Project Leaders
Statement of work a. Project design
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- 5. List of equipment, facilities and other infrastructure
- 7. Expected products and specific deliverables
- 10. Supporting documentation and 11. Past performance information
- 12th Annual New England Farmed Fish Health Management Workshop
- Appendix A: Information for Exempted Fishing Permits (EFP) and Letters of Authorization (LOA)
- Appendix B: Qualifying participant list
4. Statement of worka. Project designThe project will be based on information gathered through the experimental halibut fishery and draw upon the methodology used in the Canadian fishery independent survey (Zwanenburg and Wilson, 2000). The study proposes to contract commercial longline vessels to conduct a stratified random survey during a three-month time frame between April and June 2007. The timing of the survey is chosen to coincide with availability of halibut in the study area as identified by the experimental fishery and the sentential longline fishery. The study area will encompass the near shore Gulf of Maine inside of 12 miles and use the five spatial strata defined by the Maine/New Hampshire Inshore Trawl Survey (Figure 3: Sherman et al, 2005). Figure 3: Proposed study area 
Fifty sets will be made at predetermined stratified random stations within each of the five spatial strata. A total of 250 sets will be made for the entire survey. Each station will be fished with a single longline comprised of 200, 16o circle hooks with a soak time of 24 hours. It is anticipated that five stations will be fished per contract day. The stratified random variable used in the survey will be previous fishing success as measured by catch per unit of effort (CPUE) in both the experimental fishery and the state trawl survey. The CPUE from the trawl survey will be used for regions outside of the experimental fishing area where no other catch data are available. All set locations will be classified into low, medium, and high catch areas. The 250 stratified random stations will be assigned to these areas at a ratio of 4:7:9, resulting in 50 stations in the low catch areas, 88 stations in the medium catch areas, and 112 stations in the high catch areas. Each longline set will be placed within a quarter mile in any direction of the central coordinates for the given station. This will allow some flexibility in avoiding potential conflicts with lobster traps and other stationary gear. Hooks will be baited with the same fish and in the same manner throughout the study area and duration. Each participating vessel will maintain a logbook that records trip information including date, set location, set time and depth fished. The length, weight, sex and condition of all halibut will be recorded, and the quantities and species of bycatch will be cataloged. In order to insure the quality of data collected during the study, observers will participate on all of the contracted fishing trips. Observers will be responsible for the oversight and collection of biological information and coordinate the tagging aspects of the study with the participating fishermen. The project proposes to expand the tagging efforts of the experimental fishery by marking and releasing all halibut caught during the study. Previously, only fish under 36 inches (91.4 cm) were tagged. Recent analysis of data from the experimental fishery and NMFS trawl surveys showed that the length at median maturity was 103.0 cm for females and 80.2 cm for males (Sigourney et al. 2006). This indicates that the experimental fishery marked predominantly immature halibut. By tagging and releasing older fish, information on cyclic migrations to feeding and spawning areas should be identified. Other halibut tagging projects have consistently shown that smaller halibut travel long distances while older halibut tend to change depth preference but remain in the same geographic area overall. This proposal, like the experimental fishery, will employ wire tags and continue to use the tagging protocol developed by the IPHC. Wire tags are inserted between the opercular and preopercular bones on the dark-side with the use of a hollow needle. The tag is then twisted, creating a closed loop leaving sufficient room for growth. Each tag will be marked with a unique number that will be recorded in the vessel’s logbook along with all related information. A sub-set of halibut will be tagged with data-storage tags that will record a time series of temperature and depth (absolute pressure) measurements. The information retrieved from a single data-storage tag will offer insight into individual halibut habitat preferences and seasonal movements that the conventional wire tags cannot provide. Fifty LoTek series 1100 data-storage tags will be applied to halibut of various sizes and sexes in each stratum, using a protocol designed by the manufacturers and the investigators. Fish receiving an archival tag will also be marked with a high reward wire tag. These $100 tags serve two purposes; first, to encourage the return of the archival tags and second, to obtain an estimate of reporting rate. It is assumed that all $100 tags will be returned, therefore a reporting rate can be inferred for the non-reward tags. This method of estimating reporting rates is currently being used by the black sea bass and the yellowtail flounder tagging projects run by Dr. Gary Shepherd and Dr. Steve Cadrin respectively at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center. Five fish will be tagged with Pop-up Archival Transmitting (PAT) tags. These tags, supplied by Wildlife Computers have been used successfully by the IPHC in the Gulf of Alaska. The IPHC PAT tagging protocol will be used to apply the tags to three large (>60 in.) female and two large male halibut. Large fish will be targeted due to the size of the tag itself and because data on spawning behavior is the main goal of deploying satellite tags in this study. Reporting information will be clearly printed on all tags, including DMR’s address and phone number. DMR also maintains a