Final Efh-Eis/Volume 1 Text

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Final Efh-Eis/Volume 1 Text Final Environmental Impact Statement For The Generic Essential Fish Habitat Amendment to: SPINY LOBSTER FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN QUEEN CONCH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN REEF FISH FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN CORAL FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE U.S. CARIBBEAN VOLUME 1: TEXT March 2004 Caribbean Fishery Management Council 268 Muñoz Rivera Avenue, Suite 1108 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918-1920 Tel.: (787) 766-5926 Fax: (787) 766-6239 This is a publication of the Caribbean Fishery Management Council pursuant to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Award No. NA17FC1051. COVER SHEET Environmental Impact Statement for the Generic Essential Fish Habitat Amendment to the fishery management plans of the US Caribbean Draft ( ) Final (X) Type of Action: Administrative (X) Legislative ( ) Area of Potential Impact: Areas of tidally influenced waters and substrates of the Caribbean Sea and its estuaries in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico extending out to the limit of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Agency: HQ Contact: Region Contacts: U.S. Department of Commerce Steve Kokkinakis David Dale NOAA Fisheries NOAA-Strategic Planning (N/SP) (727)570-5317 Southeast Region Building SSMC3, Rm. 15532 David Keys 9721 Executive Center Dr. N 1315 East-West Highway (727)570-5301 Suite 201 Silver Spring, MD 20910-3282 St. Petersburg, FL 33702 ABSTRACT This Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) analyzes within each fishery in the US Caribbean a range of potential alternatives to: (1) describe and identify Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) for the fishery, (2) identify other actions to encourage the conservation and enhancement such EFH, and (3) identify measures to minimize to the extent practicable the adverse effects of fishing on such EFH. The EIS contains the scientific methodology and data used in the analyses, background information on the physical, biological, human, and administrative environments, and a description of the fishing and non-fishing threats to EFH. Additional copies of this FEIS may be obtained by contacting the Regional Contacts (above) or at the address below. Roy E. Crabtree, Ph.D. Regional Administrator NOAA Fisheries Southeast Region 9721 Executive Center Drive North St. Petersburg, Florida 33702-2432 ACRONYMS/ABBREVIATIONS ABC Acceptable Biological Catch AFS American Fisheries Society ALARM Automated Landings Assessment for Responsive Management AP Advisory Panel ASAP Age Structured Assessment Program ATCA Atlantic Tuna Convention Act BRD bycatch reduction device CFMC Caribbean Fishery Management Council CMC Center for Marine Conservation (now Ocean Conservancy) ComFIN Commercial Fisheries Information Network Council Caribbean Fishery Management Council CPUE catch per unit effort CZMA Coastal Zone Management Act DEIS Draft Environmental Impact Statement DNER Department of Natural and Environmental Resources DOC U. S. Department of Commerce DOI Department of Interior EA Environmental Assessment EEC European Economic Community EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone EFH Essential Fish Habitat EIS Environmental Impact Statement E.O. Executive Order EPA Environmental Protection Agency ESA Endangered Species Act F instantaneous fishing mortality rate FACA Federal Advisory Committee Act FCZ fishery conservation zone (is now called EEZ) FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission FL fork length FAO Food and Agriculture Organization FMP fishery management plan GIS Geographical Information System GLM general linear model GMFMC Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council GPS Global Positioning System GSA General Services Administration GSMFC Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission HAP Habitat Advisory Panel HAPC Habitat Areas of Particular Concern HMS Highly Migratory Species HRP Habitat Research Plan HSI Habitat Suitability Index Final EIS Essential Fish Habitat for the US Caribbean FMPs Page i HSM Habitat Suitability Model ICCAT International Commission on Conservation of Atlantic Tunas IFQ Individual Fishing Quotas IVR Inter-active Voice Recognition IRFA initial regulatory flexibility analysis ITQ individual transferable quota LEAP Law Enforcement Advisory Panel m Meter M instantaneous natural mortality rate MAFAC Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee MAFMC Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council MARFIN Marine Fisheries Initiative MCD Marine Conservation District MFMT Maximum Fishing Mortality Threshold MMS Minerals Management Service MP million pounds MRFSS Marine Recreational Fishery Statistics Survey M-S Act Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson- Stevens Act) MSST Minimum Stock Size Threshold MSY maximum sustainable yield MYPR maximum yield per recruit NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NGDC National Geophysical Data Center NMFS National Marine Fisheries Service NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOS National Ocean Service NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System OC Ocean Conservancy (formerly CMC) OMB Office of Management and Budget OY Optimum Yield ppt parts per thousand (salinity) RA Regional Administrator of NMFS RecFIN Recreational Fisheries Information Network RFA Regulatory Flexibility Act RIR Regulatory Impact Review RSW Refrigerated sea water system SAFE Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation report SAFMC South Atlantic Fishery Management Council SAP Stock Assessment Panel SASI Save America’s Seafood Industry SAV Submerged Aquatic Vegetation SBA Small Business Administration SCRS Standing Committee on Research and Statistics SCUBA Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus SEAMAP Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program Page ii Essential Fish Habitat for the US Caribbean FMPs Final EIS SEFSC Southeast Fisheries Science Center of NMFS SEIS Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement SEP Socioeconomic Panel SERO Southeast Regional Office (NMFS) SFA Sustainable Fisheries Act SMZ special management zone SOPPs Statement of Organization Practices and Procedures SPR Spawning Potential Ratio SSB/R spawning stock biomass per recruit SSC Scientific and Statistical Committee SSS Side Scan Sonar TAC Total Allowable Catch TED Turtle Excluder Device TL total length USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service USGS United States Geological Survey VMS Vessel Monitoring System VPA Virtual Population Analysis WDC/MGG World Data Center/Marine Geology and Geophysics YPR Yield Per Recruit Z Instantaneous Total Mortality Rate Final EIS Essential Fish Habitat for the US Caribbean FMPs Page iii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Purpose and need The purpose of this action is to determine whether to amend the Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) of the Caribbean Fishery Management Council (the Council) pursuant to the mandate contained in section 303(a)(7) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (M-S Act). More specifically, the three-part purpose of this action is to analyze within each fishery a range of potential alternatives to: (1) describe and identify Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) for the fishery, (2) identify other actions to encourage the conservation and enhancement of such EFH and (3) identify measures to prevent, mitigate or minimize to the extent practicable the adverse effects of fishing on such EFH. FMPs must describe and identify EFH for the fishery, minimize to the extent practicable adverse effects on that EFH caused by fishing, and identify other actions to encourage the conservation and enhancement of that EFH. Councils and NOAA Fisheries have direct management authority over fishing activities in Federal waters of the United States, but not over non-fishing activities or fishing activities in State waters (Figure 2.1). NOAA Fisheries has no authority to manage fisheries of other nations. In 1999, a coalition of environmental groups brought suit challenging the NOAA Fisheries’ approval of the EFH FMP amendments prepared by the Caribbean and other Fishery Management Councils. The court found that the EFH amendments were in accordance with the M-S Act, but held that the EAs on the amendments were in violation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). NOAA Fisheries entered into a Joint Stipulation with the plaintiff environmental organizations that called for each affected Council to complete an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This analysis was developed and alternatives presented with full anticipation of, and opportunity for, public participation in the development of alternatives. The Council held scoping meetings throughout the US Caribbean in June 2001. Analytical methodologies used in the EIS The data analysis undertaken in the development of this EIS for the four Fishery Management Plans includes spatial analysis of the distribution of habitat types, fish species and fishing effort, development of a database containing information on the habitat associations of managed fish species, and characterization of the sensitivity of specific habitats to impacts by specific fishing gears. The methods and concepts for developing and analyzing the alternatives to be considered are common to all of the FMPs. The methodologies used in this EIS are described in Section 2.1 under four main headings: · Describing and identifying EFH; · Identifying HAPCs; · Addressing adverse effects of fishing on EFH; and · Evaluating the consequences of the alternatives Final EIS Essential Fish Habitat for the US Caribbean FMPs Page v Preferred alternatives EFH Alternatives. Concept 6. Describe and identify EFH according to functional relationships between life history stages of Federally-managed species and Caribbean marine and estuarine habitats. · Alternative
Recommended publications
  • Recommendations for Recreational Fisheries Contents Executive Summary 3 Introduction 5
