April Newsletter

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• Meeting News - Council Holds First Hybrid Meeting For the first time in two years, the Council met in-person, along with an online option for presenters and attendees. … … Read More →
• Cooperative Reports - Every April, the Council reviews cooperative reports submitted by representatives from the American Fisheries Act Program, Amendment 80 Program, Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Program, and BSAI… … Read More →
• IFQ Omnibus and Enforcement Committee Report - The Council took final action on the IFQ Omnibus Amendments analysis to modify IFQ and CDQ Program regulations. The analysis considered several elements intended to… … Read More →
• Recreational Quota Entity Funding Mechanism - The Council took final action to recommend a Charter Halibut Stamp mechanism for charter vessel operators to fund the Recreational Quota Entity (RQE). The Council… … Read More →
• Scallop Specs - In April 2022, the Council reviewed the 2022 Alaska Weathervane Scallop SAFE report and specified scallop ABC for the 2021/2022 fishing year at 1.156 million… … Read More →
• CGOA Rockfish Adjustment - The Council released for final action an analysis to adjust CGOA Rockfish Program measures. The Council identified a preliminary preferred alternative, and requested staff consider… … Read More →
• Bristol Bay Red King Crab - The Council reviewed a discussion paper on four topics related to Bristol Bay Red King Crab (BBRKC), tasked staff with additional evaluation, and requested information… … Read More →
• Bering Sea Fishery Ecosystem Plan Team and Taskforce reports - The Council received several progress reports on the ongoing BS FEP-related work and supported their ongoing work. The Ecosystem Committee and the SSC both provided… … Read More →
• Ecosystem Committee - The Ecosystem Committee met in March to discuss a variety of issues, including the Bering Sea Fishery Ecosystem Plan reports (see separate newsletter article) as… … Read More →
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change - Dr. Kirstin Holsman provided the SSC an overview of the Sixth Assessment Report from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).  This report… … Read More →
• Best Scientific Information Available (BSIA) - The SSC and Council reviewed a draft NMFS document focused upon Best Scientific Information Available (BSIA) as it relates to our current specifications process for… … Read More →
• Staff Tasking - The Council discussed the relative priority and scheduling of previously-tasked projects, and identified new tasking. The revised 3 meeting outlook reflects this guidance. The Council… … Read More →
• Council Process Ideas for Change - In response to a staff discussion paper from February with reflections on the Council process and identifying potential ideas for change, the Council tasked staff… … Read More →
• Upcoming Meetings - The following Committee and Plan Team meetings are currently anticipated. Before the June Council meeting BSAI Crab Plan Team – May 16-20, 2022 – hybrid:… … Read More →

February Newsletter

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• Hollowed and Smoker Receive Awards - Bob Mace Award The Council selected Lauren Smoker to receive the Bob Mace award upon her retirement because of her position with NOAA General Counsel… … Read More →
• Election of officers - The Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee and Advisory Panel each convened with some new members and held an election for Chair and vice-chair. The SSC… … Read More →
• Coast Guard Law Enforcement in the North Pacific - The Council received a report on Operation North Pacific Guard (NPG) from the U.S. Coast Guard in conjunction with their normal B report. NPG is… … Read More →
• Economic Data Reporting Amendments and Future Data Collection - The Council took final action to amend three existing Economic Data Reporting (EDR) Programs, and remove one. Currently four data collection programs exist which represent… … Read More →
• BSAI Crab - Norton Sound Red King Crab OFL/ABC for 2022 and January Crab Plan Team Meeting Report The Council received an overview of the 2022 stock assessment… … Read More →
• Catch Sharing Plan Allocation Review - At this meeting the Council considered an Allocation Review for the Area 2C and 3A commercial and charter halibut Catch Sharing Plan (CSP) as required… … Read More →
• Bering Sea Greenland Turbot Longline Pots - The Council initiated an analysis of authorizing longline pot gear in the directed Greenland turbot fishery in the Bering Sea. The Council reviewed a discussion… … Read More →
• Groundfish Management Policy - The Council conducted a comprehensive review of the Groundfish Management Policy, highlighting Council activities in 2019-2021 that were relevant to priorities and objectives established in… … Read More →
• Trawl Electronic Monitoring - The SSC completed a preliminary review of electronic monitoring (EM) on pelagic trawl pollock catcher vessels (CVs) and tenders both delivering to processing plants. The… … Read More →
• Essential Fish Habitat - At this meeting, the SSC reviewed the models and output being used for the Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) 5-year review summary report, which is under… … Read More →
• Groundfish and Crab Economic SAFE Reports - At this meeting, the SSC reviewed the Groundfish and Crab Economic SAFE reports as presented by the Alaska Fisheries Science Center’s Economic and Social Science… … Read More →
• Staff Tasking - The Council discussed the relative priority and scheduling of previously tasked projects, and identified new tasking. The revised 3 meeting outlook reflects this guidance. The… … Read More →
• Ecosystem Committee - The Council received a report from the Ecosystem Committee about their January meeting, at which the Committee discussed marine debris events and response in Alaska,… … Read More →
• Upcoming Meetings - Council Committees, Plan Teams, Taskforces February Scallop Plan Team – February 16, 2022 AGENDA March/April Pacific Northwest Crab Industry Advisory Committee (PNCIAC) – March 2,… … Read More →

December Newsletter

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• December Departures - At this meeting the Council bid farewell to longtime SSC member and recent co-Chair, Dr. Anne Hollowed.  Dr. Hollowed has played a significant role in… … Read More →
• Appointments - The Council made the following appointments during the December 2021 Council meeting. Advisory Panel The following members of the Advisory Panel have been reappointed for… … Read More →
• Charter Halibut Management Measures for 2022 - The Council approved management measures for charter halibut fishing in Areas 2C and 3A to be recommended for adoption by the IPHC at its annual… … Read More →
• Halibut Abundance-Based Management - The Council took final action on the draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the abundance-based management (ABM) of the Amendment 80 (A80) halibut prohibited species… … Read More →
• BSAI Specifications for 2022 and 2023 - The Council made final recommendations on groundfish harvest specifications, prohibited species catch (PSC) limits, and halibut Discard Mortality Rates (DMRs) to manage the 2022 and… … Read More →
• Gulf of Alaska Groundfish Specifications - The Council approved the 2021 Gulf of Alaska (GOA) Groundfish Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) report and recommended final harvest specifications for the 2022… … Read More →
• Red King Crab Savings Area Expansion - At this meeting, the Council reviewed but took no further action on an analysis to expand the Red King Crab Savings Area boundary from 57°… … Read More →
• Staff Tasking - The Council discussed the relative priority and scheduling of previously tasked projects, and identified new tasking. The revised 3 meeting outlook reflects this guidance. The… … Read More →
• Upcoming Meetings: Committees, Plan Teams, Taskforces - January BSAI Crab Plan Team – January 10-14, 2022 (Anchorage/online) Bering Sea Fishery Ecosystem Plan Taskforce on Climate Change – January 18-20, 2022 (online) Bering… … Read More →

October Newsletter

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• Call for Nominations - The Council is accepting nominations for the SSC and Advisory Panel, and also the Charter Halibut Management Committee. SSC and Advisory Panel The Council is… … Read More →
• Council Membership Changes - Kinneen and Tweit re-elected The Council unanimously re-elected Simon Kinneen as Chair and Bill Tweit as Vice-Chair. Council welcomes Vanderhoeven and Moore The Council swore… … Read More →
• BSAI Salmon Bycatch - The Council received a tremendous amount of heartfelt public testimony on the impacts of low salmon runs in recent years (particularly in 2021) to the… … Read More →
• BSAI Crab - Approval of the SAFE report and 2021/22 OFL and ABC The Council approved the Final 2021 BSAI Crab SAFE report and specified OFLs and ABCs… … Read More →
• IFQ items and Committee Report - At this meeting, the Council evaluated the initial review draft of the IFQ Omnibus analysis and the IFQ Committee Report, made changes to the alternatives… … Read More →
• Recreational Quota Entity Funding Mechanism - At this meeting, the Council considered an Initial Review Analysis of options to establish a fee collection program for charter vessel operators to fund the… … Read More →
• BSAI Trawl CV Pacific Cod LAPP - The Council took final action to create a Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Pacific cod trawl catcher vessel (CV) limited access privilege program (LAPP).… … Read More →
• Observer Annual Deployment Plan and PCFMAC Report - The Council reviewed the Observer Program Draft 2022 Annual Deployment Plan (ADP) and received a report from the Partial Coverage Fishery Monitoring Advisory Committee (PCFMAC).… … Read More →
• Groundfish Plan Team Reports and Proposed Harvest Specifications - The Council received reports from the recent Joint, BSAI, and GOA Groundfish Plan Team meetings, and recommended 2022 and 2023 BSAI and GOA groundfish harvest… … Read More →
• Halibut Catch Sharing Plan Allocation Review – Workplan - 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… … Read More →
• Climate Reports – Regional Action Plans, ACLIM, GOA CLIM - The Council received several excellent presentations at this meeting on ongoing climate research and initiatives, and provided recommendations and feedback. In staff tasking, the Council… … Read More →
• Staff Tasking - The Council discussed the relative priority and scheduling of previously tasked projects, and identified new tasking. The revised 3 meeting outlook reflects this guidance. The… … Read More →
• Upcoming Meetings - October Charter Halibut Management Committee – October 26-27 November Bering Sea Fishery Ecosystem Plan Local Knowledge/Traditional Knowledge/Subsistence Taskforce – November 8, 10  Postponed to January… … Read More →

