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1. Used assessment from Our Living Oceans; FMP contains no overfishing definition.

2. Current fishing mortality estimate for this stock is unknown.

3. The full name for this FMP is the Coral, Coral Reefs, and Live / Hard Bottom Habitats of the South Atlantic Region.

4. There is no overfishing definition contained in the FMP; the definition for determining the overfished status is based on the definition in Our Living Oceans.

5. The full name for this FMP is the Coral and Coral Reefs of the Gulf of Mexico.

6. There is no overfishing definition contained in the FMP, and no definition for determining the overfished status in Our Living Oceans.

7. The full name for this FMP is the Spiny Lobster Fishery of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

8. Stock assessment is 6 years old.

9. The full name for this FMP is the Reef Fish Fishery of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

10. The full name for this FMP is the Queen Conch Resources of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

11. The full name for this FMP is the Corals and Reef Associated Invertebrates of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

12. The full name for this FMP is the Precious Corals Fishery of the Western Pacific Region.

13. Used assessment from Our Living Oceans; there is no FMP for this species.

14. There is no FMP for this species, and no definition for determining the overfished status in Our Living Oceans.

15. There is no FMP for this species; the definition for determining the overfished status is based on the definition in Our Living Oceans.

16. The resource is managed by treaty between the United States and Canada through recommendations of the International Pacific Halibut Commission. Pacific halibut is managed under the jurisdiction of the PFMC for WA, OR, and CA and under the jurisdiction of the NPFMC for Alaska.

Appendix 1. Overfishing Definitions Contained in Fishery Management Plans

The following definitions are as contained in the Fishery Management Plans, with minor editing changes to maintain consistency of terms. See Appendix 5 for definitions of acronyms used in this appendix.

Atlantic Sea Scallop - Overfishing is defined as a fishing mortality rate that, if continued, results in a spawning stock biomass of 5% of the maximum spawning potential (MSP). The corresponding target fishing mortality (F) will be calculated as a level that will result in a 5% MSP under equilibrium conditions.

Atlantic Salmon - No overfishing definition exists in the FMP.

American Lobster - The American lobster resource is considered recruitment overfished when, throughout its range, the fishing mortality rate (F), given the regulations in place at that time under the suite of regional management measures, results in a reduction in estimated egg production per recruit to 10% or less of a non-fished population.

The development of the status of the stock report and the evaluation of the fishery induced effects will consider information based upon one or more indices including, but not limited to: Larval abundance index in surface waters; larval settlement index; pre-recruit indices by year-class; landings; size composition of the landings spawning stock biomass; numbers of egg-bearing females; effort levels and catch-per-unit-of-effort (CPUE); and possible development of relationships of biological parameters to water temperature or other environmental parameters.

Northeast Multispecies

Cod (Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank) - Overfishing occurs when the fishing mortality rate exceeds the rate associated with 20% MSP.

Haddock (Georges Bank, Gulf of Maine) - Overfishing is defined for Gulf of Maine haddock as the fishing mortality rate associated with 20% MSP, and for Georges Bank haddock, the fishing mortality rate associated with 30% MSP.

Yellowtail Flounder (Georges Bank, Southern New England, Cape Cod, Middle Atlantic) - Overfishing occurs when the fishing mortality rate exceeds the rate associated with 20% MSP.

American Plaice - Overfishing occurs when the fishing mortality rate exceeds the rate associated with 20% MSP.

Redfish - Overfishing occurs when the fishing mortality rate exceeds the rate associated with 20% MSP.

Witch Flounder - Overfishing occurs when the fishing mortality rate exceeds the rate associated with 20% MSP.

White Hake - Overfishing occurs when the 3-year moving average of the species abundance index from the Northeast Fisheries Science Center's bottom trawl survey falls below the lowest quartile of the time series.

Pollock - Overfishing occurs when the fishing mortality rate exceeds the rate associated with 20% MSP.

Windowpane Flounder - Overfishing occurs when the 3-year moving average of the species abundance index from the Northeast Fisheries Science Center's bottom trawl survey falls below the lowest quartile of the time series.

Winter Flounder (Georges Bank, Gulf of Maine, Southern New England) - Overfishing occurs when the fishing mortality rate exceeds the rate associated with 20% MSP.

Silver Hake (Gulf of Maine / Northern Georges Bank, Southern Georges Bank / Middle Atlantic) - Overfishing occurs whenever the 4-year running average percent maximum spawning potential (%MSP) is less than the threshold %MSP, which is 31% for the Maine / Northern Georges Bank stock and 42% for the Southern Georges Bank / Mid-Atlantic stock.

Red Hake - Overfishing occurs when the 3-year moving average of the species abundance index from the Northeast Fisheries Science Center's bottom trawl survey falls below the lowest quartile of the time series.

Ocean Pout - Overfishing occurs when the 3-year moving average of the species abundance index from the Northeast Fisheries Science Center's bottom trawl survey falls below the lowest quartile of the time series.

Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass

Scup - Overfishing is defined as fishing in excess of F_max.

Summer Flounder - Overfishing is defined as fishing in excess of F_max.

Black Sea Bass - Overfishing is defined as fishing in excess of F_max.

Bluefish (except Gulf of Mexico) - Overfishing is defined as a level of fishing that exceeds the fishing mortality rate that results in the highest sustainable yield (MSY).
 
 
 
 

Surf Clams and Ocean Quahogs

Surf Clam - The overfishing definition for surf clams is the fishing mortality rate of F_20% (20% of MSP).

Ocean Quahog - The overfishing definition for ocean quahogs is the fishing mortality rate of F_25% (25% MSP).

Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish

Illex Squid - Overfishing is defined as when the catch associated with a threshold fishing mortality of F_20% is exceeded.

Loligo Squid - Overfishing is defined to occur when the catch associated with a threshold fishing mortality rate of F_max is exceeded.