    PHAROS4MPAS SAFEGUARDING MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN THE GROWING MEDITERRANEAN BLUE ECONOMY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RECREATIONAL FISHERIES CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3 INTRODUCTION 5 PART ONE BACKGROUND INFORMATION: RECREATIONAL FISHERIES 7 Front cover: Catching a greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) 1.1. Definition of recreational fisheries in the Mediterranean 9 from a big game fishing boat © Bulentevren / Shutterstock 1.2. Importance of recreational fisheries in Europe and the Mediterranean 10 1.3. The complexity of recreational fisheries in the Mediterranean 13 Publication We would like to warmly thank all the people and organizations who were part of the advisory group of Published in July 2019 by PHAROS4MPAs. this publication or kindly contributed in some other PART TWO © PHAROS4MPAs. All rights reserved way: Fabio Grati (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche - ISMAR), Reproduction of this publication for educational or other Antigoni Foutsi, Panagiota Maragou and Michalis Margaritis RECREATIONAL FISHERIES: INTERACTIONS WITH MARINE PROTECTED AREAS 15 non-commercial purposes is authorized without prior written (WWF-Greece), Victoria Riera (Generalitat de Catalunya), Marta permission from the copyright holder provided the source is Cavallé (Life Platform), Jan Kappel (European Anglers Alliance), PART THREE fully acknowledged. Reproduction of this publication for resale Anthony Mastitski (University of Miami), Sylvain Petit (PAP/ or other commercial purposes is prohibited without prior written RAC), Robert Turk (Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature BENEFITS AND IMPACTS OF RECREATIONAL FISHERIES 21 permission of the copyright holder. Conservation), Paco Melia (Politechnica Milano), Souha El Asmi and Saba Guellouz (SPA/RAC), Davide Strangis and Lise Guennal 3.1. Social benefits and impacts 22 Citation of this report: Gómez, S., Carreño, A., Sánchez, (CRPM), Marie Romani, Susan Gallon and Wissem Seddik E., Martínez, E., Lloret, J.
    [Show full text]
  • Cheney District Fisheries Volume 9, Issue 2 Fall, 2018
    Cheney District Fisheries Volume 9, Issue 2 Fall, 2018 District News: Cheney, Hutchinson and Wichita Fishing Hello everyone, I hope you all had a safe and fun summer fishing season! If you’re like me, you are probably looking forward to cooler temperatures, college football and hunting seasons ahead. Don’t forget that fall offers some of the best fishing opportunities of the year. Fish feeding activity increases when temperatures begin to Inside This Issue drop from their summer peak. The best part is that you may have the lake to yourself! Good luck out there! District News Cheney Reservoir Fishing Q&A New Brushpiles Paying Off Hook, Line & Sinker The Cedar trees that were placed in February 2018 are holding some big fish. KDWPT fisheries division staff sampled both sites with electrofishing for catfish in August. Numerous Blue Catfish up to 19 pounds and Flathead Catfish up to 40 pounds were sampled in each location. If you want to go after these fish, you may need to adjust you tactics somewhat. The blues are likely suspended in the upper half of the trees, and the flatheads are probably hanging out on the bottom under the trunks during the day. To target the blues, I At Right: KDWPT fisheries would suggest drifting cut shad biologists Craig Johnson and Lowell Aberson with a just over the tops of the trees, 32-inch Blue Catfish perhaps using a float to control electrofished from a the depth. For flatheads, try jigging live bait around the base of the trees; good boat brushpile site.
    [Show full text]
  • St. Kitts Final Report
    ReefFix: An Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Ecosystem Services Valuation and Capacity Building Project for the Caribbean ST. KITTS AND NEVIS FIRST DRAFT REPORT JUNE 2013 PREPARED BY PATRICK I. WILLIAMS CONSULTANT CLEVERLY HILL SANDY POINT ST. KITTS PHONE: 1 (869) 765-3988 E-MAIL: [email protected] 1 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page No. Table of Contents 3 List of Figures 6 List of Tables 6 Glossary of Terms 7 Acronyms 10 Executive Summary 12 Part 1: Situational analysis 15 1.1 Introduction 15 1.2 Physical attributes 16 1.2.1 Location 16 1.2.2 Area 16 1.2.3 Physical landscape 16 1.2.4 Coastal zone management 17 1.2.5 Vulnerability of coastal transportation system 19 1.2.6 Climate 19 1.3 Socio-economic context 20 1.3.1 Population 20 1.3.2 General economy 20 1.3.3 Poverty 22 1.4 Policy frameworks of relevance to marine resource protection and management in St. Kitts and Nevis 23 1.4.1 National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) 23 1.4.2 National Physical Development Plan (2006) 23 1.4.3 National Environmental Management Strategy (NEMS) 23 1.4.4 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NABSAP) 26 1.4.5 Medium Term Economic Strategy Paper (MTESP) 26 1.5 Legislative instruments of relevance to marine protection and management in St. Kitts and Nevis 27 1.5.1 Development Control and Planning Act (DCPA), 2000 27 1.5.2 National Conservation and Environmental Protection Act (NCEPA), 1987 27 1.5.3 Public Health Act (1969) 28 1.5.4 Solid Waste Management Corporation Act (1996) 29 1.5.5 Water Courses and Water Works Ordinance (Cap.
