Columbus, Ohio
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Ohio DNR District One Office

 

Welcome and Introductions

Gary Saul called the meeting to order at 8:05 AM.  A quorum (22 members) was present.

Review / Approval of Minutes from September 11, 2005 AFS-FAS meeting in Anchorage, Alaska

Motion to approve the minutes was made (Bob Curry) and seconded (Hannibal Bolton).  Motion was approved without objection.

Treasurer’s Report

The treasurer’s report prepared by Ken Kurzawski was reviewed.  Activity since the Alaska meeting included payments of $25 for a service recognition plaque and $500 for support of AFS-Urban Fishing Symposium (approved at Anchorage meeting) and credits of $375 from AFS for Section dues and $780 from registrations for spring meeting.  Balance as of 3/20/06 was $6,040.71.

Membership

Ken noted that the most recent mailing list from AFS consisted of 315 names.  There is some question on the accuracy of the list as previous list only include around 180 members of the section.  Gary noted the threshold for sections to have voting privileges on the AFS Governing Board has been lowered (50?).  Ed. Note:  Subsequent updates listed 150 members.

Parent Society News

Gus Rassam couldn’t attend.  Gary Saul reported the AFS is doing well financially with a $2.5 million balance.  The goal of having 1-year reserve of operating funds should be reached sometime this year.
Hurricane Relief – Bob Curry reported that the SDAFS and Don Jackson have been charged by Gus Rassam to spearhead this effort.  Aid will be given in the way of support for dues payments, meetings attendance, and other resources such as library or research materials.

National Fish Habitat Initiative

Eric Schwaab gave a presentation on the latest draft of the NFHI.  The plan is to be presented and endorsed by the IAFWA at their meeting this coming Friday.  Numerous FAS members have played important roles on the work group that developed then plan.  The next major event will be the national rollout of the plan at the “Casting Call” event on the Potomac River in Washington D.C. on April 24th.  A NFH Board consisting of up to 16 members will be put together to develop the implementation framework.

• Gordon Robertson commented on possible legislation.  He anticipates the draft mirroring the North American Waterfowl Plan.  There are some potential Congressional sponsors.
• Doug Stang asked about the Eastern Brook Trout rollout.  Eric S. replied that would probably happen a week or two before the casting call.
• Jim Martin commented on what is expected of the states under the plan. His take is states need to bring science –based solutions and design investment strategies.  All states need to look for regional partnerships they can participate in.
• Gordon R. commented the infrastructure needs to be built and that will take time.
• Norm Stuckey asked what constitutes a partnership?  Eric S. said partnerships will emphasize leveraging and funding with partners.
• Virgil Moore asked how SWG will interface with this.  Eric S. responded the Q&A document addressed this as an opportunity to bring partners together and funding from SWG can be applied to state-level concerns.  Eastern brook trout is an example of species of concern in state plans.
• Larry Riley noted that just not species of concern are addressed in state plans.  Native fishes in general are addressed.  States need to be able to address and explain this.
• Eric S. said the goal is to focus on areas of agreement with groups such as the Nature Conservancy.
• Jim Martin said not everything will be included; mainly the big stuff.
• Larry R. would like partnerships at all levels to be recognized.
• Mike Armstrong asked about what’s driving habitat degradation.  What can we influence?  Are we just putting band-aids on a massive hemorrhage?
• Eric responded that regional initiatives need to address this and be watershed-based.
• Gary Whelan noted we have been doing band-aid treatment; need partnerships to go beyond that.
• Phil Durocher asked what support do they need from us? 
• Virgil M.  said we should endorse the plan and sign on FAS as partner.
• Bob C. 2d
• Mike Staggs asked what is overlap with NAAAR?
• Bob Curry: If we vote to approve, thru FAS or AFS, would FAS take to parent? 
• Need resolution? – VM will do from Eric S. presentation
• Motion approved by FAS.   Ed. Note: The Section signed on to the National Fish Habitat Plan Partner Coalition.
• Jim Martin said we need to discuss with staff; key local constituents and think 5 years out for Regional partnerships.
• Develop slate of partnerships: species, watersheds, etc., and discuss at a facilitated discussion at Lake Placid.
• Mike Staggs – 4 or 5 partnerships underway, how are they going?
• Virgil M. noted they are building the infrastructure for their plans.
• At Lake Placid, we will probably need a room for longer time; for instance, Sunday from 8 till 3. 
• Mike S. asked whether there would be interest from others at AFS in attending? 
• Larry R. asked Eric S. if an extended meeting would help the process and Eric said yes.
• Phil D. said we need to look at national examples and reservoirs should be considered.
• Norm S. agreed and said he visited with Mike Colvin about NFHI focus on reservoirs at next Reservoir Symposium (in 2007).
• Phil D. said the purchase of water rights needs to be discussed.
• Bob C.  said access also.
• Hannibal B. agreed the Reservoir Symposium is a good thing to shoot for.
• Noreen Clough said we need to do leg work to include reservoirs.
• Hannibal B. mentioned rivers joint venture partnerships; also deserts.  Stevens and Byrd drive the legislative agenda.
• Doug Nygren said the program also needs to attack exotic species.
• Gary S. said we will do a Sunday AM meeting.  Who can serve as a facilitator; Jim Martin, a Pro?  BASS can provide some $$.
• Stan Moberly noted USFWS planners were used at Snowbird.  This discussion points out the importance of the role of fish chiefs and state agencies.
• Doug S. said he could contact OWP.
• Stan M. said facilitators need to be able put together overview and give back while in Lake Placid.
• Rob Bakal said that’s the approach used by BASS for LMBV and it has worked well.  Don’t forget USFWS.  We (Rob or Hannibal) may have some $$.
• Jim Martin said we should set up small workgroup.  Think about outreach and how to get key people there.  Need to give them a reason to come. 
• Workgroup volunteers – Noreen Clough, Mike Staggs, Bob Curry, and Hannibal Bolton.