Atlantic Mackerel - Overfishing is defined as the catch of Atlantic mackerel that exceeds the annual allowable biological catch (ABC) for the species. The fishing mortality rate associated with the total catch of Atlantic mackerel shall not exceed F_0.1. ABC is the allowable biological catch in U.S. waters for the upcoming year and C is defined as the quantity of mackerel that is expected to be caught in Canadian waters. ABC + C = Total catch of mackerel. In addition, a spawning stock size (S) of no less than 900,000 mt shall be maintained at the end of the fishing year for which estimates and quotas are being prepared.

Butterfish (Atlantic) - Overfishing is defined to occur when the 3-year moving average of pre-recruits from the Northeast Fisheries Science Center's autumn bottom trawl falls within the lowest quartile of the time series or when the landings exceed a threshold fishing mortality of F_msy.

Golden Crab - Overfishing is defined as any rate of fishing mortality in excess of F_msy for golden crab in the South Atlantic Council's management area.

Shrimp Fishery of the South Atlantic

White Shrimp - Overfishing is indicated when the overwintering white shrimp population within a state's water declines by 80% or more following severe winter weather resulting in prolonged cold water temperatures. Continued fishing following such a decline may reduce the reproductive capacity of the stock affecting subsequent recruitment and would be considered overfishing.

Rock Shrimp - The South Atlantic rock shrimp resource is overfished when the annual landings exceed the value which is two standard deviations above mean landings for the period 1986-1994. This level, based on the more accurate state data, is approximately 6,829,449 pounds, heads on.

Brown Shrimp - The South Atlantic brown shrimp resources are overfished when annual landings fall below two standard deviations below mean landings for the period 1957-1993 for 3 consecutive years (2,946,157 pounds, heads on).

Pink Shrimp - The South Atlantic pink shrimp resources are overfished when annual landings fall below two standard deviations below mean landings for the period 1957-1993 for 3 consecutive years (286,293 pounds, heads on).

South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper

Jewfish -

1. Jewfish are overfished when the stock is below the level of 40% of the spawning stock biomass per recruit that would occur in the absence of fishing.

2. When jewfish are overfished, overfishing is defined as harvesting at a rate that is not consistent with a program that has been established to rebuild the stock or stock complex to the 40% spawning stock biomass per recruit level.

3. When jewfish are not overfished, overfishing is defined as a harvesting rate that, if continued, would lead to a state of the stock or stock complex that would not at least allow a harvest of OY on a continuing basis.

4. The threshold level is 30% SSBR; below this level, no harvest or possession of jewfish is allowed.

Note: The definition of Optimum Yield for jewfish is 40% SSBR.

Nassau Grouper, Vermilion Snapper, Red Porgy, Gag, Red Snapper, Scamp, Speckled Hind, Snowy Grouper, Warsaw Grouper, Golden Tilefish, White Grunt, Black Sea Bass, Gray Triggerfish, Queen Triggerfish, Ocean Triggerfish, Yellow Jack, Blue Runner, Crevalle Jack, Bar Jack, Greater Amberjack, Lesser Amberjack, Almaco Jack, Banded Rudderfish, Spadefish, Black Margate, Porkfish, Margate, Tomtate, Smallmouth Grunt, French Grunt, Spanish Grunt, Cottonwick, Sailors Choice, Blue Stripe Grunt, Hogfish, Puddingwife, Black Snapper, Queen Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Schoolmaster, Blackfin Snapper, Cubera Snapper, Gray Snapper, Mahogany Snapper, Dog Snapper, Lane Snapper, Silk Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Blueline Tilefish, Sand Tilefish, Wreckfish, Bank Sea Bass, Rock Sea Bass, Rock Hind, Graysby, Yellowedge Grouper, Coney, Red Hind, Red Grouper, Misty Grouper, Black Grouper, Yellowmouth Grouper, Tiger Grouper, Yellowfin Grouper, Sheepshead, Grass Porgy, Jolthead Porgy, Saucereye Porgy, Whitebone Porgy, Knobbed Porgy, Longspine Porgy, Scup -

1. A snapper-grouper stock or stock complex is overfished when it is below the level of 30% of the spawning stock biomass per recruit that would occur in the absence of fishing.

2. When a snapper-grouper stock or stock complex is overfished, overfishing is defined as harvesting at a rate that is not consistent with a program that has been established to rebuild the stock or stock complex to the 30% spawning stock biomass per recruit level.

3. When a snapper-grouper stock or stock complex is not overfished, overfishing is defined as a harvesting rate that, if continued, would lead to a state of the stock or stock complex that would not at least allow a harvest of OY on a continuing basis.

Note: For a snapper-grouper stock or stock complex, Optimum Yield is defined as 30% SSBR.

Red Drum (Atlantic coast) - Overfishing is defined as a fishing mortality rate that will, if continued, reduce the spawning potential ratio (SPR) below 30% of the level that would exist at equilibrium without fishing.

Coral, Coral Reefs, and Live / Hard Bottom Habitats of the South Atlantic Region

Fire Corals, Hydrocorals, Octocorals, Stony Corals, Black Corals - Overfishing is defined as an annual level of harvest that exceeds optimum yield (OY). OY for coral reefs, stony corals, hydrocorals, black corals, seafans, and live rock is zero, except as may be authorized for scientific and educational purposes. Harvest of allowable octocorals in the EEZ is not to exceed 50,000 colonies per year (Gulf and South Atlantic EEZ combined).

Stone Crab - Overfishing exists when the realized egg production per recruit is reduced below 70% of potential production. Overfishing will be avoided when there is a minimum claw length (length of propodus) that assures survival of the crabs to achieve 70% egg production per recruit potential.

Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico

Brown Shrimp - Recruitment overfishing is indicated where parent stock levels are reduced below 125 million shrimp. This value is slightly lower than the 1983 level of parent stock, which is the lowest observed value since 1960. Parent stock is defined for brown shrimp as the number of age 7+ (months) shrimp during the November through February period.

Pink Shrimp - Recruitment overfishing in the eastern Gulf of Mexico (statistical areas 1-12) is indicated where parent stock levels are reduced below 100 million shrimp. Parent stock is defined for pink shrimp as the number of 5+ (months) shrimp during the July through June period. Pink shrimp in the western U.S. Gulf were not included in this definition because mixed catches of brown and pink shrimp are not separated and are landed, sold, and statistically treated as brown shrimp.