    [Show full text]
  • Fishing Gear Gear Types
    Fishery Basics – Fishing Gear Gear Types All types of fishing gear, regardless of how it might be used, are designed to lure and capture fish. Fishing gears are defined as tools used to capture marine/aquatic resources, whereas how the gear is used is the fishing method. Additionally, a single type of gear may also be used in multiple ways. Different target species require different fishing gear to effectively catch the target species. Fishing gears fall under two general categories, active gear and passive gear. Active gears are designed to chase and capture target species, while passive gears generally sit in one place allowing the target species to approach the capture device. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) further classifies fishing gear into 11 categories primarily based on how the gear are fished, we have provided detailed information about each category See Fishing Gear. To browse a partial list of fishing methods and marine zones where they might be used click here. Hook & Line Hook and line gear consist of a minimum of two parts, a hook that is attached to a monofilament line. Artificial or natural baits are used to lure fish to the hook and once the fish has bitten the hook it is hauled in. It has been suggested that the first fishing line was actually Eskimo walrus- hide line used with a harpoon (See Fishing Gear – Grappling & Wounding Gear). Hook and line gear are used to catch benthic, demersal, and pelagic fishes. Modern fishhooks come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials. There are two main types of hooks: J-hooks and circle hooks.
    [Show full text]
  • Sandy Point, Green Cay and Buck Island National Wildlife Refuges Comprehensive Conservation Plan
    Sandy Point, Green Cay and Buck Island National Wildlife Refuges Comprehensive Conservation Plan U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region September 2010 Sandy Point, Green Cay, and Buck Island National Wildlife Refuges COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN SANDY POINT, GREEN CAY AND BUCK ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES United States Virgin Islands Caribbean Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region Atlanta, Georgia September 2010 Table of Contents iii Sandy Point, Green Cay, and Buck Island National Wildlife Refuges TABLE OF CONTENTS COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................... 1 I. BACKGROUND ................................................................................................................................. 3 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 3 Purpose and Need for the Plan .................................................................................................... 3 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ...................................................................................................... 3 National Wildlife Refuge System .................................................................................................. 4 Legal and Policy Context .............................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Deep‐Sea Coral Taxa in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico: Depth and Geographical Distribution
    Deep‐Sea Coral Taxa in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico: Depth and Geographical Distribution by Peter J. Etnoyer1 and Stephen D. Cairns2 1. NOAA Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Charleston, SC 2. National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC This annex to the U.S. Gulf of Mexico chapter in “The State of Deep‐Sea Coral Ecosystems of the United States” provides a list of deep‐sea coral taxa in the Phylum Cnidaria, Classes Anthozoa and Hydrozoa, known to occur in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico (Figure 1). Deep‐sea corals are defined as azooxanthellate, heterotrophic coral species occurring in waters 50 m deep or more. Details are provided on the vertical and geographic extent of each species (Table 1). This list is adapted from species lists presented in ʺBiodiversity of the Gulf of Mexicoʺ (Felder & Camp 2009), which inventoried species found throughout the entire Gulf of Mexico including areas outside U.S. waters. Taxonomic names are generally those currently accepted in the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), and are arranged by order, and alphabetically within order by suborder (if applicable), family, genus, and species. Data sources (references) listed are those principally used to establish geographic and depth distribution. Only those species found within the U.S. Gulf of Mexico Exclusive Economic Zone are presented here. Information from recent studies that have expanded the known range of species into the U.S. Gulf of Mexico have been included. The total number of species of deep‐sea corals documented for the U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Impact of “Ghost Fishing“ Via Derelict Fishing Gear
    2015 NOAA Marine Debris Program Report Impact of “Ghost Fishing“ via Derelict Fishing Gear 2015 MARINE DEBRIS GHOST FISHING REPORT March 2015 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Ocean Service National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science – Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research 219 Ft. Johnson Rd. Charleston, South Carolina 29412 Office of Response and Restoration NOAA Marine Debris Program 1305 East-West Hwy, SSMC4, Room 10239 Silver Spring, Maryland 20910 Cover photo courtesy of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration For citation purposes, please use: NOAA Marine Debris Program. 2015 Report on the impacts of “ghost fishing” via derelict fishing gear. Silver Spring, MD. 25 pp For more information, please contact: NOAA Marine Debris Program Office of Response and Restoration National Ocean Service 1305 East West Highway Silver Spring, Maryland 20910 301-713-2989 Acknowledgements The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program would like to acknowledge Jennifer Maucher Fuquay (NOAA National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science) for conducting this research, and Courtney Arthur (NOAA National Ocean Service, Marine Debris Program) and Jason Paul Landrum (NOAA National Ocean Service, Marine Debris Program) for providing guidance and support throughout this process. Special thanks go to Ariana Sutton-Grier (NOAA National Ocean Science) and Peter Murphy (NOAA National Ocean Service, Marine Debris Program) for reviewing this paper and providing helpful comments. Special thanks also go to John Hayes (NOAA National Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science) and Dianna Parker (NOAA National Ocean Science, Marine Debris Program) for a copy/edit review of this report and Leah L.
