AUDUBON NATURE INSTITUTE GULF UNITED FOR LASTING FISHERIES (G.U.L.F.) RESPONSIBLE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATION SCHEME
1st Surveillance Report
For The Louisiana Blue Crab Commercial Fishery
Facilitated By Audubon Nature Institute
Assessors: Sam Dignan, Lead Assessor Professor Romuald (Rom) N. Lipcius, Assessor Vince Guillory, Assessor
Report Code: LA/BLUEC/001.1/2017 Date: February 13th 2018
Global Trust Certification Ltd. 3rd Floor, Block 3, Quayside Business Park, Mill Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth, Ireland. T: +353 42 932 0912 F: +353 42 938 6864 www.GTCert.com Audubon G.U.L.F. RFM Certification Scheme LA blue crab 1st Surveillance Report
Table of Contents List of Figures ...... 3 List of Tables ...... 3 Glossary ...... 4 i. Summary and Recommendations ...... 5 ii. Assessment Team Details ...... 6 1. Introduction ...... 7 1.1. Recommendations of the Assessment Team ...... 8 2. Fishery Applicant Details ...... 9 3. Unit of Certification ...... 10 3.1. Changes to the Unit of Certification ...... 10 4. Fishery Observations ...... 11 4.1. Stock status update ...... 11 4.2. Landings Update ...... 13 4.3. Enforcement update ...... 13 4.4. Ecosystem Update ...... 14 4.5. Relevant changes to Legislation/Regulations and the Management Regime ...... 14 5. Surveillance Meetings ...... 15 6. Assessment Outcome Summary ...... 16 6.1. Section A. The Fisheries Management System...... 16 6.2. Section B. Data Collection, Stock Assessment and Scientific Advice ...... 16 6.3. Section C. Management Objectives for the Stock ...... 17 6.4. Section D. The Precautionary Approach ...... 17 6.5. Section E. Serious Impacts of the Fishery on the Ecosystem ...... 18 7. Conformity statement ...... 19 8. FAO-Based Conformance Criteria Fundamental Clauses for Surveillance Reporting ...... 20 8.1. Section A: The Fishery Management System ...... 20 8.1.1. A1 – Fundamental Clause 1 ...... 20 8.1.2. A2 – Fundamental Clause 2 ...... 26 8.2. Section B. Data Collection, Stock Assessment and Scientific Advice ...... 28 8.2.1. B3 – Fundamental Clause 3 ...... 28 8.3. Section C: Management Objectives for the Stock ...... 35 8.3.1. C4 – Fundamental Clause 4 ...... 35 8.3.2. C5 – Fundamental Clause 5 ...... 38 8.4. Section D: The Precautionary Approach ...... 41 8.4.1. D6 – Fundamental Clause 6 ...... 41 8.5. Section E: Serious Impacts of the Fishery on the Ecosystem ...... 43 8.5.1. E7 – Fundamental Clause 7 ...... 43 8.5.2. E8 – Fundamental Clause 8 ...... 47 9. Performance specific to agreed corrective action plans ...... 48 9.1. Non-conformance 1 ...... 48 9.2. Non-conformance 2 ...... 51 9.3. Non-conformance 3 ...... 51 9.4. Non-conformance 4 ...... 51 10. New non-conformances and new corrective action plans ...... 54 11. Future Surveillance Actions ...... 54 12. Client signed acceptance of the action plan ...... 55
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13. Recommendation and Determination ...... 57 14. References ...... 58 15. Appendix 1. Surveillance Assessment Team Bios ...... 60
List of Figures Figure 1. Time-series of catch-survey model fishing mortality rates relative to management benchmarks (Source: West et al., 2016)...... 12 Figure 2. Time-series of catch-survey model exploitable biomass relative to management benchmarks (Source: West et al., 2016)...... 12 Figure 3. Landings of Louisiana blue crab (1950 – 2016) (Source: Light grey are from NMFS Annual Commercial Landing Statistics and dark grey are from Louisiana Trip Ticket Program)...... 13 Figure 4. Landings and effort through 2015...... 33 Figure 5. Estimated fishing mortality and nominal fishing effort through 2014 and 2015, respectively...... 33 Figure 6. Biomass of juveniles and adults through 2015...... 34 Figure 7. Adult and juvenile indices of abundance from the LDWF trawl survey...... 34 Figure 8. Time-series of catch-survey model fishing mortality rates (top) and exploitable biomass (bottom) relative to management benchmarks (Source: West et al., 2016)...... 36 Figure 9. Indices of abundance for juveniles and adults from the LDWF trawl survey, 1968-2015...... 39 Figure 10. Indices of abundance for juveniles and adults from the LDWF trawl survey, updated through 2016. . 39
List of Tables Table 1. Fishery applicant details...... 9 Table 2. Unit of Certification...... 10 Table 3. Summary of the type and number of violations recorded by LDWF LED between 1st July 2016 and 30th June 2017 (Source: LDWF LED)...... 14 Table 4. Surveillance meetings (November 2017)...... 15
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Glossary
BLIM Limit reference point for biomass CPUE Catch per Unit Effort DMS Data Management Subcommittee EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone EP Evaluation Parameter ETPs Endangered Threatened and Protected Species FAO CCRF FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries FAO Eco FAO Ecolabelling Guidelines FAO United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization Flimit Limit reference point for fishing mortality FMP Fisheries Management Plan Ftarget Target reference point for fishing mortality G.U.L.F Gulf United for Lasting Fisheries GMFMC Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council GOM Gulf of Mexico GSMFC Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission HCR Harvest Control Rule LA Louisiana LAC Louisiana Administrative Code LDWF Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries LED Law Enforcement Division LFF Louisiana Fisheries Forward LWFC Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission MCS Monitoring Control and Surveillance MSY Maximum Sustainable Yield NC Non-Conformance NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration OTF Oyster Task Force SAT Stock Assessment Plan SEAMAP Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program SPR Spawning Potential Ratio SPRlimit Limit reference point for SPR SSB Spawning Stock Biomass SSBlimit Limit reference point for SSB SSBtarget Target reference point for SSB (SSBlimit × 1.5) TTF Technical Task Force VMS Vessel Monitoring System
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i. Summary and Recommendations This document is the 1st Surveillance Audit Report (Ref: LA/BLUEC/001.1/2017) for the Certification of Louisiana Blue Crab Commercial Fisheries against the Audubon Nature Institute Gulf United for Lasting Fisheries (GULF) Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) Standard.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries (LDWF) on the behalf of blue crab commercial fishers in Louisiana requested an assessment of the Louisiana blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) commercial fishery to the FAO-Based Audubon Nature Institute Gulf United for Lasting Fisheries (GULF) Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) Certification Scheme, hereafter G.U.L.F. RFM. Certification was granted on the 20th October 2016.
Blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) is the species under assessment in this report. The unit of certification includes the Louisiana blue crab commercial fishery, employing baited pot/trap gears, within Louisiana State Territorial Waters, under the management of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries (LDWF) and Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC).
Demonstration of continued compliance is verified through rigorous assessment conducted by a team of assessors from a third party, accredited certification body, Global Trust. The Assessment Team followed established procedures for GULF RFM Certification, in accordance with EN45011/ISO/IEC Guide 65 accredited certification procedures and using the GULF Responsible Fisheries Management Standard Issue 1.1 (March 2016) as the assessment framework. Details of the assessment team are provided in Appendix 1.
This Assessment Report comprises the 1st Surveillance Report for Louisiana blue crab. Therefore, this report monitors for any changes in the management regime, regulations and their implementation, stock assessment and status, and wider ecosystem considerations since the conclusion of the initial assessment in 2016. Ultimately this assessment evaluates whether current practices in the management of the blue crab fishery remain consistent with criteria contained in the G.U.L.F. RFM Standard.
Ultimately the assessment team recommends that the management system of the applicant fisheries, Louisiana blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) commercial fishery, employing baited pot/trap gears, within Louisiana State Territorial Waters, under the management of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries (LDWF) and Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC), be granted continued certification.
The key outcomes of this Surveillance Assessment have been summarized in the Assessment Outcome Summary and Recommendations of the Assessment Team.
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ii. Assessment Team Details
Sam Dignan, Lead Assessor SAI Global/Global Trust Certification Ltd. Quayside Business Centre, Dundalk, Co. Louth, Ireland. T: +353 (0)42 9320912 E-mail: [email protected]
Vince Guillory, Assessor Retired Biologist, Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fish, Louisiana, U.S.A. E: [email protected]
Professor Romuald N. Lipcius, Assessor Professor of Marine Science Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Virginia, U.S.A E: [email protected]
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1. Introduction LDWF on the behalf of blue crab commercial fishers in Louisiana requested an assessment of the Louisiana blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) commercial fishery to the G.U.L.F. RFM Certification Scheme and following an extensive assessment Certification was granted on the 20th October 2016. The unit of certification includes the Louisiana blue crab commercial fishery, employing baited pot/trap gears, within Louisiana State Territorial Waters, under the management of the LDWF and Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC).
This assessment represents the 1st Surveillance Audit Report for Louisiana blue crab and fulfills part of the procedure for the continuing certification of the fishery to the G.U.L.F RFM Certification Scheme. The G.U.L.F RFM Certification Scheme is a voluntary program for Gulf of Mexico fisheries, administered by the Audubon Nature Institute, whose purpose is to provide the fishing industry with a “Certification of Responsible Fisheries Management” at the highest level of market acceptance. Certification to the Scheme demonstrates a commitment that communicates to customers and consumers the responsibility of fishermen and fisheries management authorities.
At the core of the G.U.L.F RFM Certification Scheme is the G.U.L.F RFM Standard (Current Issue: Issue 1.1. (March 2016)). The G.U.L.F RFM Standard is based on the 1995 FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and on the FAO Guidelines for the Eco-labelling of Fish and Fishery Products from Marine Capture Fisheries adopted in 2005 and amended/extended in 2009, which in turn are based on the current suite of agreed international instruments addressing fisheries.
The Certification Scheme is accredited to the international standard ISO/IEC 17065, confirming that consistent, competent and independent certification practices are applied. Formal ISO/IEC 17065 accreditation by an IAF (International Accreditation Forum) Accreditation body gives the Scheme formal recognition and a credible position in the International marketplace and ensures that products certified under the Programme are identified at a recognised level of assurance. Demonstration of compliance is verified through a rigorous assessment by a competent, third party, accredited certification body, Global Trust. The assessment was conducted by a team of Global Trust appointed Assessors comprising of internal staff and externally contracted fishery experts according to established procedures for GULF RFM Certification, in accordance with EN45011/ISO/IEC Guide 65 accredited certification procedures, and using the GULF Responsible Fisheries Management Standard Issue 1.1 (March 2016) as the assessment framework. Details of the assessment team are provided in Appendix 1.
As the November 2017 assessment was 1 of 4 annual surveillance audits to be conducted within the 5 year lifetime of the current certificate, the primary role of this Surveillance Audit Report is to monitor any changes in the management regime, regulations and their implementation, stock assessment and status, and wider ecosystem considerations since the conclusion of the initial assessment in 2016. Ultimately this assessment evaluates whether current practices in the management of the blue crab fishery remain consistent with criteria contained in the G.U.L.F. RFM Standard.
The Assessment is based on 8 Fundamental Clauses contained within 5 Sections of responsible fisheries management namely: . Section A: The Fisheries Management System . Section B: Data Collection, Stock Assessment and Scientific Advice . Section C: Management Objectives for the Stock . Section D: Precautionary Approach . Section E: Serious Impacts of the Fishery on the Ecosystem
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1.1. Recommendations of the Assessment Team The assessment team recommends that the management system of the applicant fisheries, Louisiana blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) commercial fishery, employing baited pot/trap gears, within Louisiana State Territorial Waters, under the management of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries (LDWF) and Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC), be granted continued certification.
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2. Fishery Applicant Details
Table 1. Fishery applicant details. Applicant Information
Organisation/Company Name: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF)
Date: November 2014
Correspondence Address: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF)
Street: 2000 Quail Drive
City: Baton Rouge
State: Louisiana
Country: U.S.A.
Zip Code: 70898
Phone: +1 225-765-2800
Web: http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/
Applicant Key Contact Information
Full Name: (Last) Morris (First) Damon
Position: Program Manager
Correspondence Address:
Street: 2021 Lakeshore Drive
City: New Orleans
State: Louisiana
Country: U.S.A.
Zip Code: 70122
Phone: +1 504-284-5275
E-mail Address: [email protected]
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3. Unit of Certification
Table 2. Unit of Certification.
Fishery Species Area(s)/Region(s) Gear types Principal Management Organization(s)
Common Name: Gulf of Mexico State Baited pot/trap gears The U.S. state of Louisiana through the; Blue crab Waters of Louisiana . Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries (FAO Statistical Area 31) Commission (LWFC), and; Scientific Name: . Louisiana Department of Wildlife Callinectes sapidus and Fisheries (LDWF)
3.1. Changes to the Unit of Certification There have been no changes to the Unit of Certification in the past year (i.e. since the fishery was initially certified). Therefore, the Unit of Certification remains the same for the coming year.
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4. Fishery Observations
4.1. Stock status update The current stock assessment methodology for the Louisiana blue crab stock uses a Collie-Sissenwine analysis (CSA) approach (Collie and Sissenwine 1983) where the blue crab unit stock is defined as that portion of the western Gulf of Mexico blue crab stock occurring in Louisiana waters which is consistent with the current state- wide management strategy. The data requirements are a time-series of landings and corresponding abundance indices for juvenile and adult life stages, an estimate of instantaneous natural mortality, and the relative selectivity of the juvenile and adult life stages to the survey gear. Indices of abundance are derived from the LDWF fishery- independent trawl survey (1967 – 2015) while landings data are obtained from National Marine Fisheries Service statistical records (1968 – 1998) and from the Louisiana Trip Ticket Program (1999 – 2015). For a more detailed description of the modeling approaches and assumptions see the original assessment report.
Louisiana blue crab data does not allow for reliable estimates of MSY. Precautionary limits for the stock are therefore based on a requirement that exploitable biomass not fall below the three lowest levels observed (1968 – 2009) where the stock demonstrated sustainability (i.e., no observed declines in recruitment over a wide-range of exploitable biomasses) (West et al. 2011). This is equivalent to maintaining the stock above a limit spawning potential ratio (SPR; Goodyear, 1993).
West et al. (2011) defined precautionary limits for the blue crab stock based upon the history of the fishery (i.e., a 19.7% SPRlimit). The actual value of reference points varies changes based on the latest assessment of stock status; as of the latest stock assessment update, fishing mortality rate limit Flimit and SSBlimit that are equivalent to -1 this SPRlimit were estimated as 0.96 year and 17.1 million pounds, respectively (West et al. 2016). To define the targets of fishing, (i.e., SSB, F, and SPR) sufficiently far from the limits as a buffer from random variability of the environment, the biomass target reference point (SSBtarget) was defined as SSBlimit×1.5 = 25.4 million pounds. This -1 biomass is achieved when there is an equilibrium SPRtarget of 29.6% and Ftarget of 0.74 year .
In normal circumstances stock assessments of Louisiana blue crab are conducted every 3 years. In response to the blue crab stock being below the associated management elected limit reference point (SSB/SSBlimit = 0.83) as of the latest estimate (West et al., 2016), LDWF have indicated that the next full assessment will be conducted a year ahead of schedule in early 2018. As there has not been an update to the stock status of blue crab in the last year a brief synopsis of the results West et al., (2016) are presented here.
The history of the Louisiana blue crab stock relative to the reference points is illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure 2. Fishing mortality rates exceeding Flimit (or ratios of F/Flimit >1.0) indicate overfishing; stock biomasses below SSBlimit (or ratios of SSB/SSBlimit <1.0) indicate an overfished condition. While the latest assessment (West et al. 2016) includes data to the end of 2015 the assessment method does not allow for estimates of fishing mortality for the terminal year of the assessment (i.e. 2015) and as such the most recent year for which an estimate of F/Flimit is available is 2014.
