NMFS Provides Presentation to AEB Fishermen on New Observer Program

The new year is ringing in an expanded observer program for commercial fishermen in previously unobserved fisheries off Alaska. These fisheries pertain to all sectors of the groundfish fishery, including vessels less than 60 feet length overall and the commercial halibut sector. However, it’s not surprising that there’s still confusion surrounding the restructured federal fisheries program. NMFS has hosted a number of outreach workshops to help alleviate some of the concerns and questions that fishermen, processors and industry representatives have.

Earlier this month, NMFS observer chief Martin Loefflad conducted a presentation at the North Pacific Fishery Management Council. Last month, Loefflad and Glen Campbell, both from NMFS, made a similar presentation at the AEB Fishermen’s Meeting in Seattle. Loefflad began by providing the nuts and bolts of how the program will operate.

The program is basically split into two parts. One part (full coverage) applies to large catcher processors, AFA catcher vessels, and other large boats. They would be required to have 100 percent observer coverage. They have an observer on board all the time.

The other group is partial coverage. The costs of this program are going to be covered by the federal government the first year. After that, costs will be paid by a fee that will be put in place for processors to pay. Small vessel operators will pay into that program.

Two groups will fall under the partial coverage program: trip selection and vessel selection.

Trip selection applies to all catcher vessels of any length fishing with trawl gear and to hook-and-line and pot gear vessels that are greater than or equal to 57 ½ feet in length. About 15 percent of a vessel operator’s trips will be observed under trip selection. Loefflad said fishermen who are part of the trip selection group can log in online or on the phone beforehand. In addition, they can log up to three trips ahead of time. These trips can be edited as changes occur.

Campbell said with the online system, fishermen will have a username and password.

“So you’ll need to log when your expected leave date is, what port you think you’re leaving from, and your expected return date,” he said. “These dates are kind of place holders if you’re essentially picked for observer coverage.”

Campbell said an email will go to the observer provider, letting the contractor know that a specific fisherman has been picked for observer coverage. Communication between the provider and vessel operator can begin at that point.

“So let’s say you’re picked for an observer, and you’re leaving on the first. But weather comes up,” Campbell added. “The observer, by regulation, has to stay by your boat for at least 48 hours before they can be released. So you actually don’t need to realize that trip until the third. Now if the trip is not realized on the third, you can simply call the provider. The provider will cancel that trip, and then the next logged trip will automatically be observed.”

Loefflad said about one thousand letters went out to vessel owners. About 500 were identified as falling under the trip selection observation program.

“So what if you operate a vessel but you don’t own the boat? The vessel owner needs to either go on the site or call the call center and they need to create what we call ‘captains accounts’”, said Campbell. “The captain can then log his own trip. But the registered owner is ultimately responsible for everything that happens with that vessel. So the owner can log trips or he can create accounts for all his captains.”

One of the biggest questions is what is a trip? According to Loefflad, there are two different definitions. One is for fishermen delivering to tenders. The other is for fishermen who are not delivering to tenders (to a shoreside processors instead.

“So if you’re not delivering to a tender, a trip is defined as when you leave the port and return to port to make a delivery. That’s a trip,” he said. “Not everyone will get picked to have an observer on board. But if you do and you’re delivering to tenders, you just keep that observer on until you get back to port.”

“If you make at least one delivery to a tender and then return to a port that has a shoreside processor,” Campbell added, “that’s a trip.”

The vessel selection pool applies to catcher vessels, fishing with hook-and-line and pot gear that are less than 57 1/2 feet in length and, for the first year, greater than or equal to 40 feet in length. Vessel owners in this pool will not be required to log trips. However, a handful of vessels, randomly selected by NMFS, will be required to take observers for every groundfish or halibut fishing trip that occurs during a specified two-month period. Owners of these selected vessels will be contacted by NMFS at least 30 days in advance of the two-month period.

Every year in June, NMFS is required to present a report to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council to discuss what officials from the observer program have learned. Loefflad says at that point, the Council can start providing input as to how NMFS can implement changes to make the program work more efficiently in future years.

“We are committed to making this program work,” said Loefflad, “so there is some flexibility built into the program.”