June Newsletter

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• Craig Cross retires from Council member seat - Craig Cross, long-time fixture in the Council process, participated in his last meeting as a Councilmember after having served the limited 3 terms.  Mr. Cross… … Read More →
• Appointments and Call for Nominations - GOA Groundfish Plan Team appointment The Council appointed Andrew Olson to the GOA Groundfish Plan Team. Mr. Olson serves as the Southeast Regional Groundfish-Shellfish Coordinator… … Read More →
• Observer Report on 2020 Deployment During Covid - The Council received a presentation from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on the 2020 Observer Annual Report and provided recommendations for the development of… … Read More →
• Trawl Electronic Monitoring - The Council took action to initiate analysis to implement electronic monitoring (EM) on pollock catcher vessels (CVs) using pelagic trawl gear and tender vessels transporting… … Read More →
• BSAI Crab - The Council specified OFLs and ABCs for Aleutian Islands golden king crab (AIGKC) and Pribilof Islands blue king crab (PIBKC) and accepted the updated BSAI… … Read More →
• BSAI Pcod Trawl CV LAPP - At this meeting, the Council conducted a second initial review of an analysis for a Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Pacific cod trawl catcher… … Read More →
• BSAI Pacific Cod Small Boat Access - The Council reviewed a discussion paper and initiated an analysis for new access opportunities for smaller vessels (e.g., <57 ft) in the Bering Sea Aleutian… … Read More →
• Sablefish Overages - The Council reviewed a discussion paper, requested in December 2020, to examine management tools that the Council may consider to limit or prevent overages of… … Read More →
• Research Priorities - The Council received an update from the SSC on its proposed process for conducting triennial review of research priorities. Although the Council had approved three-year… … Read More →
• Central Arctic Agreement - The Council noted the receipt of the Instrument of Approval of the Agreement from the People’s Republic of China that allows the implementation of the… … Read More →
• Bering Sea Fishery Ecosystem Plan - Bering Sea Fishery Ecosystem Plan The Council reviewed reports from the FEP Team and the Climate Change Taskforce (CCTF), and continues to support their work… … Read More →
• Risk Tables - The Council supported SSC guidance on the application of the risk tables for the fall groundfish assessment cycle. Previously, the Council had asked to review… … Read More →
• Staff Tasking - The Council discussed the relative priority and scheduling of previously tasked projects, and identified new tasking. The revised 3 meeting outlook reflects this guidance. Return… … Read More →
• Ecosystem Committee - The Council reviewed the ecosystem committee report from their May 2021 meeting and made several recommendations for the ecosystem committee workplan and tasking. The Council… … Read More →
• Upcoming Meetings - Council Committees, Plan Teams, and Taskforces The Council will be holding all meetings virtually through September 2021. For the October 2021 Council meeting, the AP… … Read More →

April Newsletter

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• Appointments and Call for Nominations - Interim Advisory Panel appointment Between the February and April Council meetings, the Council Chair appointed Marissa Wilson to the Advisory Panel, on an interim basis… … Read More →
• Written Public Comment Changes - The Council has approved a number of changes to the current written public comment procedures. The Council process should be a welcoming environment for all… … Read More →
• Scallops - The Council reviewed the 2021 Alaska Weathervane Scallop SAFE report and specified scallop ABC for the 2021/2022 fishing year at 1.156 million pounds (524 t)… … Read More →
• BSAI Halibut Abundance-based Management of the Amendment 80 PSC Limit - The Council reviewed and made some adjustments to options for a proposed management measure to link the Pacific halibut prohibited species catch (PSC) limit for… … Read More →
• Sablefish Pots and IFQ Committee Report - The Council received reports reviewing the Gulf of Alaska sablefish pot fishery and recommendations from the IFQ committee. The GOA sablefish pot review summarized 3-4… … Read More →
• IFQ Access Opportunities - The Council reviewed an expanded discussion paper on an IFQ Access pool of halibut and sablefish quota share that would facilitate entry level opportunities for… … Read More →
• Recreational Quota Entity Funding Mechanism - After reviewing a discussion paper outlining a stamp program as a potential funding mechanism for the recently-formed charter halibut recreational quota entity (RQE), the Council… … Read More →
• Salmon Genetics and Avoidance Plans - The Council received a number of status reports related to BSAI and GOA salmon bycatch, including genetic stock of origin reports for chum and Chinook… … Read More →
• Economic Data Reporting and the Social Science Planning Team - At this meeting the Council received reports and presentations on a series of stakeholder and SSPT meetings that have taken place to assist the Council… … Read More →
• Research Priorities - The Council adopted research priorities for 2022-2024 as recommended by the SSC, including their suggested process changes for future reviews that incorporate SSPT and FEP… … Read More →
• Annual Community Engagement and Participation Overview - At the April 2021 Council meeting, the SSC received a presentation on a new report produced by the Alaska Fisheries Science Center – the Annual… … Read More →
• Staff Tasking - The Council discussed the relative priority and scheduling of previously tasked projects, and identified new tasking. The revised 3 meeting outlook reflects this guidance. Council… … Read More →
• Northern Edge 2021 Exercises - Representatives from the U.S. Navy updated the Council on upcoming Northern Edge 2021 joint training exercise in the Gulf of Alaska, scheduled to occur May… … Read More →
• Essential Fish Habitat Review - EFH 5-year review The Council and SSC reviewed the work plan for the 2022 Essential Fish Habitat 5-year review. The document described work to date… … Read More →
• Upcoming Meetings - Council Committees, Plan Teams, and Taskforces The Council will be holding all meetings virtually through at least September 2021. The following meetings are currently anticipated… … Read More →

February Newsletter

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• Call for Nominations for Council Advisory Groups - The Council is calling for nominations for an additional industry participant on the Council’s Bering Sea Fishery Ecosystem Plan Climate Change Taskforce (CCTF). The goal… … Read More →
• Election of Officers for AP and SSC - The Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) and Advisory Panel (AP) each convened with some new members, and each group re-elected the same officers as… … Read More →
• Chris Oliver and Jim Ianelli receive Council awards - On the first day of the February Council meeting, the Council presented Mr. Chris Oliver with the Bob Mace Distinguished Service Award, and Dr. Jim… … Read More →
• BSAI Pacific Cod Pot CP LLP Licenses - The Council received a public review analysis of alternatives that could modify the number of License Limitation Program (LLP) licenses endorsed to fish for BSAI… … Read More →
• Standard Bycatch Reporting Methodologies - The Council took final action recommending amendments to the BSAI crab, salmon, and scallop FMPs, to make them consistent with national guidance on Standardized Bycatch… … Read More →
• IFQ Small Sablefish Release - The Council conducted its initial review of an analysis to allow vessel operators in the fixed gear IFQ sablefish fishery to voluntarily release sablefish they… … Read More →
• Crab PSC Limit Reductions - The Council chose to take no further action on a preliminary/initial review analysis of a proposed action that would set crab prohibited species catch (PSC)… … Read More →
• Community Engagement Committee Report - The Council reviewed the final report of its Community Engagement Committee (CEC) and recommended several actions to enhance engagement with rural and Alaska Native communities.… … Read More →
• Bering Sea Fishery Ecosystem Plan - The Council reviewed reports from the FEP Team, Climate Change Taskforce (CCTF), and Local Knowledge/Traditional Knowledge/Subsistence Taskforce (LKTKS). The Council approved the workplan for the… … Read More →
• Groundfish and Crab Economic SAFE Review - At this meeting, the SSC reviewed the Groundfish and Crab Economic SAFE reports as presented by the Alaska Fisheries Science Center’s Economic and Social Science… … Read More →
• Marine Mammal Status - The SSC reviewed the status of marine mammals for which there are conservation concerns or unusual or unexpected results, through a number of presentations from… … Read More →
• SSC Workshop on Risk Tables - The SSC convened a workshop on ‘Risk Tables for ABC advice to the Council’. The workshop was motivated by the need to provide feedback to… … Read More →
• Staff Tasking - The Council discussed the relative priority and scheduling of previously tasked projects. The revised 3 meeting outlook reflects this guidance. Council meetings, including Plan Team… … Read More →
• Upcoming Meetings - Council Committees, Plan Teams, Taskforces Committee and Plan Team meetings that are currently anticipated in the first half of 2021, at this point all likely… … Read More →

December Newsletter

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• Appointments - The Council made the following appointments during the meeting. Advisory Panel The following members of the AP were reappointed to a 3-year term: James Johnson,… … Read More →
• Observer Annual Deployment Plan - The Council received a report on the Final Observer Program 2021 Annual Deployment Plan (ADP). This report highlighted changes to the report since the Council’s… … Read More →
• Charter Halibut - The Council approved management measures for charter halibut fishing in Areas 2C and 3A in 2021 that will be submitted for approval by the IPHC… … Read More →
• Cook Inlet Salmon - The Council took final action on Cook Inlet salmon by selecting Alternative 4 - Federal management with the Cook Inlet EEZ closed to commercial salmon… … Read More →
• BSAI Groundfish Specifications - The Council reviewed the Ecosystem Status Reports for the Aleutian Islands and Bering Sea, approved the BSAI Groundfish Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) Report,… … Read More →
• GOA Groundfish Specifications - The Council approved the 2020 Gulf of Alaska (GOA) Groundfish Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) report and recommended final harvest specifications for the 2021… … Read More →
• BSAI Pacific Cod Pot LLP Licenses - The Council received an initial review draft analysis of alternatives that could modify the number of License Limitation Program (LLP) licenses endorsed to fish for… … Read More →
• BSAI Trawl CV Pacific Cod LAPP - At this meeting, the Council conducted an initial review of an analysis for a Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Pacific cod trawl catcher vessel… … Read More →
• Staff Tasking - The Council discussed the relative priority and scheduling of previously tasked projects, and provided guidance to the Chair and Executive Director about which items to… … Read More →
• Upcoming Meetings - Before February Council meeting Bering Sea Fishery Ecosystem Plan Taskforce on Climate Change – Dec 14 and 16, 2020 BSAI Crab Plan Team –January 11-15,… … Read More →