The latest (2014) estimate of F/Flimit is 0.97, suggesting the stock is not currently experiencing overfishing (Figure 1). While the stock is not technically experiencing overfishing this should be considered from a precautionary viewpoint given; 1) the 2014 estimate of F/Flimit was extremely close to the overfishing threshold; 2) the upward trend in fishing mortality and; 3) recent decreases in exploitable biomass over the past decade; indeed West et al. (2016) explicitly acknowledges the need to consider the 2014 estimate of F/Flimit from a precautionary viewpoint. The 2012 estimate of F/Flimit (0.98) was also very close to the overfishing threshold.
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Figure 1. Time-series of catch-survey model fishing mortality rates relative to management benchmarks (Source: West et al., 2016).
The 2015 estimate of SSB/SSBlimit is 0.83, suggesting the stock is currently in an overfished condition (Figure 2). Results also indicate the stock was considered overfished in 1995, 1996, and 2013. Estimates of exploitable biomass have been below SSBtarget since 2011. The current status of the stock may result from anthropogenic (fishing) pressure, environmental pressure (causing reduced productivity) or some combination thereof. Regardless of the cause however, once below management elected limit reference points the stock is considered to be in an overfished condition. According to the harvest control mechanism for the fishery, when the stock is shown to be in an overfished condition and/or overfishing is occurring, corrective action(s) are required of management.
Figure 2. Time-series of catch-survey model exploitable biomass relative to management benchmarks (Source: West et al., 2016).
LDWF have indicated that the next full assessment will be conducted a year ahead of schedule in early 2018. The Assessment Team would like to again repeat their recommendation that error bars/confidence intervals be included on any figures presenting estimates of stock status; this would help to contextualise observed trends and give a better idea of the relative appropriateness of estimates at various levels of stock biomass.
The results of the planned 2018 stock assessment update will be examined at the 2nd surveillance audit in late- 2018.
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4.2. Landings Update Having first surpassed 25 million pounds in 1984, landings of Louisiana blue crab have remained above this level ever since (Figure 3). Long-term average landings since 2000 have been approx. 44.6 million pounds. The effects of reductions in effort due to major hurricanes (e.g. hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 and hurricanes Gustav and Ike in 2008) and the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010 can be seen in corresponding reductions in overall landings. The highest reported landings were 53.5 and 54.7 million pounds in 1988 and 2009, respectively. Estimated landings of Louisiana blue crab in 2016 were approx. 40.8 million pounds.
Figure 3. Landings of Louisiana blue crab (1950 – 2016) (Source: Light grey are from NMFS Annual Commercial Landing Statistics and dark grey are from Louisiana Trip Ticket Program).
4.3. Enforcement update Aside from some assets being replaced, there have not been any significant changes to the enforcement assets deployed since the initial assessment. While the number of field agents in the LDWF Law Enforcement Division (LED) had dropped as low as 175 due to a hiring freeze, successive academy classes in recent years have increase this back up to 225 with agents spending in excess of 80% of their time on patrol (pers. comms. LDWF LED). A summary of the type and number of violations recorded between 1st July 2016 and 30th June 2017 is provided in Table 3.
Taking/possessing immature females was the most prevalent violation recorded across the time period analyzed. The ban on taking/possessing immature females only came into effect on 1st January 2017 and the measure was enacted in response to the stock being below its limit reference point. It is likely that the number of violations is in response to the recent implementation of that particular piece of legislation. The prevalence of this particular offense will be examined at future surveillance audits to assess whether or not it persists.
New escape ring measures came into place in November 2017 so it is possible that the coming year will see in an increase in the violation of escape ring requirements. However, LDWF have indicated that the decision to give fishermen three year’s notice of the impending change should help to ensure high compliance.
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Table 3. Summary of the type and number of violations recorded by LDWF LED between 1st July 2016 and 30th June 2017 (Source: LDWF LED). Description No. of violations Taking/Possess immature females as per 76 Part VII:346 16 Theft of crab trap(s) 14 Use crab traps without required markings 10 Destroy legal crab traps or removing contents 8 Tending crab traps illegal hours 6 Taking crabs closed season as per 76 Part VII:346 5 Possess or sell undersized crabs (10% to 19%) 4 Set crab traps in navigable channels 2 Fail to comply with stone crab requirements 1 Fail to remove unserviceable traps 1 Possess over 20% undersized crabs 1 Take/possess over limit blue crabs (144/person) 1 Violate crab trap escape ring requirements 1
4.4. Ecosystem Update There were no significant changes to the ecosystem impacts of the Louisiana blue crab fishery identified at the 1st surveillance audit.
4.5. Relevant changes to Legislation/Regulations and the Management Regime There were significant changes to the legislation and/or regulations that govern the Louisiana blue crab fishery in the last year including the first ever closure of the fishery for conservation purposes, changes to the size, number and placement of escape rings in crab traps and a ban on the taking of immature female crabs.
As previously discussed, the fishery was closed from the 3rd week of February to 2nd week of March 2017. LDWF LED indicated that there was high compliance during the closure. The 30 day closure remains in place for now but the Commission is considering new rules to remove the 30-day closure for 2018 and 2019 and establish a prohibition on harvesting female blue crabs from March 1st through the end of April in these years instead. Were this change to occur this would effectively mean a 2 month ban on the taking of mature female crabs as the taking of immature females is now banned outright as of January 2017. The assessment team are of the opinion that the switch from a 1 month total ban to a 2 month ban on the taking of all female crabs should be at least equivalent in its conservation value. Any changes to this measure, should they occur, will be report on at the next surveillance audit.
Changes to regulations governing the size, number and placement of escape rings in crab traps that came into effect in November means that traps must now have a minimum of three escape rings to allow undersized crabs to escape the trap, two of which must be located in the upper chamber of the trap (if the trap has more than one chamber). The minimum allowable size of escape rings has also been increased, from 2 5/16 inch to 2 3/8 inch inside diameter or larger. Fishermen are still allowed to obstruct escape rings from April 1st through June 30th and September 1st through October 31st to allow for the harvest of soft shell blue crabs.
Introduced in January 2017, No more than 2% of a random sample of 50 crabs from each crate (or group of crabs equivalent to one crate) in your possession may be incidentally harvested immature female crabs.
An up to date list of all regulations can be found in the Commercial and For-Hire Fisheries Rules and Regulations 2018 on the LDWF website here.
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5. Surveillance Meetings Table 4. Surveillance meetings (November 2017). Date & Time Organisation Present Overview/Key Items Discussed 11/08/2017, Louisiana LDWF . Enforcement, new ring size measures, 09:30 Department Damon Morris Feb/March closure of Wildlife and (Program Manager, Sustainable . Enforcement assets, no. of agents etc. Fisheries Fisheries and Seafood) . Compliance rates with closure (LDWF) Harry Blanchet . Most prevalent offenses, theft of crab traps, (Biologist Administrator, formerly over allowance of immature females Director, Marine Fisheries) . Reasons for 3 year lead in to new escape ring Jeff Marx requirements, 3 years approx. lifespan of a trap (Interim Director, Marine Fisheries, . Punishments resulting from violations formerly Program Manager, . Indices of abundance and catch rates Crustaceans) (anecdotal) higher in 2016 Peyton Cagle . Licence numbers, latent effort, effects of lice (Interim Program Manager, fee increases Crustaceans) . Professionalism program, numbers applying and passing through LDWF LED . Immature female ban – generally accepted by Major Chad Hebert, Enforcement, fishermen, some doing it for years formerly Captain . Pushback on 30 day closure, thoughts on moving to 2 month female ban and potential Audubon Nature Institute equivalency between the two measures Laura Picariello, Technical Programs . 2 month closure should coincide with females Manager, Gulf United for Lasting moving offshore to breed, although this does Fisheries (G.U.L.F.) (Non- occur year round participating observer) . Tagging study of blue crabs, University of Southern Mississippi, currently unpublished Assessment Team . Plan for off-schedule stock assessment in early- Sam Dignan 2018 (Assessment Team Lead) . Expectation of new diamondback terrapin Professor Rom Lipcius (on papers shortly conference call) . Derelict crab trap removal, 5,600 traps (AT member) removed in 2017, 8,000 in last two years . Intention to analyse bycatch data from derelict crab traps
12/08/2017, Louisiana Crab Crab Task Force (CTF) . New ring size measures, Feb/March closure 09:30 Task Force Warren Delacroix . Catch rates in 2016 (CTF) . Immature female ban – generally accepted by Audubon Nature Institute fishermen, some doing it for years Laura Picariello, Technical Programs . Thoughts on 30 day closure Vs2 month female Manager, Gulf United for Lasting ban Fisheries (G.U.L.F.) (Non- . Price for crab, market issues etc. participating observer)
Assessment Team Sam Dignan (Assessment Team Lead)
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6. Assessment Outcome Summary
6.1. Section A. The Fisheries Management System There are effective legal and administrative frameworks, appropriate for management of the blue crab fishery, in place. The Louisiana blue crab fishery and its industry operate under the legal authorities established by the Constitutions of the State of Louisiana and the United States of America. Legal authority to manage the blue crab fishery is shared by the Legislature, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC), and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). The Crab Task Force (CTF) and Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission (GSMFC) provide input and recommendations. The overall objectives of the management system are based on the best available scientific evidence and are defined in a Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) which integrates fishing, habitat, conservation, and socio-economic factors into a balanced strategy to maintain longterm sustainability of the fishery. The FMP proposes limit and target reference points for the blue crab stock as well as a harvest control rule. Management objectives and underlying estimates of stock size explicitly take account of uncertainty and imprecision. Data to support the management of the fishery are largely obtained through the LDWF’s extensive fishery monitoring programs.
Louisiana management organizations participate within a legal and policy framework that include stakeholders from other states and mechanisms for cooperation and coordination among them. The blue crab fishery is an inter-jurisdictional fishery in the Gulf of Mexico and associated waters and is recognized by the GSMFC as such. The LDWF is an active participant in the GSMFC which provides an excellent mechanism for sharing regional management objectives within individual states to ensure responsible management of shared stocks. The fishery management decision-making processes is well understood and used by those involved to create, amend, or abolish laws and regulations. Mechanisms and procedures to avoid or reduce user group conflicts exist.
There are established mechanisms for monitoring and enforcement of blue crab fishing regulations and defined sanctions including fines, jail time, loss of fishing license, and forfeiture of property. Sanctions increase with both the severity of the offence and where the offender has a previous track record of offending. The use of dynamite, poisons, and other destructive fishing practices to harvest blue crabs is illegal and there is no evidence of their use. LDWF provides education and training programs to improve the skills of fishers and their understanding of fisheries regulations with public outreach efforts being made in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
6.2. Section B. Data Collection, Stock Assessment and Scientific Advice The LDWF has a strong and long-standing structure of professional scientists, researchers and statisticians in place to conduct the necessary research and stock assessment on blue crab for conservation and management purposes. Processes exist to ensure proper planning of research projects, as well as ongoing review of stock assessment and research activities. LDWF staff are involved in a number of collaborative projects with other researchers and institutions.
All fishery removals and mortality of blue crab are considered in the assessment and management of the stock. Reliable and accurate fishery-dependent and fishery-independent data are available to assess the status of blue crab fisheries and ecosystems and the state of the stock relative to the management elected reference points. These data including information on retained catch in commercial fisheries as well as estimates of bycatch, discards and wastage. Several data reporting systems are in place to ensure timely and accurate collection and reporting of catch data. Data review and analysis consider and take sufficient account of all fishery removals of the target stock including retained catch and discards in target and non-target fisheries as well as catches and discards of other commercial and non-commercial species associated with fishing activity to the extent that impacts on these species can be understood.
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LDWF uses scientific data to provide the best stock assessment information and related advice for the objectives of fisheries management. The assessment includes an appraisal of the stock status and harvest rate relative to target and limit reference points. As of the latest stock assessment, the stock biomass was below its limit reference point meaning the blue crab stock is currently in an overfished condition. While fishing mortality is currently less than the associated limit reference point, it is very close to that limit. In order to reduce the risk of further declines and allow for restoration of the blue crab stock, fisheries managers put in place a set of corrective actions designed to decrease fishing mortality. These corrective actions, which include license fee increases, a ban on the landing of immature female crabs, a one month fishery closure and changes to the size, number and placement of escape rings in crab traps, were formulated taking into account life history characteristics of blue crab, including the structure and composition of the blue crab stock which contribute to its resilience. Having reviewed these corrective actions the Assessment Team was satisfied that the measures have a reasonable expectation of effectiveness. The effectiveness of these corrective actions will be continually monitored at annual surveillance audits.
6.3. Section C. Management Objectives for the Stock Conservation and management measures in place ensure the long-term sustainability of the blue carb resource. LDWF outlines specific management objectives in its 2014 FMP for blue crab which integrates fishing, habitat, conservation, and socio-economic factors into a balanced strategy to maintain the long-term sustainability of the fishery. LDWF makes recommendations for proposed regulations to LWFC and/or the state legislature for fisheries under its management. The provisions of the blue crab FMP ensure that short term considerations do not compromise the long-term management objectives for the blue crab resource. The mechanism for controlling harvest is identified, formally established and implemented in accordance with the best available scientific information. The Assessment Team was satisfied that managements’ response to the overfished status of blue crab demonstrated that measures, harvest control mechanisms and associated actions are sufficiently formalized so that management can effectively respond and take action to situations of impaired recruitment, overfishing or other negative outcomes. As the current mechanism for controlling harvest was only adopted in 2014, it is still not clear what its effectiveness will be in the long-term. Therefore, the long-term effectiveness of the harvest control mechanism will be continually monitored at annual surveillance audits.
LDWF’s stock assessments provide the necessary guidelines to protect the blue crab resource. As existing Louisiana blue crab data does not allow for reliable estimates of Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY), management measures are instead consistent with maintaining the stock above a recruitment overfishing threshold based upon the history of the stock and fishery. In normal circumstances the blue crab stock assessment will be updated every three years with indices of abundance and fishing effort being summarized annually. However, as the stock is currently in an overfished condition LDWF have stated that an off-schedule stock assessment will be conducted in early 2018 with the aim of assessing the efficacy of corrective management measures enacted in 2015 and 2016.
6.4. Section D. The Precautionary Approach Target reference points for biomass and fishing mortality have been developed based on sound scientific analyses. The LDWF 2011 stock assessment proposed maximum fishing mortality rates and minimum biomass levels to serve as proxies for maximum sustainable yield (MSY); these reference points are consistent with the precautionary approach and are widely accepted. Scientific information and stock assessments available are at a consistently high level, and clearly provide the necessary basis for conservation and management decisions. Potential uncertainty is adequately addressed through the current LDWF stock assessments as well as the planned three-year stock assessment and annual summaries of blue crab abundance indices and fishing effort as measured by the number of fishing trips by blue crab trap fishermen.
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6.5. Section E. Serious Impacts of the Fishery on the Ecosystem LDWF conduct assessments and research related to fishery impacts on ecosystems and habitats and how environmental factors affect the fishery. The blue crab FMP has identified the most probable adverse impacts of the fishery on the ecosystem. Non-target stocks are sufficiently monitored to determine the impact exerted by the fishery. The blue crab fishery does not threaten these non-target stocks with recruitment overfishing or other impacts that are likely to be irreversible or very slowly reversible. The monitoring procedures and activities are robust enough to allow for objective and scientific verification of the risks and outcomes. Impacts of Louisiana’s blue crab fishery on habitat are low, because fishermen set crab traps over oyster reefs and sand/mud bottoms, which are less affected by traps than sensitive bottom habitats such as corals or grass beds. Commercial crabbing is prohibited in coastal State and National Wildlife Refuges.
