United States of America Pots, Trotline

Transcription

1 Blue crab Callinectes sapidus U.S. Food and Drug Administration United States of America Pots, Trotline February 24, 2013 Seafood Watch Consulting Researcher Disclaimer Seafood Watch strives to have all Seafood Reports reviewed for accuracy and completeness by external scientists with expertise in ecology, fisheries science and aquaculture. Scientific review, however, does not constitute an endorsement of the Seafood Watch program or its recommendations on the part of the reviewing scientists. Seafood Watch is solely responsible for the conclusions reached in this report. Seafood Watch Standard used in this assessment: Standard for Fisheries vf2

2 Table of Contents About Seafood Watch Guiding Principles Summary Final Seafood Recommendations Introduction Assessment Criterion 1: Impacts on the species under assessment Criterion 2: Impacts on other species Criterion 3: Management ness Criterion 4: Impacts on the habitat and ecosystem Acknowledgements References Appendix A: Review Schedule

3 About Seafood Watch Monterey Bay Aquarium s Seafood Watch program evaluates the ecological sustainability of wild-caught and farmed seafood commonly found in the United States marketplace. Seafood Watch defines sustainable seafood as originating from sources, whether wild-caught or farmed, which can maintain or increase production in the long-term without jeopardizing the structure or function of affected ecosystems. Seafood Watch makes its science-based recommendations available to the public in the form of regional pocket guides that can be downloaded from The program s goals are to raise awareness of important ocean conservation issues and empower seafood consumers and businesses to make choices for healthy oceans. Each sustainability recommendation on the regional pocket guides is supported by a Seafood Report. Each report synthesizes and analyzes the most current ecological, fisheries and ecosystem science on a species, then evaluates this information against the program s conservation ethic to arrive at a recommendation of Best Choices, Good Alternatives or Avoid. The detailed evaluation methodology is available upon request. In producing the Seafood Reports, Seafood Watch seeks out research published in academic, peer-reviewed journals whenever possible. Other sources of information include government technical publications, fishery management plans and supporting documents, and other scientific reviews of ecological sustainability. Seafood Watch Research Analysts also communicate regularly with ecologists, fisheries and aquaculture scientists, and members of industry and conservation organizations when evaluating fisheries and aquaculture practices. Capture fisheries and aquaculture practices are highly dynamic; as the scientific information on each species changes, Seafood Watch s sustainability recommendations and the underlying Seafood Reports will be updated to reflect these changes. Parties interested in capture fisheries, aquaculture practices and the sustainability of ocean ecosystems are welcome to use Seafood Reports in any way they find useful. For more information about Seafood Watch and Seafood Reports, please contact the Seafood Watch program at Monterey Bay Aquarium by calling

4 Guiding Principles Seafood Watch defines sustainable seafood as originating from sources, whether fished 1 or farmed, that can maintain or increase production in the long-term without jeopardizing the structure or function of affected ecosystems. Based on this principle, Seafood Watch had developed four sustainability criteria for evaluating wildcatch fisheries for consumers and businesses. These criteria are: How does fishing affect the species under assessment? How does the fishing affect other, target and non-target species? How effective is the fishery s management? How does the fishing affect habitats and the stability of the ecosystem? Each criterion includes: Factors to evaluate and score Guidelines for integrating these factors to produce a numerical score and rating Once a rating has been assigned to each criterion, we develop an overall recommendation. Criteria ratings and the overall recommendation are color-coded to correspond to the categories on the Seafood Watch pocket guide and online guide: Best Choice/Green: Are well managed and caught in ways that cause little harm to habitats or other wildlife. Good Alternative/Yellow: Buy, but be aware there are concerns with how they re caught. Avoid/Red Take a pass on these for now. These items are overfished or caught in ways that harm other marine life or the environment. 1 Fish is used throughout this document to refer to finfish, shellfish and other invertebrates 4

