JUNE Newsletter

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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 (see revised 3 meeting outlook). The Council tasked the following new… … 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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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 (see revised 3 meeting outlook), as well as the following issues. The Council… … 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 - Revised Three Meeting Outlook 12/22/16 Joint Groundfish Plan Team meeting for Stock Prioritization: January 11-12, 2017, AFSC, Seattle WA Crab… … Read More →

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