There is formal recognition of populations of species identified as endangered, threatened and/or protected (ETP) in the geographic location of the fishery by national and state authorities within the context of the likely risk posed by the fishery under consideration. The role of the blue crab stock in the food web has been considered. The blue crab serves as prey for numerous, diverse predators, but it is not a preferred prey item for any single predator species, such that it is highly unlikely that reductions in blue crab abundance would lead directly to reductions of any specific predator species. Finally, evaluation of the most probable environmental factors that influence the abundance of the blue crab stock has been included in the overall evaluation of stock status and determination of exploitation rates.
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7. Conformity statement The assessment team recommends that the management system of the applicant fisheries, Louisiana blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) commercial fishery, employing baited pot/trap gears, within Louisiana State Territorial Waters, under the management of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries (LDWF) and Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC), be granted continued certification.
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8. FAO-Based Conformance Criteria Fundamental Clauses for Surveillance Reporting 8.1. Section A: The Fishery Management System 8.1.1. A1 – Fundamental Clause 1 There shall be a structured and legally mandated fishery management system, and an appropriate policy, legal and institutional framework” for fisheries management based upon and respecting international, national and local fishery laws, including the requirements of any regional fisheries management organizations that manage the fisheries on the ‘stock under consideration’. (FAO CCRF (1995) 7.1, 7.3, 7.6, 7.7, 8.4, 12; FAO Eco (2009) 28, 29)
Supporting Clauses: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 and sub-clauses, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 1.10, 1.11, 1.12. Evidence Rating: Low Medium High Non-conformance: Critical Major Minor None SUMMARY EVIDENCE There is a structured and legally mandated fishery management system, and an appropriate policy, legal and institutional framework” for fisheries management based upon and respecting international, national and local fishery laws, including the requirements of any regional fisheries management organizations that manage the fisheries on the ‘stock under consideration’.
EVIDENCE Should briefly address each of the supporting clause and focus in on areas where there have been any changes/or where weaknesses have previously been identified.
1.1. Legal basis for management system No changes have occurred in the “legal basis for the management system” clause since the blue crab certification in October 2016.
Louisiana (LA) Revised Statutes (R.S.) 56:6381.5 defines the legislative intent, findings, purposes, policy, and standards for the conservation and management of all species of fish in Louisiana. The Louisiana blue crab fishery and its industry operate under the legal authorities established by the Constitutions of the State of Louisiana and the United States of America and relevant state statutes. Legal authority to manage the blue crab fishery is shared by the Legislature, the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC), and the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). The Legislature is the primary law-making body of the state and may enact laws and regulations concerning the blue crab fishery and stock. The LWFC may approve or implement LDWF management activities not covered by various legislative statutes. Regulations and statues relevant to the LWFC and LDWF are provided in LA R.S. 56.
The LWFC may: (a) promulgate regulations to set seasons, times, places, size limits, quotas, daily take, and possession limits for all fish, with any present statutory rule or regulation being superseded (R.S. 56:5); (b) prohibit the taking of any species of fish in any part of the state for not more than a three-year period if it is in the best interests of the state (R.S. 56:22); and, (c) set aside sanctuaries for the protection and propagation of fish and may restrict fishing (R.S. 56:315). The LWFC may also set penalties for violation of rules and regulations.
The LDWF Secretary may: (a) grant written permits to other persons to take fish of any kind in any manner or place for the purpose of cultivation (R.S. 56:17); (b) declare a closed season, or restrict fishing in the closed season, for any species of fish, upon receiving evidence that fish in any waters of the state have been depleted through overfishing, or that fishing is detrimental to the interests of the state (LA R.S. 56:317); (c) issue permits for
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propagation or for distribution (R.S. 56:318) or to develop new fisheries designed to harvest underutilized species and to develop new gear and equipment to harvest fish (R.S. 56:571); and, (d) set seasons, regulate the type of gear used, and set possession limits for estuarine fish where it is clearly demonstrated that intense competition exists or if pollution levels exceed accepted standards or if biological studies indicate the need (R.S. 56:327(E).
The Louisiana Crab Task Force (CTF) and Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission (GSMFC) may provide input to the legal authorities. The CTF operates with legislative authority described under LA R.S. 56:331. At the regional level the GSMFC operates under the Inter-jurisdictional Fisheries Act of 1986 (Title III, Public Law 99-659) and LA R.S. 56:74.
1.2. Framework/procedures for creating/amending/abolishing laws, regulations and other legal instruments No changes have occurred in the “framework/procedures for creating/amending/abolishing laws, regulations and other legal instruments” clause since the blue crab certification in October 2016.
The Louisiana blue crab fishery and its industry operate within a legal framework established by the Constitutions of the State of Louisiana and the United States. Various state statutes includes objectives to: establish a management and administrative structure; ensure citizen rights; allow public input; resolve conflicts; and, enforce the law. The fishery management decision-making processes is well understood and used by those involved to create, amend, or abolish laws and regulations. LA R.S. 56:638.4 states that the stewardship of the state's saltwater finfish resources shall be responsive to the needs of interested and affected citizens. Louisiana state laws are consistent to some degree with federal laws and their intent as described in the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
The blue crab management framework includes the Legislature and various state institution and organizations. The specific legal authorities of the LWFC and LDWF Secretary are summarized in Clause 1.1. The Legislature, LWFC, and LDWF must comply with the Louisiana Administrative Procedures Act (Title 49, Chapter 13), which provides an opportunity for public input into the rule-making process. The Legislative natural resources committees may review any non-emergency action of the LDWF Secretary or LWFC and consequently provide oversight. The CTF operates within the LDWF administrative framework and advises the LDWF and LWFC on matters pertaining to the management and development of the blue crab industry. The GSMFC through the Crab Subcommittee provides additional public input into management of the Louisiana blue crab fishery.
1.3. Conflict resolution No changes have occurred in the “conflict resolution” clause since the blue crab certification in October 2016.
Dispute resolution through the court system is a fundamental part of the Louisiana and U.S. legal systems. Both the LWFC and the LDWF may sue and be sued if necessary to resolve disputes. Procedures and mechanisms are established within the management system to reduce conflict and legal conflicts may be resolved through the state judicial system. The LDWF and LWFC must follow the Administrative Procedures Act (Title 49, Chapter 13). The Louisiana blue crab management system appears to be free of any significant legal challenges, indicating that the management system has acted proactively to avoid legal disputes. The absence of any lingering legal issues indicates that any binding judicial decisions arising from previous legal challenges have apparently been rapidly implemented.
1.4. Regional management – consultation and compatibility No changes have occurred in the “regional management consultation and compatibility” clause since the blue crab certification in October 2016.
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Institutions that make up the regional management system includes other U.S. States, Federal agencies, and relevant regional/national fisheries management organizations. Although blue crabs primarily inhabit inshore estuarine habitats and adjacent state Gulf of Mexico (GOM) waters and do not meet the definitions of a “high seas”, “highly migratory” or “straddling”, or a “trans-boundary” species, the GSMFC considered the blue crab fishery as an “inter-jurisdictional fishery resource” (U.S. Public Law 99-659, Title III) in the GOM and associated waters because there exists an interstate fishery management plan. The LDWF is an active participant in the GSMFC which provides an excellent mechanism for sharing regional management objectives within individual states to ensure responsible management of shared stocks. The GSMFC Crab Subcommittee includes state biologists from each of the Gulf states. Several GOM blue crab fishery management plans (FMP) were developed which provided guidance to blue crab fishery managers in the Gulf coast states. Numerous other publications on the blue crab fishery and management activities were developed by the Crab Subcommittee. The GSMFC also facilitates interactions and discussions between the LDWF and federal agencies and various organizations and institutions. Finally, the LDWF participates in the Federal Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) in GOM waters off Louisiana. SEAMAP, which began over 30 years ago, is a cooperative program for the collection, management, and dissemination of fishery-independent biological and environmental data in offshore waters in the GOM.
1.5 and 1.6. Periodic review of management system The “periodic review of the management system” process has not changed since certification in October 2016.
The state blue crab FMP (Bourgeois et al., 2014) is a cohesive plan to integrate fishing, habitat, conservation, and socio-economic factors into a balanced strategy to maintain long-term sustainability of the fishery and to implement the recommendations of LDWF stock assessments which proposes reference points and a harvest control rule. Future versions and updates of the blue crab FMP are suggested by the LDWF. Full or partial LDWF stock assessments were completed in 2011, 2014, and 2016 which reviewed the status of the blue crab stock and provided the necessary guidelines to protect the blue crab resource; future full stock assessments will be at three- year intervals. Based on results of the 2016 stock assessment update (West et al., 2016), the Louisiana blue crab stock is currently overfished but is not experiencing overfishing. Consequently, an off-schedule early stock assessment is scheduled for early 2018. In addition, blue crab abundance indices and fishing effort estimates will be summarized annually; these data are used in the full stock assessment models and may also be used to monitor the status of the blue crab stock. The LWFC formally adopted a resolution in February, 2014 stating that “Should the fishing mortality or exploitable biomass exceed the overfished or overfishing limits, or exceed the targets for three consecutive years, as defined in the most current Louisiana blue crab stock assessment, LDWF shall come before the Commission with an updated assessment and a series of management options for the Commission to review and act upon, intended to keep the fishery from becoming overfished, and that management options for review and action shall include provisions for emergency closures, time based closures, and spatial closures.”
The GSMFC also provides an annual compliance matrix which grades each state on the status of each management recommendation of the GOM blue crab FMP with either an implemented, partially implemented, not implemented, not applicable, or ongoing.
As a result of periodic reviews of the blue crab stock, the following conservation measures were adopted by the Legislature or the LWFC: . Professionalism program beginning 11/14 2014 (Act 540, LA R.S. 305.6). . License fee increases beginning 11/14 (Act 303, LA R.S. 305.2) . Ban on immature females for 2017, 2018, and 2019 except for premolts held for soft crab operations (LWFC, Title 76, Chapter 3, Section 346).
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. Seasonal fishery closures for a 30-day period beginning on the third Monday in February for 2017, 2018 and 2019 (LWFC, Title 76, Chapter 3, Section 346) . Ring size measures (3 rings per trap with 2 in the inner chamber; 2 3/8 inch diameter, and removal of exemption for Lake Pontchartrain) beginning 11/17 (Act 539, LA R.S. 56:332K).
The blue crab review process must incorporate the best available scientific advice and data from the LDWF and other institutions and agencies. LA R.S. 56 mandates that any rule or regulation shall be based upon biological and technical data and objectives include the sound conservation, preservation, replenishment, and management of that species for maximum continuing social and economic benefit to the state without overfishing that causes short-term or long- term biological damage to any species.
Blue crab data used in Louisiana blue crab stock assessments were largely obtained from the long term (1967- present) fisheries independent 16-trawl monitoring program, the 1999-present trip ticket fisheries dependent monitoring program, and earlier fisheries dependent landings and commercial crab fishermen license data. Both the fisheries independent sampling program and the trip ticket fisheries dependent program are recognized as being among the best in the GOM and south Atlantic states.
1.7. Destructive fishing practices No changes have occurred in the “destructive fishing practices” clause since the blue crab certification in October 2016.
The Legislature has authority over blue crab harvesting gear. A state statute (LA R.S. 56:320) lists specific gear types that are legal to harvest blue crabs in Louisiana waters: crab traps; crab dropnets; trawls, skimmer nets, and butterfly nets during open shrimp seasons; hoop nets in freshwater; trotlines; handlines; bushlines; dip nets; and cast nets. Any gear type not listed is illegal to use even though not specifically outlawed. Consequently, dynamite, poisons, and other comparable destructive fishing practices are illegal to harvest blue crabs. There is no evidence that the illegal use of dynamite, poisons, and other destructive fishing practices are currently being used to harvest blue crabs.
1.8. Resourcing the management system No changes have occurred in the “resourcing the management system” clause since the blue crab certification in October 2016.
Adequate management resources are currently available for the LDWF to execute the blue crab management system and to demonstrate that the fishery conforms to the Gulf Standard. Allocation of resources for the management system is determined in part from each of three institutions (the Legislature, LWFC, and the LDWF). The Legislature approves the LDWF annual budget. The Legislature and LWFC may pass blue crab management legislation or rules that require the LDWF to allocate the necessary monetary resources to comply. Additionally, Act No 311 (R.S. 56:1948) in 2010 provided for the transfer of funds from the Louisiana Artificial Reef Fund into the LDWF seafood certification program.
1.9 Research priorities and cooperation between institutions No changes have occurred in “research priorities and cooperation between institutions” clause since the blue crab certification in October 2016.
Research priorities for the Louisiana blue crab fishery and stock have been identified in Guillory et al. (1996), Bourgeois et al. (2014), and West et al. (2014). According to Bourgeois et al. (2014), the LDWF prioritizes future research funds according to several factors, including the following:
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. Whether it fits the agency’s mission; . Whether it can be adequately funded; . Whether it can be reasonably expected to produce answers to specific management questions; . Whether it can be reasonably undertaken without compromising other capabilities and efforts; . Whether it has or will have the support of stakeholders; . Whether it has or can engender cooperation with other researchers, managers, user groups, and/or the general public.
The LDWF and local universities or colleges and other GOM states through the GSMFC have partnered numerous times on blue crab fishery and resource projects.
1.10 Promotion of research priorities No changes have occurred in the “promotion of research priorities” clause since the blue crab certification in October 2016.
State and Gulf-wide and research relevant to blue crab have been promoted by fostering relationships and information exchange with other states, universities and colleges, and external scientific bodies and fishery organizations. Individual GOM states were encouraged to perform recommended research projects in the GSMFC GOM blue crab FMP (Guillory et al., 2001b). This regional cooperation has resulted in numerous cooperative research projects and publications. The LDWF also participates with the SEAMAP program in GOM waters. SEAMAP is a cooperative state-federal program for the collection, management, and dissemination of fishery- independent biological and environmental data in offshore waters in the GOM.
1.11 Monitoring of socio-economic dimensions of fishery No changes have occurred in the “monitoring of socio-economic dimensions of the fishery” clause since the blue crab certification in October 2016.
The Louisiana fishery dependent trip ticket program (Bourgeois et al., 2014) monitors harvest of blue crabs at the point of initial sale and later transfers of product by wholesale/retail seafood dealers and provides valuable and previously unavailable socio-economic data for detailed economic analyses that meet the Legislature, LWFC, or LDWF needs. Any new blue crab state statute or LWFC rule requires a Fiscal and Economic Impact Statement or a Fiscal Note, respectively. Socio-economic data obtained from the trip ticket monitoring program is also used by the LDWF for research, fishery monitoring, and management recommendations.
1.12 Managing fishing capacity No new regulations have been adopted concerning the “managing fishing capacity” clause since the blue crab certification in October 2016.
Implementation of fishing effort restrictions are available within the legal authorities of the Legislature, LWFC, and LDWF Secretary although historically there have been social and political constraints to limiting effort and access to the blue crab fishery. Except for two temporary license moratoriums and local crab trap closures to collect derelict crab traps, the Louisiana blue crab fishery has been an open access fishery with no restrictions on total numbers of fishermen, trap limits, or seasonal closures prior to 2015. However, blue regulations adopted in 2014 and later may have influenced overall fishing effort as measured by number of fishing trips and overall harvest. In 2014, Legislative Act 540 (LA R.S. 305.6) provided for specific entrance education and training requirements for commercial crab trap fishermen whom did not have crab trap licenses for two years during the 2011-2014 period.