5 Summary The following analysis focuses on the US domestic blue crab pot fishery in the Chesapeake Bay, the southern US Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico. Stock abundance of blue crab has generally been increasing in recent years as management efforts focused on specific targets that promote population persistence and sustainable fishing practices. Trotlines used in Chesapeake Bay to catch crabs do not operate with hooks; the bait is tied to a line and the crabs grasp the bait. While holding the bait, the crabs are hauled onto the boat. The use of a manually operated dip net to catch individual crabs produces no bycatch of other species. The blue crab pot fishery has the potential to catch other, unintended species, and crab fishing has had some impact on endangered, threatened, and species of special concern. Crab pot bycatch primarily consists of sublegal blue crabs, as well as small amounts of non-target finfish (mostly released alive and making up no more than 0.12% of the catch), and diamondback terrapins. The most significant bycatch impact from the crab pot fishery is on diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin), a population of special concern. However, the states of New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland have specific terrapin bycatch reduction regulations that effectively mitigate the bycatch of terrapins, which is the greatest conservation concern for this fishery. As one of the most ecologically and economically significant species in the country, there has been increasing attention given to more effective management of the stocks. Maryland, Virginia, and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission are all working closely to sustain a healthy fishery in Chesapeake Bay. Gulf Coast States also work collaboratively to help ensure that blue crab populations and the associated fishery are healthy. Management of the target species for all blue crab fishing regions is working sufficiently, while bycatch management needs some improvement. Blue crab populations naturally fluctuate spatially and temporally and in order to be able to manage effectively with such fluctuations, adequate data needs to be gathered and shared and management targets established. The management of blue crabs in most states is not based on recent fishery independent data. Both anthropogenic and natural processes such as harvesting, habitat quality and quantity, water quality, and recruitment strength greatly affect blue crab population dynamics, thus effective management depends on detailed data collection and analysis that will determine the relative effects of these threats in order to manage stocks appropriately. The implementation and enforcement of bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) and the removal or reduction of ghost fishing would lessen the impact of the blue crab fishery on non-targeted species. Research has shown the effectiveness of BRDs in protecting species of concern, especially the diamondback terrapin. Current management efforts are set to limit the impact on terrapins by restricting locations of commercial crab pots (particularly in Maryland) but the effect could be greater by enforcing the requirement of BRDs throughout the fishery. During the latest Workshop on the Ecology, Status, and Conservation of Diamondback Terrapins, survey responses from individuals representing all regions and academic, regulatory, and private institutions concluded that crab pot mortality was one of the major threats to diamondback terrapins. Most states have also coordinated derelict crab pot removal programs to reduce terrapin bycatch associated with ghost fishing. Crab pots are a passively fished gear type and impact the substrate through the wire structure that rests on bottom. The primary threat from the gear comes from lost or abandoned (i.e. derelict) pots which are not actively fished. Derelict gear is also referred to as ghost fishing because abandoned pots can continue to trap a variety of species, both blue crab and non-target species, contributing to unnecessary mortality. Trotlines, similar to bottom longlines (but without hooks), rest along the benthos and are held in place at each end with anchor and chain. Trotlines are set in primarily sand and silt. All crab fisheries in this report have minimal mitigation of the gear impacts from pots and trotlines because fishing intensity is effectively controlled, but is not actively being reduced. There are currently no exceptional species caught in the fishery, and there are no 5

6 efforts to fully assess ecosystem impacts from the blue crab fishery. 6

7 Final Seafood Recommendations SPECIES/FISHERY CRITERION 1: IMPACTS ON THE SPECIES CRITERION 2: IMPACTS ON OTHER SPECIES CRITERION 3: MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVENESS CRITERION 4: HABITAT AND ECOSYSTEM OVERALL RECOMMENDATION Blue crab United States of America Western Central Atlantic, Pots, United States of America Blue crab New Jersey Northw est Atlantic, Pots, United States of America Blue crab Delaw are Northw est Atlantic, Pots, United States of America Blue crab United States of America Chesapeake Bay, Trotline, United States of America Blue crab United States of America Gulf of Mexico, Pots, United States of America Blue crab Virginia Northw est Atlantic, Pots, United States of America Blue crab Maryland Northw est Atlantic, Pots, United States of America Yellow (2.64) Red (1.27) Yellow (2.45) Yellow (3.12) Good Alternative (2.25) Green (3.83) Red (1.27) Yellow (3.00) Yellow (3.12) Good Alternative (2.60) Green (3.83) Red (1.27) Yellow (3.00) Yellow (3.12) Good Alternative (2.60) Green (3.83) Green (5.00) Yellow (3.00) Yellow (3.12) Best Choice (3.66) Yellow (3.05) Red (1.27) Yellow (2.45) Yellow (3.12) Good Alternative (2.33) Green (3.83) Red (1.27) Yellow (2.45) Yellow (3.12) Good Alternative (2.47) Green (3.83) Red (1.27) Yellow (3.00) Yellow (3.12) Good Alternative (2.60) Summary The following analysis focuses on the U.S. domestic blue crab pot fishery which is located along the US Atlantic Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico. The blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) pot fisheries in the US Atlantic Coast, Chesapeake Bay and Gulf of Mexico are ranked as Good Alternatives. The Chesapeake Bay trotline fishery is ranked as a Best Choice. Scoring Guide Scores range from zero to five where zero indicates very poor performance and five indicates the fishing operations have no significant impact. 7

8 Final Score = geometric mean of the four Scores (Criterion 1, Criterion 2, Criterion 3, Criterion 4). Best Choice/Green = Final Score >3.2, and no Red Criteria, and no Critical scores Good Alternative/Yellow = Final score > , and neither Harvest Strategy (Factor 3.1) nor Bycatch Management Strategy (Factor 3.2) are Very High Concern 2, and no more than one Red Criterion, and no Critical scores Avoid/Red = Final Score 2.2, or either Harvest Strategy (Factor 3.1) or Bycatch Management Strategy (Factor 3.2) is Very High Concern or two or more Red Criteria, or one or more Critical scores. 2 Because effective management is an essential component of sustainable fisheries, Seafood Watch issues an Avoid recommendation for any fishery scored as a Very High Concern for either factor under Management (Criterion 3). 8