webpage, (http://www.state.me.us/dmr), which offers reporting information and other aspects of the program. Reward posters will be printed in industry journals such as Commercial Fisheries News, and flyers will be distributed along the docks. Individuals that report a tag recovery will receive a report of the fish’s movements and growth, they will be entered into an annual lottery and also receive a halibut tagging project ball cap. Special permits This project will release all fish caught, including any fish caught as bycatch. Because of the limited mortality of hook fisheries it is assumed most fish will be released alive. The project partners do not anticipating needing anything but a Letter of Authorization (LOA) from NMFS and a special permit from DMR (see Appendix A). b. Vessel insurance and equipment needs, as applicable The study proposes to contract commercial longline vessels to conduct a stratified random survey. Industry participants will be determined through a lottery system from the attached list contained in Appendix B. No more than two fishermen per spatial strata will be selected. Qualification was determined on possession of a current Maine halibut endorsement and demonstrated participation in the voluntary state waters tagging effort. Based on experience from the federal experimental fishery, the project participants feel this is the most equitable method of identifying research partners. Interest in halibut is extremely high, especially in eastern Maine and for the project participants to simply select fishermen seems arbitrary and is perceived as unfair by the public. A liability insurance coverage supplement will be added to the daily charter rate. Fifty dollars per scientific staff member will be paid daily to the vessel owner. Obtaining the liability insurance and all other required coverage is the responsibility of the vessel owner. c. Personnel and partnershipsParticipants in this proposed study have worked together on the experimental halibut fishery in the Gulf of Maine. Their proven teamwork and individual expertise will serve as key assets for the project. Kohl Kanwit, Department of Marine Resources, West Boothbay Hbr., ME Kohl is Marine Resource Scientist with DMR’s Monitoring and Assessment Division, and has served as the principal coordinator for the experimental halibut fishery in the Gulf of Maine. Her responsibilities have included managing the halibut aging efforts, tag recovery program, and annual halibut endorsement training for State licensed fishermen. Kohl also works extensively with Atlantic herring research and management. Christopher Bartlett, Maine Sea Grant/UMCE, Eastport, ME Chris is a Marine Extension Specialist that has assisted with coordination, fieldwork, and outreach for the experimental halibut fishery. He has been involved with community-based fisheries research and management efforts in the Downeast region of Maine for the past 10 years. Steve Rosen, F/V Star Fisher, RR 1 Box 21, Vinalhaven, ME Steve has 25 years of experience in catching halibut from Maine to Alaska. He was instrumental in establishing the experimental halibut fishery, and participated in the program throughout its five-year term. Steve has also worked closely with state waters halibut fishermen to encourage them and facilitate voluntary tagging efforts. Russell Brewer, F/V Look Out, 102 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Hbr., ME Russell has spent his entire life on the water participating in Maine’s near shore fisheries. He primarily fishes for American lobster but also traps shrimp in the winter and has hooked and trawled for groundfish in the past. He participates in the DMR lobster sea sampling program and is excited about becoming involved in more research activities. 5. List of equipment, facilities and other infrastructureContributed by project partners: Staff – Marine Resource Scientist and Extension Specialist Laboratory – Maine Department of Marine Resources Analysis – Hardware, software and Assessment Scientist Fishing Gear – longline gear with circle hooks provided by the fishermen Travel – vehicle and mileage fee Not contributed by project partners: Staff – seasonal field technician Vessel Charter and fishing expertise - $1000/day Bait – to be purchased from one source to maintain consistency Tags – satellite, data storage and wire tags Tag Return Incentives – annual lottery and individual rewards Travel – overnight stays and per diem 6. Anticipated timeline a. Start date April, 2007 b. Milestones
c. Completion date and submission of deliverables Dec., 2008 7. Expected products and specific deliverablesThe results from this proposed study will be beneficial to State and Federal fisheries managers in New England and the Canadian Maritimes for the assessment of this species. The Maine DMR will coordinate the distribution of materials to cooperating personnel and agencies, including the NEFSC, Kees Zwanenburg of the DFO, and Stephen Kaimmer of IPHC. The project participants will provide semi-annual progress reports and a final results report to NCRPP. All data will be transferred to NCRPP and/or NEFSC as were the data from the federal experimental fishery. Results will also be published in a peer reviewed journal. Information on Atlantic halibut distribution and abundance will support NEFSC stock assessment efforts including consideration of halibut as a transboundary resource. DMR will also find the project results useful in managing the State’s halibut fishery. It is anticipated that the information gathered from tag recoveries will continue for several years. DMR and Maine Sea Grant will coordinate outreach efforts to the fishing community, including presentations at The Maine Fishermen’s Forum, The Cobscook Bay Fisheries’ Forum, and the annual halibut endorsement training sessions for state waters. Commercial fishing participants will serve as spokesmen, and will discuss the project’s results with their peers on the docks and respective industry association meetings. 8. Estimated budgetA total of $152,111 is requested from NCRPP to cover the first year of this study. 