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The number of commercial crab trap licenses steadily declined from 3382 in 2014 to 2588 in 2017. The number of recreational crab trap licenses, however, which was not included in LA R.S 305.6, increased from 6115 in license year 2014 (7/1/14-6/30/15) to 6761 in license year 2017 (7/1/17 to 6/30/18); the license total for license year 2017 will probably be adjusted higher by the end of the license year. The LWFC (Title 76, Chapter 3, Section 346) implemented seasonal blue crab fishery closures for a 30-day period beginning on the third Monday in February for 2017, 2018 and 2019. The Legislature in 2017 approved Act 153 (LA R.S. 56:332) which provided that anytime crab harvest is closed for biological or technical reasons, the LWFC my prohibit crab traps for the duration of the closure. Finally, in 2015 the commercial gear license fee was increased from 35 to 50 dollars (Act 303, LA R.S. 305.2)
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8.1.2. A2 – Fundamental Clause 2 Gulf States fishery management organizations shall implement monitoring and control systems (MCS) to allow for effective enforcement of management measures and their associated rules and regulations. (FAO CCRF (1995) 6.1, 6.10, 7.1, 7.7, 8.1, 8.2; FAO Eco (2009) 29.5)
Supporting Clauses: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 Evidence Rating: Low Medium High Non-conformance: Critical Major Minor None SUMMARY EVIDENCE Gulf States fishery management organizations implement monitoring and control systems (MCS) to allow for effective enforcement of management measures and their associated rules and regulations. In Louisiana effective mechanisms have been established for fisheries monitoring, surveillance, and control and to ensure compliance with the conservation and management measures for the blue crab fishery. EVIDENCE Should briefly address each of the supporting clause and focus in on areas where there have been any changes/or where weaknesses have previously been identified.
2.1. Fishery Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) systems No changes have occurred in the “fishery monitoring, control, and surveillance (MSC) systems” clause since the blue crab certification in October 2016 although additional enforcement data are available.
Effective mechanisms have been established for fisheries monitoring, surveillance, and control and to ensure compliance with the conservation and management measures for the blue crab fishery. The LDWF Law Enforcement Division (LED) is a fully-commissioned state-wide law enforcement agency with the primary mission of enforcing Legislative regulations, LWFC rules, and any LDWF Secretary actions to help protect Louisiana's natural resources. In 2012, there was an observed compliance rate of 97.8% for commercial fisheries excluding oysters. LDWF also provides education and training programs which includes information on blue crab regulations (see Clause 2.3).
The types and numbers of blue crab violations in 2012 and 2016-2017 are summarized below. Number and percentages of crab violations recorded by LDWF LED in 2012 and from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017. Number (Percent) Violation 2012 2016-2017 Taking/Possess immature females as per 76 Part VII:346 NA 16 (22.8%) Taking/Possess berry females 0 (0%) 0 (0%) Theft of crab trap(s) 23 (19.5%) 14 (20.0%) Use crab traps without required markings 31 (26.2%) 10 (7.0%) Destroy legal crab traps or removing contents 12 (10.2%) 8 (11.4%) Tending crab traps illegal hours 7 (5.9%) 6 (8.6%) Taking crabs closed season as per 76 Part VII:346 NA 5 (7.1%) Possess or sell undersized crabs (10% to 19%) 8 (6.8%) 4 (5.7%) Possess or sell undersized crabs (20%) 7 (5.9%) 0 (0%) Set crab traps in navigable channels 18 (15.2%) 2 (2.8%) Fail to comply with stone crab requirements 0 (0%) 1 (1.4%) Fail to remove unserviceable traps 0 (0%) 1 (1.4%) Possess over 20% undersized crabs 7 (5.9%) 1 (1.4%) Take/possess over limit blue crabs (144/person) 0 (0%) 1 (1.4%) Violate crab trap escape ring requirements 3 (2.5%) 1 (1.4%)
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Taking crabs with illegal gear 1 (0.8%) 0 (0%) Fail to mark softshell container 1 (0.8%) 0 (0%) Total Violations 118 70
Several new regulations (ban on taking/possessing immature females effective 1/1/17; new escape ring requirements effective 11/1/17; seasonal crap trap closures effective 1/1//7) were recently implemented that may have influenced enforcement priorities. Taking/possessing immature females was the most prevalent violation from 7/1/16 to 6/30/17 although the ban only came into effect on 1/1/17. The new escape ring measures became effective on 11/1/17 and an increase in escape ring violations may occur in the future.
The LDWF provides education and training programs to improve the skills of fishers and their understanding of the law. The recently established Louisiana Fisheries Forward (LFF) program provides mandated training for new commercial crab trap fishermen, which includes courses on fishing regulations and good resource practices (see Clause 2.3).
2.2. Sanctions for non-compliance No changes have occurred in the “sanctions for non-compliance” clause since the blue crab certification in October 2016.
Sanctions are enforceable, adequate in severity, and have increasing levels of penalties; consequently, they are effective in securing compliance and discouraging violations. LA R.S. 56:31-37.1 defines penalties for eight classes of violations (Class 1 to Class 8), with increasing levels of penalty that may include fines, jail time, loss of fishing license, and forfeiture of property and catch. For the lowest level Class 1 sanction, RS 56:31 specifies a first offense penalty of a fine of $50 or imprisonment for not more than fifteen days, or both. For the highest level Class 8 violation, RS 56:37.1 specifies that the fine shall not be less than $5,000 nor more than $7,000 and the violator may be imprisoned in jail for not less than sixty days nor more than six months. Intermediate penalties apply between these two extremes. In addition, repetitive offenses for some of the class violations result in increased penalties. Class 4 violations include gear theft, improper gear, harvesting egg-bearing females and tending crab pots at night. Some violations may lead to license suspension. A second or subsequent violation of the same provision of Class 4 violation may result in license suspension for the period in which it was issued and for one year thereafter. A Class 5 violation shall result in license suspension for the period in which it was issued and for one year thereafter.
2.3. Education and training programs No changes have occurred in the “education and training programs” clause since the blue crab certification in October 2016 although additional data are available.
LDWF provides education and training programs to improve the skills of fishermen and their understanding of the law through the Aquatic Outreach Section, which implements the LFF program. The LFF program promotes public awareness and advises all sectors of the Louisiana’s commercial fishing industry, including fishermen, dock owners, processors, and distributors on various fishery and industry related topics.
New commercial crab gear requirements program was recently approved in 2014 by the State Legislature (Act 40, R.S. 56:305.6) in response to a crab industry request concerning mandatory training for new crab fisherman. Anyone wishing to obtain a commercial crab trap license must first complete a training program unless they held a commercial crab trap license in any two years from 2011 to 2014. From 11/1/14 to part of 2017, there were 553 applicants to the program; of these, 268 completed the program and 92 were approved and 14 were conditionally approved or in review.
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8.2. Section B. Data Collection, Stock Assessment and Scientific Advice 8.2.1. B3 – Fundamental Clause 3 Adequate data and/or information are collected, maintained and assessed in accordance with applicable international standards and practices for evaluation of the current state and trends of the stocks. (FAO CCRF (1995) 6.4, 7.3, 7.4, 8.4, 12; FAO Eco (2009) 29, 31)
Supporting Clauses: 3.1 and sub-clauses, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8 , 3.9 and sub-clauses Evidence Rating: Low Medium High Non-conformance: Critical Major Minor None SUMMARY EVIDENCE Fishery-dependent and fishery-independent data are collected in a routine and consistent manner to allow for scientifically robust assessment of: 1) the state of the stock relative to the management elected reference points or suitable substitutes or other performance indicators; 2) the performance of the fishery with respect to the utilization of the resource; 3) the performance of management measures, harvest controls and associated rules that support the strategy and the defined objectives of the fishery and 4) the impact of the fishery on the ecosystem and other identified impacts.
Data review and analysis consider and take sufficient account of all fishery removals of the target stock(s) including retained catch and discards in target and non-target fisheries. Data review and analysis consider and take sufficient account for catches and discards of other commercial and non-commercial species associated with fishing activity to the extent that impacts on these species can be understood. Data is collected and research advanced to improve the understanding of the biology, life-cycle and reproductive cycle of the stock under consideration, its geographic range, its habitat and role in the ecosystem, to improve management of the fishery.
There is a formal process by which fisher knowledge can be incorporated and influence fishery management. There is an established scientific survey and system of checks of harvest data to both generate and verify data. LDWF uses the best available scientific data and provides stock assessment information and related advice for the objectives of fisheries management.
EVIDENCE Should briefly address each of the supporting clause and focus in on areas where there have been any changes/or where weaknesses have previously been identified.
3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6 and 3.7. Data collection review and analysis There are several sources of information used by LDWF to meet the preceding requirements. Annual catch is based upon the sum of commercial and recreational harvest. Annual Louisiana blue crab commercial harvest is derived from NMFS statistical records, 1968 – 1998, and the LDWF Trip Ticket program, 1999 – 2016. The validity of using these different sources of information (LDWF and NMFS) for landings data was verified in the Full Assessment Report. Consequently, there is high confidence in linking the two sources of data for commercial landings. Most blue crab landings come from the blue crab fishery. Landings from other gear types account for less than 0.5% of the total volume of annual blue crab landings in Louisiana. Blue crabs caught in skimmers, trawls, and butterfly nets are seldom targeted and are considered incidental catch in shrimp fisheries. A time-series of recreational harvest records currently does not exist. The recreational harvest is estimated conservatively at 5% of the commercial harvest, which was deemed reasonable in the Full Assessment Report.
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Blue crab abundance indices are derived from the LDWF fishery-independent trawl survey, 1967 – 2016, for life stages relative to the fishery. These include: 1) adult or exploitable crabs (i.e., ≥125 mm carapace width--CW), 2) juveniles or crabs that will recruit to the fishery during the survey year (i.e., by December 31st), and 3) young-of- the year or crabs that will not recruit to the fishery during the survey year. Due to size selectivity of the survey gear, crabs <25 mm CW are excluded from index development. Mean catch per tow and its variance are calculated by assuming a delta-lognormal distribution which is appropriate for lognormally distributed survey datasets when a high proportion of zero catches occurs (Full Assessment Report).
Estimates of effort are derived from the trip ticket system. Since 1999, LDWF has monitored harvest of blue crabs at the point of initial sale through a trip ticket program. Under the program, wholesale/retail seafood dealers purchasing or acquiring crab from commercial fishermen must complete a commercial trip ticket at the time of purchase or transfer of the catch from the fisherman to the dealer. Further details on the trip ticket system are provided in the Full Assessment Report. This information combined with that on landings provides a measure of CPUE by the fishery, which is an indicator of the performance of the fishery in terms of its efficiency. This estimate of CPUE is based on fishery-dependent data, and differs from the CPUE estimates based on the fishery- independent surveys.
The potential ecosystem impacts of the blue crab fishery pertain to habitat, the food web and its function, species of concern, and endangered, threatened or protected species. Critical habitats in coastal Louisiana include salt marshes and mangroves, oyster reefs, and seagrass beds. In general, sandy bottom and muddy bottom habitats, where most crabbing activities occur, are less affected by traps than sensitive habitats such as seagrass beds or non-vegetated live bottom including stony corals, gorgonians and sponges. Salt marshes are widespread throughout the Louisiana coastal zone, but the blue crab fishery does not operate within the salt marshes and is thus not a concern. There is very little mangrove habitat along the Louisiana coast, and is also not a concern because the blue crab fishery does not operate within mangroves as with salt marshes. Oyster reefs occur patchily throughout Louisiana’s shallow waters. Although there is the potential for impacts by the blue crab trap fishery on oyster reefs due to their co-occurrence in shallow coastal waters and embayments, crabbers will typically not set traps on the reefs because of probable damage to their vessels and because the reefs attract blue crabs which then will be available to enter crab traps. Hence, impacts to the oyster reefs by crabbing are minimized. Seagrass beds only occur along the western shore of the Chandeleur Islands in Louisiana. The most likely impacts of the crab trap fishery on seagrass beds in this region would be either through vessel propeller damage or through scouring by traps moved by the currents. Derelict traps may also have smothering effects on seagrass beds, similar to the damage caused by active traps. Given that crabbers need to handle their traps when the water depth is adequate for their vessel, it is not likely that propeller damage is significant. Regarding the effects of crab trap scouring by derelict and active crab traps, there is no specific information for the effects of the blue crab fishery on Louisiana seagrass beds, but this issue has not been identified as one of concern either in the Gulf of Mexico or along the Atlantic Ocean.
The data needed for this requirement include catch and discards from target and non-target fisheries. Annual target-fishery catch is based upon the sum of commercial and recreational harvest (Full Assessment Report). Annual Louisiana blue crab commercial harvest is derived from NMFS statistical records, 1968-1998, and the LDWF Trip Ticket program, 1999-2016. Annual catch is based upon the sum of commercial and recreational harvest. Most blue crab landings come from the blue crab fishery. Landings from other gear types account for less than 0.5% of the total volume of annual blue crab landings in Louisiana (Full Assessment Report). Approximate annual average landings from other gear types are: skimmer nets (63,000 pounds), wire nets (54,000 pounds), otter trawls (38,500 pounds), butterfly nets (25,800 pounds), and trotlines (22,500 pounds). Blue crabs caught in skimmers, trawls, and butterfly nets are seldom targeted and are considered incidental catch in shrimp fisheries.
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A time-series of recreational harvest records currently does not exist. The recreational harvest is estimated conservatively at 5% of the commercial harvest, which was deemed reasonable in the Full Assessment Report.
Crab traps can catch non-targeted finfish, other vertebrates, and invertebrates. Data needed for catch and discards from target and non-target fisheries is derived from the sum of commercial and recreational harvest. LDWF has conducted a number of studies to measure bycatch in the blue crab fishery, including short-term and state-wide projects. LDWF also has a history of such studies on fishery-related topics going back at least 50 years (Full Assessment Report) and maintains a wide range of contacts within management, academic, and fishing communities, so that issues of concern can be brought to LDWF’s attention and addressed. The most extensive bycatch study of blue crab traps in Louisiana waters was recently conducted by LDWF (LDWF unpublished report, February 2015). This survey was designed to collect and analyze data on incidental bycatch in the Louisiana crab trap fishery with special emphasis on diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin). The survey began in December 2012 within the Lake Pontchartrain, Vermilion/Teche River and Sabine River basins and became fully implemented by January 2013 with trap sets/runs taking place in all of the major coastal basins through June 2015. The initial results were provided in the Full Assessment Report. LDWF provided an update on the study, as follows. Additional bycatch data included species taken by crab gear and reported through the trip ticket system. The data were compiled from all the commercial trip ticket data from Louisiana, 1999 through 2016. Values are the total landings over the 17-year period, divided into landings per year. If there were fewer than 10 reports of landings over the 17-year time period, those values have been deleted to protect confidential landings information. Except for sea bobs, unclassified shad, and greater amberjack, all of those values were less than 1,000 pounds over the time span. None of the taxa exceeded 15,000 pounds over the time period. Some of those taxa (e.g. brown shrimp, white shrimp, amberjack, pompano, and crawfish) are probably taken by other gear on the trip, and only the primary gear on the trip is reported on the ticket. The bycatch information is therefore adequate.
The state of Louisiana and federal government list several species in the coastal zone of Louisiana that are under some form of protection (Full Assessment Report). Of the 16 listed species, only the diamondback terrapin, bottlenose dolphin, and manatee are likely to have interactions with the blue crab fishery. Diamondback terrapin issues have been discussed previously (Full Assessment Report). Bottlenose dolphin and manatee are most likely to interact with the blue crab fishery by being entangled in crab trap lines. However, there are relatively few interactions between the crab trap fishery and these species (Full Assessment Report). The blue crab fishery is considered a Class III fishery, which is one in which annual mortality and serious injury of a stock is less than or equal to 1% of the PBR (potential biological removal) level (i.e., a remote likelihood or no known incidental mortalities and serious injuries of marine mammals). Consequently, the blue crab fishery does not currently pose serious threats to endangered, threatened, protected, and candidate species of concern.
Crab traps can incidentally catch undersized blue crabs. To reduce this bycatch, the state revised their requirements such that crab traps must have a minimum of three escape rings, with a minimum size of 2-3/8 inches in inside diameter, per trap, with two rings placed in the trap’s upper chamber. The revised requirements also remove escape ring exemptions for crab traps placed in Lake Pontchartrain; crab traps constructed of square wire mesh of 2-5/16 inches or greater are still exempt. These new requirements are intended to reduce incidental capture of undersized blue crabs but will potentially reduce other bycatch as well.
