February 2009
This month the Blue Crab and Menhaden Species Teams developed first drafts of the critical ecosystem issue briefs pertaining to their respective species. Both Teams are meeting through conference calls to evaluate these first drafts and finalize their work plans for March and April. Final versions of these work products are anticipated in July 2009. At that time they will be channeled to the Quantitative Ecosystem Teams (QETs) for development of ecosystem-based reference points and control rules based on the recommendations of the Species Teams. The QETs will hold their first meeting on April 29, 2009 in College Park, Maryland at which point the QETs will evaluate the Striped Bass Species Team Issue Briefs.
As the work products of the Striped Bass, Menhaden, and Blue Crab Species Teams roll out, the model of Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management for the Chesapeake Bay is gaining momentum and attracting interest far beyond the Chesapeake watershed. To date 63 species and quantitative experts representing nine states, 16 academic/research institutions, and various state and federal agencies as well as NGOs, are on board and contributing to this important process. The affiliations of the team members are listed in the table below.
With the membership of the Species and Quantitative Ecosystem Teams complete, Maryland Sea Grant is looking toward integrating a wide body of stakeholders in the EBFM structure and process. We initiated this effort by presenting progress on EBFM to date at the Joint Meeting of the Sport Fish and Tidal Fisheries Advisory Commissions hosted by Maryland Department of Natural Resources this past month. Several of the Commissioners expressed interest in assisting Maryland Sea Grant in our effort to engage stakeholders and we will be working with these individuals, and others, to develop a plan for future stakeholder involvement. It is a goal of the project to have both fishery and non-fishery stakeholders closely linked to the EBFM effort for Chesapeake Bay and we continue to explore outreach opportunities and potential outlets for engaging stakeholders in this effort.
Current ActivitiesMaryland Sea Grant is now soliciting nominations for the Alosine Species Team. Potential candidates should have demonstrated expertise in the Biology, Ecology, or Management of Alosines. The Alosine Species Team will be formed by the end of April 2009. Please contact Shannon Green, Fisheries Ecosystem Coordinator for Maryland Sea Grant, to submit your nominations. Thank you!
sgreen@mdsg.umd.edu (301) 405-6372
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