Federal Aid Update

• Gordon Robertson gave an update on Federal Aid, and the good news we got everything we asked.  New monies will amount to up to $1.1 million per state. 
• When DJ was reorganized a few years back, ALAB was formed.  John Breaux said work out problems between fishing and boating.  Boat Safety folks wanted all fuel $$.  ASA pledged to get boat safety more and a permanent appropriation ($64 m each year).   Coast Guard got $5 m.  Boating Safety went to $118 m but still not entirely happy.  Didn’t get their cost share 75/25 (now 50/50).  ALAB’s charter expired.  What would new one look like?  Charge dues rather than look for handouts.  Boat Safety still want more $$.  ALAB not carrying that request.  FAS needs to be part of ALAB.  Any additional $$ would have to come out of Fed Aid trust fund unless gas tax gets increased.
• Eric S. wants states to let it be known what needs are.  Fish needs are greater than boating safety.
• Jim Martin said boating safety is preparing for an assault.  Fish chiefs need to be justifying increase and need to be building coalitions. 
• Norm S. agreed. 
• Eric S. working on a project to ID economic benefits of specific Sport Fish investments. 
• Phil D: If FAS joins ALAB, can Gary S. appoint a representative?
• Mike Stone: Are we short something about justifying.  Gordon R. said make it simple.  Eric S.  we all need to be talking about where it is going.
• IRS is looking at excise taxes.
• Don G. asked about the 50 years of Sportfish Restoration document? 
• Gordon R. said it was used a little; needs to be revisited.  Eric’s specifics would be better.
• FFF is giving grants ($200K) to schools for phys. ed. – year or semester classes.
• Virgil Moore moved that FAS become member of ALAB, use fees for dues, and appoint a representative.  Phil Durocher 2nd.  Dues are $500.
• Mike S. asked can anyone join? 
• Gordon R. said they are working on getting charter members. They have a couple meetings per year – at least one may be a conference call.
• Don Gabelhouse asked if we need a representative or would our officers do it? 
• Gordon R. said institutional memory is important.
• Phil Durocher volunteered to be the FAS representative.
• Motion passed.