October Newsletter

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• Re-appointments and Election of Officers - Mr. Simon Kinneen and Mr. Kenny Down took the oath of office after being re-appointed for their final three-year term.  Council members may only serve… … Read More →
• Call for Nominations - The Council is accepting nominations for its Scientific and Statistical Committee, its Advisory Panel, (link to page for nominations) and its Pacific Northwest Crab Industry… … Read More →
• Russian Military Activity in the EEZ - During the U.S. Coast Guard agency report to the Council, Captain Jason Brennell of 17th Coast Guard District and Ms. Staci MacCorkle of U.S. State… … Read More →
• BSAI Crab Specifications - Approval of the SAFE and 2020/2021 OFL/ABC The Council approved the Final 2020 BSAI Crab SAFE and specified OFLs and ABCs for EBS snow crab,… … Read More →
• BSAI Groundfish Proposed Harvest Specifications - The Council reviewed reports from the Joint and BSAI Groundfish Plan Teams and recommended 2021 and 2022 groundfish harvest and prohibited species catch (PSC) specifications… … Read More →
• GOA Groundfish Proposed Harvest Specifications - The Council received a report from the GOA Groundfish Plan Team and adopted proposed harvest and prohibited species catch (PSC) specifications for 2021 and 2022.… … Read More →
• Squid and Sculpin Processing - The Council took final action on an analysis evaluating the potential impacts of removing restrictions to processing and sale of squids and sculpins as part… … Read More →
• Cook Inlet Salmon - The Council conducted its initial review of an analysis of alternative approaches to extend the authority of the Salmon FMP to include management of commercial… … Read More →
• Observer Issues - Observer Program Draft 2021 Annual Deployment Plan The Council reviewed the Observer Program Draft 2021 Annual Deployment Plan (ADP), received a report from the Partial… … Read More →
• Halibut Abundance-based Management - The Council reviewed both a preliminary draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) and a discussion paper on approaches to indexing Amendment 80 (A80) halibut prohibited species… … Read More →
• Survey Planning - The Council received a presentation from the Director of the Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Dr. Robert Foy, on planning for the 2021 Alaska surveys. The… … Read More →
• Executive Order Promoting American Seafood - In May, the President issued a new Executive Order 13921 “Promoting American Seafood Competitiveness Economic Growth.”  Section 4 of the E.O. requires each Regional Fishery… … Read More →
• Staff Tasking - The Council discussed the relative priority and scheduling of previously tasked projects, and provided guidance to the Chair and Executive Director about which items to… … Read More →
• Upcoming Meetings - Council Committees, Plan Teams, Taskforces October Charter Halibut Management Committee – October 27 November NPFMC-Board of Fisheries Joint Protocol Committee – November 5 Bering Sea… … Read More →
• Former Council member wins prestigious award - Linda Behnken, a member of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council from 1992 to 2001, recently won the Heinz Award for the Environment for her… … Read More →

JUNE Newsletter

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• Council’s June 2020 meeting held online - The Council held its June 2020 meeting online due to concerns surrounding COVID-19.  This was the first regular virtual meeting with the SSC, AP, and… … Read More →
• Appointments and Call for Nominations - Appointments The Council appointed Ms. Erin Fedewa to serve on the BSAI Crab Plan Team, as a replacement for Dr. Robert Foy. Ms. Fedewa is… … Read More →
• Scallop Specifications - The Council reviewed the 2020 Alaska Weathervane Scallop SAFE report and specified scallop ABC for the 2020/2021 fishing year at 1.156 million pounds (524 t)of… … Read More →
• BSAI Crab Management - The Council approved OFLs and ABCs for Aleutian Islands golden king crab, Pribilof Islands golden king crab, and Western Aleutian Islands red king crab, and… … Read More →
• St Matthew Island Blue King Crab Rebuilding - The Council took final action to adopt a rebuilding plan for St Matthew Island blue king crab and recommend a preferred alternative for Secretarial Action… … Read More →
• Cook Inlet Salmon - The SSC, AP, and Council reviewed a preliminary draft of the environmental assessment and regulatory impact analysis (EA/RIR) that is being prepared to analyze the… … Read More →
• Observer coverage update - The Council reviewed changes to observer deployment and data collection this year in the full and partial coverage program related to COVID-19, presented by the… … Read More →
• Sablefish apportionment - The SSC received a report regarding ongoing analyses of different ways to spatially apportion the sablefish stock sub-area ABCs across management regions in the GOA… … Read More →
• Species Distribution Models for EFH - The SSC received a report from Jodi Pirtle (NMFS AKR) and Ned Laman (AFSC) on the development of new and revised species distribution models that… … Read More →
• Herring PSC management - The Council discussed herring prohibited species catch (PSC) management in the Bering Sea following unanticipated high catch of herring in the pollock fishery A season… … Read More →
• Economic Data Reporting Stakeholder Meetings - The Council will be holding a series of facilitated stakeholder discussions to explore potential revisions to the four existing Economic Data Reporting (EDR) programs. EDR… … Read More →
• Staff Tasking - The Council discussed the relative priority and scheduling of previously tasked projects, in the context of the cancelled April and limited June meetings, and provided… … Read More →

MAY Newsletter

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• First Virtual Council Meeting - The Council held its first virtual meeting May 15, 2020.  Council members called in via telephone in order to participate, and staff presentations were available… … Read More →
• IFQ Transfer Provisions - The Council considered a NMFS analysis of three proposed options to modify IFQ Program temporary transfer provisions. The first two options would have altered the… … Read More →
• Charter Halibut Management Emergency Action - At the May Special Council meeting the Council took action to recommend less restrictive charter halibut management measures for International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) Regulatory… … Read More →
• IFQ Vessel Caps - The Council passed a motion requesting that the Secretary promulgate emergency regulations to remove vessel use cap regulations for IFQ halibut harvested in IPHC regulatory… … Read More →
• IFQ Rollover Increase & Season Extension - The Council considered two emergency IFQ fishery modifications that would have (1) temporarily increased the 10% cap on the year-to-year rollover of uncaught IFQ pounds,… … Read More →

FEBRUARY Newsletter

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• Thank you, Seattle - The seafood industry hosted a reception at the Renaissance Marriott Hotel in downtown Seattle following the first day of the Council meeting.  The Council and… … Read More →
• New Terry Quinn II Distinguished Scientist Award to Dr. Gordon Kruse - Dr. Terry Quinn II was a very active member of the North Pacific Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee from 1986 until his death in 2019. … … Read More →
• Council Changes - New officers at the Advisory Panel and SSC The Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will be co-Chaired by Dr. Anne Hollowed and Dr. Sherri… … Read More →
• Charter Halibut Management Measures for Area 3A - At this meeting the Council reviewed a supplemental analysis from ADF&G of potential charter halibut management measures for implementation in Area 3A in 2020 and… … Read More →
• Norton Sound Red King Crab - At this meeting, the Council specified 2020 overfishing and acceptable biological catch levels for Norton Sound red king crab (NSRKC). Dr. Martin Dorn, Co-Chair of… … Read More →
• CGOA Rockfish Reauthorization - At this meeting, the Council took final action to recommend reauthorization of the Rockfish Program (RP). The Council approved the existing management framework with several… … Read More →
• Economic Data Reporting - The Council conducted an initial review of alternatives that could improve the usability, efficiency, and consistency of existing economic data collection programs while minimizing their… … Read More →
• Squids and Sculpins Processing - The Council reviewed the initial review draft of a Regulatory Impact Review (RIR) considering processing restrictions on squids and sculpins as part of the Ecosystem… … Read More →
• Partial Coverage Observer Program Cost Efficiencies - At the January 2020 meeting, the Council considered different options to improve cost efficiencies in the partial coverage program and adopted priorities for continued and… … Read More →
• Standardized Bycatch Reporting Methodology - The Council reviewed the compliance of all of its FMPs with Standardized Bycatch Reporting Methodology requirements that are mandated in the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA), and… … Read More →
• FEP Climate Change Taskforce - The Council received a progress report on the Bering Sea Fishery Ecosystem Plan (FEP) Climate Change Action Module Taskforce.  The Council nominated members at the… … Read More →
• Halibut Abundance-Based Management - The Council received input from stakeholders on suggested modifications to the current suite of alternatives being considered for halibut Abundance-based management (ABM) of PSC limits… … Read More →
• Local and Traditional Knowledge and Subsistence Taskforce - At this meeting, the Council received a report from the Bering Sea Fishery Ecosystem Plan (BS FEP) LK, TK, and Subsistence Taskforce. The Taskforce was… … Read More →
• Crab E-Logbooks - After the delivery of a report examining the costs for Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) to develop and implement BSAI crab electronic logbooks (eLogbooks),… … Read More →
• Social Science Planning Team - The Council received a report on the interim meeting for the Social Science Planning Team (SSPT), which occurred by teleconference November 6, 2019. The Council… … Read More →
• Economic SAFE Review - At this meeting, the SSC reviewed the Groundfish and Crab Economic SAFE reports as presented by the Alaska Fisheries Science Center’s Economic and Social Science… … Read More →
• Multi-Regional Social Accounting Matrix - The SSC heard a presentation from Dr. Chang Seung (NMFS AFSC) on the Multi-Regional Social Accounting Matrix (MRSAM), a tool for estimating economic impacts of… … Read More →
• Staff Tasking - The Council discussed the relative priority and scheduling of previously tasked projects, as well as the following tasking issues. See revised 3 meeting outlook for… … Read More →
• Upcoming Meetings - Council Committees, Plan Teams, Taskforces February Scallop Plan Team, February 19, Kodiak, AK Cook Inlet Salmon Committee, February 25-26, Anchorage, AK Bering Sea Fishery Ecosystem… … Read More →
• SSC Workshop: Research Priorities - The SSC held a workshop to discuss how it could improve the process of identifying and updating research priorities for the Council, concluding that it… … Read More →

