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SOE-NEFMC.tex
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\hypertarget{introduction}{%
\section{Introduction}\label{introduction}}
\hypertarget{about-this-report}{%
\subsection{About This Report}\label{about-this-report}}
This report is for the New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC). The purpose of this report is to synthesize ecosystem information to allow the NEFMC to better meet fishery management objectives. The major messages of the report are synthesized on pages 1-3, with highlights of 2023 ecosystem events on page 4. The information in this report is organized into two main sections; \protect\hyperlink{performance-relative-to-fishery-management-objectives}{performance measured against ecosystem-level management objectives} (Table \ref{tab:management-objectives}), and potential \protect\hyperlink{risks-to-meeting-fishery-management-objectives}{risks to meeting fishery management objectives} (\protect\hyperlink{climate-and-ecosystem-change}{climate change} and \protect\hyperlink{other-ocean-uses-offshore-wind}{other ocean uses}). A final new section introduced this year highlights \protect\hyperlink{highlights}{notable 2023 ecosystem observations}.
\hypertarget{report-structure}{%
\subsection{Report structure}\label{report-structure}}
We recommend new readers first review the details of standard figure formatting (Fig. \ref{fig:docformat}a), categorization of fish and invertebrate species into feeding guilds (Table \ref{tab:species-groupings}), and definitions of ecological production units (EPUs, including the Gulf of Maine (GOM) and Georges Bank (GB); Fig. \ref{fig:docformat}b) provided at the end of the document.
The two main sections contain subsections for each management objective or potential risk. Within each subsection, we first review indicator trends, and the status of the most recent data year relative to a threshold (if available) or relative to the long-term average. Second, we synthesize results of other indicators and information to outline potential implications for management (i.e., connecting indicator(s) status to management and why an indicator(s) is important). For example, if there are multiple drivers related to an indicator trend, we examine which drivers may be more or less supported by current information, and which,if any, are affected by management action(s)? Similarly, we examine which risk indicators warrant continued monitoring to evaluate whether regime shifts or ecosystem reorganization are likely? We emphasize that these implications are intended to represent testable hypotheses at present, rather than ``answers,'' because the science behind these indicators and syntheses continues to develop.
A glossary of terms\footnote{\url{https://noaa-edab.github.io/tech-doc/glossary.html}}, detailed technical methods documentation\footnote{\url{https://NOAA-EDAB.github.io/tech-doc}} and indicator data\footnote{\url{https://github.com/NOAA-EDAB/ecodata}}, and detailed indicator descriptions\footnote{\url{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/index.html}} are available online.
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\caption{Example ecosystem-scale fishery management objectives for the New England region
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\hypertarget{performance-relative-to-fishery-management-objectives}{%
\section{Performance relative to fishery management objectives}\label{performance-relative-to-fishery-management-objectives}}
In this section, we examine indicators related to broad, ecosystem-level fishery management objectives. We also provide hypotheses on the implications of these trends---why we are seeing them, what's driving them, and potential or observed regime shifts or changes in ecosystem structure. Identifying multiple drivers, regime shifts, and potential changes to ecosystem structure, as well as identifying the most vulnerable resources, can help managers determine whether anything different needs to be done to meet objectives and how to prioritize upcoming issues/risks.
\hypertarget{seafood-production}{%
\subsection{Seafood Production}\label{seafood-production}}
\hypertarget{indicator-landings-commercial-and-recreational}{%
\subsubsection{Indicator: Landings; commercial and recreational}\label{indicator-landings-commercial-and-recreational}}
This year, we present updated indicators for total \href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/comdat.html}{commercial landings}, U.S. seafood landings, and Council-managed U.S. seafood landings . Total commercial landings within New England show no long-term trend on GB, and a long term decline in the GOM (Fig. \ref{fig:total-landings}). There exist long-term declines in commercial seafood landings and NEFMC managed seafood landings for both the GOM and GB, but over the last decade GOM landings appear to be relatively stable.
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/total-landings-1}
}
\caption{Total commercial landings (black), total U.S. seafood landings (blue), and New England managed U.S. seafood landings (red) for Georges Bank (GB) and the Gulf of Maine (GOM).}\label{fig:total-landings}
\end{figure}
Commercial landings by guild include all species and all uses, and are reported as total for the guild and the NEFMC managed species within the \href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/aggregate_biomass.html}{guild}. As reported in previous years, downward trends persist for a number of guilds in both regions. Current high total landings for benthivores (GOM) are attributable to American lobster, and a significant long term increase in benthos landings (GB) is attributable to clams and scallops (Fig. \ref{fig:comm-landings}). Current landings of planktivores are near historic lows.
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/comm-landings-1}
}
\caption{Total commercial landings (black) and NEFMC managed U.S seafood landings (red) by feeding guild for the Gulf of Maine (GOM, right) and Georges Bank (GB, left).}\label{fig:comm-landings}
\end{figure}
Overall, \href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/recdat.html}{recreational harvest} (retained fish presumed to be eaten) has also declined in New England (Fig. \ref{fig:rec-landings}). However, harvest has rebounded somewhat from the historical low level in 2020. Recreational \href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/rec_hms.html}{shark landings} of pelagic and prohibited sharks have declined since 2018 (Fig \ref{fig:rec-hms}), likely influenced by regulatory changes implemented in 2018 intended to rebuild shortfin mako stocks.
