Post by Smoothkip on May 6, 2011 5:51:19 GMT -5
Inline Attachment Follows: untitled-[2]
May 5, 2011
There is a fast moving act to title blue catfish ‘invasive’ and eliminate the large blue catfish of the James River and the Chesapeake Bay’s tributaries. This move is being led the National Oceanic Atmospheric and Administration and state fisheries managers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This team is called the Chesapeake Bay Program Sustainable Fisheries Goal Implementation Team (GIT). We need to voice our opinion, and let them know how much we cherish this world class blue catfish fishery and how wrong it is to call the blue catfish ‘invasive’ without proper scientific evidence. If the blue catfish is listed as invasive, the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries will not be able protect this trophy fishery by limiting recreational and commercial catches (currently 1 fish over 32” per day can be kept).
Whether you are a recreational angler who enjoys the sport of trophy blue catfishing or a professional catfish guide, please send a personalized email to the people listed below. Please let them know how important this fishery is to you through a personalized letter. Include any links that promote the James River as one of the best fishing destinations in America.
Forward this email to anyone you know who enjoys recreational fishing. It is imperative that we act immediately on this issue.
Before eliminating the trophy blue catfish fishery in the James River, by labeling them ‘invasive’ the following needs to be addressed ....
-Economically speaking, by decimating the blue catfish population, Virginia will lose millions of dollars. In 2002, 2.5 million dollars was spent by recreational anglers on the James River blue catfish fishery in nine months. Over the past nine years, the popularity of the James River blue catfish fishery has exploded because of the national exposure it has received through numerous articles in national fishing magazines and nationally viewed fishing shows. In 2002 there were approximately five fishing guides targeting blue catfish. Now, there are over 20 James River catfish guides who create tourism by attracting visitors from nearly all 50 states.
- Why is there a difference between recreational and commercially caught blue catfish when it comes to consumption advisories on the PCB’s? For recreational blue catfish harvested in the James River, the blue catfish has major restrictions which includes the following, “Do not eat any blue catfish over 32” due to pcb’s, and “Only eat two meals a month for blue catfish under 32”. The recreational consumption advisory for pcb’s is set at the state level. For commercially caught blue catfish, the parts per million for pcb’s is set dramatically higher, far out of the state range, and is set at the federal level. There is something very wrong with this.
-The population/biomass of blue catfish over 32”, which are the trophy fish which draw the tourism and drives our world class blue catfish fishery, is less than 1% of the biomass. Currently the commercial fishermen have the right to take 99% of the blue catfish biomass, with no restrictions on numbers of fish less than 32”.
-In the text below (SEE: GIT Information & ASMFS Resolution – draft form) you will see this group clearly trying to label the blue catfish as invasive. They contradict themselves by clearly stating the blue catfish as invasive yet they also state they need to scientifically prove the blue catfish can be called invasive. This is self labeling without proper scientific evidence.
-If the blue catfish is called ‘invasive’ why isn’t the channel catfish, largemouth bass or smallmouth bass called invasive, as they are also non-native, piscivores introduced into the James River.
Thank you,
Concerned Recreational Anglers of the James River and other Chesapeake Bay Tributaries
Important Note: In the coming days, VDGIF will be posting a "Tidal Blue Catfish Status Update" which will summarize the issues discussed tonight, and include information developed from recent population surveys for blue catfish in Virginia tidal rivers -- including the James.
For additional information from DGIF contact Bob Greenlee.
Bob Greenlee - District Fisheries Biologist
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
3801 John Tyler Memorial Highway
Charles City, VA 23030
Phone: 804 829-6715
Fax: 804 829-6788
email: bob.greenlee@dgif.virginia.gov
GIT Contacts
Chair:
Peyton Robertson - National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office, 410 Severn Ave, Annapolis, MD 21403
Fax: (410) 267-5666; Phone: (410) 267-5652
Email: Peyton.Robertson@noaa.gov
Coordinator:
Bruce Vogt - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
410 Severn Ave Ste 107, Annapolis, MD 21403
Phone: (410) 267-5655
Email: bruce.vogt@noaa.gov
ASMFC Representative:
Bob Beal - Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
Email: rbeal@asmfc.org
Additional Contacts
VCU Center for Environmental Studies
Dr. Greg Garman
Email: gcgarman@vcu.edu
Goal Implementation Team (GIT)
Blue/Flathead “Invasive Catfish Field of Action”
Vision (the outcome we want to achieve):
· Invasive catfish species (blue and flathead) fully eradicated from Chesapeake Bay
Or
· Chesapeake Bay tributaries free of negative effects caused by invasive catfish
Mission (what we need to achieve the vision):
· Develop and implement bay wide policies and management strategies to reduce invasive catfish populations, mitigate their spread, and control their negative effects on native species.