    [Show full text]
  • Protected Areas by Management 9
    Unted States p Forest Department a Service DRNA of Agriculture g P r o t e c t e d N a t u r a l A r e a s o f P u e r to R i c o K E E P I N G C O M M ON S P E C I E S C O M M O N PRGAP ANALYSIS PROJECT William A. Gould, Maya Quiñones, Mariano Solórzano, Waldemar Alcobas, and Caryl Alarcón IITF GIS and Remote Sensing Lab A center for tropical landscape analysis U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, International Institute of Tropical Forestry . o c 67°30'0"W 67°20'0"W 67°10'0"W 67°0'0"W 66°50'0"W 66°40'0"W 66°30'0"W 66°20'0"W 66°10'0"W 66°0'0"W 65°50'0"W 65°40'0"W 65°30'0"W 65°20'0"W i R o t rotection of natural areas is essential to conserving biodiversity and r e u P maintaining ecosystem services. Benefits and services provided by natural United , Protected areas by management 9 States 1 areas are complex, interwoven, life-sustaining, and necessary for a healthy A t l a n t i c O c e a n 1 1 - 6 environment and a sustainable future (Daily et al. 1997). They include 2 9 0 clean water and air, sustainable wildlife populations and habitats, stable slopes, The Bahamas 0 P ccccccc R P productive soils, genetic reservoirs, recreational opportunities, and spiritual refugia.
    [Show full text]
  • Puerto Rico Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy 2005
    Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy Puerto Rico PUERTO RICO COMPREHENSIVE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION STRATEGY 2005 Miguel A. García José A. Cruz-Burgos Eduardo Ventosa-Febles Ricardo López-Ortiz ii Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy Puerto Rico ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Financial support for the completion of this initiative was provided to the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Federal Assistance Office. Special thanks to Mr. Michael L. Piccirilli, Ms. Nicole Jiménez-Cooper, Ms. Emily Jo Williams, and Ms. Christine Willis from the USFWS, Region 4, for their support through the preparation of this document. Thanks to the colleagues that participated in the Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy (CWCS) Steering Committee: Mr. Ramón F. Martínez, Mr. José Berríos, Mrs. Aida Rosario, Mr. José Chabert, and Dr. Craig Lilyestrom for their collaboration in different aspects of this strategy. Other colleagues from DNER also contributed significantly to complete this document within the limited time schedule: Ms. María Camacho, Mr. Ramón L. Rivera, Ms. Griselle Rodríguez Ferrer, Mr. Alberto Puente, Mr. José Sustache, Ms. María M. Santiago, Mrs. María de Lourdes Olmeda, Mr. Gustavo Olivieri, Mrs. Vanessa Gautier, Ms. Hana Y. López-Torres, Mrs. Carmen Cardona, and Mr. Iván Llerandi-Román. Also, special thanks to Mr. Juan Luis Martínez from the University of Puerto Rico, for designing the cover of this document. A number of collaborators participated in earlier revisions of this CWCS: Mr. Fernando Nuñez-García, Mr. José Berríos, Dr. Craig Lilyestrom, Mr. Miguel Figuerola and Mr. Leopoldo Miranda. A special recognition goes to the authors and collaborators of the supporting documents, particularly, Regulation No.
