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 well as in Chiniak Gulley (see Figure), and chose to take no further action. The discussion paper was a targeted follow up to a 2017 discussion paper on the protections… 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 the OAC recommendations for developing short-term and long-term solutions. The Council agreed with the OAC recommendations, and initiated the following two projects. To address the issue of salmon monitoring and sampling in the GOA pollock… 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 an analysis to consider increasing the observer fee, with the first steps of the analytical process to follow the Observer Advisory Committee recommendations to develop observer coverage reference points. The paper was prepared by a… 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 provider contracts for partial coverage, on which the NMFS Acquisition and Grants Office (AGO) is currently soliciting input. In staff tasking, the Council requested that the OAC, EMWG, and Advisory Panel comments be compiled and… Read More →
Observer Issues
The Council reviewed the 2016 Annual Report for the North Pacific Observer Program, and made recommendations for the 2018 Annual Deployment Plan (ADP), which will be developed over the summer. The Annual Report provides a scientific evaluation of the deployment of observers in 2016, to assess whether the objectives of the Observer Program have been… Read More →
Call for Nominations
The Council is soliciting nominations for a member for the Charter Halibut Committee – a 2C representative from one of the smaller communities to complement representation from Juneau and Sitka. Nominations are open until July 31. Please send a letter of interest to steve.maclean@noaa.gov. The Council is also soliciting for a representative of the western… Read More →
Observer Issues
Lead Level 2 Observers The Council selected a preliminary preferred alternative in an analysis to address the potential for a shortage of fixed-gear lead level 2 (LL2) observers for deployment on freezer longline vessels. The majority of freezer longline vessels operate under monitoring requirements that require them to have at-sea scales and carry a single… Read More →