White Shrimp - Recruitment overfishing is indicated where parent stock levels are reduced below 330 million shrimp. Parent stock is defined for pink shrimp as the number of age 7+ (months) shrimp during the May through August period.

Royal Red Shrimp - Recruitment overfishing is defined as fishing greater than optimum yield (OY). OY is set at MSY (maximum sustainable yield), which was estimated to be 392,000 pounds of tails over 1,290 days fished. Royal red shrimp differ from penaeid shrimp in that they are not estuarine dependent but exist in a relatively constant environment in the deeper waters of the Gulf of Mexico (100 to 300 fathoms). Thus, they conform more closely to a classical Schaefer-type fishery.

Rock Shrimp, Seabob Shrimp - No overfishing definition exists in the FMP.

Coral and Coral Reefs of the Gulf of Mexico

Fire Corals, Hydrocorals, Octocorals, Stony Corals, Black Corals - Overfishing is defined as an annual level of harvest that exceeds optimum yield (OY). OY for coral reefs, stony corals, hydrocorals, black corals, seafans, and live rock is zero, except as may be authorized for scientific and educational purposes. Harvest of allowable octocorals in the EEZ is not to exceed 50,000 colonies per year (Gulf and South Atlantic EEZ combined).

Spiny Lobster Fishery of the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico

Spiny Lobster - Overfishing exists when the eggs-per-recruit (EPR) ratio of the exploited population to the unexploited population is reduced below 5% and recruitment of small lobsters into the fishery has declined for 3 consecutive fishing years. Overfishing will be avoided when the EPR ratio of exploited to unexploited populations is maintained above 5%.

Slipper Lobster - No overfishing definition exists in the FMP.

Coastal Migratory Pelagics of the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico

Gulf and Atlantic group King Mackerel, Gulf and Atlantic group Spanish Mackerel, Cobia A mackerel and cobia stock shall be considered overfished if the spawning potential ratio (SPR) is less than the target level percentage recommended by the assessment panel, approved by the Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) and adopted by the Councils. The target level percentage shall not be less than 20%. Based on the recommendation of the assessment panel and approved by the SSC, the Councils and the Regional Director have approved a SPR of 30% for king and Spanish mackerel. No SPR estimate has been calculated for cobia. In the absence of an SPR estimate, an MSY of 2.2 million pounds is substituted. The MSY is based on the average annual landings (commercial and recreational) for the period 1984 - 1991.

Cero, Dolphin, Little Tunny, Bluefish (Gulf of Mexico only) - No overfishing definition exists in the FMP.

Reef Fish of the Gulf of Mexico

Red Snapper, Nassau Grouper, Jewfish, Vermilion Snapper, Greater Amberjack, Gray Triggerfish, Queen Triggerfish, Lesser Amberjack, Almaco Jack, Banded Rudderfish, Tomtate, White Grunt, Pigfish, Hogfish, Queen Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Schoolmaster, Blackfin Snapper, Cubera Snapper, Gray (Mangrove) Snapper, Dog Snapper, Mahogany Snapper, Lane Snapper, Silk Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Wenchman, Goldface Tilefish, Blackline Tilefish, Anchor Tilefish, Blueline Tilefish, Tilefish, Bank Sea Bass, Rock Sea Bass, Black Sea Bass, Dwarf Sand Perch, Sand Perch, Rock Hind, Speckled Hind, Yellowedge Grouper, Red Hind, Red Grouper, Misty Grouper, Warsaw Grouper, Snowy Grouper, Black Grouper, Yellowmouth Grouper, Gag, Scamp, Yellowfin Grouper, Grass Porgy, Jolthead Porgy, Knobbed Porgy, Littlehead Porgy, Pinfish, Red Porgy - A reef fish stock is overfished when it is below the level of 20% of the spawning potential ratio (SPR) that would occur in the absence of fishing.

When a reef fish stock or stock complex is overfished, overfishing is defined as harvesting at a rate that is not consistent with a program that has been established to rebuild the stock or stock complex to the 20% SPR level.

When a reef fish stock or stock complex is not overfished, overfishing is defined as a harvesting rate that if continued would lead to a state of the stock or stock complex that would not at least allow a harvest of optimum yield on a continuing basis.

Red Drum - (Gulf of Mexico) Overfishing is defined as a fishing mortality that prohibits attaining the spawning stock goal or threshold, which is currently set at a 20% spawning stock biomass ratio.

Spiny Lobster (Caribbean) - A spiny lobster stock or stock complex is overfished when it is below the level of 20% of the Spawning Potential Ratio (SPR).

When a spiny lobster stock or stock complex is overfished, overfishing is defined as the harvesting rate that is not consistent with a program that has been established to rebuild the stock or stock complex to the 20% SPR.

When a spiny lobster stock or stock complex is not overfished, overfishing is defined as a harvesting rate that, if continued, would lead to a state that would not allow harvest at OY on a continuing basis.

The SPR for spiny lobsters is measured in terms of eggs per recruit. For monitoring the SPR, the method described by Gregory et al. (1982) will be used to compare female fecundity by length class within fished areas to that in unfished areas.