    [Show full text]
  • Volume III of This Document)
    4.1.3 Coastal Migratory Pelagics Description and Distribution (from CMP Am 15) The coastal migratory pelagics management unit includes cero (Scomberomous regalis), cobia (Rachycentron canadum), king mackerel (Scomberomous cavalla), Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus) and little tunny (Euthynnus alleterattus). The mackerels and tuna in this management unit are often referred to as ―scombrids.‖ The family Scombridae includes tunas, mackerels and bonitos. They are among the most important commercial and sport fishes. The habitat of adults in the coastal pelagic management unit is the coastal waters out to the edge of the continental shelf in the Atlantic Ocean. Within the area, the occurrence of coastal migratory pelagic species is governed by temperature and salinity. All species are seldom found in water temperatures less than 20°C. Salinity preference varies, but these species generally prefer high salinity. The scombrids prefer high salinities, but less than 36 ppt. Salinity preference of little tunny and cobia is not well defined. The larval habitat of all species in the coastal pelagic management unit is the water column. Within the spawning area, eggs and larvae are concentrated in the surface waters. (from PH draft Mackerel Am. 18) King Mackerel King mackerel is a marine pelagic species that is found throughout the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea and along the western Atlantic from the Gulf of Maine to Brazil and from the shore to 200 meter depths. Adults are known to spawn in areas of low turbidity, with salinity and temperatures of approximately 30 ppt and 27°C, respectively. There are major spawning areas off Louisiana and Texas in the Gulf (McEachran and Finucane 1979); and off the Carolinas, Cape Canaveral, and Miami in the western Atlantic (Wollam 1970; Schekter 1971; Mayo 1973).
    [Show full text]
  • Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections
    SMITHSONIAN MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTIONS VOLUME 91, NUMBER 1 Johnson jFnnb STATION RECORDS OF THE FIRST JOHNSON-SMITHSONIAN DEEP-SEA EXPEDITION (With One Plate) BY PAUL BARTSGH U. S. National Museum; Director of the Expedition (Publication 3224) CITY OF WASHINGTON PUBLISHED BY THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION DECEMBER 1, 1933 : u Pi w SMITHSONIAN MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTIONS VOLUME 91, NUMBER 1 3obnson dFunb STATION RECORDS OF THE FIRST JOHNSON-SMITHSONIAN DEEP-SEA EXPEDITION (With One Plate) BY PAUL BARTSCH U. S. National Museum; Director of the Expedition (Publication 3224) CITY OF WASHINGTON PUBLISHED BY THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION DECEMBER 1, 1933 BALTIMORE, MD., C. 8. A. Jobnson jfunt) STATION RECORDS OF THE FIRST JOHNSON-SMITHSONIAN DEEP-SEA EXPEDITION By PAUL BARTSCH U. S. National Miiseum; Director of the Expedition (With One Plate) The Johnson-Smithsonian Deep-Sea Expedition to the Puerto Rican Deep was sponsored by Mr. Eldridge R. Johnson, of Philadelphia, who placed his beautiful yacht Caroline at the disposal of the Smith- sonian Institution and equipped her with the instruments necessary for the work. We were provided with the best of sonic sounding apparatus, thanks to the assistance of the United States Navy, and with an equally efficient winch, water bottles, and thermometers for hydrographic studies, enabling us to work at any depth. A dredging winch suitable for reaching profound depths could not be had within the time available for equipping ; we therefore had installed a tempo- rary winch carrying 6,563 feet of |-inch Special 6x 19 Monitor strand wire rope. This is mentioned merely in explanation of why work in greater depths was not done.
    [Show full text]
  • Puerto Rico Coastal Zone Management Program
    Puerto Rico Coastal Zone Management Program Revision and update September, 2009 CONTENTS Introduction................................................................................................................................................. 1 2.1 Sustainable Development ........................................................................................................................................ 4 2.1 Watershed as a Planning Unit ................................................................................................................................ 6 2.1 Non-point sources of pollution as a critical issue.......................................................................................... 6 Chapter I. Overview of Puerto Rico’s Coastal Zone .................................................................. 9 1.1 General Physical Characteristics ............................................................................................................................... 9 1.1.1 Origin and composition of the island ....................................................................................................... 9 1.1.2 The Island’s climate ....................................................................................................................................... 10 1.1.3 Natural systems ............................................................................................................................................... 14 1.1.4 Description of coastal sectors ..................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]