Derelict traps are those that have been discarded, lost, or abandoned. Traps can be accidentally lost if they are separated from their buoys by storms, passing boats, or other reasons. Derelict traps can “ghost fish” and continue to capture blue crabs and other species. Louisiana implemented several management measures to minimize trap loss as well as the impact of derelict traps, including requiring proper disposal of unserviceable crab traps, mandating the use of solid floats with non-floating lines, requiring trap placement that allows vessels to safely
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navigate waters, requiring traps to have multiple escape rings, and sponsoring an annual derelict trap removal program. This program includes an educational element designed to reduce the number of traps lost annually and lessen the impacts of traps in the environment and also collects data on the number and types of animals found in the recovered traps. In addition, to obtain a commercial crab trap gear license, a fisherman must either possess a valid commercial crab trap licenses during any two license years between 2011 and 2014 or enroll in and complete a professionalism program established by the Commission. Louisiana Sea Grant and LDWF jointly conduct a derelict crab trap removal program, which had removed over 24,000 traps through 2014.
The state of Louisiana, as represented by LDWF, is a member of the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, which coordinates fishery management, stock assessment and research efforts across the northern Gulf of Mexico and which has produced a regional fishery management plan for the blue crab and a Gulf-wide stock assessment for the blue crab (Full Assessment Report), which contain a comprehensive summary of the life-history, biology and ecology of the blue crab relevant for fishery management. Consequently, there is significant information on the biology, life-cycle, reproductive patterns, population structure, habitat relationships and ecosystem role of the blue crab based on extensive field, lab and modeling research.
The state of Louisiana produced a fishery management plan for its blue crab fishery (Full Assessment Report), which provided a comprehensive review of the blue crab’s stock structure, biology, life history, ecology, fishery, and ecosystem function. In addition, the LDWF has various research projects underway to fill research gaps on ecosystem effects, such as those of bycatch mortality, and it has identified the following high-priority research needs: (1) Revised estimates of natural mortality, age, growth and longevity; (2) Assessment of regional or basin- specific sub-populations; (3) Factors influencing year-class strength and the survival of recruits to exploitable life stages; (4) The relationship between wetlands losses and the continuation of fishery production within Louisiana; (5) Estimates of total mortality from all sources for use in stock assessments; (6) Development of predictive models that take into account an understanding of predator-prey relationships; (7) Understanding of the relationship between changing environmental conditions and continued production of the Louisiana blue crab fishery; and (8) Migration patterns. Some of these research needs are currently being funded through the RESTORE program, and results made available as they are produced by investigators.
The blue crab management framework consists of state, regional, and federal organizations plus an industry group. Key institutions include the LWFC and the LDWF with local input from the CTF (Crab Task Force) and regional input from the GSMFC. Both the LWFC and the LDWF must comply with the Louisiana Administrative Procedures Act which provides an opportunity for public input into the rule-making process. Three members of the LWFC are electors of the coastal parishes and representatives of the commercial fishing and fur industries. The other four members are electors from the state at large, other than representatives of the commercial fishing and fur industries. The law requires the LWFC to hold an open meeting at least once per month and requires all decisions to be made in open meetings. The Legislative Natural Resources committees in both the House and the Senate have the right to review any non-emergency action of the LDWF Secretary or WLFC and consequently provide oversight. The committees may approve or disapprove a proposed action but not modify it. The CTF operates within the LDWF administrative framework and the LDWF maintains its website. The purpose of the CTF is to optimize Louisiana's crab industry, and to advise LDWF and the LWFC on matters pertaining to the management and development of the crab industry. Meetings of the CTF are open to the public. Issues raised by the CTF are brought to the LWFC and/or LDWF if regulatory action is required. The CTF can also initiate legislation through the LWDF.
The collection of fishery-dependent and fishery-independent data is rigorous precluding the need for scientific observer schemes. See Full Assessment Report for details.
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The requirements of Clause 3.7 relate to the two management-elected reference points, which include a level of exploitable biomass and a corresponding fishing mortality rate based upon the history of the fishery, a surrogate for MSY derived from estimates of Spawning Stock Biomass, and estimates of effort by the fishery. See Full Assessment Report for details. The data required for to meet these requirements is collected annually, as previously explained in this section.
The information is used in stock assessments conducted at regular intervals (West et al. 2011, 2014), and in updates to the most recent stock assessment. The stock assessments are used to determine the status of the fishery. A new stock assessment will be conducted in early 2018 due to the overfished status of the fishery and to overfishing by the fishery. The stock assessments use a catch-survey/Collie-Sissenwine analysis (Collie and Sissenwine 1983). The model is intended for data moderate situations where a full age structure is lacking, and it balances the number of individuals from the juvenile life stage to that for exploitable-size crabs, given constant natural mortality, while scaling these values to harvest. The data requirements are a time-series of landings and corresponding abundance indices for juvenile and adult life stages, an estimate of instantaneous natural mortality, and the relative selectivity of the juvenile and adult life stages to the survey gear. Assumptions of the catch-survey model are: (i) the stock is closed to migration, (ii) natural mortality occurs at a constant rate, and (iii) all surviving recruits will grow into the fully-recruited stage within the model year. Survey indices of abundance are assumed proportional to absolute abundance. Crabs greater than 25 mm in carapace width are assumed to be equally vulnerable to the survey gear.
The previous assessments (West et al. 2011, 2014) established precautionary limits to fishing by requiring that exploitable biomass not fall below the three lowest levels observed (1968 – 2009) where the stock demonstrated sustainability (i.e., no observed declines in recruitment over a wide-range of exploitable biomasses). This is equivalent to maintaining the stock above a limit spawning potential ratio (SPR; Goodyear, 1993).
Louisiana blue crab data does not allow for reliable estimates of MSY. The assessments therefore define a limit based upon the history of the fishery (i.e., a 19.1% SPRlimit). The fishing mortality rate limit Flimit and SSBlimit that -1 are equivalent to this SPRlimit were estimated as 0.98 year and 16.4 million pounds, respectively (West et al. 2014). To define the targets of fishing, (i.e., SSB, F, and SPR) sufficiently far from the limits as a buffer from random variability of the environment, the biomass target reference point (SSBtarget) is defined as SSBlimit×1.5 = 24.6 million -1 pounds. This biomass is achieved when there is an equilibrium SPRtarget of 28.7% and Ftarget of 0.75 year .
3.8. Stock Assessment, Management targets and limits This requirement is not relevant because LDWF is using specific information on the stock under consideration.
3.9. (i) and (ii) Appropriateness of management targets and limits The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission adopted a resolution on February 6, 2014 establishing the following policy based on the overfishing and overfished limits and targets of fishing described above: “Should the fishing mortality or exploitable biomass exceed the overfished or overfishing limits, or exceed the targets for three consecutive years, as defined in the most current Louisiana blue crab stock assessment, LDWF shall come before the Commission with an updated assessment and a series of management options for the Commission to review and act upon, intended to keep the fishery from becoming overfished, and that management options for review and action shall include provisions for emergency closures, time based closures, and spatial closures.”
Assessment of stock status is conducted annually based on indices of exploitable biomass generated by the LDWF fishery-independent blue crab survey, and on estimates of fishing mortality generated using harvest data from the LDWF Trip Ticket system and exploitable biomass estimates (Full Assessment Report). Louisiana blue crab data do not allow for reliable estimates of MSY. The assessment therefore defines a limit based upon the history of the
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fishery (i.e., a 19.7% SPRlimit). The fishing mortality rate limit Flimit and SSBlimit that are equivalent to this SPRlimit were estimated as 0.96 year-1 and 17.1 million pounds, respectively (LDWF updated assessment, 2016). To define the targets of fishing, (i.e., SSB, F, and SPR) sufficiently far from the limits as a buffer from random variability of the environment, the biomass target reference point (SSBtarget) was defined as SSBlimit×1.5 = 25.4 million pounds. -1 This biomass is achieved when there is an equilibrium SPRtarget of 29.6% and Ftarget of 0.74 year .
An update of the history of the Louisiana blue crab landings, effort, and stock relative to the reference points is illustrated in Figure 4, Figure 5 and Figure 6. Landings have been relatively stable since 2011, but the effort required to reach the landings has risen significantly since 2013 (Figure 4). Hence, Catch Per Unit Effort has declined substantially since 2013.
Figure 4. Landings and effort through 2015.
Fishing mortality rates exceeding Flimit (or ratios of F/Flimit >1.0) indicate overfishing; stock biomasses below SSBlimit (or ratios of SSB/SSBlimit <1.0) indicate an overfished condition. The 2014 estimate of F/Flimit was 0.97, suggesting that the stock has not been experiencing overfishing recently, but is very close to the limit as it was in 2012 (Figure 5). The 2015 estimate of SSB/SSBlimit was 0.83, suggesting that the stock was overfished, as it was in 2013 (Figure 6). These reference points are consistent with the continuing low indices of abundance for juveniles and adults (Figure 7errp).
Figure 5. Estimated fishing mortality and nominal fishing effort through 2014 and 2015, respectively.
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Figure 6. Biomass of juveniles and adults through 2015.
Figure 7. Adult and juvenile indices of abundance from the LDWF trawl survey.
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8.3. Section C: Management Objectives for the Stock 8.3.1. C4 – Fundamental Clause 4 The management system shall specify management objectives to achieve optimal utilization of the resource and ensure that the stock is not overfished and that overfishing is not occurring. (FAO CCRF (1995) 6, 7.2, 7.3; FAO Eco (2009) 28, 29)
Supporting Clauses: 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5 and sub clauses, 4.6 and sub-clauses, 4.7 and sub-clauses Evidence Rating: Low Medium High Non-conformance: Critical Major Minor None SUMMARY EVIDENCE The management system specifies management objectives to achieve optimal utilization of the resource and ensure that the stock is not overfished and that overfishing is not occurring. These objectives are outlined the blue crab FMP which integrates fishing, habitat, conservation, and socio-economic factors into a balanced strategy to maintain the long-term sustainability of the fishery. The provisions of the blue crab FMP act to ensure that short term considerations do not compromise the long-term management objectives for the resource. The mechanism for controlling harvest is identified, formally established and implemented in accordance with the best available scientific information. The last stock assessment of blue crab (West et al., 2016) found the blue crab stock to be overfished which initiated a response from management while also resulting in a number of non-conformance being raised during the initial assessment of this fishery. Management’s response to the blue crab stock constituted a set of corrective actions intended to allow the stock to rebuild to above its limit level. Progress towards implementing these corrective actions is discussed in detail in Section 9 Performance specific to agreed corrective action plans. During the initial assessment the Assessment Team was satisfied that managements’ response to the overfished status of blue crab demonstrated that measures, harvest control mechanisms and associated actions are sufficiently formalized so that management can effectively respond and take action to situations of impaired recruitment, overfishing or other negative outcomes. As the current mechanism for controlling harvest was only adopted in 2014, it is still not clear what its effectiveness will be in the long-term. Therefore, the long-term effectiveness of the harvest control mechanism will be continually monitored at annual surveillance audits.
EVIDENCE A brief synopsis of evidence relating to each supporting clause to Fundamental Clause 4 of the G.U.L.F. Standard is outlined below (note some closely related sub-clauses have been grouped). These synopses are intended to briefly address each of the supporting clauses and focus in on areas where there have been any changes since the initial assessment/last surveillance audit and/or where weaknesses have previously been identified.
4.1. Management objectives For the stock under consideration, documented management approaches and objectives are available that are expected to assist management in delivering long-term conservation objectives for the stock. Specific management objectives are outlined in the 2014 FMP (Bourgeois et al. 2014) which integrates fishing, habitat, conservation, and socio-economic factors into a balanced strategy to maintain long-term sustainability of the fishery. The 2011, 2014 and 2016 stock assessments provide the necessary guidelines to protect the blue crab resource (West et al. 2011; 2014a; 2014b; and 2016). The blue crab stock assessment will be updated every three years and blue crab abundance indices and fishing effort estimates will be summarized annually. As the stock is currently in an overfished condition LDWF have stated that an off-schedule stock assessment will be conducted in early 2018 (i.e. a year ahead of schedule) with the aim of assessing the efficacy of corrective measures enacted by management in 2016.
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4.2 and 4.3. Rebuilding objectives In the event of overfishing, there are objectives for the management system and actions taken to reduce fishing mortality to levels that have been identified as appropriate for high productivity and long term conservation. IN addition, where evidence shows biomass falling to levels where recruitment is impaired, there are objectives for the management system to allow for restoration of the stock.
The Louisiana Crab FMP details objectives to maintain fishing mortality and stock biomass at levels that have been identified as appropriate for long term conservation. These objectives are measured against limit and target reference points proposed in West et al., (2011) and approved the LWFC in a Resolution in 2014. The Resolution states that: “should the fishing mortality or exploitable biomass exceed the overfished or overfishing limits or exceed the targets for three consecutive years, the LDWF must appear before the LWFC to provide an update the stock assessment and recommend a series of management options (including emergency closures, time based closures, and spatial closures) intended to keep the fishery from becoming overfished by increasing the biomass to the minimum limit level and to reduce fishing mortality to the maximum limit level”.
The above statement effectively represents the harvest control rule (HCR) for the blue crab fishery and contains objectives for the management system to reduce fishing mortality/increase stock biomass to levels that have been identified as appropriate for high productivity and long term conservation.
As of the latest stock assessment (West et al., 2016), the blue crab stock was below the limit reference point and the stock is considered overfished. Figure 8 below shows the time-series of catch-survey model fishing mortality rates and exploitable biomass estimates relative to management benchmarks. In response managers enacted a number of measures to promote the rebuilding of the blue crab stock details. These measures constituted a set of corrective actions designed to meet a number of non-conformances raised during the initial assessment of the blue crab fishery and progress towards implementing these corrective actions is discussed in detail in Section 9 Performance specific to agreed corrective action plans.
Figure 8. Time-series of catch-survey model fishing mortality rates (top) and exploitable biomass (bottom) relative to management benchmarks (Source: West et al., 2016).
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A new stock assessment, updating stock status with information to the end of 2017, is expected in Spring 2018 the results of which will be examined at the 2018 surveillance audit in Fall 2018. Note if the 2018 shows further declines in the blue crab stock it may become necessary to conduct a more immediate review of the status of the fishery.
4.4 and 4.5. Objectives/goals for long-term sustainable use The Louisiana blue crab FMP (Bourgeois et al. 2014) defines long-term objectives for the fishery which act to ensure that short term considerations do not compromise the long-term sustainable use of the blue crab resource. These objectives include the maintenance of the stock at or above the levels necessary to ensure its continued biological productivity (Objectives 1 and 2) and the minimization of the negative impacts of fishing on the physical environment (Objective 6) and non-target species (Objective 4). The seven defined objectives are outlined below: 1. Prevent overfishing and ensure crabs are able to successfully reproduce and maintain the population. 2. Achieve a level of fishing capacity that provides for a sustainable harvest and allows for a profitable fishery while addressing other potentially related issues at the same time. 3. Minimize conflicts among user groups. 4. Minimize fishery impacts on undersized blue crabs and other non-targeted species. 5. Continue to collect fishery dependent and independent data to support blue crab stock assessments, especially with regard to estimating total mortality. 6. Promote research to better understand impact of environmental factors on blue crab populations as well as the blue crab fishery’s impacts on the ecosystem. 7. Promote research to improve knowledge of the commercial and recreational fisheries for blue crab, including harvest data and socioeconomic information, and enhance social and economic benefits derived from the use of the resource.