9 Introduction Scope of the analysis and ensuing recommendation The following analysis focuses on the US domestic blue crab pot fishery which is located along the US Atlantic Coast, as far north as Rhode Island, and south in the Gulf of Mexico. Blue crabs in the United States are found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts in state waters. While management of the species remains with the respective state, this report divides the US population into four regions where states are grouped according to similar and sometimes collaborative management, and where vital rates, fishing effort, and other threats tend to be common within the region. Regions include: (1) Virginia; (2) New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland that has been grouped together due to their progress on regulating effective terrapin bycatch reduction strategies (these two regions also collectively encompass the Chesapeake Bay region referred to in this report) region; (3) the South Atlantic fishery is based primarily on the fishery in North Carolina, the most productive blue crab fishery of the region but also includes South Carolina, Georgia, and the east coast of Florida and (4) the Gulf of Mexico region includes all states in the Gulf, including Louisiana, Florida, Texas, Alabama and Mississippi. Louisiana is one of the most productive states in the country (accounting for approximately 70% of the landings in the Gulf of Mexico), and therefore drives the Gulf of Mexico analysis in this report. In addition to the four regions, the Chesapeake Bay trotline fishery, which makes up approximately 20% of the landings in Chesapeake Bay (approximately 10% of landings along the US East coast), has been highlighted because of the high efficiency of this fishing method with no concerns over bycatch. Species Overview The blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, is a member of the swimming crab family, Portunidae, which inhabits estuarine and coastal waters. The species is significant both ecologically and economically. Blue crabs contribute to the ecological processes in estuarine and coastal food web dynamics as both prey and predator to a number of other species. Economically, the fishery also represents a great resource; blue crab is one of the most significant domestic commercial fisheries nationally as well as for many individual states, in terms of monetary value and in weight (NMFS 2010a). Management of the blue crab fishery is governed by many federal policies, but direct management responsibilities fall upon the states in which fisheries are present (Guillory et al 2001b). State natural resource departments are generally responsible for managing blue crab fisheries under the direction of their respective regulatory commissions (Guillory et al 2001b). Regional Fishery Management Councils established by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act do not have a direct hand in management because almost all US landings are in state waters (Guillory et al 2001b). The primary influence of federal law on blue crab fisheries is the regulation of coastal water quality, habitat protection, and pollution control (Guillory et al 2001b). Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay present slightly unique situations where there is jurisdiction overlap in the estuarine waters. While Maryland, Virginia, and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission each have their own regulations within the Chesapeake Bay, and the same exists for Delaware and New Jersey in Delaware Bay, there is some coordination in information gathering and sharing and in management efforts. Maryland, Virginia and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission share the management of blue crab fisheries in Chesapeake Bay and are coordinated as signatories to the Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The first FMP in 1989 recognized the importance of the blue crab resource, identified areas of concern, and recommended strategies to stabilize fishing effort across the three jurisdictions. A second FMP in 1997 focused on conserving the stock in the bay to maintain the ecological value and long-term use of the resource. The Delaware Bay Blue Crab FMP was prepared by the State of Delaware in cooperation with the State of New 9

10 Jersey as a result of decreased bay-wide landings in Blue crab management in the Gulf of Mexico is regulated by the respective states in which they are found and caught but there is also a collaborative management effort through the Gulf States and the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. Evaluation and modification of management efforts in any Gulf Coast state must consider the activities of the neighboring states. The Commission can make management recommendations to a state but ultimately, the state remains responsible for management of the species (Guillory et al 2001b). Small-scale commercial blue crab fishing dates as far back as the 1800s. Crab pots were introduced in the 1920s and 1930s, with minor improvements made thereafter (Guillory et al 2001b). Landings increased with rising effort through the latter part of the century and peaked in the mid 90s as gear became more efficient. High landings in the 90s may be attributed to several factors, including increased effort due to optimal economic conditions and high recruitment and growth of blue crab populations (Henry 2010). Production Statistics From 2000 to 2010, the US domestic blue crab fishery was in the top eleven fisheries when measured by weight ranging from 151,590,455 pounds caught in 2001 to 184,455,049 pounds in 2010 (Figure 1). Blue crab landings in 2010 made the fishery the 8 th largest of any fishery in the nation. At least 75% of reported blue crab landings during this period are from four states: Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia (NMFS 2010b). Figure 1 Figure 1. Total annual value of the US domestic blue crab fishery from 1950 to NMFS Importance to the US/North American market. Blue crabs are one of the most economically important commercial species in the US. In 2010, the fishery ranked as the US s 5 th largest in value ($211,942,013) which has been increasing annually since 2006 (NMFS 2010a). Import and export sources and statistics The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) reports imports of crabs of the Family Portunidae (swimming crabs). Imports of frozen and preserved swimming crab meat totaled almost 19,000 metric tons and over 20,000 metric tons in 2009 and 2010 respectively (NMFS 2010b), which is one quarter of the domestic fresh blue crab fishery. The US Food and Drug Administration reports that imported crabmeat is often sold as blue crab crabmeat in US markets (FDA 2009). The true nature of the imported crab is highly uncertain. FAO does not specifically report capture or aquaculture of Callinectes spp. in Indonesia, China, Thailand, or Vietnam. Data reported by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for these four countries in 2007 is summarized below (FAO 2009a)(FAO 2009b) (FAO 2010): 10

11 Aquaculture in China produced large quantities of unspecified crab of family Portunidae. Aquaculture in China, Indonesia, and Thailand produced crab of genuses Scylla and Portunus, which are also members of the swimming crab family Portunidae. Capture production of blue swimming crab Portunus pelagicus is reported for Indonesia, China, and Thailand. Indonesia s and Vietnam s imports of crab (in various forms) are much lower (only about 2% by weight) than the countries exports. Re-exports are not reported. China and Thailand import crab products equivalent to about 60% of exports (by weight). The available information is limited, and there is high uncertainty regarding the sources of imported blue crab crabmeat. This report only assesses the US wild-capture fishery for blue crab. Common and market names. Callinectes sapidus is commonly referred to as the blue crab. Within the industry, crabs have specific names based on sex and maturity (Zinski 2006): Jimmy A male blue crab Sally or She-crab An immature female Sook A mature female Sponge Crab An ovigerous (egg-bearing) female crab, named for the appearance of her egg mass ( sponge ) Egg-bearing females are also referred to as spawn crabs, blooming female crabs, and mother crabs (PRFC 2009). Crabs are categorized as hard, soft, or peeler crabs based on their stage of molting. Softie is another name for a soft-shell crab, and bust crab or busted crab describes a crab that is in the process of shedding its exoskeleton (Sea Grant Virginia 2006). Primary product forms Most blue crab crabmeat is sold fresh, but some is frozen or pasteurized (Guillory et al. 2001b). 11