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/rec-landings-1}
}
\caption{Total recreational seafood harvest (millions of pounds) in the New England region.}\label{fig:rec-landings}
\end{figure}
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/rec-hms-1}
}
\caption{Recreational shark landings from Large Pelagics Survey.}\label{fig:rec-hms}
\end{figure}
\href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/aquaculture.html}{Aquaculture production} is not yet included in total seafood landings.
\hypertarget{implications}{%
\subsubsection{Implications}\label{implications}}
Declining commercial seafood and recreational landings are driven by many interacting factors, including combinations of ecological and stock production, management actions, market conditions, and environmental changes. While we cannot evaluate all possible drivers at present, here we evaluate the extent to which stock status and changes in system biomass play a role.
\hypertarget{stock-status}{%
\paragraph{Stock Status}\label{stock-status}}
Single species \href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/stock_status.html}{management objectives} (1. maintaining biomass above minimum thresholds and 2. maintaining fishing mortality below overfishing limits) are not being met for some NEFMC managed species. Thirteen stocks are currently estimated to be below B\textsubscript{MSY}, while status relative to B\textsubscript{MSY} could not be assessed for 13 additional stocks (Table \ref{tab:stock-status-table}). Therefore, stock status and associated management constraints are likely contributing to decreased landings. To better address the role of management in future reports, we could examine how the total allowable catch (TAC) and the percentage of the TAC taken for each species has changed through time.
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/stock-status-1}
}
\caption{Summary of single species status for NEFMC and jointly federally managed stocks (goosefish and spiny dogfish). The dotted vertical line at one is the target biomass reference point of B. The dashed lines are the management thresholds of B (vertical) or F (horizontal). Colors denote stocks with B/B\textsubscript{MSY} < 0.5 or F/F\textsubscript{MSY} (orange), stocks 0.5<B/B\textsubscript{MSY}<1 (blue), and stocks B/B\textsubscript{MSY}>1 (green).CCGOM = Cape Cod Gulf of Maine, GOM = Gulf of Maine, GB = Georges Bank, SNEMA = Southern New England Mid Atlantic}\label{fig:stock-status}
\end{figure}
\hypertarget{system-biomass}{%
\paragraph{System Biomass}\label{system-biomass}}
\href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/aggregate_biomass.html}{Aggregate biomass} trends derived from scientific resource surveys have been stable to increasing in both regions (Fig. \ref{fig:nefsc-biomass-gb} \& Fig. \ref{fig:nefsc-biomass-gom}). The benthivores group spiked during the last decade, due to a large haddock recruitment, but appears to be returning to average levels. Planktivore biomass on GB continues to rise with the highest fall biomass observed since 1968. There are also increasing trends in piscivores, and planktivores in at least one season in both regions, and benthos on Georges Bank in both seasons. The New Hampshire/Maine state survey time series is too short to estimate trends, while the Massachusetts state survey shows the increasing trend in benthivores in the spring and planktivores in the fall but a decrease in piscivores in the spring and benthos in both seasons (Fig. \ref{fig:mass-biomass}). While managed species comprise varying proportions of aggregate biomass, trends in landings are not mirroring shifts in the overall trophic structure of survey-sampled fish and invertebrates. Therefore, major shifts in feeding guilds or ecosystem trophic structure are unlikely to be driving the decline in landings.
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\caption{Unknown or partially known stock status for MAFMC and jointly managed species.
}\label{tab:stock-status-table}\\
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\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/nefsc-biomass-gb-1}
}
\caption{Spring (left) and fall (right) surveyed biomass on Georges Bank. The shaded area around each annual mean represents 2 standard deviations from the mean.}\label{fig:nefsc-biomass-gb}
\end{figure}
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/nefsc-biomass-gom-1}
}
\caption{Spring (left) and fall (right) surveyed biomass in the Gulf of Maine. The shaded area around each annual mean represents 2 standard deviations from the mean.}\label{fig:nefsc-biomass-gom}
\end{figure}
\hypertarget{effect-on-seafood-production}{%
\paragraph{Effect on Seafood Production}\label{effect-on-seafood-production}}
With the poor or unknown stock status of many managed species, the decline in commercial seafood landings in the Gulf of Maine most likely reflects lower catch quotas implemented to rebuild overfished stocks, as well as market dynamics.
The decline in recreational seafood harvest stems from multiple drivers. Some of the decline, such as for recreational shark landings, continues to be driven by tightening regulations. However, changes in demographics and preferences for recreational activities likely play a role in non-HMS (Highly Migratory Species) declines in recreational harvest, with current harvests well below the time series average.
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/mass-biomass-1}
}
\caption{Spring (left) and fall (right) surveyed biomass from the state of Massachusetts inshore survey. The shaded area around each annual mean represents 2 standard deviations from the mean.}\label{fig:mass-biomass}
\end{figure}
Other environmental changes require monitoring as they may become important drivers of future landings:
\begin{itemize}
\tightlist
\item
Climate is trending into uncharted territory. Globally, 2023 wasthe warmest year on record\footnote{\url{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/observation_synthesis.html}} (see \protect\hyperlink{climate-risks}{Climate Risks section}).
\item
Stocks are shifting their distribution, moving towards the northeast and into deeper waters throughout the Northeast US Large Marine Ecosystem (Fig. \ref{fig:species-dist}).
\item
Ecosystem composition and production changes have been observed (see \protect\hyperlink{stability}{Stability section}).
\item
Some fishing communities are affected by environmental justice vulnerabilities (see \protect\hyperlink{social-vulnerability}{Environmental Justice and Social Vulnerability section}).