4.6. Formulation of management measures Management takes account of total fishing mortality from all significant sources, the size and health and relevant environmental, biological, technological, economic, cultural, social, and commercial aspects when determining suitable conservation and management measures. During the initial assessment of the fishery a minor non- conformance was initially raised due to a lack of confidence that bycatch of blue crab in the shrimp fishery was sufficiently accounted for when determining suitable conservation and management measures. However, following clarification and additional evidence provided by LDWF, the Assessment Team determined that sufficient evidence had been provided and the non-conformance was closed.
4.7. Management measures consistency with achieving MSY (or a suitable proxy) Existing Louisiana blue crab data does not allow for reliable estimates of MSY. GOM crab biologists do not recognize a stock recruit relationship for blue crab and feel that MSY does not particularly apply to an r-selected species such as blue crab. Management measures are therefore based on maintaining the stock above a recruitment overfishing threshold based upon the history of the stock and fishery and defined in terms of a spawning potential ratio limit. In addition there appears to be sufficient data to assess the state of the stock under consideration and management measures take into account the structure and composition of the stock under consideration, which contribute to its resilience. Limit reference points in place are considered suitable proxies for MSY given the stock demonstrated sustainability over the time period examined (i.e., no declines in recruitment over a wide range of exploitable biomass estimates). LDWF continues to look for model improvements to enable stock assessments to better take uncertainty into account in the model fitting process and in estimating stock status parameters. The full assessment report (West et al. 2016) provides for complete details of the current stock status and assessment methodology.
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8.3.2. C5 – Fundamental Clause 5 A suitable mechanism shall exist to allow the harvest to be increased or decreased in accordance with the objectives for achieving maximum sustainable yield (or a suitable proxy) or optimal yield, depending on the nature and state of the resource (s) and taking into consideration environmental, social and economic factors. (FAO CCRF (1995) 7.5, 7.6)
Supporting Clauses: 5.1, 5.2. Evidence Rating: Low Medium High Non-conformance: Critical Major Minor None SUMMARY EVIDENCE The mechanism for controlling harvest is identifiable, formally established and implemented in accordance with the best available scientific information. There is an adopted harvest control rule aimed at preventing overfishing or an overfished stock. Due to the ongoing situation where the stock is overfished and overfishing may be occurring, there remain doubts as to whether the harvest control rules in force are sufficiently precautionary to avoid overfishing and an overfished stock, as opposed to taking action once overfishing is occurring or the overfished condition is actually reached.
EVIDENCE Should briefly address each of the supporting clause and focus in on areas where there have been any changes/or where weaknesses have previously been identified.
5.1. Mechanism for controlling harvest The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) most recently assessed the blue crab stock in Louisiana waters in 2014 (West et al. 2014) and will be conducting a full stock assessment in early 2018. The assessment characterizes the relative productivity of Gulf blue crab based on life-history characteristics with a classification scheme developed at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Second Technical Consultation on the Suitability of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Criteria for Listing Commercially-Exploited Aquatic Species (FAO 2001; Table 1). Each life history characteristic (von Bertalanffy growth rate, age at maturity, longevity, and natural mortality rate) was assigned a rank (low=1, medium=2, and high=3) and then averaged to compute an overall productivity score. In this case, the overall productivity score is 3 for Gulf blue crab, indicating high productivity and resilience.
The assessment defines exploitable biomass as crabs 125 mm (4.9 inches) in carapace width or larger (the regulatory size limit is 5 inches) and uses exploitable biomass as a measure for spawning stock biomass in the development of reference points. Accordingly, the previous assessment (West et al. 2014) defined precautionary targets and explicit limits of fishing as conservation standards to ensure future sustainability of the Louisiana blue crab stock.
A fishing mortality rate (F) exceeding Flimit indicates overfishing. As this limit is defined in the most recent assessment, the Louisiana blue crab stock is not currently experiencing overfishing, but the estimated F for 2014 is very close to Flimit, indicating that precautionary fishery measures are needed. Furthermore, estimates of fishing mortality are not available for the terminal year of the assessment (2015). Trends in fishing effort relative to estimated F suggest that fishing mortality in 2015 is near or may have exceeded Flimit.
A spawning stock biomass (SSB) level below SSBlimit indicates that blue crab is overfished. As this limit is defined in the most recent assessment, the Louisiana blue crab stock was overfished in 2015 as it was in 2013. In addition, the 2012 through 2015 estimates of exploitable biomass were below SSBtarget.
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The Commission adopted a resolution on February 6, 2014 establishing an initial harvest control rule and with the following policy based on these reference points for overfishing and overfished limits: “Should the fishing mortality or exploitable biomass exceed the overfished or overfishing limits, or exceed the targets for three consecutive years, as defined in the most current Louisiana blue crab stock assessment, LDWF shall come before the Commission with an updated assessment and a series of management options for the Commission to review and act upon, intended to keep the fishery from becoming overfished, and that management options for review and action shall include provisions for emergency closures, time based closures, and spatial closures” (Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission 2014). It is not clear to date what the effectiveness of the adopted harvest control rules are given that they were only adopted in 2014.
The stock assessment is updated every three years and blue crab abundance indices and the number of fishing trips by blue crab trap fishermen are summarized annually. The last assessment was conducted in 2014 and another will be conducted in early 2018. Indices of abundance are produced annually (Figure 9). These indices indicate a long-term downward trend through 2015 since 2006 (Figure 9). The indices through 2016 (Figure 10), which were provided by LDWF to the assessment team, suggest that the long-term declines in abundance of juveniles and adults have stabilized at low levels of abundance since 2012. These trends are consistent with stabilization of the fishery through recent management measures, but also indicate that the measures may not be sufficient to trigger stock recovery.
Figure 9. Indices of abundance for juveniles and adults from the LDWF trawl survey, 1968-2015.
Figure 10. Indices of abundance for juveniles and adults from the LDWF trawl survey, updated through 2016.
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5.2. Management response to overfished/overfishing situations As reported in the previous clause, the Commission adopted a resolution on February 6, 2014 establishing an initial harvest control rule and with the following policy based on these reference points for overfishing and overfished limits: “Should the fishing mortality or exploitable biomass exceed the overfished or overfishing limits, or exceed the targets for three consecutive years, as defined in the most current Louisiana blue crab stock assessment, LDWF shall come before the Commission with an updated assessment and a series of management options for the Commission to review and act upon, intended to keep the fishery from becoming overfished, and that management options for review and action shall include provisions for emergency closures, time based closures, and spatial closures” (Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission 2014).
The stock assessment is updated every three years and blue crab abundance indices and the number of fishing trips by blue crab trap fishermen are summarized annually. Due to the ongoing situation where the stock is overfished and overfishing may be occurring, there remain doubts as to whether the harvest control rules in force are sufficiently precautionary to avoid overfishing and an overfished stock, as opposed to taking action once overfishing is occurring or the overfished condition is actually reached.
As expressed in the this and the previous clause, the currently adopted harvest control rules are sufficiently formalized so that management can effectively respond to situations of impaired recruitment and overfishing, but it is unclear whether they are sufficiently predictive of the case where there is an increasing risk of exceeding the harvest control rules or other negative outcomes are imminent.
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8.4. Section D: The Precautionary Approach 8.4.1. D6 – Fundamental Clause 6 The precautionary approach shall be implemented for the conservation of the “stock under consideration” and for avoiding long term, irreversible or slowly reversible effects on the aquatic environment. (FAO CCRF (1995) 6.5, 7.5; FAO Eco 2009 29.6, 30.4, 31.4, 32)
Supporting Clauses: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5 Evidence Rating: Low Medium High Non-conformance: Critical Major Minor None SUMMARY EVIDENCE The LDWF 2011 stock assessment model proposed maximum fishing mortality rates and minimum biomass levels to serve as proxies for maximum sustainable yield (MSY); these reference points are consistent with the precautionary approach. Any perceived uncertainty concerning the status of the Louisiana blue crab stock is adequately addressed through the LDWF stock assessment models and supported by other considerations that support the thesis that the current precautionary approach is adequate and that a more conservative fishing mortality than presently utilized is not deemed absolutely necessary.
EVIDENCE Should briefly address each of the supporting clause and focus in on areas where there have been any changes/or where weaknesses have previously been identified.
6.1 and 6.2. Accounting for uncertainty FAO Guidelines for the precautionary approach for fisheries management (FAO 1995) advocate a comprehensive management process that includes data collection, monitoring, research, enforcement, and review. More specifically, prior identification of desirable (target) and undesirable (limit) outcomes must be carried out and measures are required that will avoid undesirable outcomes with high probability and correct them promptly should they occur. The most recent Louisiana blue crab stock assessments were completed in 2011 (West et al. 2011) and 2014 (West et al. 2014). These stock assessments were the first to use an analytical model of stock dynamics of the Louisiana crab stock, which represents a credible, science-based approach to optimize utilization and to set reference points. Louisiana blue crab data does not allow for reliable estimates of MSY. The assessments therefore define a limit based upon the history of the fishery (i.e., a 19.1% SPRlimit). The fishing -1 mortality rate limit Flimit and SSBlimit that are equivalent to this SPRlimit were estimated as 0.98 year and 16.4 million pounds, respectively (West et al. 2014). To define the targets of fishing, (i.e., SSB, F, and SPR) sufficiently far from the limits as a buffer from random variability of the environment, the biomass target reference point (SSBtarget) is defined as SSBlimit×1.5 = 24.6 million pounds. This biomass is achieved when there is an equilibrium SPRtarget of -1 28.7% and Ftarget of 0.75 year . The targets of fishing (i.e., SSB, F, yield, and SPR) were not set so close to the limits that they would be exceeded by random variability of blue crab populations due to other unmeasured factors. Additionally, the model applies a precautionary approach by setting targets at a higher (x 1.5) level.
The LWFC adopted a resolution on February 6, 2014 establishing the following policy based on the proposed limits and targets of fishing: “Should the fishing mortality or exploitable biomass exceed the overfished or overfishing limits, or exceed the targets for three consecutive years, as defined in the most current Louisiana blue crab stock assessment, LDWF shall come before the Commission with an updated assessment and a series of management options for the Commission to review and act upon, intended to keep the fishery from becoming overfished, and that management options for review and action shall include provisions for emergency closures, time based closures, and spatial closures.”
Form 11b Issue 2 October 2017 Page 41 of 61 Audubon G.U.L.F. RFM Certification Scheme LA blue crab 1st Surveillance Report
A fishing mortality rate (F) exceeding Flimit indicates overfishing. As this limit is defined in the most recent assessment, the Louisiana blue crab stock is not currently experiencing overfishing, but the estimated F for 2014 is very close to Flimit, indicating that precautionary fishery measures are needed. Furthermore, estimates of fishing mortality are not available for the terminal year of the assessment (2015). Trends in fishing effort relative to estimated F suggest that fishing mortality in 2015 is near or may have exceeded Flimit. A spawning stock biomass (SSB) level below SSBlimit indicates that blue crab is overfished. As this limit is defined in the most recent assessment, the Louisiana blue crab stock was overfished in 2015 as it was in 2013. In addition, the 2012 through 2015 estimates of exploitable biomass were below SSBtarget.
Due to the ongoing situation where (i) the stock is overfished and overfishing may be occurring, (ii) effort is increasing, and (iii) indices of abundance for juveniles and adults have been declining and remain at low levels over the past 5 years, there remain doubts as to whether the harvest control rules in force are sufficiently precautionary to avoid overfishing and an overfished stock, as opposed to taking action once overfishing is occurring or the overfished condition is actually reached.
The preservation and enhancement of essential estuarine habitats to maintain or increase blue crab carrying capacity and reduce juvenile mortality to increase recruitment of blue crabs into the fishery should also be part of a long-term precautionary management strategy.
Uncertainty is accounted for through the (i) current stock assessment methodology, (ii) periodic stock assessments (2011, 2014, and 2018), (iii) annual updates of blue crab abundance indices, and (iv) annual updates of commercial fishing effort. Several other considerations support the thesis that the current precautionary approach can account for some of the uncertainty, such as newly adopted precautionary management regulations, closure of substantial coastal areas to commercial crabbing, blue crab blue crab life history traits, and lack of a stock-recruitment relationship for blue crab in the Gulf of Mexico.
6.3 and 6.4. Substitutes and proxies The LDWF blue crab stock assessments are based on a Collie-Sissenwine Catch Survey model that is widely accepted. This model is intended for data moderate situations where a full age structure is lacking and is appropriate for stocks with a weak stock-recruitment relationship, such as the blue crab. This model does not generate maximum sustainable yield (MSY) estimates. Consequently, substitutes or proxies for MSY are used in the stock assessments. The Technical Guidance on the Use of Precautionary Approaches to Implementing National Standard 1 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Full Assessment Report) presented default limit control rules consistent with the approach used by LDWF.
Proxies or substitutes were provided for MSY in the LDWF stock assessments. The current management system has implemented management actions according to the control rules. Monitoring of these proxies has not yet occurred because of the recent formal adoption in 2014; however, future monitoring should be adequate as specified within the current management system.
6.5. Actions in the absence of adequate scientific information The monitoring data provided in Louisiana’s programs provides superior base line data used in stock assessments and basic fisheries and resource monitoring. Additionally, The LDWF Office of Fisheries has extensive experience and expertise concerning responses to environmental incidents, user group conflicts, and biological resource issues.
Form 11b Issue 2 October 2017 Page 42 of 61 Audubon G.U.L.F. RFM Certification Scheme LA blue crab 1st Surveillance Report
8.5. Section E: Serious Impacts of the Fishery on the Ecosystem 8.5.1. E7 – Fundamental Clause 7 Adverse impacts of the fishery on the ecosystem shall be appropriately assessed and effectively addressed. Assessment shall be based on best available science, local knowledge where it can be objectively verified and using a suitable risk based management approach appropriate to the data available for determining most probable adverse impacts and taking into account the relevant environmental, economic, technological, social, and cultural aspects. (FAO CCRF (1995) 6, 7.2, 7.6, 8.4, 8.5, 12; FAO Eco (2009) 31)
7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 and sub-clauses, 7.5and sub-clauses, 7.6 and sub-clauses, 7.7and sub- Supporting Clauses: clauses, 7.8, 7.9. Evidence Rating: Low Medium High Non-conformance: Critical Major Minor None SUMMARY EVIDENCE LDWF conduct assessments and research related to fishery impacts on ecosystems and habitats and how environmental factors affect the fishery. The blue crab FMP has identified the most probable adverse impacts of the fishery on the ecosystem. Non-target stocks are sufficiently monitored to determine the impact exerted by the fishery. The blue crab fishery does not threaten these non-target stocks with recruitment overfishing or other impacts that are likely to be irreversible or very slowly reversible. The monitoring procedures and activities are robust enough to allow for objective and scientific verification of the risks and outcomes. Impacts of Louisiana’s blue crab fishery on habitat are low, because fishermen set crab traps over oyster reefs and sand/mud bottoms, which are less affected by traps than sensitive bottom habitats such as corals or grass beds. Commercial crabbing is prohibited in coastal State and National Wildlife Refuges.
There is formal recognition of populations of species identified as endangered, threatened and/or protected (ETP) in the geographic location of the fishery by national and state authorities within the context of the likely risk posed by the fishery under consideration. The role of the blue crab stock in the food web has been considered. The blue crab serves as prey for numerous, diverse predators, but it is not a preferred prey item for any single predator species, such that it is highly unlikely that reductions in blue crab abundance would lead directly to reductions of any specific predator species. Finally, evaluation of the most probable environmental factors that influence the abundance of the blue crab stock has been included in the overall evaluation of stock status and determination of exploitation rates.
EVIDENCE A brief synopsis of evidence relating to each supporting clause to Fundamental Clause 4 of the G.U.L.F. Standard is outlined below (note some closely related sub-clauses have been grouped). These synopses are intended to briefly address each of the supporting clauses and focus in on areas where there have been any changes since the initial assessment/last surveillance audit and/or where weaknesses have previously been identified.
