Unusual Ocean Conditions in Southern New England: Insights from the Pioneer Array and Shelf Research Fleet

On April 18th, Dr. Glen Gawarkiewicz and Dr. Al Plueddemann from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution shared a summary of the oceanographic data collected by the CFRF/WHOI Shelf Research Fleet and provided an update on the Ocean Observatories Initiative’s Pioneer Array.

The data collected by CFRF's Shelf Research Fleet has been used by oceanographers at WHOI to better understand how the ocean is changing and what that means for the resource species that commercial fishermen harvest. To date, CFRF's Shelf Research Fleet has collected over 442 profiles.

For those of you who were unable to attend the Oceanographic Conditions meeting on April 18th, please check out the attached presentation HERE!

Image from April 14, 2018 of Shelf conditions south of New England. Shelf is cool and free of Gulf Stream/Warm Core Ring influences.
 

CFRF April 2018 Newsletter Now Available!

If you are interested in learning more about all the current projects CFRF has underway, including recent milestones, and all the happenings within the foundation, either view or download a copy of our April 2018 newsletter.  In it we cover all project progress since our last newsletter, highlight new projects which have recently begun, and list upcoming events and meetings.

View the April 2018 newsletter here.

Download the April 2018 newsletter here.

To view and download all our past newsletters visit this link.

ASMFC Newsletter Highlights CFRF Work!

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission highlighted CFRF's Research Fleets in their recent Fisheries Focus newsletter. We are very happy to share our collaborative research fleet approach!

For more information please visit this link to access the February/March 2018 issue of Fisheries Focus: http://www.asmfc.org/…/fi…/5ac2a81dFishFocusFebMarch2018.pdf

CFRF Quahog Research Fleet Video Released!

In celebration of a successful Quahog Week here in Rhode Island, the CFRF is proud to release a short film on all the hard work our Quahog Research Fleet partners in the industry, science, and management fields have been up to in support of the quahog fishery. 

The quahog fishery is Narragansett Bay's most valuable fishery and it is through working partnerships, such as those formed in the Quahog Research Fleet, we are able to ensure a healthy and economically viable fishery for years to come. 

To read more about the project and for project updates visit the project web page here.

YOU’RE INVITED! Discussing Unusual Ocean Conditions with WHOI Scientists 4/18 2PM

Unusual Ocean Conditions in Southern New England:  Insights from the Pioneer Array and Shelf Research Fleet

What: Hurricanes, nor’easters, warm core rings, reverse flow, cold water intrusions … the ocean was especially dynamic in 2017 and 2018 and there are many questions about how the fisheries resources off the Southern New England coast have responded. CFRF staff, together with our partners at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), will be hosting an interactive workshop for the fishing industry to learn about the historic and current oceanographic conditions in Southern New England, discuss how fisheries resources are responding, and develop predictions for the summer months to come. Dr. Glen Gawarkiewicz and Dr. Al Plueddemann from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution will share a summary of the oceanographic data collected by the CFRF/WHOI Shelf Research Fleet and provide an update on the Ocean Observatories Initiative’s Pioneer Array.

The Pioneer Array is operated by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and includes a network of moorings and autonomous robotic vehicles that are programmed to monitor waters off the continental shelf and slope south of New England. It provides information on the structure of the shelf break front, nutrient exchange between shelf and slope, continental shelf ecosystems, and carbon dioxide flux and ocean acidification. Join us to learn more!

When: Wednesday, April 18th, 2-4pm

Where: The conference room of the Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island (#61 B on the East Farm Campus of the University of Rhode Island)

RSVP: to Aubrey Ellertson (aellertson@cfrfoundation.org or 401-515-4892) so we can make sure we have enough seats. Space at the CFC conference room is limited.

Call-in Instructions: United States: +1 (872) 240-3212 .  Access Code: 571-692-085

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/571692085

First GoToMeeting? Let's do a quick system check: https://link.gotomeeting.com/system-check

Note: This workshop is intended for members of the fishing community whose contributions are critical to connecting the dots between the environmental conditions across Southern New England and key fisheries resources. We hope that you all will share your observations about the distribution of fish, squid, crustaceans, and shellfish that you have encountered over the past year. Your contributions are critical to this discussion, so we hope you can make it!

Thank you from CFRF!

From all of us here at the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation, THANK YOU for your generous donations throughout the Annual Giving Campaign and ongoing support of our mission. We can’t do what we do without the partnership and dedication of members of the fishing industry, science community, and food system. YOU make our work truly impactful. The CFRF has some exciting new initiatives on the horizon and we can’t wait to share them with all of you!