\end{itemize}
\newpage
\hypertarget{commercial-profits}{%
\subsection{Commercial Profits}\label{commercial-profits}}
\hypertarget{indicators-revenue-a-proxy-for-profits}{%
\subsubsection{Indicators: revenue (a proxy for profits)}\label{indicators-revenue-a-proxy-for-profits}}
\href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/comdat.html}{Commercial revenue} in the region has been mostly positive with total commercial revenues from all species above the long-term mean for both the GB and GOM regions in 2022 (Fig. \ref{fig:comm-revenue}). However, revenue from NEFMC managed species shows a long-term decline in the GOM. GB continues to exhibit a cyclical nature with regards to revenue, largely driven by rotational management of Atlantic sea scallops.
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/comm-revenue-1}
}
\caption{Revenue through 2022 for the New England region: total (black) and from NEFMC managed species (red).}\label{fig:comm-revenue}
\end{figure}
Revenue earned by harvesting resources is a function of both the quantity landed of each species and the prices paid for landings. Beyond monitoring yearly changes in revenue, it is even more valuable to determine what drives these changes: harvest levels, the mix of species landed, price changes, or a combination of these. The \href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/bennet.html}{Bennet Indicator} decomposes revenue change into two parts, one driven by changing quantities (volumes), and a second driven by changing prices. All changes are in relation to a base year (1982). We note that 2022 Atlantic herring revenue data were incomplete for this report, and will be revised in future reports.
In the GB region, revenues have been consistently lower than the 1982 baseline throughout the time series. The changes in total revenue in GB was primarily driven by volumes prior to 2010, and then by prices (Fig.\ref{fig:bennet}). In the GOM, revenues have been above the 1982 baseline in all but four years, largely due to changing prices in most years. Breaking down the revenue by guild (Fig. \ref{fig:bennet-all}), for GB, both the volume and price trend have been largely driven by benthos (quahogs and surfclams). In the GOM region, increased prices for benthivores drove the year-over-year increases in overall prices. Benthivores also had a large influence on the overall volume indicator in the GOM.
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/bennet-1}
}
\caption{Revenue change from the 1982 baseline in 2022 dollars (black), price, and volume for commercial landings from Georges Bank (GB: left) and the Gulf of Maine (GOM: right)}\label{fig:bennet}
\end{figure}
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/bennet-all-1}
}
\caption{Revenue change from the long-term mean in 2022 dollars (black), price, and volume for commercial landings from Georges Bank (GB: top panels) and the Gulf of Maine (GOM: bottom panels)}\label{fig:bennet-all}
\end{figure}
\hypertarget{implications-1}{%
\subsubsection{Implications}\label{implications-1}}
The continued dependence on lobster in the GOM and sea scallops on GB is affected by multiple drivers including resource availability and market conditions. As both species are sensitive to ocean warming and acidification, it is important to monitor these and other climate drivers.
\hypertarget{recreational-opportunities}{%
\subsection{Recreational Opportunities}\label{recreational-opportunities}}
\hypertarget{indicators-angler-trips-fleet-diversity}{%
\subsubsection{Indicators: Angler trips, fleet diversity}\label{indicators-angler-trips-fleet-diversity}}
\href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/recdat.html}{Recreational effort} (angler trips) increased during 1982-2010, but has since declined to the long-term average (Fig. \ref{fig:rec-op}). Recreational fleets are defined as private vessels, shore-based fishing, or party-charter vessels. Recreational fleet diversity, or the relative importance of each fleet type, has remained relatively stable over the latter half of the time series (Fig. \ref{fig:rec-div}).
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/rec-op-1}
}
\caption{Recreational effort in New England.}\label{fig:rec-op}
\end{figure}
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/rec-div-1}
}
\caption{Recreational fleet effort diversity in New England.}\label{fig:rec-div}
\end{figure}
\hypertarget{implications-2}{%
\subsubsection{Implications}\label{implications-2}}
The absence of a long term trend in recreational angler trips and fleet effort diversity suggests relative stability in the overall number of recreational opportunities in the region.
\hypertarget{stability}{%
\subsection{Stability}\label{stability}}
\hypertarget{indicators-fishery-fleet-and-catch-diversity-ecological-component-diversity-total-primary-production}{%
\subsubsection{Indicators: fishery fleet and catch diversity, ecological component diversity, total primary production}\label{indicators-fishery-fleet-and-catch-diversity-ecological-component-diversity-total-primary-production}}
While there are many potential metrics of stability, we use diversity indices to evaluate overall stability in fisheries and ecosystems. In general, diversity that remains constant over time suggests a similar capacity to respond to change over time. A significant change in diversity over time does not necessarily indicate a problem or an improvement, but does indicate a need for further investigation. We examine diversity in commercial fleet and species catch, and recreational species catch (with fleet effort diversity discussed above), zooplankton, and adult fishes.
\hypertarget{fishery-stability}{%
\paragraph{Fishery Stability}\label{fishery-stability}}
\href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/commercial_div.html}{Diversity} estimates have been developed for species landed by commercial vessels with New England permits and fleets landing managed species. Although the effective number of species being landed in the commercial fleet rebounded slightly from the historical low of 2021, the diversity in catch is still well below the series average (Fig. \ref{fig:permit-div}). Commercial fishery fleet count is also below the time series average.
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/permit-div-1}
}
\caption{Species revenue diversity in New England.}\label{fig:permit-div}
\end{figure}
As noted above, \href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/recdat.html}{recreational fleet effort diversity} is stable. However, recreational species catch diversity has been above the time series average since 2008 with a long-term positive trend (Fig. \ref{fig:rec-species-div}).
