 17


17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

O O O O O O O O O

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

O O O O O O O

31

Season for Draggers

September 2017 October 2017 November 2017 December 2017


1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 1 2

O

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

O O O O O

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

O O O O O

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

O O O O O O O

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

O O O O O

31

0.9 0 0.9 0 0.7 0 0January 2018 February 2018 March 2018

S M Tu W Th F S S M Tu W Th F S S M Tu W Th F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 1 2 3

O O O O

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

O O O O O O

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

O O O O O O

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

O O O O

28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

O O

Proposed

2017-2018 Sea Urchin Season for Maine Zone 2


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16


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19


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21

O Zone 1 Limited Access Areas Draggers O Open Closed

December 2017

S M Tu W Th F S S M Tu W Th F S

1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6

O O O

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

O O O O O O O

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

O O O O O O O

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

O O O O O O O

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31

O O O O O

31

11 0.7 8 18 0.4 8


1 2 3 1 2 3

O

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

O O O O O O O

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

O O O O O O O

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

O O O O O O O

25 26 27 28 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

O O O O O O

16 0.3 5 12 0.5 6

S M Tu W Th F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

O O O

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

O O O

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

O O O

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

O O O

29 30

12 0.3 4 0.5 0

Total Days Total Limited Access Areas Days Total Weeks

69 13 19

April 2018

DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT 2017 - 2018 Scallop Season Calendar

Zone One (1)60 Day DRAG Season (15 gallons)

January 2018

February 2018 March 2018


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December 2017


1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6

O O O

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

O O O O O O O O

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

O O O O O O O O

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

O O O O O O O O

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31

O O O O O O

31

15 0.7 11 18 0.4 8


1 2 3 1 2 3

O O

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

O O O O O O O O

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

O O O O O O O O

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

O O O O O O O

25 26 27 28 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

O O O O O O

16 0.3 5 15 0.5 8

S M Tu W Th F S

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

O O O

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

O O O

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

6 0.3 2 0.5 0


70 15 19

April 2017


Zone Two (2)70 Day DRAG Season (15 gallons)

January 2018



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December 2017


1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6

O O

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

O O O O O O

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

O O O O O O

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

O O O O O O

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31

O O O O O

31

11 0.7 8 14 0.4 6


1 2 3 1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

O O O O O O

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

O O O O O O

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

O O O O O O

25 26 27 28 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

O O O O O O

12 0.3 4 12 0.5 6

S M Tu W Th F S

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

O O O

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

O O O

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

6 0.3 2 0.5 0


55 19 19

April 2017


Zone Three (3)55 Day DRAG Season (10 gallons)

January 2018



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Appendix B Kevin Kelly’s Slides


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meeting summary compiled by melissa smith. scallop ... · meeting summary compiled by melissa...

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