CFMC Updates (October 2023)

CFMC NOTICIAS DEL CFMC UPDATES

Octubre 2023 October

el boletín del Consejo Administración Pesquera del Caribe (CFMC, inglés) InEnthe Caribbean Fishery de Management Council (CFMC)'s bulletin youen will find encontrarás anuncios actividades, sobre distintas especies marinas valiosa announcements, factsdeabout marinedatos species, and valuable information ony fishing información sobre la pesca y las regulaciones que rigen esta actividad en Puerto Rico y and rule that regulate this activity in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. en las Islas Vírgenes Estadounidenses.

ECOSYSTEM-BASED FISHERY MANAGEMENT

Illustrated by: Paco López Mujica

When we talk about Ecosystem-Based Fishery Management (EBFM) we can think of many things and the concept may seem complicated or complex to us.

www.caribbeanfmc.com

However, it is possible to explain it in a simple way and even be part of the efforts aimed at carrying out ecosystembased management.

01 / 06

CFMC UPDATES

According to NOAA Fisheries, the EBFM approach aims to maintain ecosystems in a healthy, productive, and resilient condition so they can provide the services humans want and need. The most recent CFMC publication on EBFM explains that a productive fishery depends on the marine ecosystem being sustainable and in functional condition. Biotic (living) abiotic (non-living) elements make up this

October 2023

ecosystem. In this ecosystem, the community of living organisms interacts with each other and with the non-living elements.

Mangroves, estuaries, sandy bottoms, seagrass beds, shallow and deep-water coral reefs, and the open ocean make up those ecosystems or essential fish habitats. The human being is a key element in these spaces.

How do you contribute to caring for marine and fishing resources?

We can make correct decisions in favor of the conservation and sustainable use of these ecosystems.

Fishing only what is needed, respecting closed seasons and species spawning aggregation times, knowing the ecosystems, and participating in scientific and decision-making processes are part of the ways in which we can have fishing for the future.

WE INVITE YOU TO READ, DOWNLOAD AND SHARE THE PUBLICATION ECOSYSTEM-BASED FISHERIES MANAGEMENT IN ISSUU.

www.caribbeanfmc.com

Scan Here!

02/ 06

CFMC UPDATES

October 2023

FISHER OF THE MONTH ROBERTO SABATER

NEW CFMC MEMBER Roberto Sabater is a civil engineer by profession, and a recreational fisherman in his spare time. Fishing is an activity he has known since childhood, with his family environment providing that first contact with the activity.

“My father loved the beaches and rivers, and we often visited the Luquillo Balneario and El Escambrón.

One time, an uncle came with his family and brought fishing gear and began teaching me how to fish small fish. I started fishing from the shore with him when I was 8 years old; he was a fishing and hunting enthusiast. He would take me fishing with his friends to Isla de Cabras and the Cañuelo area (Fortín San Juan de la Cruz on Isla de Cabras). He gave me fishing line and hooks and explained the basics. Since then, if I’m going to the river or the beach, I take my gear with me,” Roberto told us regarding his beginnings as a fisherman.

Just as how his father and uncle taught him about nature and fishing, Roberto did the same with his own children. Open-air activities were the way he enjoyed his spare time with his family.

www.caribbeanfmc.com

03/ 06

CFMC UPDATES

October 2023

“Fishing is important to me, since it gives me the time and space to be in a pleasant place, mostly by myself, concentrating on landing a catch and trying to understand the reasons why some days fish bite, and some days they don’t. My job was very high-stress and raising three children wasn’t easy. I talked them into going boating, camping out in the cays, fishing, diving, or just doing nothing except spend time together. Currently, I go hunting and fishing with my son.

When I started taking fishing more seriously, I joined fishing associations and made new friends who were fans of the sport,” said Roberto.

Roberto goes fishing for tarpon (catch and release only), horse mackerel, pompano, shore fishes, and fishing off of boats at estuaries. Tarpon is his favorite.

“I love fishing with light tackle. I only fish with 2 pound through 30 pound fishing line. I use the 30 pound line for billfish and 20 pound line for mahi, wahoo, etc. Currently, I’m fishing for tarpon, pompano or horse mackerels on 12 and 16 pound lines. I have spinning reels with 2 through 20 pound lines, and my favorite is a Penn International Baitcaster 965 with a 16 pound line. I prefer traditional reels since they don’t tangle like spinning reels do when fighting with a fish, and the rod is stronger and helps control the fish better,” Roberto explained.

