The Council discussed the relative priority and scheduling of previously-tasked projects, and identified new tasking. The revised 3 meeting outlook reflects this guidance.
The Council discussed the June meeting. At this point, the Council is still planning on an in-person/hybrid Council meeting in Sitka, AK. The Council will follow a similar format as at the April meeting, accommodating remote accessibility options, including broadcasting the SSC and AP in addition to the Council, and allowing for remote and in-person testimony at all three meetings.
The Council provided the following additional guidance:
- Direction to staff to write a comment letter on the NOAA Fisheries and BOEM Draft Federal Survey Mitigation Strategy that addresses anticipated impacts of offshore wind energy development on NOAA Fisheries’ scientific surveys in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. The Council noted that while the initial strategy focuses elsewhere, it is important to provide comments as it will serve as a model to address the impacts of offshore wind on NOAA Fisheries surveys nationwide.
- Clarification of its intent that IFQ transfers that occurred under the COVID-19 emergency rule provisions should not count towards the regulated limit allowed for the existing medical transfer provision, and authorized NMFS to prepare any required rulemaking under its authority.
- Request to staff to arrange a Joint Protocol Committee meeting with the Alaska Board of Fish, to discuss upcoming crab and Pacific cod issues of mutual interest.
- Support for the SSC proposal to hold a workshop in February 2023 focused on the management of Federal stocks, given the rapid changes that have been observed in the northern Bering Sea and southern Chukchi Sea, and possible ecosystem responses
- Tasking to staff with further work on several ideas from the February 2022 staff paper on reflections on the Council process and ideas for change (see separate newsletter). Staff will report back in June.
Additionally, the Council directed staff to develop a NPFMC Facebook page in order to provide an additional avenue to reach rural communities. The creation of a social media presence on Facebook is responsive to recommendations from the Council’s Community Engagement Committee. Through the Facebook page, staff will disseminate meeting announcements and availability of meeting materials, content that is usually highlighted on the ‘Spotlight’ section of the Council’s webpage.
Staff contact is Diana Evans.