Reef Fish Fishery of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands

Nassau Grouper, Jewfish, Ocean Surgeonfish, Doctorfish, Blue Tang, Frogfish, Flamefish, Conchfish, Trumpetfish, Scrawled Filefish, Queen Triggerfish, Whitespotted Filefish, Ocean Triggerfish, Black Durgon, Sargassum Triggerfish, Redlip Blenny, Peacock Flounder, Yellow Jack, Blue Runner, Horse-eye Jack, Black Jack, Bar Jack, Greater Amberjack, Almaco Jack, Longsnout Butterflyfish, Foureye Butterflyfish, Spotfin Butterflyfish, Banded Butterflyfish, Redspotted Hawkfish, Flying Gurnard, Atlantic Spadefish, Neon Goby, Rusty Goby, Royal Gramma, Porkfish, Margate, Tomtate, French Grunt, White Grunt, Bluestriped Grunt, Squirrelfish, Longspine Squirrelfish, Blackbar Soldierfish, Cardinal Soldierfish, Spanish Hogfish, Creole Wrasse, Yellowcheek Wrasse, Yellowhead Wrasse, Clown Wrasse, Puddingwife, Pearly Razorfish, Green Razorfish, Hogfish, Bluehead Wrasse, Black Snapper, Queen Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Schoolmaster, Blackfin Snapper, Gray Snapper, Dog Snapper, Mahogany Snapper, Lane Snapper, Silk Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Wenchman, Vermilion Snapper, Blackline Tilefish, Sand Tilefish, Yellow Goatfish, Spotted Goatfish, Chain Moray, Green Moray, Goldentail Moray, Batfish, Goldspotted Eel, Yellowhead Jawfish, Dusky Jawfish, Spotted Trunkfish, Honeycomb Cowfish, Scrawled Cowfish, Trunkfish, Smooth Trunkfish, Cherubfish, Queen Angelfish, Rock Beauty, Gray Angelfish, French Angelfish, Sergeant Major, Blue Chromis, Sunshinefish, Yellowtail Damselfish, Dusky Damselfish, Beaugregory, Bicolor Damselfish, Threespot Damselfish, Bigeye, Glasseye Snapper, Midnight Parrotfish, Blue Parrotfish, Striped Parrotfish, Rainbow Parrotfish, Princess Parrotfish, Queen Parrotfish, Redband Parrotfish, Redtail Parrotfish, Redfin Parrotfish, Stoplight Parrotfish, High-hat, Jackknife-fish, Spotted Drum, Scorpionfishes, Rock Hind, Graysby, Yellowedge Grouper, Coney, Red Hind, Red Grouper, Misty Grouper, Butter Hamlet, Swissguard Basslet, Yellowfin Grouper, Tiger Grouper, Creole-fish, Greater Soapfish, Orangeback Bass, Lantern Bass, Tobaccofish, Harlequin Bass, Chalk Bass, Caribbean Tonguefish, Sea Bream, Jolthead Porgy, Sheepshead Porgy, Pluma, Seahorses, Pipefishes, Sand Diver, Sharpnose Puffer, Porcupinefish - A reef fish stock or stock complex is overfished when it is below the level of 20% of the spawning stock biomass per recruit (SSBR) that would occur in the absence of fishing.

When a reef fish stock or stock complex is overfished, overfishing is defined as harvesting at a rate that is not consistent with a program that has been established to rebuild the stock or stock complex to the 20% SPR level.

When a reef fish stock or stock complex is not overfished, overfishing is defined as a harvesting rate that, if continued, would lead to a state of the stock or stock complex that would not at least allow a harvest of OY on a continuing basis.

Queen Conch Resources of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands

Queen Conch - A queen conch stock is overfished when it is below the level of 20% of the spawning stock biomass per recruit (SSBR) that would occur in the absence of fishing.

When a queen conch stock is overfished, overfishing is defined as harvesting at a rate that is not consistent with a program that has been established to rebuild the stock to the 20% SSBR level.

When a queen conch stock is not overfished, overfishing is defined as a harvesting rate that, if continued, would lead to a state of the stock or stock complex that would not at least allow a harvest of OY on a continuing basis.

Atlantic Triton's Trumpet, Cameo Helmet, Caribbean Helmet, Caribbean Vase, Flame Helmet, Green Star Shell, Hawkwing Conch, Milk Conch, Roostertail Conch, True Tulip, West Indian Fighting Conch, Whelk (West Indian Top Shell) - No overfishing definition exists in the FMP.

Corals and Reef Associated Invertebrates of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands

Sponges, Hydrocorals, Hydroids, Soft Corals, Gorgonian Corals, Hard Corals, Black Corals, Anemones, Colonial Anemones, False Corals, Annelid Worms, other Gastropods, Bivalves, Cephalopods, Crustaceans, Bryozoans, Feather Stars, Sea Stars, Brittle and Basket Stars, Sea Urchins, Sea Cucumbers, Tunicates, Green Algae, Red Algae, Seagrasses Overfishing is defined as an annual level of harvest that exceeds OY. OY for stony corals, octocorals, live-rock and seagrasses is set at zero, except as may be authorized for scientific research, education and restoration purposes.

Washington, Oregon, and California Salmon

Chum Salmon, Chinook Salmon (Columbia River, upriver Summer), Chinook Salmon (Columbia River, upriver Spring), Chinook Salmon (Columbia River, Snake River, Spring), Chinook Salmon (Skagit River, Spring), Chinook Salmon (Skagit River, Summer / Fall), Chinook Salmon (Stillaguamish River, Summer / Fall), Chinook Salmon (Snohomish River, Summer / Fall), Chinook Salmon (Lake Washington), Chinook Salmon (Dungeness River), Coho Salmon (Strait of Juan de Fuca), other Chinook Salmon stocks, other Coho Salmon stocks, Pink Salmon, Sockeye Salmon - Overfishing is an occurrence whereby all mortality, regardless of the source, results in a failure of a salmon stock to meet its annual spawning escapement goal or management objective, as specified in Section 3.5 of the salmon FMP for 3 consecutive years, and for which changes in the fishery management regime offer the primary opportunity to improve stock status. While this condition is defined as overfishing in the broad sense, it is recognized that this situation may also be the result of nonfishing mortality and fishery management actions may not adequately address the situation.

When a specific stock or stock grouping fails to meet its annual spawning escapement objective for 3 consecutive years, the Council shall appoint a work group to investigate the causes of the apparent shortfall (e.g., due to causes within or outside of Council control). The current status of stock productivity and all sources of stock mortality will be examined by the work group and a report of its conclusions and recommendations provided to the Council. For those actions within Council control, the Council may change analytical or procedural methodologies to improve the accuracy of estimates for abundance, harvest impact and MSY escapement levels, and/or to reduce ocean harvest impacts when shown to be effective in stock recovery to MSY levels.