Contact Information: North Pacific Groundfish Observer Program – Partial Coverage:

NOAA Data Technician Office

(800) 304-4846, option #1

(907) 586-7163

AIS, Inc. (Observer Provider)

(855) 247-6746 (855-AIS-NPGO)

Observer Program (Seattle Office)

(206) 526-4195 (Martin Loefflad, Director)

(206) 526-4194 (Patti Nelson, Deputy Director)

Observer Declare and Deploy System (ODDS)

http://odds.afsc.noaa.gov

ODDS support

Odds.help@noaa.gov

What Should Rationalization of Alaska Trawl Fisheries in the Western Gulf Look Like?

In February, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council is expecting to hear more from Western Gulf (WG) fishermen interested in being included in a proposed catch share program (a.k.a. rationalization or limited access program) for the Gulf of Alaska trawl fisheries. So far, the Council has only considered tailoring the program for the Central Gulf (CG) trawl fisheries. However, during the December meeting, fishermen who take part in the Western Gulf trawl fishery testified that they would like that particular fishery to be included in the proposed catch share program. They also requested that a control date be included to prevent a race for fishing history. The Council suggested that supporters put forward options that would be appropriate for the Western Gulf fisheries at the February Council meeting.

The proposed catch share program was born out of bycatch limits on halibut and Chinook salmon. Currently, there are hard caps on both of these species during the directed effort on pollock and groundfish. Once these limits (hard caps) are reached, fishing must come to a grinding halt. Kodiak trawlers are concerned they that they’ll have a tough time harvesting their allowable catch as a result of these limits, so they advocated for a new management program. That system could give ownership rights to vessel owners and skippers based on their participation history.

Many fishermen and those in the industry are worried that if one part of the Gulf is rationalized (the Central Gulf – Area 620 and 630), it will have consequences for the remaining part (the Western Gulf – Area 610). For example, if just the Central Gulf is rationalized, Central Gulf quota holders could fish the open access fishery (Western Gulf) until that total allowable catch (TAC) is reached and then go back to the Central Gulf to fish their individual quota. That means Western Gulf fishermen would then have to compete with fishermen who normally would be in the Central Gulf at that time. One possible option would be implementing sideboards. However, that isn’t an easy solution either. The fleet would be limited to their history in the Western Gulf. So if the Central Gulf fleet typically caught 20% of the Western Gulf TAC, then once that figure was reached, those fishermen would have to stop fishing in the Western Gulf. Other scenarios to consider include fishermen who have history in both the Central Gulf and the Western Gulf. They could then be compelled to either give up their CG quota or be restricted to the sideboard limit. If the WG were to be rationalized at a later date, some of the decisions made may not be reversible.

Other considerations include how processors and fishermen would be affected, depending on where they are located. There are about 7 processors in Kodiak. In the Aleutians East Borough (AEB), located in the Western Gulf, there are three (one in King Cove and another processor based in Sand Point and Akutan. A third processor is in False Pass). Approximately 75 percent of the Central Gulf fleet is non-resident. At least half of the participants in the Western Gulf are residents. A concern of the processors is that in the Central Gulf, if the fish are controlled by a co-op, the fishermen end up getting all or almost all of the profit. The processors in Kodiak, on the other hand, have invested in plants, have resident employees, pay taxes and contribute to the local economy. For that reason, without some protections, some plants feel that they could go belly up and those that make it may receive just enough to stay in the game.

Other major differences concern the fleets. The Western Gulf is home to a local fleet with 3 – 5 vessels from King Cove and 10 – 15 from Sand Point. There are 98 trawl LLPs that are eligible to fish in the Western Gulf. Recent activity shows an average of about 18 vessels under 60’, 3 – 8 vessels over 60’ and one vessel over 125’ (in 2008 only). In this case, the major difference between the CG and the WG is that most of the participating vessels and a greater percentage of the participating vessels are locally owned or at least home ported in WG communities.

Elements of the program include:

1. Duration. How long will the program last? Limited access privileges can be removed because they do not award any rights of compensation and don’t create any ownership of a fish before it’s caught. If there is a specific expiration date, people can plan around that. In addition, the Council could make changes without disruption.

