NPFMC Meets June 9 - 15, 2010 in Sitka

Major Issues Include Chum Bycatch, Rockfish Catch Share Program

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) is scheduled to meet June 9 - 15, 2010 in Sitka at Centennial Hall. The Council plans to review a discussion paper on the Bering Sea Aleutian Islands (BSAI) chum salmon bycatch issue and finalize alternatives for analysis. The Council will also get an update on chum and Chinook salmon genetics research and sampling design.

Other major issues include the Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Program, the Amendment 80 Program and the Gulf of Alaska Pacific cod sideboards for crab vessels. The Council plans to take final action on the rockfish catch share program. The NPFMC is also expected to take final action on the amendment for lost vessel replacement (Amendment 80 Program). In addition, there will be an initial review of an analysis for the Gulf of Alaska Pacific cod sideboards for crab vessels. Currently, some crab boats are restricted from fishing for cod in the western Gulf. A proposal was put forth to allow these boats to fish in the fall if it appeared that the federal B season cod was not likely to be harvested. However, there may be little interest in this proposal now because of the Pacific cod sector split that was approved late last year. For more information, click on the title of this post to read the draft agenda.