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 its committees:
- Initiated an analysis to adjust regulations implementing the Aleutian Islands Pacific cod set aside for catcher vessels delivering to shore-based processors in Aleutian Islands communities (implemented under BSAI Groundfish Amendment 113). A discussion of the tradeoffs and benefits of combining this action interacts with the BSAI Pacific cod trawl CV analysis will be provided to the Council in June 2018. The analysis will also include a description of the 2018 BSAI CV trawl fishery and how it was or was not consistent with the intent of Amendment 113.
- Received a report from the Pacific Northwest Crab Industry Advisory Committee (PNCIAC) and initiated two discussion papers for the BSAI crab fisheries, to evaluate the steps necessary to implement an electronic logbook, and to consider allowing partial deliveries of all BSAI crab program species.
- Initiated a discussion paper to describe the Economic Data Report requirements for all programs, how the collected data are used, and estimates for the cost associated with complying with EDR requirements.
- Initiated a discussion paper to consider modifying the requirement to retain small sablefish in the Alaska IFQ longline and pot fisheries.
- Directed staff to submit comments to NMFS on the draft policy on using Best Scientific Information Available as recommended by the Council’s SSC.
- Reviewed a staff discussion paper on the Council’s community outreach efforts and began planning for the appointment of an outreach or community engagement committee to meet in the fall.
- Reviewed and approved a proposal for the process for determining five-year research priorities in 2018 which will be undertaken at the June 2018 meeting.
- Requested staff develop a one-page framework of data needed for the Catch Sharing Plan allocation review scheduled for 2021 so that any needed research can be prioritized as appropriate. This framework will be considered in the assessment of research priorities at the June meeting.
- Directed staff to post guidance documents on the Council website with respect to the operational procedures of Council committees and submitting written comments to the Council or its committees.
- Proposed holding a Joint Protocol Committee meeting with Board of Fish representatives, tentatively on October 19th in Anchorage, AK, to discuss Pacific cod and Salmon FMP issues.
Motions are posted on the Council website through the Agenda. Staff contact is Diana Evans.
