NOAA released its annual Report to Congress on the "Status of U.S.
Fisheries for 2004" (http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/reports.htm). For
previously assessed stocks, the report shows the following changes: one
stock (Pacific whiting) has been fully rebuilt, and overfishing is no
longer occurring.
The report notes that in 2004, overfished and/or overfishing
determinations were made for twenty stocks and stock complexes whose
status was previously unknown. Overall, the report shows 144 stocks -- or
72 percent of those with a known population status -- are not overfished,
and 192 stocks -- or 81 percent of those with a known fishing rate -- are
not subject to overfishing. The report discusses the status of species
in seven regions.
Here is a brief summary of how the status of marine fisheries changed in
2004:
"Mid-Atlantic black sea bass is no longer overfished, and overfishing has
ended. Three more stocks have increased in abundance to the point they are
no longer overfished (lingcod, pacific ocean perch, and king mackerel --
Gulf group). Rebuilding measures for all these stocks will continue until
each stock has fully rebuilt to the level that provides maximum
sustainable yield. Additionally, Gulf of Mexico red drum is no longer
subject to overfishing.
Three previously assessed stocks were determined to be overfished. Two of
these are Alaska crab stocks which already have rebuilding plans and
fishing is not allowed. The third stock is butterfish, and rebuilding
measures are being developed.
Seven stocks or stock complexes were determined to be subject to
overfishing (Atlantic sea scallop, summer flounder, Gulf of Mexico greater
amberjack, shortspine thornyhead, black rockfish -- North, Hawaii
bottomfish complex, and large coastal sharks). Appropriate management
measures will be implemented to lower the fishing mortality rate for these
stocks or complexes.
A majority of our assessed fish stocks are not overfished or subject to
overfishing. However, NMFS and the Councils will continue working toward
the goal of rebuilding all stocks and maintaining them at highly
productive levels. We also are committed to increasing the number of
stocks that are assessed."
Source:
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/domes_fish/StatusoFiseries/SOS8%20-05.htm
Pamela Tom
University of California
Sea Grant Extension Program
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