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/rec-species-div-1}
}
\caption{Diversity of recreational catch in New England.}\label{fig:rec-species-div}
\end{figure}
\hypertarget{ecological-stability}{%
\paragraph{Ecological Stability}\label{ecological-stability}}
Total \href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/chl_pp.html}{primary production} (PP) is a measure of the total energy input into a system per year. 2023 saw record high PP in the GOM, which may indicate a change in system-wide processes.
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/primaray-production-1}
}
\caption{Total areal annual primary production by ecological production unit. The dashed line represents the long-term (1998-2023) annual mean.}\label{fig:primaray-production}
\end{figure}
Ecological diversity indices show mixed trends. \href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/zoo_diversity.html}{Zooplankton diversity} is increasing on GB, while no trend is evident in the GOM (Fig. \ref{fig:zoo-diversity-gb}). However, it is worth noting that the 2021 index for the GOM is the highest observed. \href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/exp_n.html}{Adult fish diversity} shows an increasing trend in the GOM and no trend on GB (Fig. \ref{fig:exp-n}). This metric is measured as the expected number of species in a standard number of individuals sampled from the NEFSC bottom trawl survey.
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/zoo-diversity-gb-1}
}
\caption{Zooplankton diversity on Georges Bank and in the Gulf of Maine, based on Shannon diversity index. 2020 surveys were incomplete due to COVID-19.}\label{fig:zoo-diversity-gb}
\end{figure}
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/exp-n-1}
}
\caption{Adult fish diversity for Georges Bank and in the Gulf of Maine, based on expected number of species. Results from survey vessels Albatross and Bigelow are reported separately due to catchability differences.}\label{fig:exp-n}
\end{figure}
\hypertarget{implications-3}{%
\subsubsection{Implications}\label{implications-3}}
Fleet diversity indices can be used to evaluate stability objectives as well as risks to fishery resilience and to maintain equity in access to fishery resources. The relatively low diversity estimates for the commercial fishery are likely driven by the continued reliance on a few species, such as sea scallops and lobster. This trend could diminish the capacity to respond to future fishing opportunities. Meanwhile, the increase in recreational species catch diversity is due to recent increases in Atlantic States Fisheries Management Council (ASFMC) and MAFMC managed species within the region, offsetting decreased limits on more traditional regional species.
Ecological diversity indices can provide insight into ecosystem structure. Changes in ecological diversity over time may indicate altered ecosystem structure with implications for fishery productivity and management. Increasing zooplankton diversity in GB is attributed to an overall increase in zooplankton abundance and the declining dominance of the calanoid copepod \emph{Centropages typicus}. Stable adult fish diversity on GB suggests the same overall number and evenness over time, but does not rule out species substitutions (e.g., warm-water species replacing cold-water ones). Increasing adult diversity in the GOM suggests an increase in warm-water species and should be closely monitored.
As a whole, the examined diversity indicators suggest changes in commercial and recreational fisheries, likely driven by changes in the mix of species landed. However, there seems to be overall stability in ecosystem components. Increasing diversity in the recreational catch, GB zooplankton, and GOM adult fish accompanied by lows in commercial fleet diversity metrics, suggests warning signs of a potential regime shift or ecosystem restructuring and warrants continued monitoring to determine if managed species are affected.
\hypertarget{social-vulnerability}{%
\subsection{Environmental Justice and Social Vulnerability}\label{social-vulnerability}}
\hypertarget{indicators-environmental-justice-and-social-vulnerability-in-commercial-and-recreational-fishing-communities}{%
\subsubsection{Indicators: Environmental Justice and Social Vulnerability in commercial and recreational fishing communities}\label{indicators-environmental-justice-and-social-vulnerability-in-commercial-and-recreational-fishing-communities}}
\href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/engagement.html}{Social vulnerability} measures social factors that shape a community's ability to adapt to change. A subset of these can be used to assess potential environmental justice issues. We report the top ten communities most engaged in, and/or reliant upon, commercial and recreational fisheries and the degree to which these communities may be vulnerable to environmental justice issues (i.e., Poverty, Population Composition, and Personal Disruption) based on 2021 data. The engagement and reliance indices demonstrate the importance of commercial and recreational fishing to a given community relative to other coastal communities in a region. Similarly, the environmental justice indices characterize different facets and levels of social vulnerability in a given community relative to other coastal communities in a region.
Two commercial fishing communities (Stonington and Beals, ME) scored high for both engagement and reliance based on 2021 data (Fig. \ref{fig:commercial-engagement}). New Bedford and Boston, MA and Swans Island, ME ranked medium-high or above for one or more of the environmental justice indicators in 2021 (Fig. \ref{fig:commercial-EJ}). Swan's Island has considerable unemployment concerns, but does not have the same demographic and age structure concerns as Boston or New Bedford. Port Clyde-Tenants Harbor and Stonington, ME ranked medium for one or more of the environmental justice indicators. Decreased commercial fishing engagement/reliance led to Winter Harbor, ME no longer being listed as a top ten commercial fishing community.
In New England, Dennis and Bourne, MA scored high for both recreational engagement and reliance, whereas no communities did previously (Fig. \ref{fig:recreational-engagement}). Seabrook and Newington, NH; Sandwich and Yarmouth, MA; Groton and Clinton, CT have decreased in their recreational engagement/reliance and are no longer listed as top ten recreational communities, replaced by Barnstable Town, Plymouth, Falmouth, and Chatham, MA; Sronington, CT; Tiverton and New Shoreham, RI. There are no communities ranked medium-high or above for environmental justice indicators (Fig. \ref{fig:recreational-EJ}). Communities that ranked medium for one or more of the environmental justice indicators including Falmouth and Dennis, MA.