2. Which species would be included? It has been assumed that pollock, cod and other groundfish will be included, but that isn’t set in stone. Quota would most likely be issued as a percentage of the TAC or whatever species are included.

3. Eligibility to acquire/hold privileges. The law restricts shares to be acquired or held by persons who substantially participate in the fishery. How the term “substantially participate” is defined is up to the Council. Furthermore, the term “person” may include corporations, fishing communities, regional fishing associations, partnerships, CQEs and individuals, and it must be defined. Another issue that must be resolved is whether processors should be allowed to hold privileges.

4. Transferability. To whom can you transfer and what is transferable? That issue still needs to be resolved. It’s still not clear whether leasing will be allowed. Decisions surrounding any limits on transferability will be made after assessing feedback from stakeholders and goals/objectives that are put in place. Some economists have suggested that there be no limits in order to allow the most flexibility which would end up providing maximum economic performance of the fishery. Others recommend that no transferability be allowed because that would benefit individuals rather than the general public. A middle ground may include some limits that preclude major changes to community structure, excessive consolidation or other social disruptions.

5. Initial allocations. Initial allocations are subject to legal restrictions. Federal law, specifically the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA), provided standards for fair and equitable initial allocations, including:

a) Current and historical harvests

b) Employment in the harvesting and processing sectors

c) Investments in and dependence upon the fishery

d) The current and historical participation of fishing communities

e) Cultural and social framework of the fishery

f) Help, where appropriate, with entry-level opportunities

g) Prevent excessive share holdings

There are many other issues that must be taken into consideration as this process moves forward, including:

• State waters. Presently, a large percentage of pollock is taken inside 3 miles and is under the jurisdiction of the State of Alaska. The same is true for Pacific cod. What isn’t clear yet is whether the state will speak up for that jurisdiction.

• Community quotas: There is some interest in quota allocation to communities similar to the CDQ program. Those opposing it say there’s too little quota to get the desired results. In addition, they say it would hurt local fishermen who have historically harvested the fish. Those in favor say that some communities can only survive with the community quotas, and they deserve consideration when conferring fishing rights. Others have suggested that some level of community ownership could prevent quota from leaving the community.

The Council is in the beginning stages on this proposal and welcomes suggestions and feedback from all interested parties.

Congress Approves USCG Reauthorization Legislation

Earlier this month, the U.S. House and Senate passed the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) reauthorization legislation (H.R. 2838) and sent the measure to the President’s desk for his signature. The legislation contains several crucial provisions for commercial fishermen:

NPDES Vessel Discharge Permits:

H.R. 2838 continues the existing moratorium on vessel discharge permits for another year, from December 2013 to December 2014. That means all sizes of commercial fishing vessels and commercial-use vessels less than 79 feet will not be mandated to have an NPDES permit until December 2014.

Commercial Fishing Vessel Dockside Examinations:

The USCG reauthorization legislation requires “all vessels to be examined by October 15, 2015 and at least once every 5 years” after that. That compares to the current provision, which requires “all vessels to be examined by October 2012 and at least once every two years” after that.

Change in Safety Training Program Reporting:

H.R. 2838 eliminates the requirement that the safety training course results (for those operating beyond 3 miles) be made available on a “publically accessible” database.

New Survival Craft Requirements:

H.R. 2838 changes the requirement so that the Secretary can approve use of a survival craft (whose design allowed any part of an individual to be immersed in water) from a drop dead date of January 1, 2015 to “the date that is 30 months after the date on which the report described in subsection (c) is submitted” (180 days after passage of H.R. 2838.

Changes to Load Line Requirements for New Vessels:

H.R. 2838 changes the date requirement for fishing vessel load line requirements from do not apply “unless the vessel was built after July 1, 2012” to “unless the vessel was built after July 1, 2013”. In addition, the law would change the term for a fishing vessel that undergoes a “substantial change” to the term “major conversion”.

Changes to Vessel Certification Requirements:

H.R. 2838 changes the date requirement for ABS-type certification for vessels operating beyond 3 miles and that are at least 50 feet overall length from “after July 1, 2012” to “after July 1, 2013”.