Values (what we care about and/or believe in):
· A productive and balanced bay ecosystem
· Invasive species are detrimental to the bay
· Policy guided/driven by science-based considerations
· A knowledgeable and aware public
· Policy coordination and collaboration among jurisdictions yields best management outcomes
Objectives (what we are going to do; measurable outcomes):
· Establish a functional workgroup to provide scientific, technical and policy advice to the Sustainable Fisheries Goal Implementation Team on invasive catfish
· Initiate a public awareness campaign on the invasive catfish issue
· Produce a scientific evaluation on whether blue/flathead catfish are invasive
· Develop a set of options/approaches for controlling populations and mitigating effects of invasive catfish
· Draft and institute an agreed upon policy/action plan based on preferred approach(es)
· Consider possible performance metrics: decreased invasive catfish populations and increased shad, herring, other affected species abundance
Proposed Workgroup Tasks, assignments, and deadline:
1. Use the currently available scientific information on blue and flathead catfish to determine if they are “invasive” by definition. In the Executive Summary of the National Invasive Species Management Plan (NISMP) the term invasive species defined as “a species that is non-native to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.”
o Team: Mary Fabrizio-lead, Greg Garman, Bob Greenlee, Mary Groves
o Deadline: Draft May 16, Final Draft June 1.
2. Develop a Matrix of Management Options & Implications
o Team: Greg Garman-lead, Bruce Vogt, Derek Orner, Joe Grist, Adam Davis, and Nancy Butowski
o Deadline: Draft May 16, Final Draft June 1.
3. Develop a proposal for a Pilot Control and Surveillance program
o Team: Greg Garman-lead, Derek Orner, Nancy Butowski, Joe Grist, Adam Davis
o Deadline: Draft May 16, Final Draft June 1.
4. Draft an ASFMC resolution
o Team: Bob Beal-lead, Derek Orner, GIT ExComm
o Deadline: Draft for discussion by June 7-8 GIT meeting
5. Establish a Public Awareness Campaign including outreach and education materials and stakeholder engagement plan
o Team: Bryan King-lead, Adam Davis, Derek Orner, Bruce Vogt
o Deadline: Draft Framework/proposal May 16, Final Draft June 1.
6. Produce Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) Model Runs showing rough estimate of ecological effects (i.e effects on other key resident species) of invasive catfish
o Team: (Howard Townsend, Andrew Turner)
o Deadline: Draft Framework/proposal June 1. Model runs and synthesis July.
Note:
· Any team can request assistance from other workgroup members and should consult with experts/individuals not identified as a workgroup member but needed to complete the task.
· The Full workgroup will have the opportunity to review and comment on all tasks.
· The expectation is that Team leads will ensure tasks and work products are completed by the deadlines, and will lead any presentation of the tasks and work products at the June 7-8 GIT meeting.
ASMFC Resolution on Blue Catfish (Draft)
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
April 2011
Resolution on Non-Native Invasive Catfish
Whereas, the States along the Atlantic coast from Maine through Florida are extremely concerned about the increasing variety, abundance, range, and ecological impact of invasive species in estuaries, tributaries, and coastal waters; and
Whereas, the invasive species are negatively impacting native species managed by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission through predation and displacement; and
Whereas, blue and flathead catfish are non-native invasive species that have been introduced and spread to many watersheds along the Atlantic coast; and
Whereas, blue catfish are a large, long-lived fish species exhibiting an opportunistic, generalistic feeding strategy.
Whereas, the spread and over-abundance of non-native catfish are causing trophic cascades throughout their range, resulting in severely unbalanced ecosystems; and
Whereas, the predatory impacts of blue catfish are likely having a negative impact on species managed by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, including shad, river herring, striped bass, American eel, etc. Other prey species of concern include white and yellow perch, gizzard shad and freshwater mussels; and
Whereas, the population and range of blue and flathead catfish have become extremely problematic in significant portions of the Chesapeake Bay watershed; and
Whereas, the jurisdictions in the Chesapeake Bay region are developing a policy to control the population, geographic spread, and ecological impacts of invasive catfish.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved,
That the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission does not support the introduction of non-native invasive species;
That all practicable efforts should be made to reduce the population level and range of non-native invasive species;
That the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission supports the development and implementation of a strategy to minimize the population and ecological impacts of non-native invasive catfish species throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
May 5, 2011
There is a fast moving act to title blue catfish ‘invasive’ and eliminate the large blue catfish of the James River and the Chesapeake Bay’s tributaries. This move is being led the National Oceanic Atmospheric and Administration and state fisheries managers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This team is called the Chesapeake Bay Program Sustainable Fisheries Goal Implementation Team (GIT). We need to voice our opinion, and let them know how much we cherish this world class blue catfish fishery and how wrong it is to call the blue catfish ‘invasive’ without proper scientific evidence. If the blue catfish is listed as invasive, the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries will not be able protect this trophy fishery by limiting recreational and commercial catches (currently 1 fish over 32” per day can be kept).
