THINGS ARE DEVELOPING FAST in the Pacific Northwest.

Just seven months ago, a group of concerned anglers approached CCA about expanding to address numerous conservation issues in the region, not the least of which are profound problems within the salmon fishery. In March, the CCA National Board of Directors approved plans for the expansion and in late May, the CCA Washington and CCA Oregon chapters held their first meetings to elect officers, and appoint committee chairmen and local chapter leaders.

Oh, and in the meantime more than 1,500 people in the region signed up to become members of CCA.

Folks in the northwest corner of the country inhabit a truly special place. It is obvious they appreciate their spectacular outdoor playground and they are passionate about the historic runs of salmon and steelhead that have defined the region for hundreds or even thousands of years. Every stream and creek has significance to local anglers. Even mere slivers of water that you could cross without getting your feet wet are hallowed places.

The founders and leaders of CCA Washington and CCA Oregon harbor no illusions about the challenges facing their fisheries. It is going to be a tough, long road. Salmon may be among the most complicated fish to manage in the entire world, combining all the fun of inland, coastal and offshore issues with the joys of local, state, tribal, national and international jurisdictions. Not to mention the special challenges posed by rapacious (and protected) predators like California sea lions and Caspian terns.

It would be easy to despair and allow natural runs of fish to slowly fade into history, but there is a resolve in the region to not let that happen. Those fish mean too much to too many people. There is a palpable desire to find a way that will work and produce results. 

The leadership of CCA Oregon and CCA Washington know it will take a strong grassroots network, a coherent advocacy plan, and dedicated leaders to find the new way and implement it. While there are great challenges ahead, there is also a quiet confidence that they will succeed, simply because they have to. This plight is unfortunately familiar to many saltwater anglers.

Sitting in a crowded Legion Hall in Washington and the packed conference room of an Oregon Holiday Inn last month, I was reminded of 14 recreational anglers who gathered in Houston, Texas 30 years ago to address gross commercial overfishing of redfish and speckled trout. As the saying goes, individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work. That is what founded CCA and it is what makes it work today.

As CCA in the Pacific Northwest rumbles to life, I remember a story about a gentleman named Danny Middlebrooks, a CCA Texas member who, among others, helped  make the CCA San Antonio banquet  the powerhouse it is today – a  massive fundraiser that grosses more than three-quarters of a million dollars in a single night. Danny and the other banquet committee leaders never lost focus of the potential of the banquet and had the vision to see what it could do. On the night of the event, after months and months of preparation and while watching the first few of the nearly 1,500 people trickle in, Middlebrooks surveyed the scene and solemnly announced to his fellow Board members, “The monster is breathing.”

Witnessing the determination and commitment displayed in those meeting rooms in Washington and Oregon, I experienced exactly what Danny Middlebrooks, and all of his dedicated banquet committee members must have felt on that stage.

The monster is now breathing in the Pacific Northwest.

To get involved with CCA in the Pacific Northwest, contact CCAPNW@JoinCCA.org.

CCA Kicks Off Next Phase in Red Snapper Recovery

CCA-funded study will examine
effectiveness of recreational
catch-and-release practices

LESS THAN A MONTH AFTER WINNING a precedent-setting victory to reduce the impact of shrimp trawl bycatch on Gulf red snapper stocks, Coastal Conservation Association has funded the next step in its ongoing strategy for the conservation of the fishery. CCA Texas approved a request to fund a study at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute to assess the catch-and-release mortality of recreationally caught red snapper and to develop best practices for handling and proper release.

“The only way to address a complicated fishery issue like red snapper is with a methodical, systematic approach,” said Mark Ray, chairman of CCA Texas. “We believe our lawsuit and the Gulf Council’s subsequent decision earlier this month to reduce shrimp trawl bycatch by 74 percent from 2001-2003 levels laid the foundation for red snapper recovery. Now we are prepared to move on to other factors, including reducing recreational bycatch.”

At its meeting earlier this week, CCA Texas’ board of directors approved the request to fund a $37,000 catch-and-release study to be conducted by Dr. Scott Holt and Dr. Joan Holt of the University of Texas Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas, Texas. The study will involve catching undersized red snapper from depths of 50 to 300 feet at different times of year. Researchers will retain a number of fish in various stages of health for observation; experiments will be developed to evaluate the influence of season, depth, initial condition after capture and venting on the overall survival of released red snapper.

“There is a lot of contention out there among anglers about how effective catch-and-release is for deep-dwelling fish, and there are a lot of different opinions floating around. We feel we need to put our money where our mouth is and get the science that will help us make the best decisions for this fishery,” said Robby Byers, executive director of CCA Texas. “There is no question recreational anglers have a role to play in the future of red snapper, and we want to make sure we have the best information available to do our part.”