12 Assessment This section assesses the sustainability of the fishery(s) relative to the Seafood Watch Criteria for Fisheries, available at Criterion 1: Impacts on the species under assessment This criterion evaluates the impact of fishing mortality on the species, given its current abundance. The inherent vulnerability to fishing rating influences how abundance is scored, when abundance is unknown. The final Criterion 1 score is determined by taking the geometric mean of the abundance and fishing mortality scores. The Criterion 1 rating is determined as follows: Score >3.2=Green or Low Concern Score >2.2 and 3.2=Yellow or Moderate Concern Score 2.2=Red or High Concern Rating is Critical if Factor 1.3 (Fishing Mortality) is Critical Criterion 1 Summary BLUE CRAB Region Method United States of America/Western Central Atlantic Pots United States of America New Jersey/Northwest Atlantic Pots United States of America Delaware/Northwest Atlantic Pots United States of America United States of America/Chesapeake Bay Trotline United States of America United States of America/Gulf of Mexico Pots United States of America Virginia/Northwest Atlantic Pots United States of America Inherent Vulnerability Abundance Fishing Mortality Score 3.00: Low 3.00: Moderate Concern 2.33: Moderate Concern Yellow (2.64) 3.00: Low 4.00: Low Concern 3.67: Low Concern Green (3.83) 3.00: Low 4.00: Low Concern 3.67: Low Concern Green (3.83) 3.00: Low 4.00: Low Concern 3.67: Low Concern Green (3.83) 3.00: Low 4.00: Low Concern 2.33: Moderate Concern Yellow (3.05) 3.00: Low 4.00: Low Concern 3.67: Low Concern Green (3.83) 12

13 Maryland/Northwest Atlantic Pots United States of America 3.00: Low 4.00: Low Concern 3.67: Low Concern Green (3.83) Blue crabs exhibit a low inherent vulnerability which makes a stock more likely to allow for recovery from fishing pressure. Stock abundance has generally been increasing in the recent past as population fluctuations may have increased naturally and management efforts have become more focused on specific targets that promote population persistence and sustainable fishing practices. Derelict fishing gear also contributes to blue crab mortality across all regions. Mortality from ghost pots compared to fishery landings is unknown but is estimated as a small proportion. Studies in Louisiana, North Carolina, and in Chesapeake Bay found blue crab deaths due to ghost pots can be up to 50 crabs per pot per year. A survey of derelict pots in Chesapeake Bay found that approximately 77% of the bycatch was blue crabs, the majority of which contained mature females. Unintended removal of these individuals has the potential to negatively impact the breeding population. The threat to the blue crab population from derelict gear, though not major, has been recognized and is being addressed in each region. These efforts are detailed in the management section below. Criterion 1 Assessment SCORING GUIDELINES Factor Inherent Vulnerability Low The FishBase vulnerability score for species is 0-35, OR species exhibits life history characteristics that make it resilient to fishing, (e.g., early maturing). Medium The FishBase vulnerability score for species is 36-55, OR species exhibits life history characteristics that make it neither particularly vulnerable nor resilient to fishing, (e.g., moderate age at sexual maturity (5-15 years), moderate maximum age (10-25 years), moderate maximum size, and middle of food chain). High The FishBase vulnerability score for species is , OR species exhibits life history characteristics that make is particularly vulnerable to fishing, (e.g., long-lived (>25 years), late maturing (>15 years), low reproduction rate, large body size, and top-predator). Note: The FishBase vulnerability scores is an index of the inherent vulnerability of marine fishes to fishing based on life history parameters: maximum length, age at first maturity, longevity, growth rate, natural mortality rate, fecundity, spatial behaviors (e.g., schooling, aggregating for breeding, or consistently returning to the same sites for feeding or reproduction) and geographic range. Factor Abundance 5 (Very Low Concern) Strong evidence exists that the population is above target abundance level (e.g., biomass at maximum sustainable yield, BMSY) or near virgin biomass. 4 (Low Concern) Population may be below target abundance level, but it is considered not overfished 3 (Moderate Concern) Abundance level is unknown and the species has a low or medium inherent vulnerability to fishing. 2 (High Concern) Population is overfished, depleted, or a species of concern, OR abundance is unknown and the species has a high inherent vulnerability to fishing. 13