Narragansett/Point Judith, like all of these top recreational communities ranked low for environmental justice vulnerability. In fact, the scores below 0 for all three environmental justice indicators implies a lower than average level of vulnerability, based on recreational engagement and reliance, among the communities included in the analysis.
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/commercial-engagement-1}
}
\caption{Commercial engagement, reliance, and environmental justice vulnerability for the top commercially engaged and reliant fishing communities in New England. Communities in orange are ranked medium-high or above for one or more of the environmental justice indicators. Communities in purple are ranked medium for one or more of the environmental justice indicators. *Community scored high (1.00 and above) for both commercial engagement and reliance indicators.}\label{fig:commercial-engagement}
\end{figure}
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics[width=0.7\linewidth]{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/commercial-EJ-1}
}
\caption{Environmental justice indicators (Poverty Index, population composition index, and personal disruption index) for top commercial fishing communities in New England. *Community scored high (1.00 and above) for both commercial engagement and reliance indicators.}\label{fig:commercial-EJ}
\end{figure}
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/recreational-engagement-1}
}
\caption{Recreational engagement and reliance, and environmental justice vulnerability, for the top recreationally engaged and reliant fishing communities in New England. None of these communities ranked medium-high or above for one or more of the environmental justice indicators. Communities ranked medium for one or more of the environmental justice indicators are highlighted in purple. *Community scored high (1.00 and above) for both recreational engagement and reliance indicators.}\label{fig:recreational-engagement}
\end{figure}
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics[width=0.75\linewidth]{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/recreational-EJ-1}
}
\caption{Environmental justice indicators (Poverty Index, population composition index, and personal disruption index) for top recreational fishing communities in New England. *Community scored high (1.00 and above) for both commercial engagement and reliance indicators.}\label{fig:recreational-EJ}
\end{figure}
\newpage
Both commercial and recreational fishing are important activities in Narragansett/Point Judith, RI; Gloucester and Chatham, MA, meaning these communities may be impacted simultaneously by commercial and recreational regulatory changes. These three communities currently score low for all of the three environmental justice indicators, indicating that environmental justice may not be a major concern in these communities at the moment based on the indicators analyzed.
\hypertarget{implications-4}{%
\subsubsection{Implications}\label{implications-4}}
These indicators provide a snapshot of the presence of environmental justice issues in the most highly engaged and most highly reliant commercial and recreational fishing communities in New England. These communities may be especially vulnerable to changes in fishing patterns due to regulations and/or climate change. A range of environmental justice concerns are found throughout New England fishing communities. However, index scores for these concerns are higher overall in the top commercial communities relative to the top recreational communities. Some changes occurred among the top recreational fishing communities between 2020 and 2021 due to shifts in recreational fishing activities, while the top commercial communities remained stable. A few of these top fishing communities, mostly commercial fishing communities, demonstrated medium to high environmental justice vulnerability, indicating that they may be at a disadvantage responding to change.
\hypertarget{protected-species}{%
\subsection{Protected Species}\label{protected-species}}
Fishery management objectives for protected species generally focus on reducing threats and on habitat conservation/restoration. Protected species include marine mammals protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, endangered and threatened species protected under the Endangered Species Act, and migratory birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. In the Northeast U.S., endangered/threatened species include Atlantic salmon, Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon, all sea turtle species, and five baleen whales. Protected species objectives include managing bycatch to remain below potential biological removal (PBR) thresholds, recovering endangered populations, and monitoring unusual mortality events (UMEs). Here we report on performance relative to these objectives with available indicator data, as well as indicating the potential for future interactions driven by observed and predicted ecosystem changes in the Northeast U.S.
\hypertarget{indicators-bycatch-population-adult-and-juvenile-numbers-mortalities}{%
\subsubsection{Indicators: bycatch, population (adult and juvenile) numbers, mortalities}\label{indicators-bycatch-population-adult-and-juvenile-numbers-mortalities}}
Average indices for both \href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/harborporpoise.html}{harbor porpoise} (Fig. \ref{fig:harborporpoise}) and \href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/grayseal.html}{gray seal} bycatch (Fig. \ref{fig:grayseal}) are below current PBR thresholds, meeting management objectives.
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/harborporpoise-1}
}
\caption{Harbor porpoise average bycatch estimate for Mid-Atlantic and New England gillnet fisheries (blue) and the potential biological removal (red).}\label{fig:harborporpoise}
\end{figure}
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/grayseal-1}
}
\caption{Gray Seal average bycatch estimate for gillnet fisheries (blue) and the potential biological removal (red).}\label{fig:grayseal}
\end{figure}
The annual estimate for gray seal bycatch has declined since 2019, in part driven by declining gillnet landings. In addition, estimates since 2019 have greater uncertainty stemming from low observer coverage since 2019. The rolling mean confidence interval remains just below the PBR value.
The \href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/narw.html}{North Atlantic right whale population} was on a recovery trajectory until 2010, but has since declined (Fig. \ref{fig:narw-abundance}). The sharp decline observed from 2015-2020 appears to have slowed, although the right whale population continues to experience annual mortalities above recovery thresholds. Reduced survival rates of adult females lead to diverging abundance trends between sexes. It is estimated that there are fewer than 70 adult females remaining in the population.