National Aquatic Animal Health Plan

Marilyn Blair, USFWS and Jill Rowland, USDA-APHIS gave a presentation on the NAAHP. The Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture’s National Aquatic Animal Health Task Force on Aquaculture (NAAHTF) is developing the plan.  The NAAHTF is comprised of the three Federal agencies with primary regulatory authority for aquatic animal health: NOAA, USDA-APHIS, and USFWS.  The taskforce is to develop and implement a national aquatic animal health plan (NAAHP) for aquaculture in partnership and cooperation with industry, regional organizations, state, local, tribal governments, and other stakeholders.  Need for a connection among State Agriculture and State Resource Agencies, IAFWA, and USAHA liaisons to the Task Force.  Draft document is scheduled to be completed by Spring 2007.  Document will be open to stakeholder review and comment.

• Gary Whelan asked about import protocols.  Answer:  International agreements address significant issues and setup a template.  As WTO signatory, US just can’t automatically set regulations.  States need to set regulations scientifically or case will go to World Court.  Aquaculture industry wants Federal regs. to supersede State regs. 
• Doug Stang – Will this be like exotic species where burden of proof is the State’s?  Need green rather red list.  Jill Rowland said a plan will need to be in place.
• Phil Durocher noted enforcement has been lacking.  Jill R. said USDA will enforce and inspect.  Rob Bakal said enforcement issue is critical (also surveillance).  Resources are needed. 
  
• Mike Staggs said this looks like a good effort. 
• Larry Riley noted state ag depts. are familiar with working with APHIS.  Connection to AFS Blue Book?  Ans. – Yes.  Certification of Professional – Vets and ones certified by AFS.  What about certification of labs?  Ans. – Yes in plan.  Talking with NA/IAFWA later this week?  Yes and Gary Whelan will be there.
• How does a pathogen get on list?  There is an international list by world experts.  Start with that and add and subtract based on what’s important in US.  List is at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/aqua/naah_plan.html. 
• Possibly be two meetings (East and West?) between Ag and State Directors.  Virgil M. said these need to be on policy issues or staff will get sent.  Mike Stone said info. missed state directors but went to State pathologists.   Jill Rowland said this is the reason for today’s meeting.  Bob Curry said AFS Aquaculture and Fish Health Sections should be involved.  Jill R.  said Fish Health has been involved.  Rob asked how to get some sort of higher level rather than pathologists.  Larry Riley suggested a letter to Director for them to share with fish people. 

Asian Carp Management and Control Plan

Greg Conover of the USFWS Fisheries Research Office in Carterville, IL gave an overview of the plan.  The plan has been developed by the Asian Carp Working Group and a first draft of the plan is due later in April to the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force.  The desired endpoint is extirpation of Asian carps in the wild except for non-reproducing (triploid) grass carp within planned locations.   The plan must protect natural resources and maintain the viability of the aquaculture industry by providing a framework for the responsible use of domestic stocks of Asian carps.

• Stan Moberly asked why does the USFWS feel the need to protect the aquaculture industry? 
• Greg C. responded plan would run into opposition from Industry in Congress.  Responsible use is the issue.  He will look to modify wording on maintaining natural resources and maintaining viability of AQ industry.   Hannibal Bolton reiterated that USFWS would revisit wording on Industry.
• Mike Staggs asked how can the uses of Asian carp ever get regulated?  Needs of a few are endangering the masses.
• Virgil Moore said some recent efforts on exotics are incompatible with this program. 
• Greg C. said he is not familiar with that effort.  Doesn’t address overall lists. 
• Gary Isbell said what more can we say?  We are against it.  How does that look for the process if one Senator can introduce legislation to get around regulations?
• Gary Whelan asked who pays?  Industry? 
• Greg C. said a source hasn’t been ID’ed.
• Mike Staggs – When will this go into register? 
• Larry Riley asked if this will come up in Warmwater Resources Policy Comm. at the North American?
• Phil Durocher said more enforcement is needed.
• Scott Stuewe noted ILDNR & Greg C. are taking a lot of heat over this.  Commercial fishing may be one control method.  Don’t have funds to operate barrier.  Aug. 22 & 23 there will be Symposium on Asian carp in Peoria, IL.
• Norm Stuckey noted daughterless gene concept is intriguing. 
• Stan M. said a commitment is needed from USFWS when this is out.
• Rob Bakal remarked an enforcement initiative may be needed. 