14 1 (Very High Concern) Population is listed as threatened or endangered. Factor Fishing Mortality 5 (Very Low Concern) Highly likely that fishing mortality is below a sustainable level (e.g., below fishing mortality at maximum sustainable yield, FMSY), OR fishery does not target species and its contribution to the mortality of species is negligible ( 5% of a sustainable level of fishing mortality) (Low Concern) Probable (>50%) chance that fishing mortality is at or below a sustainable level, but some uncertainty exists, OR fishery does not target species and does not adversely affect species, but its contribution to mortality is not negligible, OR fishing mortality is unknown, but the population is healthy and the species has a low susceptibility to the fishery (low chance of being caught) (Moderate Concern) Fishing mortality is fluctuating around sustainable levels, OR fishing mortality is unknown and species has a moderate-high susceptibility to the fishery and, if species is depleted, reasonable management is in place. 1 (High Concern) Overfishing is occurring, but management is in place to curtail overfishing, OR fishing mortality is unknown, species is depleted, and no management is in place. 0 (Critical) Overfishing is known to be occurring and no reasonable management is in place to curtail overfishing. BLUE CRAB Factor Inherent Vulnerability UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/WESTERN CENTRAL ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA NEW JERSEY/NORTHWEST ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DELAWARE/NORTHWEST ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/CHESAPEAKE BAY, TROTLINE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/GULF OF MEXICO, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA VIRGINIA/NORTHWEST ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA MARYLAND/NORTHWEST ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Low Blue crabs have a low inherent vulnerability primarily due to their life history characteristics of fast growth to maturity, high fecundity, and rapid recruitment into the fishery. Life history parameters may vary regionally depending on water temperature variations but these differences do not significantly decrease the inherent resilience of any stocks. Justification: Resilience attribute Blue Crab Score Source (Van Engel 1958) Average age at maturity months 3 (Perry 1975) (Tatum 1982) Average maximum age 2-6 years 3 (Rugolo et al 2007) (Fischler 1965) Reproductive strategy Brooder 2 (Churchill 1919) 14

15 Density dependence Compensatory at low population sizes 3 (Fogarty & Lipcius 2007) (Miller 2012) Average Score 2.75 According to the Seafood Watch Productivity-susceptibility analysis (PSA), blue crabs have a resilience score of Factor Abundance UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/WESTERN CENTRAL ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Moderate Concern The stock status in South Carolina is unknown and more data collection is necessary to determine the status (Harris 2000). The 2007 assessment of Florida s blue crab stock concluded that the status was uncertain but that commercial landings were rebounding from a past period of low abundance and harvest (Murphy et al 2007). As of 2011, the stock status of blue crabs in North Carolina, which is the state with the highest blue crab landings in the South Atlantic, is considered of concern due to periods of recent reduced landings after record-highs during the late 1990s (Figure 3a). In 2009 and 2010, landings were recorded at the 4 th and 5th lowest in the previous decade (NCDENR 2011). Harvest effort has also declined concurrently with landings due to market forces during recent years (Figure 3b). Therefore, reduced landings are not solely due to a decline in resource availability. Justification: Figure 2 Figure 3a: Total blue crab landings (hard, soft, and peeler pounds combined) for North Carolina, (NMFS data ; NCDMF Trip Ticket Data ) (NCDMF 2012). 15

16 Figure 3 Figure 3b: Total blue crab landings (hard, soft, and peeler pounds combined) for North Carolina, (NCDMF Trip Ticket Data ) (NCDMF 2012) and effort for the same period NEW JERSEY/NORTHWEST ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DELAWARE/NORTHWEST ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/CHESAPEAKE BAY, TROTLINE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA VIRGINIA/NORTHWEST ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA MARYLAND/NORTHWEST ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Low Concern Although in recent years stock abundance was above the target, in 2012 the abundance of spawning age crabs decreased, falling slightly below the previous target of 200 million spawning age crabs for the first time since it was set in 2008 (MDDNR 2012)(Figure 2a). In addition, female crab abundance is below the target for healthy female abundance (215 million spawning age females) and is almost at the threshold (MDDNR 2012) (Figure 2b). At this time, it is unknown what impact this reduction in female abundance will have on the reproductive capacity of the stock. Justification: 16

17 Figure 4 Figure 2a. Winter Dredge Survey; A fishery-independent measurement to determine abundance of blue crabs in Chesapeake Bay. Figure from MDNR 2012 Figure 5 Figure 2b. The Chesapeake Bay target for healthy female abundance is 215 million spawning age females and the overfishing threshold is 70 million spawning age females. Figure from MDNR

18 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/GULF OF MEXICO, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Low Concern There is no cumulative, quantitative assessments of the Gulf of Mexico blue crab stock but it is believed that the stock as a whole is currently healthy due to lack of any difficulty and concern from the fishery (Guillory et al 2001b)(VanderKooy 2012). The Louisiana blue crab stock, which makes up the majority of the Gulf of Mexico stock, has been classified as not overfished aside from 1995 to 1996 with overfishing occurring in 2002, however, blue crab has remained above biomass target reference points, indicating a healthy stock (Figure 4) (West et al 2011). The 2011 stock assessment indicates that since 2005 the fully-recruited blue crab stock biomass has been building, and the 2010 stock biomass of 35 million pounds is above the target biomass level of 23.3 million pounds, however, there is a high degree of uncertainty that the stock is above the point where recruitment is impaired (SCS 2012). Justification: Figure 6 Figure 4. Biological reference points for the Louisiana blue crab stock. Fully-recruited biomass and instantaneous fishing mortality are estimated from the catch-survey model. The biomass limit and target are represented by the solid vertical lines. The fishing mortality rate limit and target are represented by the solid horizontal lines. The square represents the first year of data pairs and the circle represents the last. The triangle represents the 2009 biomass estimate. Biomass units are millions of pounds. Fishing mortality rate units are years -1 (West, Blanchet et al. 2011). Factor Fishing Mortality UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/WESTERN CENTRAL ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Moderate Concern 18

