December Newsletter

Printable display of all articles

• 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

Printable display of all articles

• 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

Printable display of all articles

• 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

Printable display of all articles

• 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

Printable display of all articles

• 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

Printable display of all articles

• 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

Printable display of all articles

• 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

Printable display of all articles

• 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

Printable display of all articles

• 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

Printable display of all articles

• 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
Printable display of all articles

• 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
Printable display of all articles

• 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
Printable display of all articles

• 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
Printable display of all articles

• 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
Printable display of all articles

• 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
Printable display of all articles

• 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
Printable PDF of all the articles

• 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
Printable PDF of all the articles

• 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
Printable PDF of all the articles

• 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
Printable PDF of all the articles

• 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
Printable PDF of all the articles

• 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 →

October 2016 Newsletter
June 2016 Newsletter
April 2016 Newsletter
February 2016 Newsletter

December 2015 Newsletter
October 2015 Newsletter
June 2015 Newsletter
April 2015 Newsletter
February 2015 Newsletter

December 2014 Newsletter
October 2014 Newsletter
June 2014 Newsletter
April 2014 Newsletter
February 2014 Newsletter

December 2013 Newsletter
October 2013 Newsletter
June 2013 Newsletter
April 2013 Newsletter
February 2013 Newsletter

December 2012 Newsletter
October 2012 Newsletter
June 2012 Newsletter
April 2012 Newsletter
February 2012 Newsletter

December 2011 Newsletter
October 2011 Newsletter
June 2011 Newsletter
April 2011 Newsletter
February 2011 Newsletter

December 2010 Newsletter
October 2010 Newsletter
August 2010 Special SSL Meeting Newsletter
June 2010 Newsletter
April 2010 Newsletter
February 2010 Newsletter

December 2009 Newsletter
October 2009 Newsletter
June 2009 Newsletter
April 2009 Newsletter
February 2009 Newsletter

December 2008 Newsletter
October 2008 Newsletter
June 2008 Newsletter
April 2008 Newsletter
February 2008 Newsletter

December 2007 Newsletter
October 2007 Newsletter
June 2007 Newsletter
April 2007 Newsletter
February 2007 ewsletter

December 2006 Newsletter
October 2006 Newsletter
June 2006 Newsletter
April 2006 Newsletter
February 2006 Newsletter
with 2/22 correction to AIS article

December 2005 Newsletter
October 2005 Newsletter
June 2005 Newsletter
April 2005 Newsletter
February 2005 Newsletter

December 2004 Newsletter
October 2004 Newsletter
June 2004 Newsletter
April 2004 Newsletter
February 2004 Newsletter

December 2003 Newsletter, with attachments
October 2003 Newsletter, with attachments
June 2003 Newsletter, with attachments
April 2003 Newsletter, with attachments
February 2003 Newsletter, with attachment

December 2002 Newsletter, with attachments
October 2002 Newsletter, with attachments
June 2002 Newsletter
April 2002 Newsletter, with attachments
February 2002 Newsletter, with attachments

December 2001 Newsletter, with attachments
October 2001 Newsletter, with attachments
September 2001 Meeting Summary
June 2001 Newsletter, with attachments, PDF format
April 2001 Newsletter, with attachments, PDF format
February 2001 Newsletter, with attachments, PDF format

December 2000 Newsletter, with attachments, PDF format
October 2000 Newsletter, with attachments, PDF format
September 2000 Newsletter, with attachments, PDF format
June 2000 Newsletter
April 2000 Newsletter
February 2000 Newsletter

December 1999 Newsletter in PDF format
October 1999 Newsletter in PDF format
June 1999 Newsletter
April 1999 Newsletter
February 1999 Newsletter with links to Attachments

December 1998 Newsletter
November 1998 Newsletter
October 1998 Newsletter
June 1998 Newsletter
April 1998 Newsletter
February 1998 Newsletter

December 1997 Newsletter
September 1997 Newsletter
June 1997 Newsletter
April 1997 Newsletter
February 1997 Newsletter

December 1996 Newsletter
September 1996 Newsletter
June 1996 Newsletter
April 1996 Newsletter
January 1996 Newsletter

June 1995 Newsletter (includes final action on Groundfish & Crab LLP)
April 1995 Newsletter (Groundifish & Crab LLP initial review included)
January 1995 Newsletter