Salary Survey of State Agencies Fisheries Professionals

Doug Stang presented the latest results.   Received completed surveys from 35 states.  The goals were to generate descriptive salary, work responsibility and supervisory responsibility information, provide information on expected salary levels to aspiring fisheries professionals, and provide base line to track fisheries salaries over time.  It was not intended to be a comparison among the agencies.  Doug will compile information and provide to contributing agencies for review.  Still investigating publication in Fisheries, how to make data/information available, and the best ways to present information.

• Doug Nygren asked if states can still provide info?  Doug said yes.
• Virgil Moore suggested getting it out to states with as few comparisons among states as possible.

SFR Awards

• Don Gabelhouse is working on the request for submissions for this year.  The three categories for submissions were discussed with no changes being made.  Projects vs. programs was discussed.  The consensus was to go with projects rather than programs. Bob Curry suggested adding the Fed. Aid grant number as a requirement. Project category I-D (Habitat) was dropped as it is covered under I-C.
• Ken Kurzawski, Gary Whelan, Benjy Kinman, Mike Stone, and Mike Staggs volunteered to assist with judging.  Ken K. will send out request for submissions after receiving from Don G.

Update on Rotenone

• Larry Riley gave an update on the regulatory process for rotenone registration.  It is currently undergoing Phase 3 of EPA process.  He encourages all states to be engaged in the process when it reached Phase 4.  Use of piscisdes is important in Arizona and other states.  Re-registration of rotenone is due.  Antimyacin is due in 2007.
• Hannibal Bolton was asked how the USFWS will engage in the process.  He said USFWS will discuss with EPA and give opinion.
• Virgil Moore noted the Western Association has a professional position.   The Native Trout Initiative could be involved as it is more than just a habitat project.

AFS Governing Board Update

• Gary Saul reported that the parent society is asking the Sections, etc., what can they do for us.  Items will be brought forward at Lake Placid meeting.  Some suggestions are a listserver, web services, and archiving service for unit’s documents. 
• Discussed membership numbers.  Some sections have free memberships for Students.  What about FAS?  Doug Stang he said was not opposed.  Is our name a deterrent?  Virgil Moore suggested Fisheries Administration Section to broaden appeal to not just fish chiefs.  Ron Southwick noted some members don’t feel they get anything for dues money.  AFS has about 9,000 members with about 5,000 in Sections.  Some talk of diverting a portion of dues to Sections (maybe). 
• Virgil Moore suggested amending bylaws to change section name. Bob Curry made that motion and Mike Stone seconded.  Need something out to members by early June to get the bylaws amended.
• Also discussed section fee issues and move away from $5.  Doug Stang made a motion to amend bylaws by removing the $5 fee.  Gary Whelan seconded.  Bob C. said he can help with the process of amending the bylaws.  Motion carried.
  Fish Mgt. Section Aging Committee still needs some states to respond to request for methods.  So far, they have information from 25 state and 2 provinces.  Gary S. has list.
• Gary Saul reported on his trip to the fisheries meeting in England.  He noted it was a worthwhile trip and a great learning experience.