19 The results of the 2012 assessment suggest the North Carolina blue crab stock is not being overfished even though the status cannot be determined with certainty because available data are not sufficient to produce reliable estimates of fishing mortality (NCDMF 2012). Landings in South Carolina were at or above the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) even though commercial effort was below that which would have produced MSY (Harris 2000). NEW JERSEY/NORTHWEST ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DELAWARE/NORTHWEST ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/CHESAPEAKE BAY, TROTLINE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA VIRGINIA/NORTHWEST ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA MARYLAND/NORTHWEST ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Low Concern The most recent assessment of the Chesapeake Bay blue crab population found that overfishing was not occurring and the population was not overfished (Miller et al 2011). However, the blue crab in Chesapeake Bay is considered a data poor species due to uncertainties over the age structure in the population, uncertainties over key vital rates (e.g., natural mortality, reproduction) and uncertainties in the reliability of the harvest time series (Miller et al 2011). Therefore it is probable that fishing pressure is at a sustainable level given the recent stock assessment, but there are uncertainties in the assessment. Justification: Figure 7 Figure 5: Annual estimates of whether the Chesapeake Bay population is being overfished or overfishing is occurring based on fishery-independent data and the exploitation fraction (Miller et al 2011) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/GULF OF MEXICO, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Moderate Concern 19

20 In Louisiana, overfishing occurred only in 2002 when the fishing mortality rate exceeded the limit and in , the stock was overfished as the biomass was below the stock biomass limit (Figure 4) (West et al 2011). The stock assessment report has target and limit reference points and control rules that are not currently exceeded (West 2011}(SCS 2012)(Figure 4), therefore it is probable that fishing pressure is at a sustainable level given the recent stock assessment, but there are uncertainties in the assessment, and reference points may not be sufficiently conservative (SCS 2012). 20

21 Criterion 2: Impacts on other species All main retained and bycatch species in the fishery are evaluated in the same way as the species under assessment were evaluated in Criterion 1. Seafood Watch defines bycatch as all fisheries-related mortality or injury to species other than the retained catch. Examples include discards, endangered or threatened species catch, and ghost fishing. To determine the final Criterion 2 score, the score for the lowest scoring retained/bycatch species is multiplied by the discard rate score (ranges from 0-1), which evaluates the amount of non-retained catch (discards) and bait use relative to the retained catch. The Criterion 2 rating is determined as follows: Score >3.2=Green or Low Concern Score >2.2 and 3.2=Yellow or Moderate Concern Score 2.2=Red or High Concern Rating is Critical if Factor 2.3 (Fishing Mortality) is Crtitical Criterion 2 Summary Only the lowest scoring main species is/are listed in the table and text in this Criterion 2 section; a full list and assessment of the main species can be found in Appendix A. BLUE CRAB - DELAWARE/NORTHWEST ATLANTIC - POTS - UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Subscore: 1.41 Discard Rate: 0.90 C2 Rate: 1.27 Species Diamondback terrapins (unspecified) Inherent Vulnerability Abundance Fishing Mortality Subscore 1.00:High 2.00:High Concern 1.00:High Concern Red (1.41) BLUE CRAB - MARYLAND/NORTHWEST ATLANTIC - POTS - UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Subscore: 1.41 Discard Rate: 0.90 C2 Rate: 1.27 Species Diamondback terrapins (unspecified) Inherent Vulnerability Abundance Fishing Mortality Subscore 1.00:High 2.00:High Concern 1.00:High Concern Red (1.41) BLUE CRAB - NEW JERSEY/NORTHWEST ATLANTIC - POTS - UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Subscore: 1.41 Discard Rate: 0.90 C2 Rate: 1.27 Species Diamondback terrapins (unspecified) Inherent Vulnerability Abundance Fishing Mortality Subscore 1.00:High 2.00:High Concern 1.00:High Concern Red (1.41) 21

