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 Ecosystem-Based Management Minimize

Madrepora oculata coral (John Reed, 2009)From deepwater canyons off the Carolinas to the shallow tropical waters surrounding the Florida Keys, marine habitats of the South Atlantic are as diverse as the species that inhabit them. To address this diversity, the South Atlantic Council is adopting an ecosystem approach to fisheries management with the development of a Fishery Ecosystem Plan (FEP) and Comprehensive Ecosystem-Based Amendment (CE-BA) that will amend all the Council's Fishery Management Plans. The FEP will be updated periodically and serve as a source document for the initial and subsequent CE-BAs.

 

Madrepora oculata coral (John Reed, 2009)From deepwater canyons off the Carolinas to the shallow tropical waters surrounding the Florida Keys, marine habitats of the South Atlantic are as diverse as the species that inhabit them. To address this diversity, the South Atlantic Council is adopting an ecosystem approach to fisheries management with the development of a Fishery Ecosystem Plan (FEP) and Comprehensive Ecosystem-Based Amendment (CE-BA) that will amend all the Council's Fishery Management Plans. The FEP will be updated periodically and serve as a source document for the initial and subsequent CE-BAs.

 
  
 The Fishery Ecosystem Plan Minimize

 The Fishery Ecosystem Plan evolved from the Council's Habitat Plan and involved a more thorough characterization of the South Atlantic Ecosystem. This effort aims at providing the Council with a foundation from which to attain a more comprehensive understanding of habitat and biology of species, fishery information, social and economic impacts of management and ecological consequences of conservation and management. The Fishery Ecosystem Plan is comprised of six volumes:

Volume I - Overview of the South Atlantic Ecosystem -- Contains background supporting move to ecosystem-based management, relates the development process of the Fishery Ecosystem Plan and Comprehensive Ecosystem-Based Amendments, and provides an overview of the South Atlantic ecosystem.

Appendix A - South Atlantic Climate

Appendix B - SAFMC Managed Areas

Volume II -  South Atlantic Habitats and Species -- Contains detailed descriptions of the many habitats that comprise the South Atlantic ecosystem and their role as Essential Fish Habitat for various managed species.  Also inlcuded are descriptions of the managed species themselves, those under management by the Council and those that are managed by other agencies, including protected species.  Finally, summaries of the South Atlantic states' Wildlife Conservation and Management Strategies are provided.

Appendix A - Acropora Status Review

Appendix B - Acropora factsheet

Volume III - Human and Institutional Environment - Provides detailed descriptions of coastal communities within each of the South Atlantic states and of the SAFMC-managed fisheries as well as those managed by other agencies in the region.

Appendix A - Spiny Lobster Amendment 8

Appendix B - ACCSP Spatial Representation of Commercial Catches

Volume IV - Threats to the South Atlantic Ecosystem and Recommendations -- Includes information on non-fishing threat and those related to fishing activities. Descriptions of Essential Fish Habitat for managed species and designated Habitat Areas of Particular Concern are also inlcuded.  Finally, conservation recommendations are provided to promote conservation and minimize impacts.

Volume V - Research and Data Needs -- Provides a synopsis of ongoing research programs in the region and outlines additional information needs to fully attain an ecosystem-based approach to management.

Appendix A - Interjurisdictional Research Needs

Appendix B - Critical Research Needs

Volume VI - References

Download the FULL DOCUMENT (53 MB)
  
 Ecosystem-Based Amendments Minimize

Comprehensive Ecosystem-Based Amendment 1 (CE-BA 1) -- Actions in this amendment will protect specific areas of sensitive habitat, deemed Coral Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (CHAPCs) that house an invaluable array of deepwater coral species living in waters ranging from 400 meters (1200 ft.) to 700 meters (2300 ft.) deep.  The South Atlantic region is home to what may be the largest contiguous distribution of deepwater corals in the world, including the common Lophelia coral, largely responsible for reef mound construction in these cold water areas. The parameters defined within the amendment aim to shield these areas from impacts associated with bottom-tending fishing practices.   For many years fishermen targeting golden crab and royal red shrimp have set their traps and hauled their nets in areas now known to provide suitable habitat for deepwater corals. These small traditional fisheries, however, operate in distinct areas where fishermen can be sure their gear will not become tangled and possibly damaged. Therefore, actions to create “Allowable Golden Crab Fishing Areas” and “Shrimp Fishery Access Areas” within two of the proposed CHAPCs are included to ensure the continued existence of these fisheries and the communities they support. The Council submitted CE-BA 1 for Secretarial review, approval and implementation. The final rule was published in the Federal Register on June 22, 2010 and the provisions within the amendment are effective July 22, 2010. See Fishery Bulletin for more information.
CE-BA 1 Appendices

Notice of Availability    Proposed Rule    Final Rule

 

Comprehensive Ecosystem-Based Amendment 1 (CE-BA 1) -- Actions in this amendment will protect specific areas of sensitive habitat, deemed Coral Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (CHAPCs) that house an invaluable array of deepwater coral species living in waters ranging from 400 meters (1200 ft.) to 700 meters (2300 ft.) deep.  The South Atlantic region is home to what may be the largest contiguous distribution of deepwater corals in the world, including the common Lophelia coral, largely responsible for reef mound construction in these cold water areas. The parameters defined within the amendment aim to shield these areas from impacts associated with bottom-tending fishing practices.   For many years fishermen targeting golden crab and royal red shrimp have set their traps and hauled their nets in areas now known to provide suitable habitat for deepwater corals. These small traditional fisheries, however, operate in distinct areas where fishermen can be sure their gear will not become tangled and possibly damaged. Therefore, actions to create “Allowable Golden Crab Fishing Areas” and “Shrimp Fishery Access Areas” within two of the proposed CHAPCs are included to ensure the continued existence of these fisheries and the communities they support. The Council submitted CE-BA 1 for Secretarial review, approval and implementation. The final rule was published in the Federal Register on June 22, 2010 and the provisions within the amendment are effective July 22, 2010. See Fishery Bulletin for more information.
CE-BA 1 Appendices

Notice of Availability    Proposed Rule    Final Rule

 
  
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