Stocks without specified goals in the FMP are also provided significant protection against overfishing because the Council bases its management on the stock which is first reduced to its annual specified goal level by the fisheries. Such a stock could be the weakest stock or an abundant stock which is heavily impacted by ocean salmon fisheries.

Northern Anchovy - No harvest of any kind when the spawning biomass during the current and preceding season was less than 50,000 mt. Harvests are resumed only when the spawning biomass equals or exceeds 50,000 mt.

Washington, Oregon, and California Groundfish

Lingcod, Canary Rockfish, Pacific Ocean Perch, Shortspine Thornyhead, Bocaccio, Yellowtail Rockfish, Pacific Whiting, Sablefish, Dover Sole, English Sole, Petrale Sole, Chilipepper Rockfish, Shortbelly Rockfish, Longspine Thornyhead, Widow Rockfish, Jack Mackerel, Pacific Cod, Arrowtooth Flounder, Butter Sole, Curlfin Sole, Flathead Sole, Pacific Sanddab, Rex Sole, Rock Sole, Sand Sole, Starry Flounder, Aurora Rockfish, Bank Rockfish, Black Rockfish, Black-and-Yellow Rockfish, Blackgill Rockfish, Blue Rockfish, Bronzespotted Rockfish, Brown Rockfish, Calico Rockfish, China Rockfish, Copper Rockfish, Darkblotched Rockfish, Dusty Rockfish, Flag Rockfish, Gopher Rockfish, Grass Rockfish, Greenblotched Rockfish, Greenspotted Rockfish, Greenstriped Rockfish, Harlequin Rockfish, Honeycomb Rockfish, Kelp Rockfish, Mexican Rockfish, Olive Rockfish, Pink Rockfish, Quillback Rockfish, Redbanded Rockfish, Redstripe Rockfish, Rosethorn Rockfish, Rosy Rockfish, Rougheye Rockfish, Sharpchin Rockfish, Shortraker Rockfish, Silvergray Rockfish, Speckled Rockfish, Splitnose Rockfish, Squarespot Rockfish, Starry Rockfish, Stripetail Rockfish, Tiger Rockfish, Vermilion Rockfish, Yelloweye Rockfish, Yellowmouth Rockfish, Leopard Shark, Soupfin Shark, Spiny Dogfish, Big Skate, California Skate, Longnose Skate, Ratfish, Fingerling Codling, Pacific Rattail, Cabezon, Kelp Greenling, California Scorpionfish, Cowcod, Treefish - Overfishing is defined as exceeding the fishing mortality rate (F_OF) that would, in the long term, reduce spawning biomass per recruit to 20% of its unfished level.

When spawning biomass is greater than that which produces MSY, set F_OF equal to the greater of F_20% and the rate that would, in 1 year, reduce the spawning biomass to the level that produces MSY.

Overfishing parameters to be compared to the standards cannot be estimated for all species because of the wide range of knowledge available for the species managed under the FMP. Three categories of species are identified. The first includes the few species for which a quantitative stock assessment can be conducted on the basis of a catch-at-age or other data. The second category includes a large number of species for which some biological indicators are available, but a quantitative analysis cannot be completed. The third category includes minor species that are caught, but for which there is, at best, only partial information on landed biomass.

Crustaceans of the Western Pacific

Spiny Lobster - Lobster stocks shall be deemed overfished with regard to recruitment when the spawning potential ratio (measured for a specific area) is 0.2 or below.

Slipper Lobster - Lobster stocks shall be deemed overfished with regard to recruitment when the spawning potential ratio (measured for a specific area) is 0.2 or below.
 
 

Precious Corals of the Western Pacific

Pink Corals, Gold Corals, Bamboo Corals, Black Corals - An established coral bed shall be deemed overfished with respect to recruitment when the total spawning biomass (all species combined) has been reduced to 20% of its unfished condition.

Bottomfish and Seamount Groundfish of the Western Pacific

Pelagic Armorhead, Squirrelfish Snapper (Main Hawaiian Islands), Longtail Snapper (Main Hawaiian Islands), Seabass (Main Hawaiian Islands), Squirrelfish Snapper (Northwest Hawaiian Islands), Longtail Snapper (Northwest Hawaiian Islands), Silverjaw Jobfish, Gray Jobfish, Bluestripe Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Pink Snapper, Yelloweye Snapper, Snapper Pristipomoides sieboldil, Snapper Pristipomoides zonatus, Giant Trevally, Black Jack, Thick Lipped Trevally, Amberjack, Blacktip Grouper, Seabass (Northwest Hawaiian Islands), Lunartail Grouper, Ambon Emperor, Redgill Emperor, Alfonsin, Ratfish - A bottomfish species is recruitment overfished when the Spawning Potential Ratio (i.e., the ratio of the spawning stock biomass per recruit at the current level of fishing (SSBR_f) to the spawning stock biomass per recruit that would occur in the absence of fishing (SSBR_u)), is equal to or less than .20.

Pelagic Fisheries of the Western Pacific

Yellowfin Tuna (Central Western Pacific), Albacore (South Pacific), Albacore (North Pacific), Yellowfin Tuna (Eastern Tropical Pacific), Skipjack Tuna (Central Western Pacific), Skipjack Tuna (Eastern Tropical Pacific), Striped Marlin, Black Marlin, Bigeye Tuna (Pacific), other Tuna relatives: Auxis spp., Scomber spp., Allothunnus spp., Swordfish (Pacific), Sailfish (Pacific), Shortbill Spearfish (Pacific), Wahoo (Pacific), Mahimahi (Pacific), Blue Marlin (Pacific), Opah, Oilfish, Escolar - A stock is overfished when its spawning potential ratio (SPR) is equal to or less than 0.20. SPR may be estimated in several ways, using estimates of spawning stock biomass, spawning stock biomass per recruit, spawning stock catch per unit of effort, and exploitable stock biomass. The common element for all calculations is the attempt to assess the status of current spawning potential against the spawning potential of an unfished population. The use of a specific measure will depend on the availability of data for the stock and fisheries involved.