Numerous studies have been conducted on the release mortality of red snapper since 2000, producing a wide range of estimates. The UTMSI study is designed to fill in some of the gaps in the current body of science and bring a new look to this important factor in the management of Gulf red snapper.

“It is going to take a holistic approach and a long-term commitment to find solutions to all the challenges facing red snapper,” said Pat Murray, CCA director of conservation. “No single thing is going to fix this fishery, but we are steadily putting the pieces together. From improving catch-and-release practices to enhancing habitat, CCA is committed to the recovery of this important species.”

Red Snapper Q&A

What year does the June 1st to September 15th season go into effect?  
     If the new rules are approved, as we assume they will be, 2008. The interim rule expires 9/29.  NMFS tells us that they will extend that rule's bag limit provisions maintaining the 10/31 end of season for 2007.  However, they will be looking at recreational catch data through the summer and may alter this if it seems necessary. Stay tuned. 

How is the shrimp trawl bycatch mortality rate calculated?
     Data from shrimp trawlers (observers) and NMFS experimental trawling each year is collected to calculate average red snapper percentage in observed trawls. This is multiplied by total shrimp trawl effort to estimate total red snapper take for that year.  The mortality (i.e. what portion of the total red snapper of those vulnerable ages was taken that year) is an output of the assessment model. This is done by measuring the number of fish by age (especially ages 1, 2, 3) taken in the directed fishery and correlating it with the estimates of numbers removed in previous years by trawls. 

Are the shrimpers ever going to be kept out of waters that red snapper spawn in June through August?
     The new regulations will require a 74% reduction of trawl effort in the central and western Gulf in the 60 - 180 foot depth zone that accounts for 90% of the red snapper juvenile bycatch. If effort in one year exceeds the cap, shrimping in the following year will be closed for as many days as it takes to make up the overage. This will both reduce effort during the spawning season and offer closures in that time period if effort reduction caps are exceeded.
     A reduction of effort in those areas of high juvenile (first 1.6 years of life) bycatch is more important than closures during spawning season because 1) most spawning occurs in and around reef, rock and rig substrate where shrimping doesn't occur and 2) there is an approximate 40 day larval period where the floating post-hatchlings are distributed over often broad geographic areas by currents. After this period the larvae transform into what looks like a little 1-inch snapper and they settle and accumulate on the coarse sand substrates mostly in the 60- to 180-foot range where we now hope to protect them from trawls.

-- Dr. Russell Nelson
CCA Gulf Fisheries Consultant

CCA and Valero Partner in Conservation

North America’s largest refiner
offers three-year commitment to
youth angler outreach and
education program

 Coastal Conservation Association and Valero Energy Corporation have teamed up to promote conservation ethics in young anglers. Through a dynamic youth program that will include an eye-catching newsletter, interactive web site, and conservation-oriented school lesson plans, Valero and CCA will work to capture the enthusiasm of children and encourage them to understand and protect the coastal landscape.

Valero has pledged a three-year commitment to sponsor CCA’s Rising Tide youth program.

“Valero’s generous support will allow CCA to devote more resources to our youth program than ever before, and that clearly bodes well for the future of our marine resources,” said Pat Murray, CCA vice president and director of conservation. “Through this partnership with Valero, we will be seeking to engage the imagination and hope of young people to create a powerful force for marine conservation.”

Valero is the largest refiner in North America and has traditionally focused its charitable giving on projects involving education and youth. It is only the second company ever to twice receive the United Way’s highest honor, the Spirit of America Award. Its employees donated a record-breaking 272,000 hours of time last year to volunteer for countless community projects, including mentoring students, organizing fundraisers, participating in clean-up events, volunteering at youth centers and much more.

“With Valero’s long history of community involvement, support of children and strong presence in coastal areas, it’s a nice tie,” Valero President Greg King said. “More than 40,000 CCA members live in the areas where we have a refinery. Valero is proud to help protect our coastal regions and take an active role in teaching youth about conservation and coastal responsibility.”

CCA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of coastal marine resources. In operation for more than 30 years, CCA has 17 state chapters and more than 10,000 youth members among its more than 100,000 total membership. CCA is known as the national leader in marine conservation.

  “Together, CCA and Valero are creating the conservationists of tomorrow through education, support and guidance,” Murray said. “But our youth members are not only the future; they are capable of doing amazing things today. Valero’s support will enable us to tap into that potential now and in the future.”