22 BLUE CRAB - UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/CHESAPEAKE BAY - TROTLINE - UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Subscore: 5.00 Discard Rate: 1.00 C2 Rate: 5.00 Species No other main species caught Inherent Vulnerability Abundance Fishing Mortality Subscore BLUE CRAB - UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/GULF OF MEXICO - POTS - UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Subscore: 1.41 Discard Rate: 0.90 C2 Rate: 1.27 Species Diamondback terrapins (unspecified) Inherent Vulnerability Abundance Fishing Mortality Subscore 1.00:High 2.00:High Concern 1.00:High Concern Red (1.41) BLUE CRAB - UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/WESTERN CENTRAL ATLANTIC - POTS - UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Subscore: 1.41 Discard Rate: 0.90 C2 Rate: 1.27 Species Diamondback terrapins (unspecified) Inherent Vulnerability Abundance Fishing Mortality Subscore 1.00:High 2.00:High Concern 1.00:High Concern Red (1.41) BLUE CRAB - VIRGINIA/NORTHWEST ATLANTIC - POTS - UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Subscore: 1.41 Discard Rate: 0.90 C2 Rate: 1.27 Species Diamondback terrapins (unspecified) Inherent Vulnerability Abundance Fishing Mortality Subscore 1.00:High 2.00:High Concern 1.00:High Concern Red (1.41) Gear used in the blue crab fishery has the potential to catch other, unintended, species, and crab fishing has had some impact on endangered, threatened, and species of special concern. Crab pot bycatch may consist of sublegal blue crabs, as well as non-target finfish and terrapin turtles (Guillory et al 2001a). There has been some concern over marine mammal and sea turtle bycatch, but these interactions are thought to be very rare (NMFS 2007)(NMFS 2009). The most significant bycatch impact from crab pots is on diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin), a population threatened due to mortality in crab pots, habitat reduction/modification, and predation (Seigel & Gibbons, 1995). Finfish, if caught, have been shown to live for prolonged periods in crab pots and are caught in very low numbers. The Chesapeake Bay trotline fishery does not use hooks; the bait (typically chicken or turkey necks, beef tripe and bull lips) is simply tied to the line and the crabs hold onto the bait with their claws and other appendages (Roosenberg pers. comm. 2012; also see bluecrab.info/crabbing/trotline.html). By law, "trotline" is defined as a length of rope or line, buoyed at both ends with one or more anchors, which is baited without hooks or snares at intervals for the purpose of catching crabs (MDDNR 2012). Blue crab is caught and brought into the boat either by hand hauling the line or by using an hydraulic line hauler that brings the line up to the boat to enable the crabs to be dipped or landed individually with a net that is manually operated by the crabber, resulting in no bycatch of other species. If there 22

23 were any bycatch species holding onto the bait, they would be released alive before being netted (Roosenberg pers. comm. 2012). In my more than 30 years' experience trotlining for crabs, I have only once dipped a turtle, which was immediately released unharmed; if any bycatch is encountered, crabbers would let the animal drop off the line unharmed and not let it get into the boat. (Roosenberg pers. comm. 2012). Thus, there are no bycatch species in the Chesapeake Bay blue crab trotline fishery. Criterion 2 Assessment SCORING GUIDELINES Factor Inherent Vulnerability (same as Factor 1.1 above) Factor Abundance (same as Factor 1.2 above) Factor Fishing Mortality (same as Factor 1.3 above) DIAMONDBACK TERRAPINS (UNSPECIFIED) Factor Inherent Vulnerability UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/WESTERN CENTRAL ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA MARYLAND/NORTHWEST ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA VIRGINIA/NORTHWEST ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA NEW JERSEY/NORTHWEST ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DELAWARE/NORTHWEST ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/GULF OF MEXICO, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA High The inherent vulnerability of diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) is high primarily because of their minimal reproductive output and due to the fact that they are a long-lived species (Roosenburg 1991). Population persistence is dependent on high adult survival and therefore impacts to the species as bycatch in another fishery can present a serious impact. Factor Abundance UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/WESTERN CENTRAL ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA MARYLAND/NORTHWEST ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA VIRGINIA/NORTHWEST ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA NEW JERSEY/NORTHWEST ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DELAWARE/NORTHWEST ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/GULF OF MEXICO, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA High Concern Diamondback terrapins live along the US Atlantic Coast from Cape Cod to Galveston Bay in the Gulf of Mexico (Roosenburg 1991) and throughout the range, the population sizes in the states are primarily unknown or declining and few are considered stable (Butler et al 2006)(Seigel & Gibbons 1995). There are seven distinct subspecies which are managed as different units. Moving south along the coast, population sizes tend to 23

24 decrease so that those in Cape Cod and Chesapeake Bay are the highest, and those in the Gulf of Mexico and south of Chesapeake Bay are low and of concern (Roosenburg 2012). The Tortoise & Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group of the IUCN classified the species as Near Threatened (IUCN 1996). Diamondback terrapins are also federally recognized as a species of special concern by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. State listings vary widely and some terrapin status is not listed by state, therefore we use the federal listing for stock status (species of special concern). Factor Fishing Mortality UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/WESTERN CENTRAL ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA MARYLAND/NORTHWEST ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA VIRGINIA/NORTHWEST ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA NEW JERSEY/NORTHWEST ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DELAWARE/NORTHWEST ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/GULF OF MEXICO, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA High Concern Crab pots are considered to be one of the largest threats to diamondback terrapin populations, along with habitat degradation and other commercial and recreational fisheries (Roosenburg 2007)(Seigel & Gibbons 1995). Bycatch in crab pots can range from 0.0 to 0.49 terrapins/day/pot depending on area fished and water depth (Roosenburg 2004)(Roosenburg 2007). If a terrapin enters a crab pot, it will be trapped inside and, because pots are not frequently monitored to allow for the release of any bycatch, the terrapin is likely to drown. BRDs have been shown to greatly reduce terrapin bycatch, without reducing crab catch, however these BRDs have yet to be widely used and regulated (Dorcasa et al 2007)(Hart & Crowder 2011)(Rook et al 2010). Still, New Jersey requires bycatch reduction devices in commercial crab pots that are in tributaries less than 150 feet wide; Delaware regulates the use of BRDs in shallow inlets, and Maryland has spatial restriction on crab pots to minimize terrapin bycatch (Rook et al 2010). Although these measures may reduce terrapin bycatch, there are no state-wide mandates to install BRDs, which would ensure best practices were being used to minimize bycatch to the greatest extend practicable. In addition, all states have derelict pot removal programs in place to minimize terrapin bycatch and some spatial management measures in place (Bilkovic et al 2012)(Roosenburg 2004)(Roosenburg 2007). But, although total bycatch numbers and terrapin populations are unknown throughout the regions covered in the report, it is believed that the blue crab fishery is a substantial contributor to declines in diamond back terrapin populations and it is most likely that the blue crab fishery is impeding recovery of this species(bilkovic et al 2012)(Roosenburg 2004)(Roosenburg 2007). *Note: Bycatch of terrapins is a serious concern that is a borderline critical issue, but there remains some uncertainty about the impact of the fishery on terrapin populations. This factor is currently ranked as a High Concern. However, research is ongoing and further research into the impact will be required as a condition on the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification of the Louisiana fishery in the next two years. Seafood Watch will reassess the blue crab fishery in 2014 and, if the new information demonstrates that the fishery is impeding the recovery of the species, this will be considered a critical concern, thus ranking the blue crab fishery as red, unless bycatch reduction requirements (or management demonstrated to be equally effective) are put in place. Maryland, Delaware the New Jersey already have some effective measures in place. Factor Discard Rate 24