DECEMBER Newsletter

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• Appointments - Advisory Panel The following members of the AP have been reappointed to a 3-year term: Ruth Christiansen, Jeff Kauffman, Patrick O’Donnell, John Scoblic, and Sinclair… … Read More →
• BSAI Groundfish Specifications - Status of stocks and specification of OFL, ABC, and TAC The Council reviewed the Ecosystem Status Report for the Eastern Bering Sea, the Bering Sea… … Read More →
• GOA Groundfish Final Harvest Specifications - The Council approved the 2019 Gulf of Alaska (GOA) Groundfish Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) report and recommended final harvest specifications for the 2020… … Read More →
• 2020 Charter Halibut Management Measures for Areas 2C and 3A - After reviewing ADF&G’s analysis of potential charter management measures and the recommendations of the Charter Halibut Management Committee, the Council established preliminary recommendations for 2020… … Read More →
• BSAI Pacific cod Parallel Fishery Limited Access - At this meeting, the Council took final action to adopt a preferred alternative (Alternative 2) that would prohibit all Federal vessels from fishing for Pacific… … Read More →
• Crab Partial Offloads - The Council took final action to recommend a preferred alternative that removes the prohibition on a vessel continuing to fish for Crab Rationalization Program (CR)… … Read More →
• St Matthew Island Blue King Crab Rebuilding - The Council reviewed an initial draft environmental assessment of a rebuilding plan for St Matthew Island blue king crab. The Council chose a preliminary preferred… … Read More →
• Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Program Reauthorization - The Council approved the Initial Review draft of the Central Gulf of Alaska (CGOA) Rockfish Program (RP) for release to the public with suggested changes… … Read More →
• Unguided Halibut Rental Vessels - The Council reviewed an initial review draft of an action that evaluated the potential impacts of: 1) a registration requirement for unguided halibut rental vessels… … Read More →
• BSAI Halibut Abundance-based Management - The Council reviewed a workplan for addressing October 2019 SSC comments on the BSAI Halibut Abundance-based Management (ABM) Prohibited Species Catch (PSC) limits management action… … Read More →
• Small Sablefish Discarding/Release - The Council and AP reviewed a discussion paper on the potential creation of a discard allowance for the fixed gear individual fishing quota (IFQ) sablefish… … Read More →
• AI Pacific Cod Set-Aside - At the December meeting, the Council reviewed a discussion paper that included a status report on Amendment 113 litigation and potential regulatory approaches that could… … Read More →
• National Standard 1 Guidance on ABC Control Rule Provisions - The SSC reviewed a draft document on technical guidance for designing, evaluating and implementing carry-over and phase-in provisions associated with annual catch limits, and provided… … Read More →
• Staff Tasking - The Council discussed the relative priority and scheduling of previously tasked projects, as well as the following tasking issues. See revised 3 meeting outlook for… … Read More →
• Community Engagement Committe - The Council’s Community Engagement Committee met on Monday, December 2 to continue to develop recommendations for the Council to improve their engagement with rural and… … Read More →
• VHF Outages in Southeast and Southcentral Alaska - The Council heard a report from the U.S. Coast Guard that they have experienced various VHF outages in Southeast and Southcentral Alaska throughout the summer… … Read More →
• Upcoming Meetings - Council Committees and Plan Teams January Charter Halibut Management Committee 3A teleconference, early January (exact date TBD) Crab Plan Team, January 13-17, Kodiak, AK Bering… … Read More →

OCTOBER Newsletter

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• Thank you, Homer! - The Council held its October meeting in Homer, Alaska.  We thank everyone in Homer who worked to ensure our meetings and our stay was a… … Read More →
• New Council members and Election of Officers - At this meeting, the Council re-elected Simon Kinneen as Chairman, and re-elected Bill Tweit as Vice-Chair for the upcoming year. Additionally, Ms. Nicole Kimball and… … Read More →
• Appointments - SSC Appointments Dr. Amanda Bishop, of the Alaska Sea Life Center, will replace Dr. Jennifer Burns, who has resigned from the SSC, for the remainder… … Read More →
• Call for Nominations - The Council is accepting nominations for its Scientific and Statistical Committee, and its Advisory Panel. Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) nominees should have areas of… … Read More →
• Halibut Abundance Based Management - The Council reviewed a preliminary draft analysis of a management program for BSAI halibut prohibited species catch (PSC) limits tied to the abundance of halibut… … Read More →
• Observer Fee Analysis - The Council approved an increase to the observer fee that supports the deployment of observers and electronic monitoring (EM) systems in the commercial groundfish and… … Read More →
• Trawl Electronic Monitoring - The Council reviewed an exempted fishing permit (EFP) application on Implementing Electronic Monitoring systems in the Eastern Bering Sea (EBS) and Gulf of Alaska (GOA)… … Read More →
• Observer Program Draft 2020 Annual Deployment Plan - The Council reviewed the Observer Program Draft 2020 Annual Deployment Plan (ADP), received a report from the Fishery Monitoring Advisory Committee (FMAC), and supported NMFS’… … Read More →
• BSAI Groundfish Preliminary Harvest Specifications - The Council reviewed reports from the BSAI and Joint Groundfish Plan Teams, and recommended 2020 and 2021 groundfish harvest and prohibited species catch (PSC) specifications… … Read More →
• GOA Groundfish Preliminary Harvest Specifications - The Council received a report from the GOA Groundfish Plan Team and adopted proposed harvest and prohibited species catch (PSC) specifications for 2020 and 2021.… … Read More →
• BSAI Crab Harvest Specifications - The Council reviewed the BSAI Crab Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation Report, and specified crab OFLs and ABCs for 2019/2020. Approval of the SAFE and… … Read More →
• Sculpins as Ecosystem Component Species - The Council reviewed a Public Review Draft of an Environmental Assessment and Regulatory Impact Review (EA/RIR) and concluded that sculpins meet the requirements for classification… … Read More →
• BSAI Pacific cod Pot Catcher Processor Participation - The Council, after reviewing a discussion paper that evaluated participation and effort in the Bering Sea Pacific cod catcher processor fishery, adopted a purpose and… … Read More →
• BSAI Pacific Cod Trawl and Pot CV LAPP Scoping Paper - At this meeting, the Council adopted a revised purpose and need statement and provided alternatives, elements, and options for a proposed BSAI Pacific cod trawl… … Read More →
• BSAI Pacific cod Parallel Fishery Limited Acces - At this meeting, the Council adopted a revised purpose and need statement, selected a preliminary preferred alternative for an analysis that considers prohibiting all Federal… … Read More →
• BSAI and GOA Unused Pacific Cod - After reviewing a discussion paper overviewing reasons for unused Pacific cod (sometimes referred to as stranded cod) and options for reducing unused Pacific cod in… … Read More →
• Cook Inlet Salmon - The Council heard from the Cook Inlet Salmon Committee on progress with recommendations on the Salmon FMP amendment under development. The Cook Inlet Salmon Committee… … Read More →
• Community Engagement Committee -   The Council received a progress report from the Community Engagement Committee (CEC). The CEC met on October 1 and reviewed the recent Council activities… … Read More →
• Staff Tasking - In addition to discussing the relative priority and scheduling of previously tasked projects, the Council requested staff prepare a series of letters: to National Marine… … Read More →
• Upcoming meetings - Charter Halibut Management Committee, October 29th, Anchorage, AK Social Science Planning Team, November 6th, teleconference Groundfish Plan Teams, November 12-15, AFSC, Seattle, WA Community Engagement… … Read More →

JUNE Newsletter

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• Laukitis and Peterson leave Council -   A reception at Halibut Point in Sitka was held to recognize outgoing Council members Buck Laukitis of Homer and Theresa Peterson of Kodiak.  Both… … Read More →
• Call for Nominations - IFQ Committee The Council is soliciting for two new IFQ Committee members. The IFQ Committee is a standing advisory body comprised of vessel owner/operators, crew,… … Read More →
• BSAI Crab Management - The Council approved 2019/2020 fishing year OFLs and ABCs for the Aleutian Islands golden king crab and Pribilof Islands blue king crab stocks, and reviewed… … Read More →
• GOA Pollock and Cod Seasonal Allocation Adjustments - At the June 2019 meeting, the Council took final action to recommend adjusting Gulf of Alaska (GOA) pollock and Pacific cod seasonal allocations. The purpose… … Read More →
• Observer Program Annual Report - At their June 2019 meeting in Sitka, the Council received a presentation on the Observer Program Annual Report for 2018 and a report from the… … Read More →
• Crab Partial Offloads - The Council identified a preliminary preferred alternative for a proposal to allow vessels participating in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Crab Rationalization (CR)… … Read More →
• Classification of Sculpins in the BSAI and GOA FMPs - The Council reviewed the Initial Review Draft of an Environmental Assessment and Regulatory Impact Review (EA/RIR) to evaluate alternatives for classifying sculpins as target species… … Read More →
• CQE Fish Up in Area 3A - The Council took final action to allow eligible CQE residents in Area 3A to fish halibut IFQ derived from CQE-held D class QS on C… … Read More →
• Salmon Bycatch - The Council received a number of reports related to BSAI and GOA salmon bycatch including the EBS pollock fishery incentive plan agreement (IPA) reports, an… … Read More →
• BSAI Pacific cod Allocation Review - At this meeting, the Council reviewed the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Pacific cod allocation review, and accepted it as complete and final pending… … Read More →
• AI Pacific Cod Set-Aside - At the June meeting, the Council received a discussion paper that included a status report on Amendment 113 litigation and potential regulatory approaches that could… … Read More →
• IFQ Access Opportunities- Global Examples - The Council reviewed a discussion paper outlining domestic and international examples of programs that facilitate access opportunities for rural communities and new entrants within limited… … Read More →
• Bering Sea Fishery Ecosystem Plan - At this meeting, the Council reviewed a report from the Bering Sea Fishery Ecosystem Plan (FEP) Team, and endorsed draft workplans and established taskforces for… … Read More →
• Social Science Planning Team Report - The Council received a report from the Social Science Planning Team (SSPT) on their annual meeting. The SSPT meeting occurred on May 7- 9, 2019… … Read More →
• Community Engagement Committee - The Council received a progress report from the Community Engagement Committee (CEC). The CEC met on June 4 and reviewed the annotated list of current… … Read More →
• NPRB Research Tracking - The SSC received an overview presentation addressing recent North Pacific Research Board (NPRB) funding themes, an update on progress related to coordination efforts with Council research… … Read More →
• Upcoming meetings - Trawl EM Committee meeting, August 21-22, Portland, OR Crab Plan Team, September 16-20, AFSC, Seattle, WA Groundfish Plan Teams, September 16-20, AFSC, Seattle, WA Bering… … Read More →
• Staff Tasking - The Council discussed the relative priority and scheduling of previously tasked projects (see revised 3 meeting outlook), as well as the following issues. The Council… … Read More →
• Halibut ABM Update - Staff updated the Council that the BSAI Halibut abundance-based management (ABM) PSC limit analysis is on track for initial review of a draft EIS in… … Read More →
• Recreational Fisheries Roundtable - The National Marine Fisheries Service hosted a Recreational Fisheries Roundtable on Thursday, June 6 from 5:30 – 7:00 PM. The Roundtable is an outcome from… … Read More →