Whether you are a recreational angler who enjoys the sport of trophy blue catfishing or a professional catfish guide, please send a personalized email to the people listed below. Please let them know how important this fishery is to you through a personalized letter. Include any links that promote the James River as one of the best fishing destinations in America.
Forward this email to anyone you know who enjoys recreational fishing. It is imperative that we act immediately on this issue.
Before eliminating the trophy blue catfish fishery in the James River, by labeling them ‘invasive’ the following needs to be addressed ....
-Economically speaking, by decimating the blue catfish population, Virginia will lose millions of dollars. In 2002, 2.5 million dollars was spent by recreational anglers on the James River blue catfish fishery in nine months. Over the past nine years, the popularity of the James River blue catfish fishery has exploded because of the national exposure it has received through numerous articles in national fishing magazines and nationally viewed fishing shows. In 2002 there were approximately five fishing guides targeting blue catfish. Now, there are over 20 James River catfish guides who create tourism by attracting visitors from nearly all 50 states.
- Why is there a difference between recreational and commercially caught blue catfish when it comes to consumption advisories on the PCB’s? For recreational blue catfish harvested in the James River, the blue catfish has major restrictions which includes the following, “Do not eat any blue catfish over 32” due to pcb’s, and “Only eat two meals a month for blue catfish under 32”. The recreational consumption advisory for pcb’s is set at the state level. For commercially caught blue catfish, the parts per million for pcb’s is set dramatically higher, far out of the state range, and is set at the federal level. There is something very wrong with this.
-The population/biomass of blue catfish over 32”, which are the trophy fish which draw the tourism and drives our world class blue catfish fishery, is less than 1% of the biomass. Currently the commercial fishermen have the right to take 99% of the blue catfish biomass, with no restrictions on numbers of fish less than 32”.
-In the text below (SEE: GIT Information & ASMFS Resolution – draft form) you will see this group clearly trying to label the blue catfish as invasive. They contradict themselves by clearly stating the blue catfish as invasive yet they also state they need to scientifically prove the blue catfish can be called invasive. This is self labeling without proper scientific evidence.
-If the blue catfish is called ‘invasive’ why isn’t the channel catfish, largemouth bass or smallmouth bass called invasive, as they are also non-native, piscivores introduced into the James River.
Thank you,
Concerned Recreational Anglers of the James River and other Chesapeake Bay Tributaries
Important Note: In the coming days, VDGIF will be posting a "Tidal Blue Catfish Status Update" which will summarize the issues discussed tonight, and include information developed from recent population surveys for blue catfish in Virginia tidal rivers -- including the James.
For additional information from DGIF contact Bob Greenlee.
Bob Greenlee - District Fisheries Biologist
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
3801 John Tyler Memorial Highway
Charles City, VA 23030
Phone: 804 829-6715
Fax: 804 829-6788
email: bob.greenlee@dgif.virginia.gov
GIT Contacts
Chair:
Peyton Robertson - National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office, 410 Severn Ave, Annapolis, MD 21403
Fax: (410) 267-5666; Phone: (410) 267-5652
Email: Peyton.Robertson@noaa.gov
Coordinator:
Bruce Vogt - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
410 Severn Ave Ste 107, Annapolis, MD 21403
Phone: (410) 267-5655
Email: bruce.vogt@noaa.gov
ASMFC Representative:
Bob Beal - Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
Email: rbeal@asmfc.org
Additional Contacts
VCU Center for Environmental Studies
Dr. Greg Garman
Email: gcgarman@vcu.edu
Goal Implementation Team (GIT)
Blue/Flathead “Invasive Catfish Field of Action”
Vision (the outcome we want to achieve):
· Invasive catfish species (blue and flathead) fully eradicated from Chesapeake Bay
Or
· Chesapeake Bay tributaries free of negative effects caused by invasive catfish
Mission (what we need to achieve the vision):
· Develop and implement bay wide policies and management strategies to reduce invasive catfish populations, mitigate their spread, and control their negative effects on native species.