Pelagic Sharks - A stock is overfished when its spawning potential ratio (SPR) is equal to or less than 0.35. SPR may be estimated in several ways, using estimates of spawning stock biomass, spawning stock biomass per recruit, spawning stock catch per unit of effort, and exploitable stock biomass. The common element for all calculations is the attempt to assess the status of current spawning potential against the spawning potential of an unfished population. The use of a specific measure will depend on the availability of data for the stock and fisheries involved.

Gulf of Alaska Groundfish

Walleye Pollock, Pacific Cod, Sablefish, Atka Mackerel, Thornyhead Rockfish, Dusky Rockfish, Dover Sole, Flathead Sole, Rex Sole, Arrowtooth Flounder, Pacific Ocean Perch, Shortraker Rockfish, Rougheye Rockfish, Sculpins, Sharks, Skates, Eulachon, Smelts, Capelin, Rock Sole, Rattail, Squid, Octopus, Greenland Turbot, Black Rockfish, Blue Rockfish, Widow Rockfish, Yellowtail Rockfish, Canary Rockfish, China Rockfish, Copper Rockfish, Quillback Rockfish, Rosethorn Rockfish, Tiger Rockfish, Yelloweye Rockfish, Aurora Rockfish, Blackgill Rockfish, Bocaccio Rockfish, Chilipepper Rockfish, Darkblotch Rockfish, Greenstriped Rockfish, Harlequin Rockfish, Pygmy Rockfish, Redbanded Rockfish, Redstripe Rockfish, Sharpchin Rockfish, Shortbelly Rockfish, Silvergray Rockfish, Splitnose Rockfish, Stripetail Rockfish, Vermilion Rockfish, Yellowmouth Rockfish - Overfishing is defined as any amount of fishing in excess of a prescribed maximum allowable rate. This maximum allowable rate is prescribed through a set of six tiers [which are listed in Appendix 4] in descending order of preference, corresponding to descending order of information availability. The SSC will have final authority for determining whether a given item of information is "reliable" for the purpose of this definition, and may use either objective or subjective criteria in making such determinations. For tier (1), a "pdf" refers to a probability density function. For tiers (1-3), the coefficient is set at a default value of 0.05, with the understanding that the SSC may establish a different value for a specific stock of stock complex as merited by the best available scientific information. For tiers (2-4), a designation of the form "F_X%" refers to the F associated with an equilibrium level of spawning per recruit (SPR) equal to X% of the equilibrium level of spawning per recruit in the absence of any fishing. If reliable information sufficient to characterize the entire maturity schedule of a species is not available, the SSC may choose to view SPR calculations based on a knife-edge maturity assumption as reliable. For tier (3), the term B_40% refers to the long-term average biomass that would be expected under average recruitment and F=F_40%.

Alaska Salmon

Pink Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, Chum Salmon, Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon - Overfishing is defined as any fishing that results in the stock not meeting spawner escapement targets. Escapement targets are set by Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the U.S.-Canada Pacific Salmon Commission so that escapement will not be significantly less than needed to produce MSY. Escapement targets for major stocks of Alaska salmon are continuously evaluated based on new data and improved spawner-recruit databases. The overfishing definition notwithstanding, it is recognized that failure to meet spawner escapements may also be the result of nonfishing mortality and that fishery management actions may not adequately address the situation.

Bering Sea / Aleutian Islands Groundfish

Walleye Pollock, Pacific Cod, Yellowfin Sole, Greenland Turbot, Arrowtooth Flounder, Rock Sole, Flathead Sole, Sablefish, Pacific Ocean Perch, Sharpchin / Northern Rockfish, Shortraker / Rougheye Rockfish, Atka Mackerel, Squid, Alaska Plaice, Rex Sole, Butter Sole, Longhead Dab, Dover Sole, Starry Flounder, Rattails, Shortspine Thornyhead, Sculpins, Sharks, Skates, Eulachon, Smelts, Capelin, Octopus, Dusky Rockfish, Darkblotched Rockfish, Yelloweye Rockfish, Blue Rockfish - Overfishing is defined as any amount of fishing in excess of a prescribed maximum allowable rate. This maximum allowable rate is prescribed through a set of six tiers [which are listed in Appendix 4] in descending order of preference, corresponding to descending order of information availability. The SSC will have final authority for determining whether a given item of information is "reliable" for the purpose of this definition, and may use either objective or subjective criteria in making such determinations. For tier (1), a "pdf" refers to a probability density function. For tiers (1-3), the coefficient is set at a default value of 0.05, with the understanding that the SSC may establish a different value for a specific stock of stock complex as merited by the best available scientific information. For tiers (2-4), a designation of the form "F_X%" refers to the F associated with an equilibrium level of spawning per recruit (SPR) equal to X% of the equilibrium level of spawning per recruit in the absence of any fishing. If reliable information sufficient to characterize the entire maturity schedule of a species is not available, the SSC may choose to view SPR calculations based on a knife-edge maturity assumption as reliable. For tier (3), the term B_40% refers to the long-term average biomass that would be expected under average recruitment and F=F_40%.

Bering Sea / Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs

Blue King Crab (Pribilof Islands, Saint Matthew Island, Saint Lawrence Island), Brown King Crab (Aleutians, Pribilof Islands, Northern District), Red King Crab (Bristol Bay, Norton Sound, Pribilof Islands, Aleutians), Bering Sea Snow Crab, Tanner Crab [Bering Sea, Eastern Aleutians, Adak (Western Aleutians)] - Overfishing is defined as any rate of fishing mortality in excess of F_msy for king and Tanner crab stocks in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) management area. Three tiers are characterized for this definition according to the data available to quantify maximum fishing mortality rate. Each of the 17 stocks in the management area is assigned to one of the tiers.

Tier 1) Data available: Historical catch, sporadic inseason catch and effort data, and mortality. Overfishing for stocks with tier 1 data is defined as a fishing mortality rate in excess of F_msy, where the maximum allowable fishing mortality rate is estimated to equal the natural mortality rate of mature male crab. Inseason fishing mortality rate may be based on a change in the inseason ratio of CPUE of legal to mature male crab or a proportionate reduction in average weekly CPUE.

