Shellfish are good for the ecosystem in many ways. They serve to filter water, provide a great food source and provide other services that support the health and well-being of Rhode Island’s estuarine systems and local communities.

In recognition of this importance, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is creating a Shellfish Restoration and Enhancement Plan (SREP).  An online information session will be held Thursday, March 2, 2023, from 6-7 p.m. to announce the kickoff of the SREP Planning Process. 

The Zoom meeting link for the March 2, 2023, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. meeting is: https://northeastern.zoom.us/j/94689038494?pwd=aTJCT2RHalc5UjN1WUhjUWlSSmhhQT09 [northeastern.zoom.us] .  Meeting ID: 946 8903 8494, Passcode: 028228, One tap mobile: +13092053325,,94689038494# US.

Also, please save the date for upcoming in-person workshops aimed at identifying and prioritizing restoration and enhancement goals.  In-person meeting dates and locations include: March 13, 2023 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Coastal Institute, URI GSO, in Narragansett which will focus on Little Narragansett Bay, the coastal ponds, and the Narrow River; a second meeting will be held March 14, 2023 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. (venue to be announced) focusing on the East Passage of Narragansett Bay and the Sakonnet River; and a third meeting will be held March 15, 2023 from 4:30-6:30 (venue to be announced) focusing on the West Passage of Narragansett Bay and the Providence River.

For more information visit risrep.org [risrep.org] or contact Eric Schneider at eric.schneider@dem.ri.gov.

Recreational fishing data getting better

NOAA Fisheries’ recreational data collection program, also known as the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), is the state-regional-federal partnership that develops, implements, and continually improves a national network of recreational fishing surveys to estimate total recreational catch. These estimates are used by fisheries scientists and managers to help inform sustainable fisheries management decisions and ultimately to help make fishing regulations.

NOAA Fisheries has published a report to Congress with their response to the National

Academies’ of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s 2021 recommendations on recreational fishing data collection, data use, and alternative management strategies. The intent of this report was to evaluate how NOAA Fisheries recreational data collection program is meeting the needs of in-season management of fisheries with annual catch limits.

Several recommendations in the Academies’ report call for exploration and development of forecasting methods for in-season catch and management. The report also recommends conducting research and pilot studies on a number of statistical methods to improve catch and forecasting estimates, as well as recommendations to pursue alternative management approaches to better align management actions

Many of the report’s recommendations suggest continuing ongoing agency practices while also encouraging partners to take equivalent actions. NOAA Fisheries and their partners are also already taking action on a number of recommendations outlined in the study.  NOAA Fisheries will explore recommended statistical methods where applicable and recommend their consideration by partners.

Further discussion, planning, and coordination are underway with NOAA Fisheries, Councils, Commissions, and states to develop detailed plans to address some of the recommendations identified for further action. Efforts will be prioritized based on regional needs and availability of funding.

More to come on bolstering MRIP as NOAA addresses National Academies of Science recommendations.   If you have a question about recreational fishing data collection or estimates email Sarah Lazo at sarah.lazo@noaa.gov or visit countmyfish.noaa.gov.

Fishing the Canal for striped bass

Take the chill off of winter with fishing talk. East End Eddie Doherty will be presenting a Cape Cod Canal fishing seminar featuring stunning color photography by world renowned professional photographer and legendary surfcaster John Doble.

Surfcasting the Cape Cod Canal for Striped Bass will be presented at the Springfield Sportsmen’s Show in West Springfield on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 10: a.m.

Doherty is the author of SEVEN MILES AFTER SUNDOWN which was announced on Amazon as the No. 1 New Release in Fishing and selected as an Award Winning Finalist for American Bookfest in the Sports Category at the 2019 International Book Awards in Los Angeles.

Where’s the bite?

Cod fishing south of Cape Cod is still open. Party boats fishing for cod this winter include the Frances Fleet at www.francesfleet.com  and the Island Current at www.islandcurrent.com . 

Freshwater fishing has been good as not many have fished ponds in Rhode Island and Massachusetts that were stocked in fall and early winter. John Littlefield of Archie’s Bait & Tackle, Riverside, said, “Both trout and salmon are being caught in stocked ponds.  Willet Avenue Pond, Riverside is still yielding fish for anglers using shiners and PowerBait.”

Angler Joe Klinger of South County reports a good salmon and trout bite at Barber Pond, South Kingstown. For licenses and trout/salmon waterway stocking information in Rhode Island visit www.dem.ri.gov/fishing, and in Massachusetts www.mass.gov/service-details/trout-stocking-report .

Dave Monti holds a captain’s master license and charter fishing license. He serves on a variety of boards and commissions and has a consulting business focusing on clean oceans, habitat preservation, conservation, renewable energy, and fisheries related issues and clients. Forward fishing news and photos to dmontifish@verison.net or visit www.noflukefishing.com.