In addition, H.R. 2838 changes the current law date requirement for another provision. Currently, after January 1, 2010, a fishing vessel, fish processing vessel or fish tender vessel operating beyond 3 miles must comply with an alternate safety compliance program if the vessel is at least 50 feet in overall length, is built before July 1, 2012 and is 25 years of age or older. H.R. 2838 changes the date to “is built before July 1, 2013”.

Furthermore, the current law requires a fishing vessel, fish processing vessel or fish tender vessel built before July 1, 2012 that has a substantial change done to the dimension of or type of vessel completed after July 1, 2012 or the date the Secretary establishes standards for on an alternate safety compliance program must comply with the safety program. H.R. 2838 changes two provisions: both the “July 1, 2012” dates are changed to “July 1, 2013” and the term “substantial change” is replaced by the term “major conversion”.

Finally, H.R. 2838 adds a definition of the term “built” to Title 46, which from that point forward, means the vessel’s construction has reached any of the following stages –

1. The keel is laid.

2. Construction has started, including at least 50 metric tons or one percent of the estimated mass of all structural materials, whichever is less.

Sand Point Voters Approve Proposition A to Rehabilitate Robert E. Galovin Small Boat Harbor

Final election results, released on Friday, Nov. 9, 2012, show that Sand Point residents overwhelmingly passed a measure to give the Robert E. Galovin Small Boat Harbor a facelift. The City's voters passed Proposition A on Nov. 6th and approved the application for bond money to pay for the renovation of the small boat harbor. A Canvas Committee completed the count of absentee and question ballots last Friday. The vote was Yes: 167 to No: 24.

A $5 million grant from the Department of Transportation (DOT) was awarded to the City for this project. The requirement was that the money had to be matched dollar-for-dollar with 'non-state' funding.

The Aleutians East Borough has committed $2 million to help with the match requirement. Therefore, the City requested and received approval from voters to obtain the remaining funds ($3 million) through a General Obligation (GO) bond.

The project will include new floats, pilings and an electrical system as well as a slight reconfiguration of the harbor. The City is working towards getting the project designed and expects to have it ready for construction next summer.

"I'm glad the proposition passed with such a large majority of the vote," said Sand Point City Administrator Paul Day. "It shows the citizens understand how important our harbor is and how badly it needs to be rehabilitated."

ADF&G Announces Area K, L and M Commercial Tanner Crab GHLs for 2013

The Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G) announced today that the South Peninsula (Eastern Section) commercial Tanner crab fisheries will open in 2013 with a total guideline harvest level (GHL) of 230,000 pounds. The Kodiak District will open with a total GHL of 660,000 pounds. The Chignik District commercial Tanner crab fishery will remain closed in 2013 because it was below the minimum GHL threshold of 200,000 pounds. Districts and sections assigned GHLs are scheduled to open to commercial Tanner crab fishing at noon on January 15, 2013, unless delayed by weather.

The 2013 South Peninsula District Tanner crab GHL is below 2 million pounds so the regulatory pot limit is 30 pots per vessel. Results of the 2012 ADF&G trawl survey indicate the majority of legal crab in the Western Section are post recruit (old shell) crab. The numbers resulted in a regulatory GHL below the required 200,000 pounds necessary to open a commercial fishery, so the Western Section will remain closed in 2013.

For more information and maps of districts, visit the web address below:

http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/home/news/pdfs/newsreleases/cf/237215450.pdf

News from AEB Natural Resources Department

AEB to Hold 2012 Fishermen’s Meeting at Seattle’s Silver Cloud Inn

The Aleutians East Borough will once again hold a fishermen’s’ meeting this year on the first day of the Pacific Marine Expo in Seattle, November 27th. This year, we plan to teleconference the meeting to each of the AEB communities. Among the attendees will be ADF&G staff, AEB Natural Resources staff, NPFMC member Sam Cotten and AEB WASSIP Advisory Panel Representative Denby Lloyd. Here is a draft agenda for the AEB fishermen’s meeting:

Board of Fisheries upcoming meetings:

Area M salmon

Pacific cod

Board of Fish participation

WASSIP and SEDM genetic studies

NPFMC upcoming meetings & agenda items:

CGOA trawl bycatch tools

WGOA groundfish fisheries objectives

Updates:

Crab season

Observer program SSL case Acoustic Trawl survey

Discussion

Community teleconference sites TBD.