Tier 2) Data available: Historical catch, continuous inseason catch and effort data, and mortality. Overfishing for stocks with tier 2 data is defined as a fishing mortality rate in excess of F_MSY, where the maximum allowable fishing mortality rate is estimated to equal the natural mortality rate of mature male crab. Inseason fishing mortality rate may be based on inseason CPUE and cumulative catch or legal male crab.

Tier 3) Data available: Historical catch, continuous inseason catch and effort data, stock assessment, stock-recruitment, growth, maturity, and mortality parameters. Overfishing for stocks with tier 3 data is defined as a fishing mortality rate in excess of F_MSY, where the maximum allowable fishing mortality rate for these stocks cannot exceed F_MSY estimated as F_0.1, based on the size of first maturity for male crabs. Guideline harvest levels are estimated annually for tier 3 stocks, therefore the fishing mortality rate is established prior to a fishery.

Alaska Scallops - Overfishing is defined as landings that exceed the optimum yield (OY) specified for the scallop fishery. The long-term OY for the scallop resource in Federal waters off Alaska (all species) is specified as a numerical range. In the absence of biomass estimates needed to implement an exploitation rate harvest strategy, the OY is specified as the long-term productivity. The OY range is zero to 1.8 million lbs (814 mt) of shucked scallop meats, and is derived from historical catches from State and Federal waters off Alaska. The low end of the range is the lowest catch on record (zero pounds in 1978). The high end of the OY approximates the highest catch taken from the waters off Alaska since the "fishing up" period (1.8 million pounds in 1993). While the FMP covers harvests of all scallop species appearing in Alaska, only weathervane scallops Patinopecten caurinus have been harvested commercially in Federal waters off Alaska since the emergence of the fishery in the late 1960s.

Atlantic Swordfish - No overfishing definition exists in the FMP.

Atlantic Billfishes

Blue Marlin (North Atlantic) - No overfishing definition exists in the FMP.

White Marlin (North Atlantic) - No overfishing definition exists in the FMP.

Sailfish (West Atlantic) - No overfishing definition exists in the FMP.

Spearfish (West Atlantic) - No overfishing definition exists in the FMP.

Atlantic Sharks

Sandbar Shark, Blacktip Shark, Dusky Shark, Spinner Shark, Silky Shark, Bull Shark, Bignose Shark, Narrowtooth Shark, Galapagos Shark, Night Shark, Caribbean Reef Shark, Tiger Shark, Lemon Shark, Sand Tiger Shark, Bigeye Sand Tiger Shark, Nurse Shark, Scalloped Hammerhead Shark, Great Hammerhead Shark, Smooth Hammerhead Shark, Whale Shark, Basking Shark, White Shark, Atlantic Sharpnose Shark, Caribbean Sharpnose Shark, Finetooth Shark, Blacknose Shark, Smalltail Shark, Bonnethead Shark, Atlantic Angel Shark, Shortfin Mako Shark, Longfin Mako Shark, Porbeagle Shark, Thresher Shark, Bigeye Thresher Shark, Blue Shark, Oceanic Whitetip Shark, Sevengill Shark, Sixgill Shark, Bigeye Sixgill Shark -

1. When a stock size is at a level that is determined, based on the best scientific information available, to be sufficient to produce MSY on a continuing basis, overfishing is defined as a fishing mortality rate (F) that exceeds the fishing mortality rate that would produce MSY on a continuing basis (F_MSY).

2. When the stock size is below the level that is determined, based on the best scientific information available, to be sufficient to produce MSY on a continuing basis, overfishing is defined as a fishing mortality rate that exceeds the rate that is consistent with a rebuilding program established under the FMP.

Appendix 2. Overfishing Definitions for Species not Contained in Federal Fishery Management Plans

Pacific Halibut - A rate of fishing that exceeds the constant exploitation yield. The constant exploitation yield is computed using a harvest rate of 0.20 of the exploitable biomass (8-year+ Pacific halibut).
 
 

Appendix 3. Overfishing Definitions from Fishery Management Plans Under Development

See Appendix 5 for definitions of acronyms used in this appendix.

Atlantic Herring - Overfishing occurs when the fishing mortality rate exceeds the rate associated with 20% MSP. This definition is contained in the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Atlantic Herring FMP. There is currently no Federal FMP for Atlantic herring.

Monkfish - Monkfish in the northern and southern management areas are defined as being overfished when the 3-year moving average autumn survey weight per tow falls below the 33rd percentile of the time series for 1963-1994, or when the 3-year moving average autumn survey weight per tow falls below the median of the 3-year moving average during the period 1965-1981 and when fishing mortality is between F_target and F_threshold. This definition has been adopted by the New England Fishery Management Council and has been certified by the National Marine Fisheries Service as an acceptable overfishing definition. There is currently no Federal FMP for monkfish.

Appendix 4. Six Tiers comprising the Overfishing Definition for Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands Groundfish

See Appendix 5 for definitions of acronyms used in this appendix.

1) Information available: Reliable point estimates of B and B_MSY and reliable pdf of F_MSY.

1a) Stock status: B/B_MSY > 1

F_OFL= _A, the arithmetic mean of the pdf

F_{ABC H}, the harmonic mean of the pdf

1b) Stock status: < B/B_MSY 1

F_OFL = _A x (B/B_MSY - ) / (1 - )

F_{ABC H} x (B/B_MSY - ) / (1 - )

1c) Stock status: B/B_MSY

F_OFL = 0

F_ABC = 0

2) Information available: Reliable point estimates of B, B_MSY, F_MSY, F_30%, and F_40%.

2a) Stock status: B/B_MSY > 1

F_OFL = F_MSY x (F_30% / F_40%)

F_ABC F_MSY

2b) Stock status: < B/B_MSY 1

F_OFL = F_MSY x (F_30% / F_40%) x (B/B_MSY - ) / (1 - )

F_ABC F_MSY x (B/B_MSY - ) / (1 - )

2c) Stock status: B/B_MSY

F_OFL = 0

F_ABC = 0

3) Information available: Reliable point estimates of B, B_40%, F_30%, and F_40%.