Values (what we care about and/or believe in):
· A productive and balanced bay ecosystem
· Invasive species are detrimental to the bay
· Policy guided/driven by science-based considerations
· A knowledgeable and aware public
· Policy coordination and collaboration among jurisdictions yields best management outcomes
Objectives (what we are going to do; measurable outcomes):
· Establish a functional workgroup to provide scientific, technical and policy advice to the Sustainable Fisheries Goal Implementation Team on invasive catfish
· Initiate a public awareness campaign on the invasive catfish issue
· Produce a scientific evaluation on whether blue/flathead catfish are invasive
· Develop a set of options/approaches for controlling populations and mitigating effects of invasive catfish
· Draft and institute an agreed upon policy/action plan based on preferred approach(es)
· Consider possible performance metrics: decreased invasive catfish populations and increased shad, herring, other affected species abundance
Proposed Workgroup Tasks, assignments, and deadline:
1. Use the currently available scientific information on blue and flathead catfish to determine if they are “invasive” by definition. In the Executive Summary of the National Invasive Species Management Plan (NISMP) the term invasive species defined as “a species that is non-native to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.”
o Team: Mary Fabrizio-lead, Greg Garman, Bob Greenlee, Mary Groves
o Deadline: Draft May 16, Final Draft June 1.
2. Develop a Matrix of Management Options & Implications
o Team: Greg Garman-lead, Bruce Vogt, Derek Orner, Joe Grist, Adam Davis, and Nancy Butowski
o Deadline: Draft May 16, Final Draft June 1.
3. Develop a proposal for a Pilot Control and Surveillance program
o Team: Greg Garman-lead, Derek Orner, Nancy Butowski, Joe Grist, Adam Davis
o Deadline: Draft May 16, Final Draft June 1.
4. Draft an ASFMC resolution
o Team: Bob Beal-lead, Derek Orner, GIT ExComm
o Deadline: Draft for discussion by June 7-8 GIT meeting
5. Establish a Public Awareness Campaign including outreach and education materials and stakeholder engagement plan
o Team: Bryan King-lead, Adam Davis, Derek Orner, Bruce Vogt
o Deadline: Draft Framework/proposal May 16, Final Draft June 1.
6. Produce Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) Model Runs showing rough estimate of ecological effects (i.e effects on other key resident species) of invasive catfish
o Team: (Howard Townsend, Andrew Turner)
o Deadline: Draft Framework/proposal June 1. Model runs and synthesis July.
Note:
· Any team can request assistance from other workgroup members and should consult with experts/individuals not identified as a workgroup member but needed to complete the task.
· The Full workgroup will have the opportunity to review and comment on all tasks.
· The expectation is that Team leads will ensure tasks and work products are completed by the deadlines, and will lead any presentation of the tasks and work products at the June 7-8 GIT meeting.
ASMFC Resolution on Blue Catfish (Draft)
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
April 2011
Resolution on Non-Native Invasive Catfish
Whereas, the States along the Atlantic coast from Maine through Florida are extremely concerned about the increasing variety, abundance, range, and ecological impact of invasive species in estuaries, tributaries, and coastal waters; and
Whereas, the invasive species are negatively impacting native species managed by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission through predation and displacement; and
Whereas, blue and flathead catfish are non-native invasive species that have been introduced and spread to many watersheds along the Atlantic coast; and
Whereas, blue catfish are a large, long-lived fish species exhibiting an opportunistic, generalistic feeding strategy.
Whereas, the spread and over-abundance of non-native catfish are causing trophic cascades throughout their range, resulting in severely unbalanced ecosystems; and
Whereas, the predatory impacts of blue catfish are likely having a negative impact on species managed by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, including shad, river herring, striped bass, American eel, etc. Other prey species of concern include white and yellow perch, gizzard shad and freshwater mussels; and
Whereas, the population and range of blue and flathead catfish have become extremely problematic in significant portions of the Chesapeake Bay watershed; and
Whereas, the jurisdictions in the Chesapeake Bay region are developing a policy to control the population, geographic spread, and ecological impacts of invasive catfish.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved,
That the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission does not support the introduction of non-native invasive species;
That all practicable efforts should be made to reduce the population level and range of non-native invasive species;
That the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission supports the development and implementation of a strategy to minimize the population and ecological impacts of non-native invasive catfish species throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