Steller Sea Lion meetings

The 2010 Biological Opinion (BiOp) stated the endangered western population of Steller sea lions was at risk of jeopardy of adverse modification (JAM), and put in place harsh restrictions on groundfish fisheries in the central and western Aleutians (areas 541, 542 & 543). A court-ordered EIS is being prepared by NFMS, and the Steller Sea Lion Mitigation Committee is assisting the NPFMC in the preparation of alternatives to be analyzed in the EIS.

The AEB submitted 4 SSL EIS proposals for alternatives concerning WGOA fisheries to the committee.

Eliminate the D-season in the western GOA pollock fishery and reallocate the TAC from the D season to the three other seasons, equally.

Change the opening date of the Pacific cod A-season in the WGOA for all gear types.

Change the apportionment of the Pacific cod TAC in the WGOA from 60:40 to 80:20.

Add six Steller sea lion Critical Habitat sites within the AEB to the Navigable Transit exemptions in SSL regulations, allowing vessels transiting the area to maintain a minimum of 1 nm from each site, rather than 3 nm, for vessel safety.

The committee accepted the AEB proposals, but is focused on actions for the western and central Aleutians at this time. Recent independent reviews of the BiOp have questioned the validity of the science behind the JAM determination, and raise questions of management measures throughout the range of the western SSL population. Committee Chair Larry Cotter suggested the AEB WGOA proposals could be more fully considered at a later date. Oral arguments in the Ninth Circuit court of Appeals case State of Alaska V. Jane Lubchenco will be heard in Seattle on December 4th.

Chinook Salmon in the Spotlight

The Alaska Chinook Salmon Symposium was presented October 22-23 at the Egan Center by ADF&G to look at Chinook salmon scientific research and to identify research needs. The event was a success and was attended by NPFMC, BoF members and state legislators. The format included ample time for the audience to pose questions and interact with the panel experts.

According to the first presentation, based on research of 12 data sets from 1976 to 2011 of Alaska river Chinook salmon stocks including Nelson River, we have not seen Chinook salmon abundance this low in about half of those stocks. Other presentations included distribution of Chinook in the pollock fishery, where the bycatch is highest in the B season and in daylight hours. The extremely cold winters in the Bering Sea since 2006 may be a factor in the current Chinook crisis. The first winter at sea is critical to the young adult salmon. Research on these salmon, demonstrates that their diet includes fish, squid and plastics. The Aleut word for Chinook was said to be Chavichax, during a discussion of the local, traditional and ecological knowledge of the salmon.

The US Department of Commerce recently designated a Chinook salmon resource disaster for Cook Inlet and the Yukon & Kuskokwim rivers in response to a request from the State.

Other upcoming meetings will also highlight Chinook Salmon: Chinook bycatch in all GOA trawl fisheries will be on the agenda for the NPFMC meeting in Anchorage December 3-11. Also, a Chinook Salmon Outreach Workshop will be held in Anchorage December 11 & 12, through the Arctic Yukon Kuskokwim Sustainable Salmon Initiative (AYK SSI).

AFN Resolutions

The 2012 Alaska Federation of Natives Annual Convention met at the Dena’ina Center October 18 – 20. The delegates adopted 43 resolutions out of 44 presented. The rules were not suspended to allow for resolutions from the floor. The following fisheries- related resolutions were considered:

Resolution 12 -20 Reduction of Chinook, Chum Salmon Species and Halibut By-catch in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska Pollock Fishery and in the Russian Economic Zone (adopted as amended)

Resolution 12-08 Support for the Board of Fish Generated Proposal that would add Pacific Herring to the State of Alaska's Forage Fish Management plan. (resolution was tabled)

Resolution 12-17 Supporting Alaska Chinook Salmon Disaster Declarations (unanimously adopted)

Resolution 12-19 Request funding research on declining salmon stocks through Sustainable Salmon Initiative. (unanimously adopted)

Resolution 12 – 28 Support of Active Salmon Rehabilitation including Habitat Nutrient Enrichment (adopted as amended)

Resolution 12 – 37 Supporting the Ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (adopted)