NAAAR Update

• Gary Saul started the discussion.  The NAAAR covers four areas: habitat, conservation of fish stocks, invasive species, and aquatic drugs. 
• How should FAS proceed?  Is the Habitat Subcommittee our involvement in NAAAR? 
• Stan Moberly said FAS really can’t do this.  It is a good idea for FAS to tie into IAFWA through the North American.  Issue for FAS to challenge the Education Section to revise criteria on graduating students.  Continuing Ed. is a problem.  AFS certification should be a larger issue for FAS.  Create module to train biologists to be administrators (working with people, etc.).  Need a list of people who can teach various segments of modules.  Need to insure FAS meeting is a meeting people can’t miss. 
• Mike Staggs suggested creating an operating structure to take on Sections of the plan.
• Ken Kurzawski noted the motion just concerned the first paragraph.
• Larry Riley said the motion seemed appropriate especially as a bridge to IAFWA. 
• The NFHI addresses the second item, a national conservation need.
• The Aquatic Invasive Species committee has been active in addressing 2(c). 
• Drugs and Chemical use group under Water Resources group working on this issue.
• Mike Stone noted the first strategy will be accomplished this week with the NFHI.  There is some redundancy, but we need to look to where we fit rather than staffing new committees.
• Doug Stang said this was supposed to be AFS charge; ended up in FAS lap because lack of movement by parent society.  We became lead.  Our tweak was to get in line with IAFWA.   There is a lot of redundancy.  Same people involved in multiple committees, etc.  How does this get related back to AFS? 
• Stan M. said this is not a science drill and we have members involved.  How does this get implemented?  It should also involve nonconsumptive users.  Core working group is expecting AFS to do it.  Don’t want others to do it.
• Rob Bakal said fish health is missing. 
• Virgil Moore said the best way to get involved is through the IAFWA to make sure fish are part of any discussions on wildlife resources.
• Mike Staggs – Increase visible for having involvement multiple committees.  IAFWA is down the road with NFHI and the NAAAR might not get much interest.  Focus on linkages with habitat.
• Don Gabelhouse said we will have to pick battles strategically.  NFHI seems like a winner.
• Virgil Moore said multistate grants have been approved that relate to this. 
• Stan M. noted that we haven’t been doing much on workforce issues. 
• Larry Riley – These are tactics that we can translate into how we can influence the process.  Are we touching all the right buttons?
• Mike Staggs – Is there a committee on exotic species?  Give the areas more focused input.  How do people get on Committees? 
• Norm Stuckey said a direct linkage needs to be provided so Directors hear about this.  Need representation at IAFWA Water Resources Committee. 
• Stan Moberly suggested an inventory of members to see what committees they are on.  IAFWA will eventually cut this loose.  Revisit marriage between AFS and IAFWA.
• Larry Riley said we need to prioritize who goes where to cover the issues.
• Norm Stuckey isn’t so sure IAFWA will cut this loose.  NFHI is a good opportunity to get involved. 

Miscellaneous Business

• Doug Stang recognized Ron Southwick for his service as Section secretary/treasurer.

• Doug also reported on the upcoming AFS Annual Meeting in Lake Placid this fall.  It looks like it will be another big meeting; lots of papers in already (1,100 with expected attendance of 1,700 – 2,000).  He suggested making arrangements now.  You can fly in during week to Saranac Lake (15-minute drive), but you have to fly through Boston.  Buses will run from Albany to Lake Placid on Saturday, Sunday, and Friday.  Hertz has a good deal on rental cars.

• Stan Moberly asked what does he report to Governing Board on Continuing Education?  Gary Saul suggested a small committee to run CE.  Anyone interested?  Bring to Fall meeting.  Mike Staggs asked if there is a guideline for a standard?  Templates do exist.  Arizona State Univ. has one for professional CE.
• Benjy Kinman commented this is bigger than just CE.  It also extends to new employees. 
• Scott Stuewe noted he has trouble implementing when state prevents him.
• Larry Riley described a career ladder approach rather than moving to something else.  A professional development plan is needed.  State’s can use AFS meetings for technical training and to diversify work force.
• Hannibal Bolton and Stan Moberly will discuss.

• Don Gabelhouse asked what about the 2007 FAS spring meeting?  Consensus was wait and determine how valuable it is to be at the North American.  Next year’s North American meeting will be in Portland, Oregon.  Still have the issue of the registration fees for FAS and NA meeting.

• Doug Stang made a motion to adjourn, and Bob Curry seconded.  Motion carried and meeting was adjourned.

• Rob Bakal thanked the Section for being able to attend the meeting.