APRIL Newsletter

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• Council Changes - At this meeting, the Council recognized Mr. Aaron Martin, who has served as the US Fish & Wildlife Service Council member representative for several years,… … Read More →
• Call for Nominations for the Fishery Monitoring Advisory Committee - The Fishery Monitoring Advisory Committee (FMAC; formerly the Observer Advisory Committee) convenes industry members, agency representatives, observers, and observer/EM coverage providers to advise the Council… … Read More →
• GOA Groundfish FMP Amendment Summaries Now Available - Council staff has completed summaries of the Gulf of Alaska Groundfish FMP amendments. These summaries have been compiled into a comprehensive reference document to illustrate… … Read More →
• IFQ Medical Transfer and Beneficiary Designation - The Council took final action to modify the medical transfer and designated beneficiary transfer provisions of the halibut and sablefish IFQ program. The recommended regulatory… … Read More →
• Rockfish Fixed Retention for Fixed Gear CVs - At the April 2019 meeting, the Council took final action to require full retention of all rockfish species for fixed gear catcher vessels (CVs) in… … Read More →
• BSAI Trawl CV Pacific cod Mothership - The Council took final action on proposed changes that limit certain Amendment 80 and American Fisheries Act (AFA) catcher/processors from acting as motherships when receiving… … Read More →
• Scallops - The Council reviewed the 2019 Alaska Weathervane Scallop SAFE report and specified scallop ABC for the 2019/2020 fishing year at 1.161 million pounds of shucked… … Read More →
• Bering Sea Snow Crab PSC Data Report - In December 2018 the Council reviewed the Initial Review Draft of an EA/RIR/IRFA of an action to modify snow crab PSC calculations and limits in… … Read More →
• CQE Fish Up in Area 3A - The Council reviewed an initial analysis of a regulatory impact review (RIR) on whether to allow Community Quota Entities (CQEs) in Area 3A to fish… … Read More →
• Observer Fee Analysis - At their April meeting, the Council reviewed an analysis to modify the partial coverage observer fee. The Council released the analysis for public review, after… … Read More →
• Cost Saving Strategies for the Observer Program - The Council received a report on continued work by the Fishery Monitoring Advisory Committee (FMAC) to develop new ideas to potentially lower costs in the… … Read More →
• Cooperative Reports - Every April, the Council reviews cooperative reports submitted by representatives from the American Fisheries Act Program, Amendment 80 Program, Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Program, and BSAI… … Read More →
• Cook Inlet Salmon - The Council reviewed the Cook Inlet Salmon Committee’s progress on developing recommendations for an amendment to extend federal management to Cook Inlet salmon fisheries that… … Read More →
• Sculpins as an Ecosystem Component Species - The Council reviewed a discussion paper evaluating the appropriate level of conservation and management required for sculpins in the BSAI and GOA consistent with the… … Read More →
• Halibut ABM - The SSC received a presentation on the halibut operating model and additional analytical considerations to be employed in the initial review analysis of the BSAI… … Read More →
• Economic Data Report Revisions - The Council reviewed a discussion paper on the Council’s Economic Data Report (EDR) programs, addressing the requirements, use, and estimated cost of these reporting requirements… … Read More →
• IFQ Committee Report and Whale Depredation Workshop - The IFQ Committee met on Monday, April 1, and reviewed three documents that came before the Council at this meeting: CQE fish-up in halibut Area… … Read More →
• Small Sablefish Discarding - The Council reviewed a second discussion paper on allowing sablefish discarding in the directed Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) longline and pot fisheries, and tasked staff… … Read More →
• Groundfish Economic SAFE Review - At this meeting, the SSC reviewed the Groundfish Economic SAFE report as presented by the Alaska Fisheries Science Center’s Economic and Social Science Research Division.… … Read More →
• Staff tasking - The Council discussed the relative priority and scheduling of new and previously tasked projects. The Council tasked the following new projects: Bering Sea parallel fishery:… … Read More →
• BSAI Pacific cod Parallel Fishery Limited Access - During staff tasking, the Council initiated an analysis to limit access to the BSAI parallel fishery[1] for federal fishery participants. The intent of the proposed… … Read More →
• AI Pacific Cod Set-Aside - The Council tasked staff with a discussion paper on the Aleutian Islands Pacific cod trawl CV set-aside, in response to the recent U.S. District Court… … Read More →
• Northern Edge 2019 - The Council received an overview of the proposed Northern Edge 2019 joint training exercise, which is scheduled for May 13-24, 2019, in the Gulf of… … Read More →
• Upcoming meetings - Council Committees, Plan Teams, or workshops Salmon bycatch genetics workshop, April 15-16, AFSC, Seattle, WA Community Engagement Committee, April 29, teleconference, 2-4pm. Crab Plan Team,… … Read More →

FEBRUARY Newsletter

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• BSAI Crab - Norton Sound Red King Crab OFL/ABC for 2021 and January Crab Plan Team Meeting Report The Council received an overview of the 2021 stock assessment… … Read More →
• Call for Nominations: FMAC - At their February 2019 meeting, the Council received word of vacancies on the Fishery Monitoring Advisory Committee (FMAC; formerly the Observer Advisory Committee). The FMAC… … Read More →
• BSAI Crab Management - The Council reviewed the BSAI Crab Plan Team's (CPT) report and the 2019 Norton Sound red king crab (NSRKC) stock assessment. The Council made a… … Read More →
• Fixed Gear CV Rockfish Retention - At the February 2019 meeting, the Council conducted a public review of the draft Regulatory Impact Review (RIR) that would require full retention of all… … Read More →
• BSAI Trawl CV Pacific cod - The Council completed an initial review of a proposed action evaluating management measures that limit certain Amendment 80 and American Fisheries Act (AFA) catcher/processors acting… … Read More →
• IFQ Medical & Beneficiary Transfer Provisions - The Council reaffirmed its preliminary preferred alternatives and options after reviewing the Public Review draft of proposed changes to the medical transfer and designated beneficiary… … Read More →
• Partial Deliveries in BSAI Crab Rationalization Fisheries - At the February 2019 meeting, the Council initiated an analysis to allow vessels participating in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Crab Rationalization (CR)… … Read More →
• BSAI Crab eLogbooks - At the February 2019 meeting, the Council received a short discussion paper on the regulatory process required to allow crab harvesters to switch over to… … Read More →
• Halibut ABM Stakeholder Committee Report - The Council received a report from the Halibut abundance-based management (ABM) Stakeholder Committee and revised alternatives for the forthcoming halibut ABM PSC limit analysis. The… … Read More →
• Groundfish Management Objectives - The Council conducted a comprehensive review of the Programmatic Groundfish Management Policy, highlighting Council activities in 2018 that were relevant to priorities and objectives established… … Read More →
• Saltonstall-Kennedy Grant Program - The Council received an overview of the S-K Grant Program, its process, and recent program changes, and during the meeting there was an evening session… … Read More →
• SSC Workshop - The Council’s SSC held a workshop focused on the current status of coupled biophysical models and their utility in informing fishery management in the eastern… … Read More →
• Upcoming Meetings - Council Meeting Teleconference only: March 8, 9am-1pm Recommend harvest specifications for Norton Sound Red King Crab. (646) 749-3122, access code: 447-247-853 Committees and Plan Teams… … Read More →
• Whale Depredation Workshop - The Council has scheduled an evening session on Monday, April 1st during the April Council meeting, to convene fishery participants and stock assessment scientists around the… … Read More →
• Central Arctic Ocean Agreement - The Council received a presentation from Jean-Pierre Plé (NFS Office of International Affairs and Seafood Inspection) and Candace Nachman (NMFS Office of Policy) on development… … Read More →
• Research Priorities - The Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee discussed the current process for review and approval of five-year research priorities and the potential for further improvements. In… … Read More →

DECEMBER Newsletter
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• Call for Nominations - The Council is calling for nominations for special expertise on two of its Committees. The Cook Inlet Salmon Committee does not currently include representation by… … Read More →
• Appointments and changes - Advisory Panel The Council reappointed Angel Drobnica, Dan Donich, Craig Lowenberg, and Joel Peterson to three-year terms.  Ben Stevens was appointed to fill out the remaining two… … Read More →
• Observer Annual Deployment Plan - The Council received a report on the Final Observer Program 2019 Annual Deployment Plan (ADP), which highlighted changes to the document since the Council’s review… … Read More →
• 2019 Charter Halibut Management Measures - The Council recommended the following management measures for charter halibut fisheries in Areas 2C and 3A for application in 2019, in order to achieve the… … Read More →
• GOA Groundfish Specifications - The Council approved the 2018 Gulf of Alaska (GOA) Groundfish Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) report and recommended final harvest specifications for the 2019… … Read More →
• BSAI Groundfish - Status of stocks and specification of OFL, ABC and TAC The Council reviewed the Ecosystem Status Report for the Eastern Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands;… … Read More →
• Bering Sea Fishery Ecosystem Plan - The Council adopted the Bering Sea Fishery Ecosystem Plan (FEP). The Bering Sea FEP establishes a framework for the Council’s continued progress towards ecosystem-based fishery… … Read More →
• Aleutian Islands Pacific Cod Set-Aside Adjustment - The Council took final action to adjust Amendment 113 such that the prosecution of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Pacific cod fishery aligns… … Read More →
• Snow Crab PSC Limits in Groundfish Fisheries - The Council reviewed an analysis of alternatives to modify methods to calculate and apportion snow crab PSC limits in groundfish trawl fisheries operating in the… … Read More →
• GOA Pollock and Cod Seasonal Allocation Adjustments - The Council adopted for public review an analysis of alternatives intended to relieve operational inefficiencies for the trawl catcher vessel (CV) pollock and Pacific cod… … Read More →
• Exempted Fishing Permits - The Council reviewed two exempted fishing permit (EFP) applications that were presented at the meeting and recommended that both be approved. The first EFP was… … Read More →
• Observer Coverage on Vessels Delivering to Tenders - The Council received an update on staff progress with resolving challenges related to observer coverage on vessels delivering to tenders, and reaffirmed current tasking priorities.… … Read More →
• Trawl Electronic Monitoring Research Plan - The Council approved a 2019 Trawl EM Cooperative Research Plan, developed by the Trawl Electronic Monitoring (EM) Committee. The 2019 cooperative research plan begins development… … Read More →
• BSAI Pacific Cod Allocation Review - At this meeting, the Council reviewed the workplan for an allocation review of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Pacific cod allocation, which is… … Read More →
• Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Program Reauthorization - The Central Gulf of Alaska (GOA) Rockfish Program will sunset on December 31, 2021. If the Council does not take action to recommend the continuation… … Read More →
• Cook Inlet Salmon Committee - The Council reviewed the recommendations of the Cook Inlet Salmon Committee regarding an updated staff discussion paper on candidate measures that are being proposed to… … Read More →
• Western Gulf of Alaska Pollock Vessel Limitations - The Council took no action on a proposal to limit vessels greater than 58 feet length overall from the Western Gulf of Alaska (GOA) pollock… … Read More →
• Social Science Planning Team - The Council received a report on the minutes from the Social Science Planning Team’s (SSPT) interim teleconference (which occurred November 9th, 2018), including draft Terms… … Read More →
• Staff Tasking - The Council discussed the relative priority and scheduling of previously tasked projects, as well as the following issues. The Council also received a presentation on… … Read More →
• Upcoming Meetings - FMAC Partial Coverage Subgroup, January 17, teleconference BSAI Crab Plan Team meeting, January 22-25, Nome, AK Halibut Stakeholder Committee meeting, February 4, 8am-12pm, Portland, OR… … Read More →