Resolution 12 – 38 Request Review and Revision of the Yukon River Salmon Treaty to include provisions for Low-Chinook Salmon Productivity Years. (adopted as amended)

Resolution 12 – 41 Calling for the Establishment of Inter-tribal and Alaska Native Fish Commissions. (adopted as amended)

All of the Alaska Federation of Natives 2012 Convention Resolutions are available here:

http://www.nativefederation.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/2012-afn-convention-resolutions.pdf

AEB Fishermen Gear Up for Major Issues at Council, BOF Meetings

AEB Fishermen met recently in Sand Point and King Cove to discuss several hot button issues that are expected to have major impacts on Area M in the future, including groundfish rationalization, the observer program, the WASSIP genetic studies and the Alaska Board of Fisheries proposals. AEB Natural Resources Director Ernie Weiss and Fisheries Consultant Sam Cotten led the meetings, which took place on Aug. 21st in Sand Point and Aug. 22nd in King Cove.

Central Gulf of Alaska trawl bycatch tools discussion is on the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC or Council) Meeting Agenda in October 2012, and is expected to prompt calls for Groundfish Rationalization. However, any new program isn’t expected to be finalized until at least three years from now. In the meantime, there are many unknowns about the proposed program, and fishermen have the opportunity to examine a variety of options. The question for fishermen to examine is which tools are needed in order to obtain optimum yield while avoiding bycatch.

Fishermen in Sand Point and King Cove discussed several possible ways to protect the communities if the rationalization program is inevitable, including forming co-ops and transferability of bycatch. In the case of co-ops, boat owners would be allowed to have first right of refusal and the ability to lease out their quota share. Those who lease out their share would share in the profit and the burden with all the boats in the community that are 58 feet and under. But there are challenges.

“What about lease rates?” Sam asked the group during the Sand Point meeting. “Should the government establish limits on lease rates? That’s an issue that’s come up. The whole problem with rationalization is it creates a false economic basis. For example, other programs have had price controls, sideboards and the need for community protection measures.”

Another idea mentioned was issuing individual bycatch quotas, which would provide individual accountability. However, if more than one fisherman delivers to the same tender, it’s difficult to tell who the fish belong to.

Other concerns include what might happen if the Central Gulf is rationalized and the Western Gulf remains the same. In that case, some fishermen worry that the Western Gulf could become the dumping ground for all of the other boats. Sam and Ernie plan to look into how to protect one area if it doesn’t participate in the rationalization program.

Sam explained that Council staff recently released a paper on rationalization which discusses several programs that are in effect around the country. This would give fishermen an opportunity to examine other models to see what might work best in Alaska.

Fishermen also discussed a committee formed by Kodiak whitefish trawlers and processors. The committee plans to come up with a plan to present to the Council in October.

Sand Point Mayor Martin Gundersen said it’s important to understand how to harness the rationalization program if it does come into play. He suggested establishing a committee within the Aleutians East Borough communities.

“We don’t want to see a community die because someone, who owns a large quota, leases it out, and all of the people in the community suffer,” Mayor Gundersen said.

“People tend to automatically associate the term rationalization with quotas, like with the halibut or crab program. But you can prevent consolidation,” Sam explained. “There are several different ways to design it. If it’s going to happen, I know that Ernie and I are going to work towards making sure it doesn’t harm the communities.”

Several fishermen expressed concerns that if small boat fleets don’t survive, communities won’t survive. Many are also concerned about how the proposed program would affect the next generation of fishermen. Overall, no one at the meetings said they favor rationalization. But all expressed the need to protect the traditional fleets and the communities. The overall goal of rationalization is to avoid bycatch while still obtaining optimum yield.

Sam mentioned that another tool to deal with prohibited species catch (PSC) might be to reconsider the season dates. That would allow fishermen to fish when bycatch numbers are low and target species are aggregated.

“We were shut down the last time we tried this,” said Sam, “But this is a new arena.”

The Observer Program is another major issue on the horizon. Currently boats between 58 and 125 feet are required to have 30 percent of their trips observed. NMFS hopes to have 30 percent coverage under the new program, which goes into effect January 1, 2013, and includes boats 40 feet and above. NMFS will determine who will take an observer and for how long. The government will pay for the program during the first year. After that, fishermen will pay 1.2 percent of their gross on observed fisheries. The government’s plan will be to classify boats by size in order to get a representative sample.

