At this meeting, the Council approved the workplan for the Area 2C and 3A halibut Catch Sharing Plan (CSP) allocation review. The halibut CSP established an abundance-based allocation between the commercial halibut fishery and the guided recreational (charter) fishery in the International Pacific Halibut Commission Regulatory Area 2C and Area 3A. This allocation is being reviewed in response to NOAA Fisheries Allocation Policy which seeks to ensure fisheries allocations are periodically evaluated to remain relevant to current conditions.
The workplan includes 1) a summary of the NOAA Allocation Policy and the triggers and process for Allocation Reviews, 2) a summary of the resources that helped to define the scope of the Allocation Review, and 3) the proposed content to be included. This workplan stage is intended to align expectations of an Allocation Review (e.g., information that will be provided, types of decisions that can be made, etc.), outline a process that is transparent, and facilitate clear ways for stakeholders to participate in this process.
The Council suggested the review should also acknowledge the potential compensated reallocation opportunity that exists with the Recreational Quota Entity and the impacts of this opportunity if funding becomes available. The CSP allocation review is tentatively scheduled for the February 2022 meeting.
Staff contact is Sarah Marrinan.
