Erin Johnson: Proposed new rules could have devastating effect on North Florida fishing
The North Florida Marine Association (NFMA), exists for several reasons: to foster and promote safe boating in the Northeast Florida area; to aid and assist in the proposal and adoption of suitable laws and regulations relating to boats and safe boating; to promote social activities and education between its members and exchange ideas on promotions and sales of their products and services; and to aid, assist and conduct displays of boats, equipment and allied products and services.
Our association now issues an urgent notification of upcoming NOAA Fisheries proposed rules that will have a devastating effect on recreational and commercial fishing in the southeast. Opportunities for public comment will expire soon. NFMA urges interested parties to carefully read the notifications below and submit public comment to help us oppose these rules and protect the quality of fishing experiences in North Florida.
Right whale vessel strike reduction
NOAA Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service, is an office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the U.S. Department of Commerce. NOAA Fisheries has proposed an amendment to the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule.
This proposed rule will change the mandatory speed limit for most vessels over 35 feet in length to 10 knots (11.5 mph) throughout significant areas of North Florida’s fishing grounds. This limit is proposed to take effect for up to six months of the year. If the amendment passes, travel times to offshore fishing grounds will increase dramatically, limiting access for both recreational and commercial fishing.
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The proposal, should it become final, would be a significant detriment to the marine industry and recreational mariners alike. Following is a list of our concerns:
The extension of these regulations to vessels as small as 35 feet will impact what has become a common size range for center consoles. In particular, 35- to 45-foot center consoles have become very popular in offshore fishing. This rule will limit a significant part of the boating population.
The proposed rule would devastate the fishing charter business, seasonal fishing tournaments and other similar related businesses and activities. November through April is prime season to fish for wahoo, sailfish and triggerfish, just to name a few. The proposal states, “restrictions will be in effect during seasons with less recreational angler activity.” This is simply not true.
The Gulf Stream is approximately 60 miles from shore in Northeast Florida. The proposed rule would force travel time upwards of more than six hours to get to the fishing grounds. When you add the travel time back, you’re traveling for 12 hours. This would totally eliminate the opportunity to actually fish and would add more travel time after dusk. Navigating in the dark is a safety hazard.
With a 10-knot speed limit in place, boats would not be able to reach proper speed to get on a plane. This would cause vessels to be less maneuverable which is a safety hazard, especially in inclement weather.
The number of whale-related collisions versus the number of boats that travel in the ocean does not warrant this proposed rule.
Share your comments on the North Atlantic Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule on or before Oct. 31, 2022, on the federal Regulations.gov website at https://bit.ly/3EaEPpN.
Red snapper fishing
NOAA Fisheries also recently proposed that the South Atlantic Council should close the South Atlantic to all bottom fishing in order to prevent overfishing of red snapper, even as bycatch. This illogical proposal comes after years of strict red snapper management that have resulted in booming populations. Any increase in red snapper discards has been a direct result of dramatic increases in red snapper numbers. Area closures would have significant effects on recreational fishermen and all the businesses that support our robust fishing industry.
For more information, visit the Florida chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association at bit.ly/3UVBKQn.
NFMA urgently requests that readers help us oppose these rules. As much as we appreciate conservation efforts in Florida and on the Atlantic Coast, our goal is to have the safest and best infrastructure in place for the future of mariners and the maritime industry in North Florida.
To learn more about NFMA, visit Boatjax.com.
Erin Johnson, administrative director, North Florida Marine Association
This guest column is the opinion of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of the Times-Union. We welcome a diversity of opinions.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Erin Johnson: New rules could have devastating effect on local fishing