25 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/WESTERN CENTRAL ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA MARYLAND/NORTHWEST ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA VIRGINIA/NORTHWEST ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA NEW JERSEY/NORTHWEST ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DELAWARE/NORTHWEST ATLANTIC, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/GULF OF MEXICO, POTS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 40-60% The overall discarded bycatch to landings ratio in the active blue crab fishery is less than 1% (Table 1) (NMFS 2010a). Pots are designed to trap crabs but occasionally, turtles, sublegal blue crabs, and finfish can enter pots. All states but Delaware, New Jersey, Alabama, and Mississippi require cull rings which allow most sublegal blue crab to escape (CCRM 2008). The amount of terrapin bycatch is unknown but thought to be a small portion of the blue crab landing weight and, given that terrapins are a species of special concern, the impact can be notable for the species. Ghost pots contribute most significantly to unintended mortality from the blue crab fishery but mortality due to derelict gear is low (Davis 2012). A two-year survey of derelict fishing gear in Chesapeake Bay found that blue crabs comprise just under 80% of the catch, while oyster toadfish, whelk, black seabass and Atlantic croaker made up just under 20% of the catch (Bilkovic et al 2012). Atlantic Coast menhaden (Brevoortia patronus) is the main species used for bait and makes up approximately 40% 55% of the blue crab catch by weight (SCS 2012). Stock assessments are conducted for Atlantic Coast Menhaden (Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission). Based on the latest assessment (ASFMC 2011), the Atlantic menhaden stock is not overfished nor is it experiencing overfishing; therefore, the Atlantic menhaden stock is not of conservation concern. However, the high ratio of bait-use to catch is considered an impact similar to the impact of discarded bycatch. Thus, overall discards and bait-use is ranked as 40% 60%. Justification: Table 1: 2010 Percent of landings by weight. Landings for species commercially caught in crab pots expressed by weight (NMFS 2010a). Species that make up less than 0.01% of landings were excluded. Species landed per region Chesapeake Bay Percentage of landings by weight Blue Crab 99.83% Catfishes and Bullheads 0.08% Snail (Conches) 0.06% Atlantic Croaker 0.01% South Atlantic Blue Crab 99.68% Finfishes 0.22% Snail (Conches) 0.03% Catfishes and Bullheads 0.02% 25

26 Gulf of Mexico Blue Crab 99.80% Black Drum 0.12% Stone Claws 0.04% Shellfish 0.01% 26

27 Criterion 3: Management ness Management is separated into management of retained species (harvest strategy) and management of nonretained species (bycatch strategy). The final score for this criterion is the geometric mean of the two scores. The Criterion 3 rating is determined as follows: Score >3.2=Green or Low Concern Score >2.2 and 3.2=Yellow or Moderate Concern Score 2.2 or either the Harvest Strategy (Factor 3.1) or Bycatch Management Strategy (Factor 3.2) is Very High Concern = Red or High Concern Rating is Critical if either or both of Harvest Strategy (Factor 3.1) and Bycatch Management Strategy (Factor 3.2) ratings are Critical. Criterion 3 Summary Region / Method Harvest Strategy Bycatch Strategy Score Delaware / Northwest Atlantic / Pots / United States of America Yellow (3.00) Maryland / Northwest Atlantic / Pots / United States of America Yellow (3.00) New Jersey / Northwest Atlantic / Pots / United States of America Yellow (3.00) United States of America / Chesapeake Bay / Trotline / United States of America United States of America / Gulf of Mexico / Pots / United States of America United States of America / Western Central Atlantic / Pots / United States of America Yellow (3.00) Yellow (2.45) Yellow (2.45) Virginia / Northwest Atlantic / Pots / United States of America Yellow (2.45) As one of the most ecologically and economically significant species in the country, there has been increasing attention given to more effective management of the stocks. Maryland, Virginia, and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission are working closely to promote blue crab population persistence to sustain a healthy fishery in Chesapeake Bay. Gulf Coast States also work collaboratively to help ensure that blue crab populations and the associated fishery are healthy. Management of the target species for all blue crab fishing regions is moderately effective, while bycatch management in most regions needs some improvement, with the exception of Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey and when using trotline gear. Blue crab populations naturally fluctuate spatially and temporally, and to manage them effectively with such fluctuations, adequate data needs to be gathered and shared and management targets established. The management of blue crabs in most states is not based on recent fisheryindependent data but these data help decouple trends in fishing pressure from natural trends in abundance. 27