While the Council is formulating a comprehensive rationalization program for all groundfish in the Gulf of Alaska to address similar problems in other fisheries, a short-term solution is needed to stabilize the community of Kodiak.
Kodiak has experienced multiple processing plant closures, its residential work force is at risk due to shorter and shorter processing seasons and the community fish tax revenues continue to decrease as fish prices and port landings decrease.
Congress recognized these problems and directed the Secretary in consultation with the Council, to implement a pilot rockfish program. All aspects of the economic portfolio of the fishery needs to recognized for the fishery to be rationalized. All the historical players – harvesters (both catcher vessels and catcher processors) and processors need to be recognized in a meaningful way.
The demonstration program is designed as a short-term two-year program for immediate economic relief until comprehensive GOA rationalization can be implemented. Staff contact is Jon McCracken: 907-271-1282.
Newsletter Articles
- Squid to Ecosystem Component Category (2/13/2017)
- Gear and Sector Specific GOA Skate MRAs (2/13/2017)
- GOA Specifications for 2017/2018 (12/19/2016)
Documents and Council Motions
2009
- Central GOA Rockfish Program motion 2/09
- Discussion paper on an amendment package. 2/09
2008
- Rockfish Pilot Program CP July standown exemptions 6/08
- Rockfish Pilot Program Review 6/08
- GOA Rockfish pilot program motion. 6/08
2007
2005
- Council Motion on GOA Rockfish 6/05
- Central GOA Rockfish Pilot Program Motion 4/05
- Rockfish Discussion Paper 3/05
- Rockfish Pilot Program February Council motion Clean version, Strikeout version 2/05