3a) Stock status: B/B_40% > 1

F_OFL = F_30%

F_ABC F_40%

3b) Stock status: a < B/B_40% 1

F_OFL = F_30% x (B/B_40% - ) / (1 - )

F_ABC F_40% x (B/B_40% - ) / (1 - )

3c) Stock status: B/B_40%

F_OFL = 0

F_ABC = 0

4) Information available: Reliable point estimates of B, F_30%, and F_40%.

F_OFL = F_30%

F_ABC F_40%

5) Information available: Reliable point estimates of B and natural mortality rate M.

F_OFL = M

F_ABC 0.75 x M

6) Information available: Reliable catch history from 1978 through 1995.

OFL = the average catch from 1978 through 1995, unless an alternative value is established by the SSC on the basis of the best available scientific information.

ABC 0.75 x OFL

Appendix 5. Acronyms used in Appendices

- The ratio between two stock sizes: (1) the stock size below which the fishery must be closed and (2) the long-term average stock size that would be expected in the absence of fishing. In the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands Groundfish FMPs, is typically equal to 0.05.

ABC - Allowable Biological Catch - A term that refers to the range of allowable catch for a species or species group. It is set each year by a scientific group. The ABC estimates are used to set the annual total allowable catch (TAC).

ASMFC - Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission - Serves as a deliberative body of the Atlantic coastal states, coordinating the conservation and management of nearshore fishery resources, including marine, shell, and anadromous species.

B - The weight (biomass) of a group of fish.

B_MSY - The average stock size that would be expected if the fishing mortality rate were held equal to F_MSY for a long time.

CFMC - Caribbean Fishery Management Council.

CPUE - Catch Per Unit of Effort - The number of fish caught by an amount of effort. Typically, effort is a combination of gear type, gear size, and length of time gear is used. Catch per unit of effort is often used as a measurement of relative abundance.

EEZ - Exclusive Economic Zone - All waters from the seaward boundary of coastal states out to 200 nautical miles.

EPR - Eggs-Per-Recruit - The average number of eggs produced by an individual fish that has been recruited, i.e., that moved into a certain class, such as the spawning class or fishing-size class. Used as an index of abundance.

F - Fishing Mortality Rate - The proportion of the stock that is removed (per unit of time) by the fishery. The fishing mortality rate may be expressed in either discrete or instantaneous terms (an instantaneous fishing mortality rate is analogous to continuous compounding of interest).

F_ABC - The level of fishing mortality that results in the allowable biological catch.

F_MAX - The fishing mortality rate that maximizes lifetime yield from a cohort.

F_MSY - The fishing mortality rate that maximizes long-term average yield from a stock.

F_OF - The level of fishing mortality defined as overfishing.

F_OFL - The fishing mortality rate above which overfishing is defined to occur (see F_OF).

F_20% - The level of fishing mortality that results in a spawning potential ratio of 20% of the maximum.

F25% - The level of fishing mortality that results in a spawning potential ratio of 25% of the maximum.

F_30% - The level of fishing mortality that results in a spawning potential ratio of 30% of the maximum.

F_40% - The level of fishing mortality that results in a spawning potential ratio of 40% of the maximum.

F0.1 - The fishing mortality rate where an additional unit of effort provides a catch equal to one-tenth of the CPUE that would be observed if stock size were at its pristine level (i.e., the highest possible CPUE).

FMP - Fishery Management Plan - A plan to achieve specified management goals for a fishery prepared under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

GMFMC - Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council.

GSMFC - Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission - Serves as a deliberative body of the Gulf of Mexico coastal states, coordinating the conservation and management of nearshore fishery resources, including marine, shell, and anadromous species.

HMS - Highly Migratory Species Division - Develops fishery policies designed to manage any highly migratory species (tuna species, marlin, oceanic sharks, sailfishes, and swordfish) fishery that is within the geographical authority of more than one Council.

MAFMC - Middle-Atlantic Fishery Management Council.

MSP - Maximum Spawning Potential - See SPR.

MSY - Maximum Sustainable Yield - The largest long-term average catch or yield that can be taken from a stock or stock complex under prevailing ecological and environmental conditions.

NEFMC - New England Fishery Management Council.

NPFMC - North Pacific Fishery Management Council.

OY - Optimum Yield - The amount of fish that: (1) will provide the greatest overall benefit to the Nation, particularly with respect to food production and recreational opportunities, and taking into account the protection of marine ecosystems; (2) is prescribed on the basis of the MSY from the fishery, as reduced by any relevant economic, social, or ecological factors; (3) in the case of an overfished fishery, provides for rebuilding to a level consistent with producing the MSY in such fishery.

pdf - Probability Density Function - A description of the probability that a variable takes a specified value.

PFMC - Pacific Fishery Management Council.

SAFE - Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation - A document or set of documents that provides Councils with a summary of the most recent biological condition of species in the fishery management unit, and the social and economic condition of the recreational and commercial fishing interests and the fish processing industries. It summarizes, on a periodic basis, the best available scientific information concerning the past, present, and possible future condition of the stocks and fisheries being managed under Federal regulation.

SAFMC - South Atlantic Fishery Management Council.

SPR - Spawning Potential Ratio - The number of eggs that could be produced by an average recruit in a fished stock, divided by the number of eggs that could be produced by an average recruit in an unfished stock. SPR can also be expressed as the spawning stock biomass per recruit (SSBR) of a fished stock divided by the SSBR of the stock before it was fished.

SSB - Spawning Stock Biomass - The total weight of the fish in a stock that are old enough to spawn.

SSBR - Spawning Stock Biomass Per Recruit - The spawning stock biomass divided by the number of recruits to the stock, or how much spawning biomass an average recruit would be expected to produce.

SSC - Scientific and Statistical Advisory Committee - A group of scientific and technical people giving advice to a council.

WPFMC - Western Pacific Fishery Management Council.

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