Literature CitedAzarovitz, T.R. 1981. A brief historical review of the Woods Hole laboratory trawl survey time series. In: Bottom trawl surveys. W. G. Doubleday and D. Rivard (eds). Can Spec. Publ. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 58:62-67. Bigelow, H. B. and W. C. Schroeder, Fishes of the Gulf of Maine, Third Edition. Ed. B.B. Collette and G. Klein-MacPhee. Smithsonian Inst.n Press, 2002. Clark, W.G., St.-Pierre, G., and Brown, E.S., 1997. Estimates of Halibut Abundance from NMFS Trawl Surveys. International Pacific Halibut Commission; Technical Report No. 37. Geernaet, T. O., 2003. Tagging Studies. International Pacific Halibut Commission Report of Assessment and Research Activities. Grosslein, M.D. 1969. Groundfish surveys of the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries, Woods hole. Comm. Fish. Rev., 31 (7): 22-25 Kaimmer, S.M., 2000. Pacific halibut tag and release programs and tag release recovery data, 1925 through 1998. International Pacific halibut Commission Technical Report No. 41. Loher, T., 2003. Assessing seasonal migration of adult halibut in the Gulf of Alaska using pop-up satellite transmitting archival tags. IPHC Report of Assessment and Research Activities. New England Fisheries Management Council: Amendment 9 to the Northeast Multispecies (Groundfish) Fishery Management Plan. Vol. I. October 1998. NEFMC. [Saugus, MA.] Sherman, S. A., K. Stepanek and J. Sowles. 2005. Maine Dept. Mar. Res. reference document. Sigourney, D.B., Ross, M.R., Brodziak, J., and Burnett, J., 2006. Growth, Sexual Maturity and Distribution of the Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus L., in the Gulf of Maine-Georges Bank Region. Fish. Bul. Stobo, W.T., Neilson, J.D., and Simpson, P.G., 1988. Movements of Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) in the Canadian North Atlantic. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences; Volume 45; Number 1; Pages 484-491. Trumble, R.J., Neilson, J.D., Bowering, W. R., and McCaughran, D.A., 1993. Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) and Pacific halibut ( H. stenoloepsis) and their North American Fisheries. Canadian Bulletin of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences; No. 227. Zwanenburg, K.C.T., and Wilson, S., 2000. The Scotian Shelf and Southern Grand Banks Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) survey – Collaboration between fishing and fisheries science communities. Theme session on Cooperative Research with the Fishing Industry: Lessons Learned CM 2000/W:20
Zwanenburg, K., S. Wilson, R. Branton and P.Brien. Halibut on the Scotian Shelf and Southern Grand Banks – Current Estimates of Population Status. Research Document 2003/046. Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 2003.9.9. Contact informationProject Leaders Kohl Kanwit Maine Department of Marine Resources PO Box 8 W. Boothbay Hbr, ME 04575 P: (207) 633-9535 F: (207) 633-9578
Christopher Bartlett Maine Sea Grant/UMCE 16 Deep Cove Rd. Eastport, ME 04631 P: (207) 853-2518 cbartlett@maine.edu Lead Institution Maine Department of Marine Resources Linda Gosselin Hallowell, ME 04333 P: (207) 624-6572 F: (207) 624-6024
Steve Rosen F/V Star Fisher RR 1 Box 21 Vinalhaven, ME 04863 P: (207) 863-4948 Rusty BrewerF/V Look Out 102 Townsend Ave. Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538 P: (207) 633-2520 10. Supporting documentation and 11. Past performance informationResults from Prior Cooperative Research SupportThe project participants have worked collaboratively on the Atlantic halibut experimental fishery. The results and impacts of this work are described in the above proposal and in reports submitted to the National Marine Fisheries Service. Kohl Kanwit is also involved in the collaborative Atlantic herring tagging project. This project involves both herring harvesters and processors who have partially funded the research. Results will be presented at several workshops this summer and fall intended to reexamine our understanding of herring stock structure in the Gulf of Maine/Bay of Fundy region. Details are available through the DMR website: (http://www.state.me.us/dmr/rm/herring/herring_project.htm). Kanwit also manages the small pelagics portside bycatch survey funded by the Atlantic Coast Cooperative Statistics Program. This survey is designed to quantify landed bycatch in the herring and mackerel fisheries. Sampling is conducted through voluntary cooperation of bait and food grade processors. Chris Bartlett has worked with members of the Cobscook Bay Fishermen’s