The Council is requesting information from the public on the 2024 research priorities triennial review for the fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska by October 31, 2023. Written comments can be submitted using the “Comment Now” option on the eAgenda or by using the digital form. Please submit comments by 5:00pm on Tuesday, October 31, 2023. All ideas are welcome and may be provided in any format.
The Council develops research priorities for fisheries, habitats, and other areas necessary for management purposes and reviews those priorities every three years. The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) requires that regional fishery management councils develop “multi-year research priorities for fisheries, fisheries interactions, habitats, and other areas of research that are necessary for management purposes” (16 U.S.C. 1852(h)(7)). This includes research to support fishery management plans and associated regulations for fisheries requiring conservation and management to prevent overfishing, rebuild depleted fish stocks, and ensure sustainable fishing practices. Research priorities should be established and updated as necessary. The Council reviews its research priorities every three years, and the next triennial review of research priorities is tentatively scheduled for April 2024.
Additional information can be found in the Reference Information section on the eAgenda, including the most recent Council research priorities from the April 2021 Research Priorities Triennial Review, the Council research priority terms and category definitions, and the Federal Register Notice. We look forward to your participation in this process.