Sincerely, 
The CFRF Team
Anna, Terry, Thomas, Aubrey, Mike, Fred, David, Jeff, Mark, John, Jon, Donald, Jim, and Chris

Maine Fishermen's Forum: March 1-3rd, Rockport, Maine

We are excited to be traveling to Maine for the Maine Fishermen's Forum (March 1-3rd)!

CFRF will be hosting a seminar on Saturday, March 3rd @ 9am. We hope many industry members will be in attendance! If you can not make it for our seminar, be sure to stop by our booth and say hi.

Title of seminar: Embracing Ecosystem Change: Can Jonah Crab, Black Sea Bass and Fishing Communities Get Along?

Description:
The ocean is an interconnected ecosystem and things are changing fast. More southern species are appearing off the coast of New England, new species and markets are emerging, and the fishing community must adapt. This seminar will explore how recent changes in Southern New England may be applicable to the Gulf of Maine and what fishermen can do to maximize resiliency. The Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation (CFRF) and a panel of fishermen will present recent research on species of emerging importance (Jonah crab and black sea bass), and hear from fishermen in Southern New England about how they have adapted their businesses to changes in species availability, market opportunities, and fisheries management. There will be ample opportunity for discussion and input from the audience.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Contribute to the CFRF's 2017 Giving Campaign!

The Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation is the only fishing industry led research organization in New England … and we need your help to keep it going! Today is #GivingTuesday and the CFRF is kicking off its 2017 Giving Campaign. Please consider donating today (or any day!) to help the CFRF continue its efforts to involve fishermen in scientific research, increase access to and appreciation of the seafood harvested by the region's hard working fishermen, and develop new initiatives that sustain healthy fisheries and vibrant fishing communities across New England. The CFRF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all donations are fully tax-deductible.

Since the CFRF’s inception in 2003, we have worked with over 135 fishermen as well as hundreds of fisheries scientists, managers, and culinary professionals to achieve our mission of supporting sustainable fisheries resources and resilient fishing communities. The CFRF’s work has covered a wide range of topics, including conservation gear engineering, bycatch reduction, lobster settlement and recruitment, spiny dogfish stock dynamics, discard mortality estimation, fish habitat characterization, shellfish larval dynamics, industry based biological data collection, underutilized species processing and marketing, socio-economic characterizations of fishing communities, supplemental fisheries surveys, offshore wind energy research, and seafood access and sustainability initiatives. All of the CFRF’s projects are carried out by teams of scientists, educators, chefs, and members of the fishing industry that work together to develop the project idea, execute work components, and apply results. The CFRF’s efforts have resulted in new tools to reduce bycatch, better data for stock assessments, and a growing sense of trust and cooperation among fisheries stakeholders. 

A major goal of the CFRF is to provide members of the fishing industry with the opportunity to help evolve and improve the management of fisheries resources and the efficiency of seafood supply chains. To do so, the CFRF has distributed over $1.5 million of compensation directly to fishermen for their participation, platforms, and invaluable input in CFRF projects. Conducting research and education that benefits that fishing industry is at the heart of CFRF’s mission, and we are very proud of our accomplishments to date.

In an effort to continue and expand our work, the CFRF is requesting your support during this giving season. Donations of all sizes help the CFRF to achieve its goal of building a community of collaboration among fishermen, scientists, resource managers, chefs, and educators that promotes sound science, public engagement, and sustainable seafood. You can donate to CFRF online, via mail, or in person.

Thank you!

CFRF November 2017 Newsletter Now Available!

If you are interested in learning more about all the current projects CFRF has underway, including recent milestones, and all the happenings within the foundation, either view or download a copy of our November 2017 newsletter.  In it we cover all project progress since our last newsletter, highlight new projects which have recently begun, and list upcoming events and meetings.

View the November 2017 newsletter here.

Download the November 2017 newsletter here.

To view and download all our past newsletters visit this link.

You're Invited: RI Fishing Industry Economic Impact Study Info Session

Who: All RI Fishing Business Owners (F/Vs, processors, distributors, gear shops, seafood dealers, marine insurance, safety training... everyone!)

What: Learn how you can help URI and CFRF prove the economic value of Rhode Island's fishing industry! Dr. Tom Sproul from URI will explain the value and outcomes of his previous economic analysis work for the RI agriculture industry, and will answer any and all questions that you have about the survey and project. CFRF and URI staff will also be available to help individuals complete the 5 minute survey, available here: www.riepr.org/s/fisheries. 