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CCA South Carolina Wins
Comprehensive Finfish Plan  

Based upon the concept of a “proactive approach” initially put forth by Coastal Conservation Association South Carolina (CCA SC) in January 2006, the South Carolina General Assembly passed S. 489 on June 6, 2007 which represents the most comprehensive conservation legislation regarding recreational saltwater finfish over the past three decades.

“We have reached a critical point in managing our marine resources and this legislation promotes a proactive change in the management of our state marine fisheries” said Mike Able, CCA SC Government Relations committee chairman. “As more and more people move to the Palmetto State and realize the availability of these fish and the incredible angling experience they provide, we expect to see a growing interest in the responsible stewardship of the resources.”

The CCA Comprehensive Finfish initiative, as S. 489 was often referred to, calls for the adjustment or creation of recreational size and creel limits for five finfish species and the complete protection of two additional species. The species include red drum, black drum, spotted seatrout, flounder, and weakfish (summer trout), which are among the most important and popular recreational species in South Carolina. A moratorium on the harvest of two species of saltwater catfish was also included at the request of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).  CCA SC’s concerns over the health of the population of these species were confirmed last summer through a series of public meetings conducted in seven different areas around the state by the SCDNR Marine Resources Division, and were attended by a broad representation of recreational saltwater anglers.   

“We applaud the commitment of the South Carolina General Assembly in their efforts to protect with reasonable measures South Carolina’s coastal fisheries,” said Charles Farmer, CCA SC Legislative Council. The legislation required strong support from many members of the Assembly especially Sen. Chip Campsen of Charleston, the original sponsor of the bill, Sen. Greg Gregory of Lancaster, Chairman of the Senate Fish, Game, & Forestry Committee, Sen. Yancey McGill of Kingstree, Rep. Billy Witherspoon of Conway, Chairman of the House Agriculture, Natural Resources & Environmental Affairs Committee, Rep. Mike Pitts of Laurens, Rep. Jackie Hayes of Dillon, and Rep. Chip Limehouse of Charleston.

“CCA took great efforts in maintaining an open line of communication with the SCDNR Board of Directors and Marine Advisory Committee (MAC) throughout the entire legislative process” said CCA SC State Chairman, Tombo Milliken.  “This legislation is the product of a lot of time and effort on the part of CCA and recreational fishermen, SCDNR, marine fisheries managers, and legislative decision makers. Equally important, it represents a unified approach by all involved to enact reasonable, proactive measures necessary to protect the abundance of our marine resources before problems related to overfishing and habitat loss actually occur.”

CCA Florida Issues Position on Everglades National Park Management Plan

     In May, the National Park Service (NPS) released four preliminary alternatives for the development of the Everglades National Park (ENP) General Management Plan. The alternatives range from maintaining current management measures to draconian restrictions on boating access.
 

     “No individual or organization holds the Everglades National Park and its unique environment in higher regard than CCA and its members,” said Michael Kennedy, Chairman of a special CCA Florida subcommittee. “CCA Florida is more than willing to support and seek funding for angler education, restoration efforts, and to properly mark access channels in areas where the Park has evidence of recent sea grass damage. However, we will oppose the huge zones which prohibit or exclude traditional access by motorized recreational fishing boats.”

     One alternative would prohibit the use of internal combustion engines in all waters less than three feet deep. In Florida Bay alone, that alternative would prohibit traditional boating in more than 150 square miles!
 

     The NPS proposals for such severe restrictions in one of the world’s premier saltwater fishing destinations set off a firestorm of public opposition. Hundreds of anglers showed up at each of the public workshops held by the NPS to oppose the unnecessary restrictions. In addition, some state officials have commented in opposition to the plans.
 

     CCA Florida set up a special subcommittee of its Government Relations Committee to review and develop recommendations on the general management plan alternatives as they go through the process. The subcommittee contains representation from local chapters around the Park and from individuals across the state with detailed knowledge of fishing within the Park. Some have fished the area for more than forty years. Michael Kennedy, former state board chairman, is chairman of the subcommittee.
 

     The subcommittee’s recommendations were presented and approved by the CCA Executive Board on July 14. The recommendations include the following:
 

1. ALTERNATIVE A IS ACCEPTABLE WITH MODIFICATION

• Alternative A should be revised to reflect all restrictions presently in place, including existing No Wake Zones in the Flamingo, Everglades City and Key Largo areas, the no motor zones in designated canoe trails and no landing areas in Florida Bay.

• The Park should engage an active program to educate all users in proper vessel operation, courteous operation and respect for the Park’s resources.