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/narw-abundance-1}
}
\caption{Estimated North Atlanic right whale abundance on the Northeast Shelf.}\label{fig:narw-abundance}
\end{figure}
North Atlantic right whale \href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/narw.html}{calf counts} have generally declined after 2009 to the point of having zero new calves observed in 2018 (Fig. \ref{fig:NARW-calf-abundance}). However, since 2019, we have seen more calf births each year with 15 births in 2022.
This year, the Unusual Mortality Event (UME) for North Atlantic right whales continued. Since 2017, the total UME right whale mortalities includes 36 dead stranded whales, 15 in the U.S. and 21 in Canada. When alive but seriously injured whales (35) and sublethal injuries or ill whales (51) are taken into account, 122 individual whales are included in the UME. Recent research suggests that many mortalities go unobserved and the true number of mortalities are about three times the count of the observed mortalities. The primary cause of death is ``human interaction'' from entanglements or vessel strikes.
A UME continued from previous years for humpback whales (2016-present); suspected causes include human interactions. A UME for both gray and harbor seals on the Maine coast was declared in June 2022 due to a high number of mortalities thought to be caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza virus. A UME for minke whales that began in 2017 remains open, but is pending closure as of January 2024.
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/NARW-calf-abundance-1}
}
\caption{Number of North Atlantic right whale calf births, 1990 - 2021.}\label{fig:NARW-calf-abundance}
\end{figure}
\hypertarget{implications-5}{%
\subsubsection{Implications}\label{implications-5}}
Bycatch management measures have been implemented to maintain bycatch below PBR thresholds. The downward trend in harbor porpoise bycatch can also be due to a decrease in harbor porpoise abundance in U.S. waters, reducing their overlap with fisheries, and a decrease in gillnet effort. The increasing trend in gray seal bycatch may be related to an increase in the gray seal population (\href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/seal_pups.html}{U.S. pup counts}), supported by the dramatic rise over the last three decades in observed numbers of gray seal pups born at U.S. breeding sites plus an increase in adult seals at the breeding sites (Fig. \ref{fig:seals}), some of which are supplemented by Canadian adults.
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/seals-1}
}
\caption{Estimated number of gray seal pups born at four United States pupping colonies at various times from 1988 to 2021. Recreated from Wood et al. 2022 (Figure 5).}\label{fig:seals}
\end{figure}
Strong evidence exists to suggest that interactions between right whales and both the fixed gear fisheries in the U.S. and Canada and vessel strikes in the U.S. are contributing substantially to the decline of the species. Further, right whale distribution has changed since 2010. \href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/narw.html}{New research} suggests that recent climate driven changes in ocean circulation have resulted in right whale distribution changes driven by increased warm water influx through the Northeast Channel, which has reduced the primary right whale prey (\emph{Calanus finmarchicus}) in the central and eastern portions of the Gulf of Maine. Additional potential stressors include offshore wind development, which overlaps with important habitat areas used year-round by right whales, including mother and calf migration corridors and foraging habitat. This area is also a primary right whale winter foraging habitat. Additional information can be found in the \protect\hyperlink{wind-risks}{offshore wind risks section}.
A UME continued from previous years for humpback whales (2016-present) and Atlantic minke whales (2018-present); suspected causes include human interactions. A UME for Northeast pinnipeds that began in 2018 for infectious disease is pending closure as of February 2024.
A climate vulnerability assessment is published for Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico marine mammal populations.
\hypertarget{climate-risks}{%
\section{Risks to meeting fishery management objectives}\label{climate-risks}}
\hypertarget{climate-and-ecosystem-change}{%
\subsection{Climate and Ecosystem Change}\label{climate-and-ecosystem-change}}
Regulations and measures designed to meet fishery management objectives are often based on historical information about stocks, their distribution in space and time, and their overall productivity. Large scale climate related changes in the ecosystem can lead to changes in important habitats and ecological interactions, altering distributions and productivity. With large enough ecosystem changes, management measures may be less effective and management objectives may not be met.
This year, we restructured this section to focus on three categories of management decisions and the risk posed to them by climate and ecosystem change: spatial management, seasonal management, and quota setting or rebuilding depleted stocks. In each section, we describe potential risks to the management category, highlight indicators of observed changes that contribute to those risks, and review possible biological and environmental drivers and the ways they may explain the observed indicators.
\hypertarget{risks-to-spatial-management}{%
\subsubsection{Risks to Spatial Management}\label{risks-to-spatial-management}}
Shifting species distributions (changes in spatial extent or center of gravity) alter both species interactions and fishery interactions. In particular, shifting species distributions can affect expected management outcomes from spatial allocations and bycatch measures based on historical fish and protected species distributions. Additionally, species availability to surveys can change as distributions shift within survey footprints.
\hypertarget{indicator-fish-and-protected-species-distribution-shifts}{%
\paragraph{Indicator: Fish and protected species distribution shifts}\label{indicator-fish-and-protected-species-distribution-shifts}}
As noted in the \protect\hyperlink{implications}{landings implications section} above, the \href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/species_dist.html}{center of distribution} for a suite of 48 commercially or ecologically important fish species along the entire Northeast Shelf continues to show movement towards the northeast and generally into deeper water (Fig. \ref{fig:species-dist} ). \href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/habitat_diversity.html}{Habitat model-based species richness} suggests shifts of both cooler and warmer water species to the northeast. Similar patterns have been found for \href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/HMS_species_distribution.html}{marine mammals}, with multiple species shifting northeast between 2010 and 2017 in most seasons (Fig. \ref{fig:protectedspp-dist-shifts} ).