Association and Maine Department of Marine Resources scientists to assess the effectiveness of relocating green sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis). Chris also partnered with Maine salmon farmers who were experiencing economic hardship due to sea lice infestations on their fish and established an integrated pest management program (IPMP) for sea lice control. Collaborators included Maine Sea Grant, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Maine Aquaculture Association, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and Maine Department of Marine Resources. Steve Rosen is involved in Lobster Tales, a program run by the Island Institute that tracks where lobsters caught in Maine are shipped to and eventually consumed (http://www.lobstertales.org). Current and pending support Kohl Kanwit Atlantic herring Tagging Funding Agency: Northeast Consortium Title of Project: Stock intermixing and migration of Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) in the Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank and southern New England. Principle Investigators: Kohl Kanwit, David Reingardt, Mark Bichrest, Barry Matthews Period of Performance: Awarded in January 2005, work will continue through 2006 an additional funding request was submitted for 2007-08 Amount of Award: $212,000 (07-08 = $350,000) Time Requested for Key Personnel: Kohl Kanwit: 1000 hours, David Reingardt: 250, Mark Bichrest: 250, and Barry Matthews: 250
Funding Agency: Atlantic Coast Cooperative Statistics Program Title of Project: Commercial Catch Sampling and Bycatch Survey of Two Pelagic Fisheries Principle Investigators: Kohl Kanwit, David Libby Period of Performance: Awarded in the spring of 2005, work began July 1, 2006 and will end June 30, 2007. An additional funding request was made for 2008. Amount of Award: $104,000 (2008 = $105,909) Time Requested for Key Personnel: Kohl Kanwit: 100 hours, David Libby: 25 hours
Funding Agency: Northeast Consortium Title of Project: A Collaborative Effort to Examine New Strategies for Managing Closed Bottom Habitats for Sea Scallops Principle Investigators: Brian Beal, University of Maine at Machias; Terry Stockwell, DMR; Christopher Bartlett, UMCE; Maurice Alley, Preston Alley, Robert Alley Jr., Ernest Kelly, Jeff Alley, Colon Alley, fishermen Period of Performance: April, 2007 - September, 2008 Amount of Award: $143, 625 Time Requested for Key Personnel: Chris Bartlett: 160 hours
B.A., McGill University (June 1998) Program of Study: Emphasis in Classical History and Organismal Biology M.S. University of Maine (August 2005) Program of Study: Marine Biology
Currently working on Atlantic herring research and management. Specific duties include: · Member of the NEFMC Plan Development Team (PDT) for Atlantic herring · Attending meetings of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and the New England Fisheries Management Council as a technical advisor · Compiling relevant herring data for use by management in decision-making · Report and grant writing · Using the global information system (GIS) and ArcView to analyze data · Developing outreach programs for industry members · Managing a commercial catch sampling program to improve data collection and analysis · Oversight of the experimental halibut fishery in the Gulf of Maine Marine Resource Specialist, Maine DMR: Assessment and Statistics Division, (Nov 1999 – Nov 2000) Conservation Aide, Maine Department of Marine Resources: Stock Enhancement Division, (May-Nov 1999) Station Operator, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, (Oct 1998) Research Assistant, The Lobster Conservancy, (Nov-Jan 1996 & May-Sept 1998) Field Assistant, Southern Illinois University Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, (June-Dec 1997) Conservation Worker, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, (June-Aug 1997) Research Assistant, United States Forest Service, (Aug 1995) Volunteer, Steve Powell Wildlife Management Area, (May-Sept 1994) Volunteer, The Maine Audubon Society, (May-Sept 1992) Christopher A. Bartlett Maine Sea Grant/University of Maine Cooperative Extension 16 Deep Cove Road, Eastport, Maine 04631 Education B.S., University of Maine 1990 (Microbiology) WORK EXPERIENCE Maine Sea Grant/ University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Eastport, ME. Marine Extension Associate, February, 1995 - Present. Responsibilities include providing educational and applied research programs to Maine's citizens in the areas of commercial fisheries and finfish aquaculture.
