Four U.S. stocks removed from overfishing list

Four U.S. fish stocks — Gulf of Mexico king mackerel, Atlantic bluefish and two species of Atlantic monkfish — have been rebuilt in the past year, bringing the total number of rebuilt stocks since 2001 to 14, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced on Tuesday.

The announcement came as part of the agency’s annual report card, called the Status of U.S. Fisheries.

Of the 251 stocks and multi-species groupings known as complexes NOAA scientists reviewed for overfishing status in 2008, 210 (84 percent) are not subject to overfishing and 41 (16 percent) are subject to overfishing. That’s the same number as last year and down from 48 stocks or complexes subject to overfishing in 2006.

Four stocks — thorny skate, Atlantic blacknose shark, Atlantic shortfin mako shark and Gulf of Mexico pink shrimp — were added to the list of species and complexes subject to overfishing, though the stock assessment for Gulf pink shrimp is currently under review.

Of the 199 stocks and complexes reviewed for overfished status in 2008, 153 (77 percent) are not overfished and 46 (23 percent) are overfished. That’s up from 45 overfished stocks or complexes last year but down from 47 in 2007.

“Overfishing” means the catch is above the target set in the fishery’s management plan, while “overfished” factors in a safety margin ensuring the stock is able to recover.

“While we can claim success with these stocks and 10 others we’ve rebuilt since 2001, this year’s report also shows the major challenges we face to end overfishing in 2010,” said Jim Balsiger, acting NOAA assistant administrator for fisheries.

Under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, NOAA and the regional fishery management councils are mandated to end overfishing by implementing annual catch limits and accountability measures by 2010.

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