When: Tuesday, November 14th, 5-7pm

Where: Meeting Room above Superior Trawl in Point Judith (55 State Street, Narragansett, RI)

RSVP: To admin@cfrfoundation.org or (401) 515-4890

For more information about this project or to view Dr. Tom Sproul's video greeting, please visit www.cfrfoundation.org/economic-impact-of-fisheries-in-rhode-island/ .

We hope to see you there! 

CFRF

You're Invited: Oceanographic Anomalies in Southern New England

What: An interactive workshop for the fishing industry to learn about the historic and current oceanographic conditions in Southern New England, discuss how fisheries species are responding, and develop predictions for the months to come. Dr. Glen Gawarkiewicz from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and Dr. Anna Mercer from the CFRF will present new oceanographic research and will facilitate a discussion with the fishing industry about patterns in ocean conditions, species distributions and abundances, and catch characteristics. 

When: Thursday, November 2nd, 5-7pm

Where: Meeting Room above Superior Trawl in Point Judith (55 State Street, Narragansett, RI)

RSVP: To Aubrey Ellertson (aellertson@cfrfoundation.org or 401-515-4892)

This workshop is intended for members of the fishing community whose contributions are critical to connecting the dots between the environmental conditions across Southern New England and key fisheries resources. 

We hope to see you there!
- CFRF

100,000 Lobsters Sampled!

As of today, September 5th, the CFRF's Lobster and Jonah Crab Research Fleet has sampled over 100,000 lobsters since June 2013. This is an important milestone!!

2017 marks an important year for the CFRF's Lobster and Jonah Crab Research Fleet: 4 years of data collection!

Huge thank you to all of our fleet participants for their hard work and dedication!

For more information about CFRF's Lobster and Jonah Crab Research Fleet please visit our project page: http://www.cfrfoundation.org/jonah-crab-lobster-research-fleet/

Please Join the CFRF to "Taste the Ocean State" on August 12th!

On Saturday, August 12th, the CFRF will host "Taste the Ocean State: Celebrate RI Seafood" at the The KITCHEN at The Boston Public Market. Please read on to learn more about the event and how you can participate!

Event Information:

Summer in New England calls for seafood! But with over 100 different species harvested throughout the year, it can be difficult to choose your next meal. Join the CFRF for an afternoon getting to know the seafood that is harvested locally, meeting the fishermen who bring it to your plate, learning the ropes of preparing summer seafood dishes, and taste the results for yourself! This event includes:

• Lessons in local seafood diversity, availability, and sustainability
• Stories and videos from local fishermen
• Seafood cooking demonstrations with Chef Maureen Pothier and Chef Matt Britt from Johnson and Wales University
• Tasting of seafood dishes prepared by Chefs Pothier and Britt
• Coupons to Red’s Best for purchasing seafood after the event
• Seafood recipes and information to take home
• Lessons in the science of seafood sustainability from the CFRF

When: Saturday, August 12th, 1-3PM

Where: The KITCHEN, at the Boston Public Market, 100 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02108

Tickets: This event is free and open to the public, but please RSVP here!

More Information: CFRF’s RI seafood webpage or Eventbrite .

Event Partners: Johnson & Wales University, The Trustees, RI Local Food Bazaar, Red's Best, Eating with the Ecosystem

We hope to see you there!

Squid Research Discussion Summary

                On July 12th, the CFRF hosted a meeting in which Dr. David Richardson and Dr. John Manderson from the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) presented, to a room full of fishing industry members and fisheries scientists, the most recent research findings and further questions being investigated about the squid resources along the East coast.

                Dr. Richardson presented recent findings made while analyzing past NEFSC offshore plankton trawl survey data. The offshore NEFSC plankton trawl began in the 1970s and has sampled 6 times every year since. While analyzing the larval squid samples, the diversity off the East coast was startling, with up to 25 different squid species being found. Longfin squid accounted for the greatest abundance within the larval samples (85-90%). Relying on larval surveys and aging databases, Dr. Richardson has begun to determine where the squid found in the Northeast could be originating from. As squid are a short-lived species, typically living only 6-9 months, the location of squid larvae throughout the year indicate where and when adult squid are spawning. Dr. Richardson has found that squid larvae are nearly absent from the Northeast shelf during winter months, suggesting that the squid that support the summer fishery originate elsewhere. The most probable point of origination/spawning is the Southeast shelf, where larval squid are abundant during winter months. Squid spawned in the Southeast during the winter could be transported northward via the Gulf Stream to recruit into the Northeast squid fishery during the spring and summer. During the summer months, larval squid are abundant across the Northeast continental shelf. It is believed that these squid remain in the Northeast and recruit into the fishery in the fall and winter.  

