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 the 2018 National Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Summit (https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/new-plans-engaging-recreational-fishermen) and is an opportunity for recreational fishers and charter business owners and employees to meet with managers at the National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Department of Fish & Game, and the Council to ask questions, and gain a better understanding of recreational fisheries management in Alaska. Engagement objectives for the meeting included:
- Establishing a visible presence among the recreational fishing community
- Developing a mutual understanding of priorities, concerns, and challenges
- Enhancing collaboration with the recreational fishing community.
The summit was well attended by local fishermen and charter business owners and employees. Several Council members were present along with Chris Oliver (Assistant Administrator for NOAA Fisheries), Council staff, NMFS staff, and ADF&G staff. No formal presentations were provided, but the Council’s Charter Halibut Management Committee process was explained and participation in the committee process was encouraged. Attendees had open opportunity to ask questions of any of the managers in attendance. Council member Andy Mezirow explained his role in the Council process and provided a summary of charter issues that the Council has considered over the last several years.
At the end of the meeting, ADF&G staff provided an introduction to the electronic logbook that they developed for charter operators.
Another Recreational Fisheries Roundtable is scheduled for October 2019 in Homer, AK.