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/protectedspp-dist-shifts-1}
}
\caption{Direction and magnitude of core habitat shifts, represented by the length of the line of the seasonal weighted centroid for species with more than 70 km difference between 2010 and 2017 (tip of arrow).}\label{fig:protectedspp-dist-shifts}
\end{figure}
\hypertarget{drivers}{%
\paragraph{Drivers}\label{drivers}}
Mobile populations are shifting distributions to maintain suitable temperature and prey fields, possibly expanding if new suitable habitat exists. Changes in managed species distribution is related, in part, to the \href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/forage_index.html}{distribution of forage biomass}. Since 1982, the fall center of gravity of forage fish (20 species combined) has moved to the north and east. Spring forage fish center of gravity has been more variable over time.
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/species-dist-1}
}
\caption{Aggregate species distribution metrics for species in the Northeast Large Marine Ecosystem.}\label{fig:species-dist}
\end{figure}
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/forage-cog-1}
}
\caption{Eastward (left) and northward (right) shifts in the center of gravity for 20 forage fish species on the Northeast U.S. Shelf.}\label{fig:forage-cog}
\end{figure}
Ocean temperatures influence the distribution, seasonal timing of migrations and spawning, as well as the productivity of managed species (see sections below). New England has experienced a continued warming trend for both the \href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/seasonal_oisst_anom.html}{surface} (Fig.\ref{fig:longterm-sst}) and in all seasons.
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/longterm-sst-1}
}
\caption{Mean sea surface temperature across the entire Mid-Atlantic shelf.}\label{fig:longterm-sst}
\end{figure}
Species' suitable habitat can expand or contract when changes in temperature and major oceanographic conditions alter distinct water mass habitats. The variability of the Gulf Stream is a major driver of the predominant oceanographic conditions of the Northeast U.S. continental shelf. As the \href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/gsi.html}{Gulf Stream} has become less stable and shifted northward in the last decade (Fig. \ref{fig:GSI}), warmer ocean temperatures have been observed on the northeast shelf and a higher proportion of \href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/slopewater.html}{Warm Slope Water} has been present in the Gulf of Maine Northeast Channel. Since 2008, the Gulf Stream has moved closer to the Grand Banks, reducing the supply of cold, fresh, and oxygen-rich Labrador Current waters to the Northwest Atlantic Shelf. Nearly every year since 2010, warm slope water made up more than 50\% of the annual slope water proportions entering the Gulf of Maine. In 2017 almost no cooler Labrador Slope water entered the Gulf of Maine through the Northeast Channel. The changing proportions of source water affect the temperature, salinity, and nutrient inputs to the Gulf of Maine ecosystem. In 2022, warm slope water was a majority (59.7\%) of inputs to the Gulf of Maine.
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/GSI-1}
}
\caption{Index representing changes in the location of the Gulf Stream north wall. Positive values represent a more northerly Gulf Stream position.}\label{fig:GSI}
\end{figure}
\hypertarget{future-considerations}{%
\paragraph{Future Considerations}\label{future-considerations}}
Distribution shifts caused by changes in thermal habitat are likely to continue as long as long-term temperature trends persist. Near-term oceanographic forecasts are currently in development and may inform how future warming impacts species distributions.
Distribution patterns associated with climate-driven changes in oceanographic circulation patterns are unlikely to be reversed to historical ranges in the short term. Increased oceanographic variability needs to be captured by regional ocean models and linked to species distribution processes to better understand potential future distributions. Species with high mobility or short life spans react differently from immobile or long-lived species.
Adapting management to changing stock distributions and dynamic ocean processes will require continued monitoring of populations in space and evaluating management measures against a range of possible future spatial distributions.
\hypertarget{risks-to-seasonal-management}{%
\subsubsection{Risks to Seasonal Management}\label{risks-to-seasonal-management}}
The effectiveness of seasonal management actions (fishing seasons or area opening/closing) depends on a proper alignment with the seasonal life cycle events, also known as phenology, of fish stocks (e.g., migration timing and spawning). Changes in the timing of these biological cycles can reduce the effectiveness of management measures if not accounted for. The timing of seasonal patterns can also change the availability of species to surveys and interactions between fisheries and non-target species thus influencing the amount of bycatch.
\hypertarget{indicators-timing-shifts}{%
\paragraph{Indicators: Timing shifts}\label{indicators-timing-shifts}}
\href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/spawn_timing.html}{Spawning timing} is shifting earlier for multiple stocks, including haddock and yellowtail flounder (Fig. \ref{fig:spawn-timing}). Spawning of both haddock stocks is occurring earlier, as indicated by more resting (post-spawning) stage fish in the 2010s as compared to earlier in the time series. The northern (Cape Cod/GOM) stock shows earlier active spawning in recent years with a decline in pre-spawning resting females. Yellowtail flounder spawning is related to bottom temperature, week of year, and decade sampled for each of the three stocks.
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/spawn-timing-1}
}
\caption{Percent resting stage (non-spawning) fish from two haddock and three yellowtail flounder stocks: CC = Cape Cod Gulf of Maine, GOM = Gulf of Maine, GB = Georges Bank, SNE = Southern New England.}\label{fig:spawn-timing}
\end{figure}
\href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/timing_shifts.html}{Migration timing} of some tuna and large whale migrations has changed. For example, tuna were caught in recreational fisheries 50 days earlier in the year in 2019 compared to 2002. In Cape Cod Bay, peak spring habitat use by right and humpback whales has shifted 18-19 days later over time.
