The Caribbean Fishery Management Council (CFMC)

1. The Caribbean Fishery Management Council (CFMC) Orientation for USVI Policy and Decision Makers by Dr. Alida Ortiz Chair OEAP, CFMC

2. Objectives of this Orientation • Enhance awareness and knowledge among decision makers of the functions of the CFMC as well as other federal and state agencies involved in fisheries management in the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. • Enhance communication between the CFMC and the Legislators.

3. What is the CFMC? • One of the eight (8) Regional Fishery Management Councils created by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) Public Law 94 -265, in 1976, to provide for the conservation and management of the fisheries, and for other purposes.

4. MSA expectations • to establish Regional Fishery Management Councils to exercise sound judgment in the stewardship of fishery resources through the preparation, monitoring, and revision of such plans under circumstances • which will enable the States, the fishing industry, consumer and environmental organizations, and other interested persons to participate in, and advise on, the establishment and administration of such plans, and • which take into account the social and economic needs of the States. 

5. CFMC Jurisdiction

6. Council Composition • The Councils consist of state, Federal and regional fishery commission representatives, as well as private citizens, nominated by the state Governors and appointed by the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary). • knowledgeable regarding the conservation and management, or the commercial or recreational harvest, of the fishery resources of the geographical area concerned.

7. CFMC composition • Council Members • Scientific and Statistics Committee (SSC) • Advisory Panel (AP) • Outreach and Education Advisory Panels (OEAP)

8. USVI Representatives 2013 • Council members: Mr. Roy Pemberton, Mr. Winston Ledee an Mr. Carlos Farchette • SSC: Dr. Barbara Kojis, • AP: Mr. Edward Schuster • OEAP: Ms. Lía Ortiz

9. Council’s Tasks • The CFMC is responsible for developing Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) for fisheries within the Jurisdiction and for submitting them to the Secretary for approval and implementation through regulations.

10. Fishery Management Plans • Spiny Lobster-- 1981 • Reef Fish—1985 • Corals and Reef Associated Plants and Invertebrates --1994 • Queen Conch-- 1996 • Essential Fish Habitats– 2004

11. Most important issues • Annual Catch Limits (ACLs)/ Accountability Measures (Ams) • An Annual Catch Limit is the level of annual catch of a population or population complex that if met or exceeded triggers accountability measures, such as a seasonal closure or quota closure. • Accountability Measures are management controls to prevent ACL’s from being exceeded, and to correct or mitigate overages of the ACL if they occur.

13. Accountability Measures • Closed seasons: red hind--Dec 1- Feb. 28 • Catch limits: queen conch--maximum 450 per boat per trip in St. Croix • Gear limits: use of hooka is prohibited • Reduction of Fishing Period: groupers--10 days less in 2013

14. Data Collection • Field data from: • Fishers • Port Samplers • Local Governments

15. Enforcement of Laws and Regulations • Educational context • Impact on resources • Economic impacts

16. Public input to the CFMC • Regular Council meetings (three to four times a year) are open to the public, and held in St. Thomas, St. Croix and PR • Scoping Meetings • Public Hearings

17. What can Legislators do? • Maintain contacts with CFMC and Territory Fishery Protection agencies. • Emphasize importance of enforcement and compliance with regulations.

18. CFMC contacts • Website: www. • Telephones: • Local representative to the Council: • Winston Ledee • Carlos Farchette • Roy Pemberton • Other contacts • NGOs • Pew • TNC

19. Questions?