• The NPS should provide signage for channels and transit areas around the grass flats in the more commonly used areas.

2. ALTERNATIVES B, C, AND D ARE UNACCEPTABLE

• CCA does not support any large area “Management by Water Depth,” “Backcountry,” “Research,” “Management by Vessel Length” or other such zones which exclude normal or traditional access by motorized recreational fishing boats. We have requested the NPS to provide documentation such as boat strandings data, aerial photos of grass bed damage or other such evidence which may indicate a need for additional protection measures. The seagrass information should be over a specific time period and in the context of total seagrasses within the park. CCA will participate with the NPS, when such information is provided, to help establish effective channel marking, public education and enforcement measures to solve any resource problems.

     There is already indication that the Park is rethinking their proposed management alternatives. Park Superintendent Dan Kimball attended the CCA Florida Convention last weekend and provided comments on the management plan. Kimball stated that based on public comments, meetings with interest groups, and “ground truthing” trips into the Park “the NPS is in the process of significantly modifying these alternatives, particularly in regard to how these alternatives address boating management in the park.”
 

     The NPS plans to release a revised set of preliminary alternatives for public comment this fall and additional public hearings will be held.
 

     “This is an extremely important, high priority issue for CCA Florida,” said Ted Forsgren, CCA Florida Executive Director. “We will continue to be a major participant in every aspect of the ENP management plan process.”

Periodic updates on the Everglades National Park issue can be found on CCA Florida’s website at www.ccaflorida.org.

     Representatives of Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) and the University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) will meet in Port Aransas, Texas, on August --, to officially open what will be one of the foremost marine larviculture laboratories in the world.  The $700,000 CCA Texas Laboratory for Marine Larviculture Lab will focus on the production of such recreationally important species as flounder, cobia, snapper and snook and produce cutting-edge research on increasing the success of existing hatcheries.

 Amenities at the lab include office space for graduate students, a lab, and facilities to experiment with growing out the food to feed newly hatched organisms. The lab has enough space for six 10,000-pound water tanks, each equipped with its own heating, chilling and filtration system. Each of those tanks are large enough to hold six separate bins, each one addressing a different variable in environmental conditions, such as water clarity, temperature and salinity, with much greater control than ever before.

According to Dr. Lee Fuiman, Director of UTMSI, “The key to success for natural populations of fishes often lies in the survival of their larvae.  Even in hatcheries and mariculture facilities, survival of these early life stages is usually the critical step.  A new state-of-the-art laboratory for researching the requirements of larval fishes is crucial to advancing our understanding and developing new technologies that will improve the health of fish populations in Texas and beyond.  The wisdom and generosity of CCA Texas has made that facility possible.” 

CCA Texas Commits $200,000 For Shrimp License Buyback Program 

     In an effort to reduce the harmful impact of shrimp trawls in Texas coastal waters, Coastal Conservation Association Texas (CCA Texas) has made a $200,000 commitment to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department bay and bait shrimp license buyback program.

    
     “Reducing shrimp effort is one of the most important things we can do for the conservation of Texas’ bays and estuaries,” said Will Ohmstede, Chairman of CCA Texas. “This monetary commitment by CCA Texas will remove active shrimping licenses from Texas bays and help conserve our fragile bays and estuaries.”

     Since its inception in 1995, the Texas shrimp license buyback program has been a success, aiding in decreasing inshore shrimping effort by as much as 48 percent with a decrease in bycatch estimated to be as much as 40 percent.  It is widely held that to produce one pound of marketable shrimp a shrimp trawl will create as much as five pounds of bycatch while also often causing significant degradation to coastal bay habitat.

     “It is important to remember that shrimp trawl bycatch is made up of everything from vital forage fish to juvenile game species,” said Luke Giles, CCA Texas Assistant Director. “It is estimated that as much as 80 million pounds of bycatch are removed from Texas bays each year by shrimping efforts. That is a significant negative impact on the resource.”
    

     The Texas buyback program offers the opportunity for participants in the shrimping industry to sell their bay and bait licenses.  To date, a significant portion of the licenses have been removed, but hundreds still remain active.  CCA Texas’ recent donation is a vital step in the continued success of the program.

     “CCA’s assistance will dramatically accelerate the timetable to reduce the inshore shrimp fleet that in turn will minimize bycatch and trawling impacts that are detrimental to recreational fisheries,” said Dr. Larry McKinney, TPWD Director of Coastal Fisheries. “ Additionally, this ongoing partnership between TPWD and CCA demonstrates to the legislature and others that this effort is a high priority for both of us, and one worthy of their support.”