7.1, 7.2 and 7.3. Monitoring fishery’s ecosystem impacts The most probable adverse impacts of the fishery on the ecosystem are considered, by collecting and taking into account available data from a variety of sources where its validity can be objectively verified. The Louisiana blue crab FMP includes detailed discussion on the most likely adverse ecosystem impacts on habitat, and non-target commercial and non-commercial species (Bourgeois et al. 2014). The potential ecosystem impacts of the blue crab fishery pertain to habitat, the food web and its function, species of concern, and endangered, threatened or protected species.
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Habitats The impacts of the blue crab fishery on critical habitats in the northern Gulf of Mexico including salt marshes, mangroves, seagrass beds and coral and oyster reefs can be estimated based on the type of habitat and the occurrence of habitats relative to the distribution of fishing effort. In general, sandy bottom and muddy bottom habitats, where most crabbing activities occur, are less affected by traps than sensitive bottom habitats such as seagrass beds or non-vegetated live bottom such as stony corals, gorgonians and sponges (Barnette, 2001). The impacts of the blue crab fishery on benthic habitats are likely minimal.
Food Web There is some understanding of the potential role of blue crabs in the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem (Guillory 2001, Hines 2007, Lipcius et al. 2007). The general food web of the blue crab is complex and involves a diverse set of predator-prey linkages. Numerous fish species, approx. 67 different species according to Guillory and Elliot (2001) are potentially predators on blue crabs (particularly juvenile crabs). The same study for that, red drum, sea catfish, black drum, sheepshead and spotted seatrout had the highest frequency of occurrence of blue crab in their diet. In addition to the 67 fish species identified, Guillory and Elliot (2001) also listed 12 known or potential invertebrate predators (including other blue crab), as well as 3 species of reptiles, 11 birds, and three mammals as predators on blue crabs.
Bycatch (Incidental Non-Target Species) Crab traps can catch non-targeted finfish, other vertebrates, and invertebrates. The most common incidental bycatch in crab traps includes small volumes of stone crabs and finfish including black drum, Atlantic croaker, southern flounder, spotted seatrout, and occasionally gag grouper. The most extensive bycatch study of blue crab traps in Louisiana waters has recently been conducted by LDWF (LDWF unpublished report, February 2015). This survey was designed to collect and analyze data on incidental bycatch in the Louisiana crab trap fishery with special emphasis on diamondback terrapins, and to collect and analyze blue crab sex, stage and size frequency distribution. The number of individual traps sampled from December 2012-January 2015 totalled 7,062 which resulted in 37 species of finfish and invertebrates bring captured and documented as bycatch, including six diamondback terrapins. In comparison to total blue crab catch with total bycatch, an average of 9.2 crabs was captured for each bycatch individual. Several non-target species are retained in the blue crab fishery including stone crab, white and brown shrimp, black drum and flounder. The blue crab fishery does not significantly affect any of these species. Cumulatively, volumes of retained species make up less than 5% in weight of the total blue crab catch, and the low quantities of incidental bycatch species pose no serious threat to the status of these species.
Endangered, Threatened and Protected Species The state of Louisiana and federal government list several species in the coastal zone of Louisiana that are under some form of protection. Of the 16 listed species, only the diamondback terrapin, bottlenose dolphin, and manatee are likely to have any interactions with the blue crab fishery. However, available evidence suggests that the blue crab fishery does not currently pose serious risks to these species; a more detailed summary of the likely impact of the blue crab fishery on diamondback terrapins is presented below.
Diamondback Terrapin Diamondback terrapins share some habitat with blue crab and may be incidentally in crab traps. Drowning of diamondback terrapins incidentally caught in crab traps has been identified as a concern in studies conducted in other states (Bishop 1983, Seigel and Gibbons 1995). A Florida study (Gandy and Turner 2014) found that habitat is likely the largest contributing factor for potential interactions with terrapins in the crab trap fishery with there being a significant catch rate of terrapins in the intertidal zone but otherwise minimal interaction.
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Diamondback terrapin has been designated as a species of special concern in Louisiana’s Wildlife Action Plan (primarily due to reductions in abundance in other parts of its range) and LDWF has conducted projects to better understand the current abundance and distribution of diamondback terrapin in Louisiana. As discussed previously, the most extensive bycatch study of blue crab traps in Louisiana waters was conducted by LDWF from 2012 to 2015 (LDWF unpublished report, February 2015) which placed a special emphasis on incidental bycatch of diamondback terrapins. The survey began in December 2012 within the Lake Pontchartrain, Vermilion/Teche River and Sabine River basins and became fully implemented by January 2013 with trap sets/runs taking place in all of the major coastal basins. Preliminary results through January 2015 from a total of 7,062 trap hauls showed a total of 6 diamondback terrapins being caught incidentally.
As there is sufficient specific information available and therefore there is no need to use generic evidence based on similar fishery situations, clauses 7.2 and 7.3 are not applicable to the blue crab fishery.
7.4. Fishery’s impacts on non-target species Non-target catches; including discards are monitored to determine the impact exerted by the blue crab fishery. There is evidence to suggest that the blue crab fishery does not threaten non-target stocks with recruitment overfishing or other impacts that are likely to be irreversible or very slowly reversible and if such impacts arise, effective remedial action shall be taken. Monitoring procedures and activities allow for objective and scientific verification of the risks and outcomes related to the blue crab fishery.
Crab traps can catch non-targeted finfish, other vertebrates, and invertebrates. The most common incidental bycatch in crab traps includes small volumes of stone crabs and finfish including black drum, Atlantic croaker, southern flounder, spotted seatrout, and occasionally gag grouper while several non-target species, including stone crab, white and brown shrimp, black drum and flounder, are also retained in the blue crab fishery. These impacts of the blue crab fishery on these stocks have been, and will continue to be, monitored by LDWF with available evidence to date suggesting that the blue crab fishery does not significantly affect any of these species.
A minor non-conformance (Non-conformance #3) was initially raised during the original assessment due to a lack of confidence that monitoring of bycatch of diamondback terrapin was sufficiently robust to verify the population status of the species in the long-term. Following clarification and additional evidence provided by LDWF, the Assessment Team determined that sufficient evidence had been provided and the non-conformance was closed.
7.5. Fishery’s habitat interactions Impacts of Louisiana’s blue crab fishery on habitat are low, because fishermen set crab traps near oyster reefs and sand/mud bottoms, which are less affected by traps than sensitive bottom habitats such as corals or grass beds. Commercial crabbing is prohibited in coastal State and National Wildlife Refuges.
7.6. Fishery’s impacts on Endangered, Threatened and Protected (ETP) species There is formal recognition of populations of species identified as endangered, threatened and/or protected (ETP) in the geographic location of the fishery by national and state authorities within the context of the likely risk posed by the fishery under consideration. As discussed previously the only ETP species that might potentially interact with the blue crab fishery are the diamondback terrapin, bottlenose dolphin, and manatee. However, available evidence suggests that the blue crab fishery does not currently pose serious risks to these species.
7.7. Fishery’s ecosystem interactions The role of the blue crab stock in the food web has been considered. The blue crab serves as prey for numerous, diverse predators, but it is not a preferred prey item for any single predator species, such that it is highly unlikely that reductions in blue crab abundance would lead directly to reductions of any specific predator species.
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Moreover, as long as the blue crab stock is maintained at sustainable levels, as determined through the stock assessment, there should be sufficient blue crab prey to satisfy the demands of its predators. Moreover, the predators of the blue crab are generalist predators that are not significantly affected by any single prey species. In the evaluation of Section B clauses, there has been a great deal of consideration of environmental drivers affecting the stock.
7.8 and 7.9. Habitat enhancement The Louisiana blue crab fishery is not an enhanced fishery; therefore, clauses 7.8 and 7.9 are not applicable to the blue crab fishery.
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8.5.2. E8 – Fundamental Clause 8 Where fisheries enhancement is utilized, assessment and monitoring shall consider natural reproductive components of the stock under consideration and ecosystem impacts. (FAO CCRF (1995) 9.1. 9.3)
Supporting Clauses: 8.1, 8.2. Evidence Rating: Low Medium High Non-conformance: Critical Major Minor None SUMMARY EVIDENCE
The Louisiana blue crab fishery is not an enhanced fishery, this clause is NOT APPLICABLE.
EVIDENCE The Louisiana blue crab fishery is not an enhanced fishery, this clause is NOT APPLICABLE.
8.1. Stock introductions and transfers of juveniles The Louisiana blue crab fishery is not an enhanced fishery, this clause is NOT APPLICABLE.
8.2. Impacts, from enhancement activities, The Louisiana blue crab fishery is not an enhanced fishery, this clause is NOT APPLICABLE.
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9. Performance specific to agreed corrective action plans In general during the initial assessment of the blue crab fishery scored highly against the conformance criteria contained in the G.U.L.F. RFM Standard. There were initially four non-conforming areas recorded by the Assessment Team. Two of these were addressed through the submission of further evidence. Corrective actions were implemented by managers to address the remaining two non-conforming areas. The ongoing effectiveness of these corrective actions will be reviewed annually at surveillance audits to; 1) confirm implementation and 2) evaluate their effectiveness over time as information becomes available. The two non-conformances raised during the initial assessment of the fishery for which corrective actions are in place are presented below.
9.1. Non-conformance 1 Non-conformance #1 (1 of 2 with corrective actions in place) Applicable clause 5.2 Measures, harvest control mechanisms and associated actions shall be designed for when overfished conditions are approached and these shall be sufficiently formalized so that management can effectively respond and take action to situations of impaired recruitment, overfishing or increasing risk of exceeding these or other negative outcomes. Non-conformance Minor Non-conformance Harvest control mechanisms and associated actions shall be sufficiently formalized so that management can effectively respond and take action to situations of impaired recruitment, overfishing or increasing risk of exceeding these or other negative outcomes.
Corrective actions LDWF have identified a set of corrective actions, some of which are already in place and others which will be implemented as appropriate including: . Professionalism program (Initiated November 2014 and on-going) . License fee increases (Initiated November 2014) . Ban on immature females (to be initiated January 2017) . Fishery Closure (3rd week of February to 2nd week of March for 2017, 2018 and 2019) (to commence in 2017) . Escape ring measures (To be implemented November 2017) Increase from 2 to 3 rings per trap Placement 2 to be in inner chamber Increase from 2 5/16 inch to 2 3/8 inch Removal of exemption for Lake Pontchartrain . Off-schedule stock assessment in early 2018 (to be conducted early-2018).
Progress Year 1 The three measures management had indicated, in their corrective action plan, would come into effect in 2017 have done so.
The ban on the harvest of immature females (albeit with some caveats) came into effect on January 1st 2017 and is set to be in place for 2017, 2018 and 2019.
The Blue Crab Seasonal Closure came into effect on January 1st 2017 and prohibits the commercial harvest of blue crabs and the use of all crab traps for a 30-day period beginning on the third Monday in February for the years 2017, 2018, and 2019. All crab traps remaining in state waters during the closure period are presumed to be engaged in active fishing and thus considered illegal.
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Both the ban on the harvest of immature females and the one month blue seasonal closure were enacted through the Louisiana Administrative Code, meaning they were enacted through the rule-making processes of the LWFC. The text of both these Resolutions can be read on pages 132 to 133 of Title 76, Wildlife and Fisheries of the Louisiana Administrative Code here.
The revised escape ring measures came into force in November 2017 (following a three year lead in period). The three year lead in period was designed to coincide with the expected lifespan of a commercial crab trap and give fishermen the chance to bring their traps in line with the new regulations as and when they replace their traps. As a result of fishermen bringing their traps in line with the new regulations as and when they replaced their traps LDWF LED agents suggested that the majority of traps have been in line with the new regulations long before they legally came into force.
The revised escape ring measures were enacted as part of a Revised Statute (R.S.) (i.e. they were enacted as law through the Louisiana State Legislature). The text of R.S. 56: 332. “Crabs; release of crabs in berry stage; method of taking crabs; time limitations; by-catch; penalties; abandoned crab trap removal program; escape rings” is available online here.
Conclusion Year 1 During the initial assessment of the blue crab fishery an evaluation of the potential impacts of the additional management measures was conducted. A brief analysis of the potential impacts of each of the three new measures that came into force in 2017 is presented below.
Ban on immature females LDWF figures indicate that the prohibition on the harvest of immature females will likely lead to an approx. 5% decrease in overall landings. Importantly however, all of this 5% decrease in overall landings will be to the benefit of immature females. It is therefore estimated that the measure should lead to an approx. 12.4% reduction in female mortality given a 60:40 male:female ratio in catches with resulting increases in the number of females surviving to maturity and an increased SPR ratio. Estimated effect: 5% decrease in total landings, 12.4% decrease in female landings.
Feb/March closure According to figures provided by LDWF this could lead to a 3% reduction in landings. However, there is a risk that the fishing effort eliminated will simply be displaced to the times before and after the closure. Communications during site visit indicated this is a time period when mature female crabs would be expected to be migrating offshore. Possibly the closure could therefore have positive impacts in ensuring migrating crab do not have to run the gauntlet of traps to get offshore to reproduce, but any positive benefit to females as a result of the closure likely depends on the level of displaced effort. Estimated effect: 3% decrease in landings (if effort not just displaced).
Ring size The new escape ring rule increasing rings from 2 to 3, with 2 to be in the inner chamber, and the minimum size from 2 5/16 inch to 2 3/8 inch may substantially decrease retention of sublegal blue crabs and subsequent capture and handling mortalities of larger sublegal blue crabs.
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In a study conducted in 1999 Guillory et al., compared two escape ring sizes (conveniently these were the old (2 5/16 inches) and new (2 3/8 inches) ring sizes. The study found that the percentage of sublegal catch was significantly greater in traps with 2 5/16 inches rings (i.e. the old ring size) than in traps with the 2 3/8 inches rings (i.e. the new ring size). Sublegal catches were reduced 67.3% and 78.4% in traps with the small and large rings, respectively when compared to control traps with no escape rings. Therefore the percent reduction of sublegal catch in the traps with the new ring size was approx. 11% greater than in the traps with the old ring size. Estimated effect: 11% decrease in sublegal (particularly large sublegal) landings
While it is not possible to quantify the positive influence of the increased ring size on overall mortality of blue crabs, the use of the larger ring size should reduce the numbers of particularly large sublegal crabs being retained. Total mortality of larger sublegal blue crabs is lower than smaller individuals and should result in more individuals being recruited into the fishery. In addition to changing the size of the escape ring the new regulations also increased the required number of rings (from 2 to 3) and required that in a two-chambered pot 2 of these be placed in the inner chamber. The impacts of the increased number of rings and the requirement to have 2 rings in the inner chamber are difficult to quantify but in all likelihood should be positive. Estimated Effect: Unknown but in all likelihood positive.
The regulation does allow fishermen to obstruct escape ring openings from April 1st through June 30th and from September 1st through October 31st to facilitate the harvest of soft-shell crabs. The old regulations also allowed this but additional included August as a period in which obstructing escape rings was permissible. While technically escape rings may be obstructed for 5 months of the year it is likely that only fishers targeting peeler crabs, which account for approx. 1% of total landings, will block the escape rings during permissible periods.
The revised escape ring regulations that can into effect in November 2017 also removed for the first time the exemption to escape ring regulations for fishermen operating in Lake Pontchartrain, meaning that for the first time they have to use escape rings in their traps. Estimated Effect: Brings Pontchartrain which accounts for approx. 35% of annual landings on average under the regulation for the first time.
While there has not been an update to the stock status of blue crab in the last year LDWF have indicated that a stock assessment for blue crab will be conducted in early-2018. This assessment will provide an up-to-date status for the blue crab stock with respect to management elected reference points and help determine whether the corrective actions implemented are assisting in returning the stock to above its limit reference point.
The Assessment Team have determined that managers have implemented the corrective actions scheduled for 2017. The results of the 2018 stock assessment of blue crab will be reviewed when they become available but in the interim managers remain on target in their implementation of the agreed upon corrective actions.