                Dr. Manderson presented a summary of his research surrounding methods for monitoring and managing fisheries utilizing real-time oceanographic technology and catch monitoring systems. With the system applied in the squid fishery, Manderson is able to monitor how the squid fishery and landings respond to changing oceanographic conditions. Ultimately, this type of automatic analysis system could be utilized by individual fishermen to target locations based on ideal oceanographic conditions. One specific example that Dr. Manderson provided was to target specific temperatures and salinities to maximize target species abundance and minimize bycatch. On a larger scale, this approach could be applied to monitor how the oceanographic conditions are evolving over a region throughout each season to begin to predict the potential appropriate harvest levels based on those conditions.

For a full audio recording of the presentation contact Thomas Heimann, CFRF Research Associate, at theimann@cfrfoundation.org or 401-515-4892.

Squid Research Discussion, July 12th 1PM

Please join the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation at 1PM on Wednesday, July 12th for a discussion about the past, present, and future of squid along the East Coast. Dr. David Richardson and Dr. John Manderson from the Northeast Fisheries Science Center will present recent research on squid population dynamics, with an open discussion session to follow. This event is for members of the fishing industry only and will be held at the Commercial Fisheries Center, East Farm Campus, URI, Building 61B, Kingston, RI.

As a teaser, below is a map of Longfin Squid distribution in the 1970s (blue area) and 2010s (red area). We will talk about what this means for the squid population and fishery now and for the years to come.

We hope you can join us!  Please RSVP to Teresa Winneg at twinneg@cfrfoundation.org or 401-515-4890.

CFRF Job Announcement

The Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation seeks to hire a part-time Research Associate to assist with the implementation of collaborative research projects and general Foundation administration, beginning June 1, 2017.  Please click here to see a job description and application instructions.  The application deadline is May 8, 2017.

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: RHODE ISLAND LOBSTER F/VS

The CFRF and URI are seeking three commercial lobster F/Vs to participate in the Southern New England Cooperative Ventless Trap Survey (SNECVTS) in the Cox’s Ledge Wind Energy Area from May to November 2017. This project is a continuation of the SNECVTS survey conducted in 2014/2015, and aims to assess the seasonal distribution, movement, and habitat use of the American lobster and Jonah crab in the Cox’s Ledge area.

Each F/V participant will charter 2 biologists for 3 days per month from May - November 2017. All sampling days within a month will be five days apart to achieve a standardized soak time.

Compensation includes $2300 per sampling day (21 days total), $1800 for completion of full sampling season, $1000 for project set up, $1000 for project break down, and reimbursement of additional insurance costs.

Please see application HERE and project briefing document HERE for more information about the participant requirements and scope of work. Or visit the project website HERE.

Applications are due to the CFRF via mail, email, or fax by Wednesday, April 26th.

ATTENTION: Rhode Island Fishing Business Owners

The Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation is working with Dr. Thomas Sproul at the University of Rhode Island to assess the economic impact of the fishing industry in the state of Rhode Island. This work is expected to shed light on the importance of the fishing community to Rhode Island’s economy, work force, and food system. It is essential that all RI fishing businesses participate in this survey, so that the economic assessment is accurate!

Please take 10 minutes to fill out the survey at https://riepr.org/s/fisheries. You will need your business’ gross revenue and employment records for the last three years to complete the survey. Your survey response will be 100% confidential and your data will not be shared with any third party or government agency. After the survey is completed, members of the fishing industry will be able to access aggregate data summaries tailored to their interests. 

To read more about the specifics of the project visit the project webpage.  Please contact Anna Malek Mercer at amalek@cfrfoundation.org or 401-515-4662 for questions or assistance.

Thank you for your participation!

CFRF January 2017 Newsletter Now Available!

If you are interested in learning more about all the current projects CFRF has underway, including recent milestones, and all the happenings within the foundation, download a copy of our January 2017 newsletter.  In it we cover all project progress since our last newsletter and highlight new projects which have recently begun.

Download the January 2017 newsletter here.

To view and download all our past newsletters visit this link.

CFRF Begins New Fisheries Economic Impact Project

The CFRF in collaboration with University of Rhode Island Professor Tom Sprouls have begun a new project which seeks to assess the economic impact of fisheries within the state of Rhode Island. The project goal is to determine the total direct and indirect impact of fisheries within the state as well as identify opportunities for growth within the fishing industry.

To read more about the specifics of the project visit the project webpage.