Roberto enjoys sharing his knowledge with other people interested in fishing. He believes this activity has taught him much and continues to teach every time he goes out.

“Fishing has taught me to be more patient, to learn how to use a boat with engine or sail, how to be a mechanic in case of an emergency, to learn about the colors of the water, the tides, some species’ fish runs, the moons, and the importance of keeping and maintaining the reels, lines, hooks, and especially about tying knots,” he states.

When asked about the current state of fishing, Roberto shared his opinion: “Fishing is at a state that’s not as critical as back when there were no regulations and species almost went extinct like in California. Even with increased population, famine, global warming and corporate greed, fishing will survive, nature has a way of adjusting, although it’s a very slow process.

Humankind encroached into the habitat and has to do whatever possible to rectify their meddling.”

www.caribbeanfmc.com

04/ 06

CFMC UPDATES

As part of his concerns about fishing and the marine environment, Roberto worries about fisherfolk oversight.

“The marine habitat and its components do not have boundaries or nations. For one nation to do all it can to help its environment while a neighboring country does not, poses an economic and even a social problem about the fishing opportunities for both nations,” Roberto points out.

To this whole fishing scenario, add the new influx of people interested in recreational fishing. Roberto understands there is space for all but understands that fishing also poses challenges.

October 2023

“I have been offered a great chance [in the CFMC] to offer my contribution to resource preservation in my area as well as other locations, for the enjoyment of future generations” -ROBERTO SABATER

“The new recreational fisher must overcome the economic issues, since maintaining and using a boat is a burden for some. The technology for pelagic fishing is rapidly advancing while fishing opportunities are getting lower. To be successful, they should attempt to fish with moderation and proper planning. Knowing the laws governing fishers, not abusing the areas, changing locations and strategies, and only keeping the catch you will consume are some of the recommendations I can make,” Roberto offered.

Roberto learned about the CFMC by participating in processes for presenting comments through NOAA and the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER). He understands that fisherfolk must be an active part of public policy and decision-making processes.

“I first got involved with CFMC when I was invited to join several NOAA and DNER agents in preparing presentations against some local laws that affected both recreational and commercial fishers alike. Also, we receive NOAA representatives at our club regarding fisheries, particularly migratory ones,” Roberto, recently a member of CFMC, told us.

“I am a civil engineer and I worked in construction for years. I am not a scientist and I recognize the need for science to reach the correct decisions both in fishing and engineering alike. As a fishing and nature enthusiast, I believe I have much to offer in those situations in which common sense and science meet. Even if I’m a recreational fisherman, I will always work for the benefit of the species and their habitat. I believe I know the needs of the recreational aspect, but these needs must go hand-in-hand with the fishery’s wellbeing. I have been offered a great chance to offer my contribution to resource preservation in my area as well as other locations, for the enjoyment of future generations,” he expressed.

Note: The CFMC appreciates the interview with Roberto Sabeter and the photos shared for this story.

www.caribbeanfmc.com

05 / 06

CFMC UPDATES

October 2023

REMEMBER THE CLOSED SEASON IN BAJO DE SICO! NOAA Fisheries reminds fishers and the public of the annually recurring seasonal prohibition on fishing for or possession of any reef fish managed by the CFMC in or from those parts of the Bajo de Sico management area that are in federal waters. This closure begins on October 1, 2023, and extends through March 31, 2024.

This seasonal closure protects species when they are spawning (reproducing) and therefore more vulnerable to fishing pressure.

During the closure,fishers are allowed to harvest spiny lobster and species not managed by the Council, including highly migratory species (HMS) or other non-HMS coastal migratory species.

Fishing with pots, traps, bottom longlines, gillnets, or trammel nets and anchoring are prohibited year-round in Bajo de Sico federal waters and remain prohibited during the seasonal closure.

MORE INFORMATION IN www.fisheries.noaa.gov

Scan Here!

FIND US ON: BÚSCANOS EN:

www.caribbeanfmc.com

www.caribbeanfmc.com

06// 06 06