The Council conducted an initial review of a draft analysis to integrate Electronic Monitoring (EM) on Pollock Catcher Vessels using Pelagic Trawl Gear and Tender Vessels in the North Pacific Observer Program and recommended releasing the analysis for final action. The Council selected Alternative 2 as the preliminary preferred alternative which would implement EM on… Read More →
Trawl Electronic Monitoring
The SSC completed a preliminary review of electronic monitoring (EM) on pelagic trawl pollock catcher vessels (CVs) and tenders both delivering to processing plants. The trawl EM program combines EM systems that provide at-sea monitoring of CVs for compliance with fishery management objectives to achieve maximized retention, electronic reporting of catch and discard information, and… Read More →
BSAI Trawl CV Pacific Cod LAPP
The Council took final action to create a Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Pacific cod trawl catcher vessel (CV) limited access privilege program (LAPP). After careful consideration of all the information presented, including the analysis, Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) and Advisory Panel (AP) recommendations, and public testimony, the Council selected a preferred alternative.… Read More →
Deck Sorting Analysis Updates
In Kodiak, the Council received an update from NMFS staff concerning an ongoing deck sorting analysis. NMFS is developing a proposed regulatory amendment to implement voluntary halibut deck sorting on trawl catcher processors when operating in non-pollock groundfish fisheries off Alaska. The proposed amendment is derived from the exempted fishing permits (EFPs) issued by NMFS… Read More →