OCTOBER Newsletter
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• Kinneen Elected Council Chair; New Council Members - The Council elected Mr. Simon Kinneen as Chair of the Council for the upcoming year, and re-elected Mr. Bill Tweit as Vice-Chair. As Mr. Tweit has been… … Read More →
• Call for Nominations - The Council is accepting nominations for its Scientific and Statistical Committee, Advisory Panel, and BSAI Halibut ABM Stakeholder Committee. Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) nominees should… … Read More →
• Plan Team / Committee Appointments - The Council appointed new membership to the Social Science Planning Team, in response to a Council call to add expertise in Local and Traditional Knowledge… … Read More →
• Halibut Deck Sorting EFP Updates - The Council received an update from representatives of the Alaska Seafood Cooperative concerning the ongoing halibut deck sorting Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) research, which is… … Read More →
• BSAI Crab Specifications - The Council reviewed the final BSAI Crab Stock Assessment Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) report and received information on the status of the ten federally managed crab… … Read More →
• Groundfish Harvest Specifications - The SSC was presented with the Joint Groundfish Plan Teams Report that summarized the issues discussed and actions taken by the Plan Teams at their… … Read More →
• Observer Program Annual Deployment Plan - The Council reviewed the Observer Program Draft 2019 Annual Deployment Plan (ADP), received a report from its Fishery Monitoring Advisory Committee (FMAC, formerly named the… … Read More →
• Halibut in Pots - The Council took final action on an issue that would allow retention of legal-size halibut in pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands… … Read More →
• Bering Sea Fishery Ecosystem Plan - The Council reviewed an initial draft of the Bering Sea Fishery Ecosystem Plan (FEP). The Bering Sea FEP establishes a framework for the Council’s continued… … Read More →
• BSAI Halibut Abundance-based Management - BSAI ABM PSC limits preliminary analysis The Council evaluated a preliminary review draft EIS/RIR of alternatives for abundance-based management (ABM) of BSAI halibut prohibited species… … Read More →
• AI Pacific Cod Set-Aside Adjustment - The Council reviewed an initial review document that would adjust Amendment 113 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian… … Read More →
• IFQ Medical and Beneficiary Transfers - After reviewing the initial draft analysis of the medical transfer and beneficiary lease provisions, the Council approved a preliminary preferred alternative for each issue and… … Read More →
• IFQ CQE Fish Up in Area 3A - The Council reviewed a discussion paper on whether to allow Community Quota Entities (CQEs) in Area 3A to fish D-class halibut IFQ on C-class vessels.… … Read More →
• Small Sablefish Discarding - The Council reviewed a discussion paper that considered modifying the requirement to retain sablefish in the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) longline and pot fisheries. The… … Read More →
• Unguided Halibut Rental Boats - The Council reviewed a discussion paper to explore mechanisms to create a registry for motorized rental boats that are used by unguided anglers to harvest… … Read More →
• Staff Tasking - In addition to discussing the relative priority and scheduling of previously tasked projects, the Council requested staff prepare a series of letters to NMFS: providing… … Read More →
• Upcoming meetings - Subscribe to our Calendar Feed » Joint Protocol Committee, October 17, 2018, Anchorage, AK Charter Halibut Management Committee meetings, October 30, 2018 and December 3… … Read More →

JUNE Newsletter
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• Chairman Hull Leaves Council - After serving 3 full terms – 9 years – Dan Hull chaired his last Council meeting in Kodiak, Alaska.  Mr. Hull has served as Council… … Read More →
• Appointments - SSC Dr. Ron Felthoven (AFSC) was appointed on an interim basis for the remainder of the year to replace Dr. Matt Reimer, who will be… … Read More →
• Call for Nominations - Trawl EM Committee (formerly Workgroup) – processing representative In April 2018, the Council reconstituted the EM Workgroup, which provides a forum for collaboration on EM… … Read More →
• Deck Sorting Analysis Updates - In Kodiak, the Council received an update from NMFS staff concerning an ongoing deck sorting analysis. NMFS is developing a proposed regulatory amendment to implement… … Read More →
• Observer Issues: 2017 Annual Report - The Council received a presentation about the Observer Program Annual Report for 2017 and a report from the Observer Advisory Committee (the OAC, which will… … Read More →
• Electronic Monitoring - In Kodiak, the Council received an update about fixed gear and trawl EM development from the Electronic Monitoring Workgroup (which has now been renamed the… … Read More →
• Crab Management – AI GKC Harvest Specifications - The Council approved the SSC’s OFL and ABC recommendations for the Aleutian Island Golden King Crab stock, and received recommendations from the SSC and the… … Read More →
• Full Retention of Rockfish - At the June 2018 meeting, the Council completed an initial review of the draft Regulatory Impact Review (RIR) that would require full retention of all… … Read More →
• BSAI Halibut in Pots - After reviewing the initial review analysis for halibut retention in pots in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI), the Council revised its purpose and… … Read More →
• BSAI Pcod Mothership Limitation and Trawl CV Allocation - The Council reviewed a preliminary document for evaluating changes to management of the BSAI catcher vessel (CV) non-CDQ Pacific cod trawl fishery. In the document,… … Read More →
• GOA Pollock and Pacific Cod Season Allocations - The Council initiated an analysis of alternatives to modify the existing four-season structure of the Western and Central GOA pollock fishery and the relative allocation… … Read More →
• Fishery Effort and Observer Coverage Relative to Tanner Crab Distribution in the CGOA - The Council reviewed a discussion paper on nonpelagic trawl and pot cod effort and observer coverage in two ADF&G statistical areas around Kodiak Island as… … Read More →
• Social Science Planning Team - The Council heard a report from the newly formed Social Science Planning team (SSPT), which hosted its first in-person meeting May 8th and 9th. The… … Read More →
• Community Engagement - In June 2018, the Council established an ad-hoc Community Engagement Committee and is soliciting nominations for the new committee. The Council took action after reviewing… … Read More →
• 3-River Index and Kuskokwim Model Review - At this meeting, the SSC and the Council reviewed a new ADF&G model for assessing the postseason abundance estimates for Chinook salmon on the Kuskokwim… … Read More →
• Halibut Abundance-Based Management (ABM) - Two items related the Council’s initiative on halibut abundance-based management (ABM) were addressed at this meeting.  The SSC reviewed a discussion paper on proposed methodological… … Read More →
• Research Priorities - In accordance with Council procedures, the SSC and Council review research priorities each year at the Council’s June meeting.  Prior to Council review, the Council’s… … Read More →
• IFQ Outreach - The Council hosted an evening outreach/listening session in Kodiak on Tuesday, June 5. More than 50 stakeholders – including Council members – attended to comment… … Read More →
• NMFS Survey Planning - At the June 2018 meeting, the Alaska Fisheries Science Center requested input from the SSC and the Council on longer-term planning for BSAI and GOA surveys.… … Read More →
• Ecosystem Workshop Report - The Council received a summary report on the one-day ecosystem research workshop held on February 7th, in conjunction with the February Council meeting. The workshop… … Read More →
• Staff Tasking - In addition to discussing the relative priority and scheduling of previously tasked projects, the Council took the following actions and clarified direction and tasking for… … Read More →
• Upcoming Meetings - Bering Sea Fishery Ecosystem Plan Team subgroup on objectives: June 14, AFSC, Seattle, WA Assessment Modeling Workshop:  June 27-28, AFSC Seattle Ecosystem Committee: July 24,… … Read More →

APRIL Newsletter
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• Appointments and Committee Changes - Four new members were appointed to the Social Science Planning Team: Sally Bibb (NMFS Regional Office) to replace Rachel Baker; Mike Fey (AKFIN); Dr. Mike… … Read More →
• U.S. Coast Guard Changes - Captain Stephen White is undergoing a change of command and this was his last meeting as a Council member representing the United States Coast Guard.… … Read More →
• Salmon FMP - The Council reviewed proposals that stakeholders submitted in response to an October 2017 call for public comment on measures to manage the commercial salmon fisheries… … Read More →
• Scallops - The Council reviewed the 2018 Alaska weathervane scallop SAFE report that was prepared by the Scallop Plan Team. The Council set scallop ABC at 1.161… … Read More →
• Charter Halibut Permit (CHP) Renewal - The Council took final action on an issue that would create an annual renewal process for charter halibut permits (CHPs) in IPHC Regulatory Areas 2C… … Read More →
• Mixing of Guided and Unguided Halibut - In February 2017, the Council initiated an analysis for limiting the simultaneous possession of guided halibut with unguided halibut in IPHC Areas 2C and 3A… … Read More →
• Salmon Bycatch - The Council received a series of reports on the stock of origin of Chinook and chum salmon bycatch taken incidentally in selected BSAI and GOA… … Read More →
• GOA Chinook PSC - The Council has indefinitely postponed any further action on modifications to the Chinook salmon prohibited species catch (PSC) limit for GOA trawl catcher vessels in… … Read More →
• Cooperative Reports - At the April meeting, the Council reviewed cooperative reports for the American Fisheries Act Program, Amendment 80 Program, Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Program, and BSAI… … Read More →
• Halibut Retention in Pots - After reviewing the initial review analysis for halibut retention in sablefish pots in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI), the Council revised its purpose… … Read More →
• BSAI Halibut Abundance-based Management of PSC Limits - After review of a staff discussion paper, the Council drafted a suite of alternatives to establish abundance-based halibut prohibited species catch (PSC) limits for the… … Read More →
• Staff Tasking - In addition to discussing the relative priority and scheduling of previously tasked projects, the Council took the following actions and clarified direction and tasking for… … Read More →
• Regulatory Reform - The Regulatory Reform agenda and requirements in Executive Order (E.O.) 13771 and E.O. 13777 require NMFS, as part of the Department of Commerce, to evaluate… … Read More →
• Research Priorities - Every year, the SSC and Council review five-year research priorities.  This is an obligation under the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and publication of Council research needs informs… … Read More →
• Northern Edge 2017 Report - John Mosher and Andrea Balla-Holden from the U.S. Navy provided an after-action presentation on Northern Edge 2017 joint training exercise that was completed May 1-12,… … Read More →
• Charter Halibut Economic Data - The Council requested that staff develop a brief framework on economic data needs for the upcoming 2021 Halibut Catch Sharing Plan allocation review. The framework… … Read More →
• Community Engagement and Outreach - In response to public testimony in February and April, and a staff discussion paper on the Council’s approach to outreach in recent years, the Council… … Read More →
• NIOSH Report - At the April Council meeting, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) provided a presentation on safety and health in Alaska’s Commercial fishing… … Read More →
• Upcoming Meetings - Here is the revised Three-Meeting Outlook resulting from this Council meeting. Fishing Families Workshop, May 7, 5:15-7:15 pm Birch/Willow Room, Anchorage Hilton Crab Plan Team… … Read More →