Finfish Aquaculture Specialist, September, 1992 - February, 1995 Coordinated research and educational efforts that addressed the needs of Maine’s commercial salmon aquaculture industry.
Fish Culturist, June 1990 - September, 1992 Co-managed all aspects of rearing three species of Pacific salmon for a commercial stock enhancement program.
September, 1999 - Present. Board of Directors; Executive Committee Cobscook Bay Resource Center April, 2000 - Present. Chair, Board of Directors; Executive Committee State of Maine Scallop Advisory Council January, 2004 - Present. Appointed member to represent scientific interests Recent Conferences and Presentations
Conference Organizer, Moderator and Planning Committee Chair Maine Fishermen’s Forum March 4-6, 2004 Rockport, ME Presentation title: Surveying users of the Gulf of Maine Ocean Observing System (GoMOOS) buoy in Cobscook Bay
February 7, 2004 Organizational Committee Member
Fisheries: Atlantic halibut, American lobster, Jonah crab 1990-2000 Hired Crew on seasonal halibut and salmon vessels in Alaska Fisheries: Pacific halibut, Pacific salmon RESEARCH EXPERIENCE 2000-present Maine Department of Marine Resources federal experimental halibut fishery and voluntary state waters fishery 2002-present Lobster Tales managed by the Island Institute (http://www.lobstertales.org) Rusty Brewer: F/V Look Out VESSEL INFORMATION Description: 38’ Lobster Boat Home Port: Boothbay Harbor, ME Length: 38’ Beam: 12’6” Draft: 5’ Additional details available upon request. OPERATOR EXPERIENCE 1996-present Owner/Operator of the F/V Look Out Fisheries: American lobster, jonah crab, shrimp trapping and bluefin tuna 1991-1996 Owner/Operator of the F/V Moonshine Fisheries: American lobster, jonah crab, shrimp trapping and bluefin tuna 1986-1991 Owner/Operator of the F/V Sea Witch Fisheries: American lobster, jonah crab, shrimp trapping and bluefin tuna Hired Crew on seasonal groundfish vessels in the Gulf of Maine Fisheries: Northeast Multispecies RESEARCH EXPERIENCE 2000-present Maine Department of Marine Resources lobster sea sampling program Appendix A: Information for Exempted Fishing Permits (EFP) and Letters of Authorization (LOA)1. Location and time of year: Within 12 miles of the Maine coast, between April and June2. Gear type: Longline bottom trawls rigged with 16o circle hooks3. Fishing effort: Up to 10 participating vessels fishing a combined 50 days. We anticipate making five sets per day of 200 hooks each for a total of 250 sets and 50,000 hooks.4. Catch: Based on results from the federal experimental fishery we anticipate catching between 750 and 1000 halibut and minimal bycatch. In the last year of the experimental fishery, only 16 other fish were caught representing four species (cod, cusk, wolfish and hake). All halibut and bycatch species are released at the time of capture. Handling of halibut for the purposes of tagging is kept to a minimum in order to reduce mortality.5. Regulatory exemptions: Since no catch will be retained we anticipate a LOA will be sufficient for fishing activities outside of state waters. If a LOA is not appropriate we will need an exemption from DAS, closed areas, minimum size, possession limits and gear restrictions. The project participants have submitted EFP requests and EA documents for the federal experimental fishery between 2000 and 2004 when the catch was being retained.Appendix B: Qualifying participant list
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