Status Corrective Actions in place to be reviewed annually at surveillance audits
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9.2. Non-conformance 2 Closed during initial assessment following the submission of additional evidence.
9.3. Non-conformance 3 Closed during initial assessment following the submission of additional evidence.
9.4. Non-conformance 4 Non-conformance #4 (2 of 2 with corrective actions in place) Applicable clause 3.9 (iii) Accordingly: the “stock under consideration” shall not be overfished if it is above the associated limit reference point (or its proxy).
Non-conformance Minor Non-conformance As of the latest estimate (West et al. 2016) the blue crab stock is below the associated management elected limit reference point (SSB/SSBlimit = 0.83). The current status of the stock may result from anthropogenic (fishing) pressure, environmental pressure (causing reduced productivity) or some combination thereof. Regardless of the cause however, once below management elected limit reference points the stock is considered to be in an overfished condition. According to the harvest control mechanism for the fishery, when the stock is shown to be in an overfished condition and/or overfishing is occurring, corrective action(s) are required of management. These corrective action(s) shall be sufficient to justify a well-based expectation of successful stock recovery.
Corrective actions LDWF have identified a set of corrective actions, some of which are already in place and others which will be implemented as appropriate including: . Professionalism program (Initiated November 2014 and on-going) . License fee increases (Initiated November 2014) . Ban on immature females (Initiated January 2017) . Fishery Closure 3rd week of February to 2nd week of March for 2017, 2018 and 2019 . Ring size measures (Implemented November 2017) Increase from 2 to 3 rings per trap Placement 2 to be in inner chamber Increase from 2 5/16 inch to 2 3/8 inch Removal of exemption for Lake Pontchartrain . Off-schedule stock assessment in early 2018.
Progress Year 1 The three measures management had indicated, in their corrective action plan, would come into effect in 2017 have done so.
The ban on the harvest of immature females (albeit with some caveats) came into effect on January 1st 2017 and is set to be in place for 2017, 2018 and 2019.
The Blue Crab Seasonal Closure came into effect on January 1st 2017 and prohibits the commercial harvest of blue crabs and the use of all crab traps for a 30-day period beginning on the third Monday in February for the years 2017, 2018, and 2019. All crab traps remaining in state waters during the closure period are presumed to be engaged in active fishing and thus considered illegal.
Form 11b Issue 2 October 2017 Page 51 of 61 Audubon G.U.L.F. RFM Certification Scheme LA blue crab 1st Surveillance Report
Both the ban on the harvest of immature females and the one month blue seasonal closure were enacted through the Louisiana Administrative Code, meaning they were enacted through the rule-making processes of the LWFC. The text of both these Resolutions can be read on pages 132 to 133 of Title 76, Wildlife and Fisheries of the Louisiana Administrative Code here.
The revised escape ring measures came into force in November 2017 (following a three year lead in period). The three year lead in period was designed to coincide with the expected lifespan of a commercial crab trap and give fishermen the chance to bring their traps in line with the new regulations as and when they replace their traps. As a result of fishermen bringing their traps in line with the new regulations as and when they replaced their traps LDWF LED agents suggested that the majority of traps have been in line with the new regulations long before they legally came into force.
The revised escape ring measures were enacted as part of a Revised Statute (R.S.) (i.e. they were enacted as law through the Louisiana State Legislature). The text of R.S. 56: 332. “Crabs; release of crabs in berry stage; method of taking crabs; time limitations; by-catch; penalties; abandoned crab trap removal program; escape rings” is available online here.
Conclusion Year 1 During the initial assessment of the blue crab fishery an evaluation of the potential impacts of the additional management measures was conducted. A brief analysis of the potential impacts of each of the three new measures that came into force in 2017 is presented below.
Ban on immature females LDWF figures indicate that the prohibition on the harvest of immature females will likely lead to an approx. 5% decrease in overall landings. Importantly however, all of this 5% decrease in overall landings will be to the benefit of immature females. It is therefore estimated that the measure should lead to an approx. 12.4% reduction in female mortality given a 60:40 male:female ratio in catches with resulting increases in the number of females surviving to maturity and an increased SPR ratio. Estimated effect: 5% decrease in total landings, 12.4% decrease in female landings.
Feb/March closure According to figures provided by LDWF this could lead to a 3% reduction in landings. However, there is a risk that the fishing effort eliminated will simply be displaced to the times before and after the closure. Communications during site visit indicated this is a time period when mature female crabs would be expected to be migrating offshore. Possibly the closure could therefore have positive impacts in ensuring migrating crab do not have to run the gauntlet of traps to get offshore to reproduce, but any positive benefit to females as a result of the closure likely depends on the level of displaced effort. Estimated effect: 3% decrease in landings (if effort not just displaced).
Ring size The new escape ring rule increasing rings from 2 to 3, with 2 to be in the inner chamber, and the minimum size from 2 5/16 inch to 2 3/8 inch may substantially decrease retention of sublegal blue crabs and subsequent capture and handling mortalities of larger sublegal blue crabs.
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In a study conducted in 1999 Guillory et al., compared two escape ring sizes (conveniently these were the old (2 5/16 inches) and new (2 3/8 inches) ring sizes. The study found that the percentage of sublegal catch was significantly greater in traps with 2 5/16 inches rings (i.e. the old ring size) than in traps with the 2 3/8 inches rings (i.e. the new ring size). Sublegal catches were reduced 67.3% and 78.4% in traps with the small and large rings, respectively when compared to control traps with no escape rings. Therefore the percent reduction of sublegal catch in the traps with the new ring size was approx. 11% greater than in the traps with the old ring size. Estimated effect: 11% decrease in sublegal (particularly large sublegal) landings
While it is not possible to quantify the positive influence of the increased ring size on overall mortality of blue crabs, the use of the larger ring size should reduce the numbers of particularly large sublegal crabs being retained. Total mortality of larger sublegal blue crabs is lower than smaller individuals and should result in more individuals being recruited into the fishery. In addition to changing the size of the escape ring the new regulations also increased the required number of rings (from 2 to 3) and required that in a two-chambered pot 2 of these be placed in the inner chamber. The impacts of the increased number of rings and the requirement to have 2 rings in the inner chamber are difficult to quantify but in all likelihood should be positive. Estimated Effect: Unknown but in all likelihood positive.
The regulation does allow fishermen to obstruct escape ring openings from April 1st through June 30th and from September 1st through October 31st to facilitate the harvest of soft-shell crabs. The old regulations also allowed this but additional included August as a period in which obstructing escape rings was permissible. While technically escape rings may be obstructed for 5 months of the year it is likely that only fishers targeting peeler crabs, which account for approx. 1% of total landings, will block the escape rings during permissible periods.
The revised escape ring regulations that can into effect in November 2017 also removed for the first time the exemption to escape ring regulations for fishermen operating in Lake Pontchartrain, meaning that for the first time they have to use escape rings in their traps. Estimated Effect: Brings Pontchartrain which accounts for approx. 35% of annual landings on average under the regulation for the first time.
While there has not been an update to the stock status of blue crab in the last year LDWF have indicated that a stock assessment for blue crab will be conducted in early-2018. This assessment will provide an up-to-date status for the blue crab stock with respect to management elected reference points and help determine whether the corrective actions implemented are assisting in returning the stock to above its limit reference point.
The Assessment Team have determined that managers have implemented the corrective actions scheduled for 2017. The results of the 2018 stock assessment of blue crab will be reviewed when they become available but in the interim managers remain on target in their implementation of the agreed upon corrective actions.
Status Corrective Actions in place to be reviewed annually at surveillance audits
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10. New non-conformances and new corrective action plans Not applicable. No new non-conformances requiring new corrective actions plans have been raised during this 1st surveillance audit.
11. Future Surveillance Actions Continue to review non-conformances and associated corrective actions throughout the lifespan of the certificate. In particular once an updated stock assessment becomes available in 2018 as described in the Corrective Action Plan.
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12. Client signed acceptance of the action plan
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13. Recommendation and Determination
The assessment team recommends that the management system of the applicant fisheries, Louisiana blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) commercial fishery, employing baited pot/trap gears, within Louisiana State Territorial Waters, under the management of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries (LDWF) and Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC), be granted continued certification.
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14. References Bishop, J.M. 1983. Incidental capture of diamondback terrapin by crab pots. Estuaries 6(4):426-430.
Bourgeois, M., J. Marx, and K. Semon. 2014. Louisiana blue crab fishery management plan. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Report.
Collie, J.S. and M.P. Sissenwine. 1983. Estimating population size from relative abundance data measured with error. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 40: 1871-1879
FAO 1995. Code of conduct for responsible fisheries. FAO Report.
FAO 2005 Guidelines for Ecolabeling of Fish and Fishery Products from Marine Capture Fisheries as updated in 2009).
Gandy, R.L. and W.M. Turner. 2014. Investigations into the interaction between terrapins and crab traps. Final Report to the Wildlife Foundation of Florida, Project #CWT 1213-08. Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. Saint Petersburg, FL.
Goodyear, C.P. 1993. Spawning stock biomass per recruit in fisheries management: foundation and current use. pp. 67-81. In S.J. Smith, J.J. Hunt, and D. Rivard (eds.). Risk evaluation and biological reference points for fisheries management. Canadian Special Publication of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. 442 pp.
Guillory, V. 1989. An evaluation of different escape vents in blue crab traps. Proceedings of the Louisiana Academy of Science 52:29-34.
Guillory, V. 2001. A review of incidental fishing mortalities of blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus). Pages 28-41 in V. Guillory, H.M. Perry and S. Vanderkooy (eds.). Proceedings of the Blue Crab Mortality Symposium. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, Publication Number No. 90.
Guillory, V. and M. Elliott. 2001. A review of blue crab predators. Pages 69-83 in V. Guillory, H. Perry, and S. Vanderkooy (editors). Proceedings: Blue Crab Mortality Symposium. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, Publication Number 90.
Guillory, V., H. Perry, and S. Vanderkooy (eds.). 2001b. The blue crab fishery of the Gulf of Mexico United States: a regional management plan. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, Publication Number 96.
Hines, A.H., 2007. Ecology of juvenile and adult blue crabs. The Blue Crab, Callinectes sapidus. University of Maryland Sea Grant Press, College Park, MD, pp.565-654.
Lipcius, R., D. Eggleston, K. Heck, R. Seitz, and J. van Montfrans. 2007. Post-settlement abundance, survival, and growth of postlarvae and young juvenile blue crabs in nursery habitat. Pages 535-564 in V. Kennedy and L. Cronin, editors. The Blue Crab Callinectes sapidus. Maryland Sea Grant.
Seigel, R.A. and J.W. Gibbons. 1995. Workshop on the ecology, status, and management of the diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin), Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, 2 August 1994: final results and recommendations. Chelonian Conservation Biology 1(13):240-243.
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West, J., H. Blanchet, M. Bourgeois, and J.E. Powers. 2011. Assessment of Blue Crab Callinectes sapidus in Louisiana Waters. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Report: http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/document/37757-stock- assessments/2011_assessment_of_la_blue_crab.pdf
West, J., H. Blanchet, M. Bourgeois, and J.E. Powers. 2014. Assessment of Blue Crab Callinectes sapidus in Louisiana Waters. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Report: http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/page/37762-fishery-management-plans- marine/finalbluecrabfmp11-7-14.pdf
West et al. 2016. Update Assessment of Blue Crab in Louisiana Waters 2016 Report: http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/page/37756-stock-assessments/labcassessment2016.pdf
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15. Appendix 1. Surveillance Assessment Team Bios Based on the technical expertise required to carry out the above fishery assessment, Global Trust Certification Ltd., selected the Surveillance Assessment team members for the fishery as follows.
Sam Dignan, (Lead Assessor) Sam Dignan is a fisheries scientist who has previously worked with the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA), Isle of Man and Bangor University Fisheries and Conservation Science Group (Wales). He has a BSc in Biological and Chemical Sciences with Zoology from University College Cork and an MSc in Marine Environmental Protection from Bangor University. He has experience conducting stock assessments, from the survey design and implementation phases through to final analysis and report presentation; from 2013 to 2015 he was a member of the ICES working group on scallop stock assessment. He has been involved in providing scientific data to ensure fishery compliance with the Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) certification framework and has participated in MSC surveillance audits from a client’s perspective. Sam has extensive experience of interacting directly with fishers and their representative organisations as well as members of scientific and government institutions. He was previously an advisor to the Isle of Man Queen Scallop Management Board that manages the MSC certified Isle of Man queen scallop fishery. He has also worked on the spatial analysis of fishing activity, using Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) and logbook data, to spatially quantify fishing activity and fisheries- ecosystem interactions. Sam is an ISO approved lead auditor.
Professor Romuald N. Lipcius, Assessor Professor Lipcius is a Professor of Marine Science at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), College of William & Mary (Virginia, USA), where he has been on the faculty in the Department of Fisheries Science since 1986. He received a Ph.D. (major: Biological Science; minor: Statistics) from Florida State University in 1984, and was awarded Postdoctoral Fellowships by the Smithsonian Institution (1984-85) and US National Research Council (1985-86) before joining the faculty. His main interest is in Marine Conservation Ecology and Fisheries Management, and has over 30 years of experience conducting basic and applied research on blue crab, eastern oyster, Caribbean spiny lobster, queen conch, Nassau grouper and various marine bivalves. He has 28 years of experience as the state’s expert on blue crab ecology and management by providing formal management advice to the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, Chesapeake Bay Commission, Chesapeake Bay Stock Assessment Committee, and Chesapeake Bay Program Fisheries Goal Implementation Team, and 10 years of experience serving as scientific advisor on oyster restoration to US Army Corps of Engineers, NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office, and Chesapeake Bay Program Fisheries Goal Implementation Team. He has been Chief Scientist of the Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey for 25 years, Co-Principal Investigator of the Blue Crab Stock Assessment in Chesapeake Bay, and served on the review panel of the 2013 Gulf of Mexico Blue Crab Stock Assessment. Dr. Lipcius has 97 publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals, as well as numerous technical reports. Besides his postdoctoral fellowships, he has been awarded two Outstanding Faculty Awards at VIMS (1993, 2002), and a Coastal America Award (2009) by the Executive Office of the President of the US. He has also been selected as a Senior Postdoctoral Fellow of the Smithsonian Institution (1997-99), Aldo Leopold Leadership Fellow (2006), and US National Academy of Sciences Kavli Fellow (2009).
*While Rom was originally scheduled to be on-site during the audit a last minute issue meant travel was not possible. Rom instead conducted his duties both via conference call and using information supplied to him by the Assessment Team leader. Rom also submitted specific queries to the various stakeholders in the form of agenda items prior to the site visit.
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Vince Guillory, Assessor* Vince has a B. S. in Zoology (1971) and a M. S. in Fisheries (1974) from Louisiana State University and worked as a freshwater biologist for Gulf South Research in New Iberia and Florida Game and Fish Commission for six years and then as a marine biologist with Marine Fisheries Division, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) for 33 years. For most of his career with LDWF he was a coastal study area manager in the Terrebonne Bay estuary, and was responsible for comprehensive fishery independent surveys of commercially and recreationally important species such as blue crab and oysters. In additional, fishery dependent surveys of commercial and recreational harvests were conducted. Vince was the facilitator and LDWF representative on the Crab Task Force for 20 years, a member of the Crab Subcommittee, Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission for over 25 years, project coordinator for the derelict crab trap removal program, and authored numerous publications on crab traps and long term analyses of monitoring data. Five oyster seed grounds were present in the Terrebonne Bay estuary, and each was monitored intensively for oyster density and mortality and for commercial harvests.
*Vince was not available during the site visit and so conducted his duties offsite using information supplied to him by the other members of the Assessment Team. Vince did submit specific queries to the various stakeholders in the form of agenda items prior to the site visit.
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