Understanding whether seasonal patterns are changing for stocks requires regular observations during seasonal life history events. Despite the importance of understanding seasonal patterns, we have few indicators that directly assess timing shifts of species. We plan on incorporating more indicators of phenology in future reports.
\hypertarget{drivers-1}{%
\paragraph{Drivers}\label{drivers-1}}
The drivers of timing shifts in managed stocks are generally coupled to shifts in environmental or biological conditions, since these can result in changes in habitat quality or food availability within the year. Changes in the timing of fall phytoplankton blooms and seasonal shifts in zooplankton communities are thought to be critical indicators of changes in seasonal food availability to stocks.
Along with the overall warming trends in New England, ocean summer conditions have been lasting longer, as shown by the later \href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/trans_dates.html}{transition} from warm stratified summer conditions to well mixed cool fall conditions (Fig. \ref{fig:transition}).These transition dates are defined as the day of the year when surface temperatures change from cool to warm conditions in the spring and back to cool conditions in the fall. Changes in the broad seasonal cycles of their environment can lead to changes in species biological processes (migrations, spawning, etc.) that are triggered by seasonal events. Additionally, prolonged fall temperatures have been linked to the increased number of cold-stunned Kemp's ridley sea turtles found in Cape Cod Bay.
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/transition-1}
}
\caption{Ocean summer length: the annual total number of days between the spring thermal transition date and the fall thermal transition date.}\label{fig:transition}
\end{figure}
The \href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/cold_pool.html}{cold pool} is a seasonal feature within the mid-Atlantic bight (MAB) that creates seasonally suitable habitat for many species, including some managed by the NEFMC. Since the mid-2000s, the cold pool has persisted for a shorter portion of the year (Fig. \ref{fig:cold-pool-time}). A change in the timing of the cold pool may impact the recruitment of species that realy on it for seasonal cues. Southern New England-Mid Atlantic yellowtail flounder recruitment and settlement are related to the strength of the cold pool (a factor of extent and persistence). The dependency of pre-recruit settlers within the cold pool represents a bottleneck in yellowtail life history, during which a local and temporary increase in bottom temperature negatively impacts the survival of the settlers. Including the effect of cold pool variations on yellowtail recruitment reproduced retrospective patterns and improved the skill of short-term forecasts in a stock assessment model.
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/cold-pool-time-1}
}
\caption{Cold pool persistence index based on bias-corrected ROMS-NWA (open circles) and GLORYS (closed circles).}\label{fig:cold-pool-time}
\end{figure}
\hypertarget{future-considerations-1}{%
\paragraph{Future Considerations}\label{future-considerations-1}}
For stocks reliant on environmental processes to dictate the timing of their behavior (e.g., phytoplankton bloom timing, thermal transition, or the duration of the cold pool), it is possible that some effects will be episodic and have interannual variability, while other effects on timing can change on scales of years to decades. However, other species rely on the general seasonal succession of environmental drivers (e.g., the timing of the fall turnover) to cue biological processes, which rely on long-term trends unlikely to reverse in coming years. Such timing shifts in migration or spawning for those species are expected to continue. Management actions that rely on effective alignment of fisheries availability and biological processes should continue to evaluate whether prior assumptions on seasonal timings still hold, and new indicators should be developed to monitor timing shifts for stocks.
\hypertarget{risks-to-quota-settingrebuilding}{%
\subsubsection{Risks to Quota Setting/Rebuilding}\label{risks-to-quota-settingrebuilding}}
The efficacy of short-term stock projections and rebuilding plans relies on an accurate understanding of processes affecting stock growth, reproduction, and natural mortality. These biological processes are often driven by underlying environmental change. When observed environmental change occurs, there is a risk that established stock-level biological reference points may no longer reflect the current population.
\hypertarget{indicators-fish-productivity-and-condition-shifts}{%
\paragraph{Indicators: Fish productivity and condition shifts}\label{indicators-fish-productivity-and-condition-shifts}}
Indicators of \href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/productivity_anomaly.html}{fish productivity} are derived from observations (surveys) or models (stock assessments). With the exception of two years (2006 and 2013), fish productivity has been below the long-term average in the Gulf of Maine since the early 2000s, as described by the small-fish-per-large-fish anomaly indicator (derived from NEFSC bottom trawl survey)(Fig. \ref{fig:productivity-anomaly}). This decline in fish productivity is also shown by a similar analysis based on stock assessment model outputs (recruitment per spawning stock biomass anomaly). Other signs of changing productivity in New England are the declines in \href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/seabird_ne.html}{common tern chicks} per nest (Fig. \ref{fig:seabird-ne-productivity}) and declining return rates for \href{https://noaa-edab.github.io/catalog/gom_salmon.html}{Atlantic salmon}(Fig. \ref{fig:salmon}).
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/productivity-anomaly-1}
}
\caption{Fish productivity measures. Top: Small-fish-per-large-fish survey biomass anomaly in the Gulf of Maine. Bottom: assessment recruitment per spawning stock biomass anomaly for stocks managed by the New England Fishery Management Council region. The summed anomaly across species is shown by the black line, drawn across all years with the same number of stocks analyzed.}\label{fig:productivity-anomaly}
\end{figure}
\begin{figure}
{\centering \includegraphics{SOE-NEFMC_files/figure-latex/seabird-ne-productivity-1}
}