FEBRUARY Newsletter
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• Thank you, Seattle! - The evening before the Council meeting, fishing industry and other involved groups hosted a seafood buffet and reception at the… … Read More →
• Elections and Appointments - The Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) elected Anne Hollowed and Gordon Kruse as co-Chairs of the SSC for 2018.… … Read More →
• Trawl CVs to Join EM Workgroup - CALL FOR NOMINATIONS NOW CLOSED In February 2018, the Council changed priorities for the EM Workgroup to reflect a new… … Read More →
• AFSC Marine Mammal Lab Mammal Status - The SSC received a series of presentations from ecosystem program leads at the AFSC Marine Mammal Laboratory, as requested by… … Read More →
• BSAI Crab Specifications - The final Norton Sound red king crab assessment was reviewed by the SSC, AP and Council in order to set… … Read More →
• Small Sideboards - The Council took final action in February to prohibit directed fishing by regulation for species with sideboard limits insufficient to… … Read More →
• GOA Trawl CV Chinook Salmon PSC - The Council considered an initial review analysis of alternatives to modify the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) non-pollock trawl catcher vessel… … Read More →
• IFQ Medical Transfer Provision - The Council reviewed a discussion paper, developed a Purpose and Need Statement, and approved alternatives for analysis. Alternatives were included… … Read More →
• IFQ Beneficiary Designation - The Council reviewed a discussion paper on IFQ survivorship beneficiary designation and developed a Purpose and Need Statement and alternatives… … Read More →
• IFQ Committee - The IFQ Committee met on February 5, 2018 to review two Council discussion papers and a set of 20 proposals… … Read More →
• Arctic Exploratory Fishing - The Council reviewed a discussion paper that reviewed international fishery agreements and provisions regarding exploratory fishing. The Council requested in… … Read More →
• Electronic Monitoring Priorities - At the February 2018 meeting in Seattle, the Council reviewed the status of observer and electronic monitoring (EM) projects in… … Read More →
• Observer Fee Analysis - The Council reviewed a progress report on the observer fee analysis. The Council adopted a purpose and need statement, as… … Read More →
• Economic SAFE review - The Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) reviewed the Groundfish and Crab Economic SAFE reports as presented by economists Ben… … Read More →
• Ecosystem Research Workshop - The Council held a one-day ecosystem research workshop on Wednesday, February 7th, in conjunction with the February Council meeting. The… … Read More →
• Ecosystem Committee/Bering Sea Fishery Ecosystem Plan - The NPFMC Ecosystem Committee met on February 6, 2018 from 8 AM to 5:30 PM in Seattle, WA. In addition… … Read More →
• Social Science Planning Team - The Council received a Social Science Planning Team (SSPT) update on the new advisory body’s membership, scope, and preliminary agenda… … Read More →
• Assessment Modeling Workshop - The Council will be hosting a stock assessment ensemble modeling workshop over the summer of 2018.  The focus of the… … Read More →
• Groundfish Management Policy - The Council conducted its annual review of the Programmatic Groundfish Management Policy, as required under the GOA and BSAI Groundfish… … Read More →
• Staff Tasking - In addition to discussing the relative priority and scheduling of previously tasked projects, the Council took the following actions and… … Read More →
• Upcoming Meetings - Revised three-meeting outlook resulting from this meeting. Enforcement Committee:  April 3 from 1 – 4, Anchorage Hilton EMWG: May 15, 8:15 -5:30… … Read More →

DECEMBER 2017 Newsletter
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• SSC, AP, Committee Appointments - Scientific and Statistical Committee The Council approved the following reappointments for a one-year term to the SSC:  Dr. Chris Anderson,… … Read More →
• Solicitation for Charter Halibut Management Committee - The Council is seeking nominations for representatives from Area 2C and Area 3A from smaller communities off the road system to… … Read More →
• Charter Halibut Management Measures - The Council reviewed the ADF&G analysis of proposed management measures for charter halibut fisheries in Areas 2C and 3A, and recommended… … Read More →
• Annual CHP Trip Limits - The Council chose to take no action at this time on a proposal to establish annual charter halibut permit (CHP)… … Read More →
• RQE Ownership Caps - The Council chose to postpone an action that considered increasing the CHP ownership caps for a future recreational quota entity… … Read More →
• Self-Guided Halibut Rental Boats - At this meeting, the Council identified a purpose and need statement and directed staff to develop an expanded discussion paper… … Read More →
• BSAI Groundfish Harvest Specifications for 2018 and 2019 - The Council approved the BSAI Groundfish SAFE report and annual catch limits after recommendations from its advisory committees. The SAFE… … Read More →
• GOA Groundfish Harvest Specifications for 2018 and 2019 - The Council approved the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) Groundfish Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) and recommended final harvest specifications… … Read More →
• Small Sideboards - At this meeting, the Council reviewed an initial review draft that analyzed a proposed action to revise federal regulations prohibiting… … Read More →
• Bering Sea Pacific cod Trawl CV Participation - The Council reviewed a discussion paper that examined participation and effort in the Bering Sea trawl catcher vessel Pacific cod… … Read More →
• GOA Pollock and Pacific Cod Management - The Council reviewed four discussion papers on the GOA groundfish fisheries. Two papers assessed trends in the timing of Chinook… … Read More →
• Fixed Gear CV Rockfish Retention - After reviewing a discussion paper to consider requiring fixed-gear catcher vessels to retain all rockfish species, the Council adopted a… … Read More →
• Chinook Salmon EFP - NMFS consulted with the Council on an exempted fishing permit (EFP) application to test salmon excluder devices presented by Mr.… … Read More →
• Final 2018 Annual Deployment Plan - NMFS reported on the Final 2018 Observer Annual Deployment Plan (ADP), which was released in early December. Although NMFS did… … Read More →
• Staff Tasking - In addition to discussing the relative priority and scheduling of previously tasked projects, the Council took the following actions and… … Read More →
• Baker and Wallace Depart - The Council recognized two long-time NMFS participants in the Council process. Farron Wallace is retiring from the SSC, where he… … Read More →
• Young Fishermen’s Summit - The Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program hosted its seventh Alaska Young Fishermen's Summit December 6–8 in Anchorage, which overlapped… … Read More →
• Council Developing eComment Application - In an effort to streamline the administrative side of the commenting process, Council staff have been working on developing an… … Read More →
• Upcoming Meetings - Meetings that are part of the February Council meeting in Seattle, WA: February 5, 2018: IFQ Committee and Legislative Committee… … Read More →

OCTOBER 2017 Newsletter
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• Unguided Halibut Rental Boats - The Council reviewed a discussion paper to explore mechanisms to create a registry for motorized rental boats that are used… … Read More →
• Call for Nominations – AP, SSC, CQE seat on IFQ Committee - The Council is accepting nominations for its Scientific and Statistical Committee, and its Advisory Panel. SSC nominees should have areas… … Read More →
• Council Elections and Appointments - The Council re-elected Dan Hull as Chairman, and re-elected Bill Tweit as Vice-Chair for the upcoming year.  The Council appointed… … Read More →
• Roy Hyder leaves Council; Welcome to Steve Marx - Roy Hyder, who has been the designee of the Director of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife since October… … Read More →
• Northern Fur Seal Discussion Paper - The Council reviewed a discussion paper synthesizing information about the northern fur seal in Alaska. The paper, requested by the… … Read More →
• Charter Halibut Permit Renewal Process - The Council recommended the release of a document for Public Review that considers implementing a charter halibut permit (CHP) annual… … Read More →
• Mixing of Guided and Unguided Halibut - At this meeting, the Council reviewed an initial review analysis for limiting the mixing of guided and unguided halibut on… … Read More →
• BSAI Crab Specifications - The Council reviewed the final BSAI Crab Stock Assessment Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) report and received information on the status of… … Read More →
• Groundfish Specifications - The SSC was presented with the Joint Groundfish Plan Teams Report that summarized the issues discussed and actions taken by… … Read More →
• Tendering Scoping Paper - The Council reviewed a scoping paper identifying the specific observer data concerns with respect to vessels engaged in tendering, and… … Read More →
• Low Sampling Rates Discussion Paper - The Council reviewed a discussion paper that considered options for increasing partial coverage selection rates. The Council opted to initiate… … Read More →
• Draft 2018 ADP - The Council reviewed the Draft 2018 Observer Annual Deployment Plan (ADP), received a report from its Observer Advisory Committee (OAC)… … Read More →
• Other Observer Issues - The Council reviewed the EMWG and the OAC recommendations on draft Statement of Work for the EM and observer service… … Read More →
• Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Program Review - The Council reviewed the Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Program review and allocation policy review, and accepted the reviews as… … Read More →
• Salmon FMP - The Council received an update from staff on preliminary development of a Salmon FMP amendment that would extend federal management… … Read More →
• BSAI Halibut Abundance-based PSC Management - The Council reviewed a discussion paper on the development of abundance based PSC limits for BSAI halibut prepared by an… … Read More →
• Deck Sorting and Halibut Genetic Sample EFPs - The Council reviewed and supports two exempted fishing permit (EFP) applications that were presented at the meeting. The first is… … Read More →
• IFQ Committee - The Council reviewed the minutes of the IFQ Committee which met on Monday, October 2. The committee reviewed staff papers… … Read More →
• Halibut Retention in Pot Gear - After reviewing a staff discussion paper, the Council initiated an analysis to allow vessels using pot gear in the BSAI… … Read More →
• Staff Tasking - In addition to discussing the relative priority and scheduling of previously tasked projects, the Council took the following actions and… … Read More →

JUNE 2017 Newsletter
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• Chris Oliver heads NOAA Fisheries in Washington DC - After 27 years working for the NPFMC - 15 of them as Executive Director - Chris Oliver is headed to… … Read More →
• Joint IPHC and Council Meet - The Council met jointly with the IPHC on June 8 to discuss several issues of mutual concern. Status reports were… … Read More →
• Thanks to CDQ Groups - Participating CDQ groups hosted a dinner during the Council week.  Crab, halibut, sablefish, shrimp and oysters were prepared perfectly, and… … Read More →
• Appointments - The Council made many Plan Team appointments at this meeting. Teresa A’mar, currently at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center as… … Read More →
• Observer Issues - The Council reviewed the 2016 Annual Report for the North Pacific Observer Program, and made recommendations for the 2018 Annual… … Read More →
• Lead Level 2 Observers - The Council took final action to recommend a regulatory change expanding the ways that an eligible observer can qualify to… … Read More →
• IFQ Leasing by CDQ Groups - The Council took final action to approve a regulatory amendment that would allow CDQ groups the opportunity to lease Area… … Read More →
• BSAI Yellowfin Sole Trawl Limited Access - At this meeting, the Council took final action to limit access for trawl catcher vessels targeting Bering Sea and Aleutian… … Read More →
• Halibut Abundance-Based PSC Management - The Council reviewed a discussion paper on development of abundance-based approaches for BSAI halibut PSC limits.  This builds upon previous… … Read More →
• Squid Reclassification - The Council took final action on an EA/RIR/IRFA to reclassify squid species under the BSAI and GOA groundfish fishery management… … Read More →
• Crab Management - The Council approved SSC OFL and ABC recommendations for 3 BSAI crab stocks and received recommendations from the SSC and… … Read More →
• Research Priorities - At each June meeting, the Council, in conjunction with its Scientific and Statistical Committee, reviews research that has been identified… … Read More →
• AFA and non-AFA Small Sideboard Elimination - The Council at this meeting reviewed a discussion paper examining the potential for using regulations to close directed fishing for… … Read More →
• Tanner Crab Protection Measures in CGOA - The Council and its Advisory Panel reviewed a discussion paper on the existing protections afforded to Central Gulf of Alaska… … Read More →
• The Council establishes a Social Science Planning Team - The Council formally established a standing advisory body to facilitate and enhance the use of social science data in the… … Read More →
• Staff Tasking - In addition to discussing the relative priority of previously tasked projects, the Council initiated new actions and clarified direction and… … Read More →
• Call for Nominations - The Council is soliciting nominations for a member for the Charter Halibut Committee – a 2C representative from one of… … Read More →

APRIL 2017 Newsletter
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• Staff Tasking - In addition to discussing the relative priority and scheduling of previously tasked projects, the Council took the following actions and… … Read More →
• Upcoming Meetings - Here is the revised Three-Meeting Outlook resulting from this Council meeting. Fishing Families Workshop, May 7, 5:15-7:15 pm Birch/Willow Room,… … Read More →
• Appointments - The Council appointed Davin Holen to the newly formed Bering Sea Ecosystem Plan Team.  Holen is currently the Coastal Community… … Read More →
• Scallop SAFE and Plan Team Report - The Council reviewed the 2017 SAFE report for Alaska weathervane scallops. The Council’s SSC set the ABC at 1.161 million… … Read More →
• Salmon FMP Amendment - The Council was presented with a discussion paper that provided a preliminary review of the steps needed to impose federal… … Read More →
• Pollock ICA/IPA Reports and Salmon Genetics - The Council received genetics reports on the stock of origin of Chinook and chum salmon bycatch in the 2015 Bering… … Read More →
• Co-op Reporting - At the April meeting, the Council reviewed cooperative reports for the Amendment 80 Program, Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Program,… … Read More →
• Central GOA Rockfish Program Review Workplan - The Council reviewed the Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Program work plan and recommended that staff proceed with the proposed… … Read More →
• EFH Amendments - The Council took final action in April to modify the Council’s BSAI Groundfish, GOA Groundfish, BSAI King and Tanner Crab,… … Read More →
• Halibut Abundance-based PSC Limits - The Council has tasked an inter-agency workgroup of NMFS AKR, NMFS AFSC, IPHC, and Council staff to develop abundance-based approaches… … Read More →
• CDQ Ownership Caps - The Council took final action on a housekeeping amendment package that would revise the American Fisheries Act (AFA) Program and… … Read More →
• Electronic Monitoring - The Council reviewed the Electronic Monitoring (EM) Workgroup report from their March 2017 meeting. In addition to discussing how the… … Read More →
• Observer Issues - Lead Level 2 Observers The Council selected a preliminary preferred alternative in an analysis to address the potential for a… … Read More →
• Crab Binding Arbitration Formula - The Council considered a discussion paper on the non-binding price formula that is part of the Arbitration System in the… … Read More →
• BSAI Tanner Crab Processing Cap - At this meeting, the Council reviewed a discussion paper that evaluated additional solutions to the C. bairdi crab IPQ use… … Read More →
• BS Fishery Ecosystem Plan - The Council received a report from staff about progress with developing the Bering Sea Fishery Ecosystem Plan (FEP). The report… … Read More →
• Programmatic Groundfish Management Policy - The Council conducted its annual review of the Programmatic Groundfish Management Policy, as required under the GOA and BSAI Groundfish… … Read More →
• Staff Tasking - In addition to discussing the relative priority of previously tasked projects, the Council initiated new actions and clarified direction and… … Read More →
• Upcoming Meetings - BS FEP Team: April 24-26 , Homer, Alaska Crab Plan Team: May 2-5 Juneau, Alaska, Federal Building Observer Advisory Committee:… … Read More →

FEBRUARY 2017 Newsletter
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• Thank you Seattle! - The Council members and public enjoyed a spectacular seafood reception at the Renaissance Mariott Hotel in downtown Seattle following the… … Read More →
• Nominations open for Charter Halibut Committee - The Council is seeking nominations for seats to be filled on the Charter Halibut Committee to include a 3A representative… … Read More →
• BSAI Halibut Abundance-based PSC Management Workshop - In conjunction with the February Council meeting, the Council held a public stakeholder workshop to solicit input to identify measurable… … Read More →
• CDQ Ownership Caps - The Council made an initial review of an amendment package that would revise the American Fisheries Act (AFA) Program and… … Read More →
• Mixing of Guided and Unguided Halibut - At the June 2016 meeting, the Council tasked staff to prepare a discussion paper on the mixing of guided and… … Read More →
• IFQ Leasing by CDQ Groups - The Council made an initial review of a regulatory amendment package that would allow CDQ groups to lease halibut IFQ… … Read More →
• IFQ Committee - The newly reconstituted IFQ Committee held its first meeting on Monday, January 30; the minutes from that meeting were subsequently… … Read More →
• Norton Sound Red King Crab - The final Norton Sound red king crab assessment was reviewed by the SSC, AP and Council in order to set… … Read More →
• BSAI Yellowfin Sole Trawl Limited Access Entry - At this meeting, the Council made an initial review of an analysis of management measures to limit access for trawl… … Read More →
• AFA Program Review - The MSA requires a formal and detailed review of Limited Access Privilege Programs 5 years after the implementation of the… … Read More →
• Squid to Ecosystem Component Category - The Council reviewed an EA/RIR/IRFA to evaluate moving squid stocks in both the BSAI Groundfish FMP and the GOA Groundfish… … Read More →
• Gear and Sector Specific GOA Skate MRAs - The Council reviewed a discussion paper examining gear and sector specific Maximum Retainable Amounts (MRAs) for Gulf of Alaska skates.… … Read More →
• Bristol Bay Red King Crab - The Council reviewed a discussion paper on groundfish bycatch management measures for the Bristol Bay red king crab stock. The… … Read More →
• Stock Assessment Prioritization - The Council and SSC received reports from the Groundfish and Crab Plan Teams on their recommendations for applying the National… … Read More →
• Staff Tasking from February 2017 - In addition to discussing the relative priority of previously tasked projects, the Council clarified direction and tasking for its various… … Read More →

December 2016 Newsletter
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• Council Appointments - The Council approved all current SSC members for another one-year term, as well as the appointment of Dayv Lowry from… … Read More →
• 40th Anniversary Celebration - Nearly 350 guests enjoyed a banquet at the Captain Cook Hotel on December 8 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of… … Read More →
• Charter Halibut Management Measures - The Charter Halibut Management Committee met in October 2016, and again in December 2016, to consider management measures designed to… … Read More →
• Charter Halibut Permits - The Council reviewed a discussion paper that presented information on the use of charter halibut permits (CHPs). The discussion paper… … Read More →
• Charter Halibut Recreational Quota Entity - The Council took final action on a package that would allow the formation of a non-profit charter halibut recreational quota… … Read More →
• BSAI Harvest Specifications for 2017/2018 - The Council approved the BSAI Groundfish SAFE report and annual catch limits based on recommendations from its advisory committees.  The… … Read More →
• GOA Specifications for 2017/2018 - The Council approved the Gulf of Alaska Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) report and recommended final catch specifications for… … Read More →
• Bristol Bay Red King Crab Savings Area - The SSC and Council reviewed an application for an exempted fishing permit to allow for some flatfish trawling within the… … Read More →
• Electronic Monitoring - The Council took final action to establish electronic monitoring (EM) as a part of the North Pacific Observer Program. Under… … Read More →
• Gulf of Alaska Trawl Bycatch Management - The Council received staff reports on three documents: a summary of the public comment scoping process that was conducted over… … Read More →
• EFH Effects - EFH Fishing Effects Methods The Council reviewed and approved a proposed method to evaluate the effects of fishing on Essential… … Read More →
• Salmon Excluder EFP - The Council received a final report on the exempted fishing permit for testing salmon excluder devices in the EBS pollock… … Read More →
• Bering Sea FEP - The Council appointed 12 people to a Council Bering Sea Fishery Ecosystem Plan Team, to begin developing the Council’s Bering… … Read More →
• Staff Tasking from December 2016 - In addition to discussing the relative priority of previously tasked projects, the Council initiated several new projects and clarified direction… … Read More →
• Upcoming Meetings - Joint Groundfish Plan Team meeting for Stock Prioritization: January 11-12, 2017, AFSC, Seattle WA Crab Plan Team meeting: January 17-19,… … Read More →

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