An announcement regarding the Groundfish Sector Split, which began earlier this year, is expected to be released soon. This topic was also discussed during the meetings. The trawl sector received the bulk of their allocation during the A season. However, some allocation in the B season may not be harvested due to PSC limits being hit. Therefore, at some point, the National Marine Fisheries Service is going to roll over the unharvested allocation to catcher vessels in the jig, longliner and pot fleet. This will be the first time that this has ever happened.

Pacific Ocean Perch (POP) is a potential problem for pollock fishermen. Sam said after talking to officials in Juneau, he was asked to remind people that POP could pose serious issues for the pollock fishery. Currently, there’s no limit on POP. But when it hits the over fishing limit (OLF), fishermen have to stop fishing. Officials with ADF&G said in the recent past, it has been very close to the OFL. Therefore, it’s important to avoid them to prevent the pollock fishery from being shut down.

The Board of Fisheries (BOF) Proposals were also discussed during the meetings. The meetings for the Alaska Peninsula/Aleutian Islands Finfish are scheduled for February 26 – March 3, 2013 at the Sheraton Hotel in Anchorage. Sam and Ernie said there are several proposals from northern areas that would oppose Area M, including some that would reduce fishing time, establish a chum cap and require gillnets to be smaller.

The work session is scheduled for October 9 – 11, 2012 at the Egan Civic & Convention Center in Anchorage. Topics include Agenda Change Requests (ACRs), cycle organization and stocks of concern. Ernie mentioned that the Borough isn’t planning to take a position on proposals where AEB fishermen are divided. However, the Borough will take a position on any proposals that attempt to shut down the June fishery.

Some fishermen mentioned that maintaining the status quo for the June fishery should be a huge priority for the Borough and the communities.

Several fishermen expressed concerns that the AK Peninsula/AI Finfish Meetings (Feb. 26 – March 3, 2013) happen at a bad time because they occur right in the middle of the cod fishery and Area M wouldn’t have full representation. Ernie suggested that this could be an opportunity to put in an Agenda Change Request (ACR) because of this issue. (It was submitted.) The deadline for comment on ACRs is Sept. 25, 2012.

There are three proposals on cod. One of them was submitted by the King Cove Advisory Committee (AC), another by the False Pass AC and a third by a group from Sand Point. Another issue would move more fish into state waters and takes them out of the rationalized fishery.

Sam explained that he and Ernie have invited all of the Board of Fisheries members to the AEB communities through the executive director. The goal is to allow board members who have never visited the area before to familiarize themselves with the fisheries and the issues within the communities.

Fishermen in both communities expressed frustration over the July fishing schedule. Several proposals to the Fish Board address those concerns. One of the proposals calls for the same amount of hours but rearranged in a way to make it more convenient and cost-effective for fishermen.

The final draft of WASSIP (Western Alaska Salmon Stock Identification Project is expected to be completed by the end of this month. An initial presentation of the data will be provided during the BOF workshop Oct. 9 – 11, 2012.

Board of Fish Proposal Books Released

The Board of Fisheries 2012/2013 Proposal Book was released last Friday on the ADFG/Board of Fisheries webpage. These stakeholder proposals would implement changes to finfish regulations for commercial and other fisheries in the Bristol Bay (BB), Arctic -Yukon – Kuskokwim (AYK) and Alaska Peninsula/Aleutian Islands (AP/AI) regions, and sets the stage for the Board discussions that will shape our state-water fisheries, including pacific cod and salmon, for years to come.

Proposals are listed in the order they will be addressed by the Board, and for the AP/AI meeting beginning February 26 that means Pacific Cod (Pcod) will be first on the agenda. Some of the 2012/2013 proposals for Pcod in the AP/AI include: increasing state-waters Pcod GHL to 50 percent of the WGOA ABC; and, establishing a state-waters Pcod fishery in the Bering Sea. For salmon, there are three proposals to reinstate a June chum cap, and one proposal that would establish a June sockeye cap based on the projected BB run. There are 11 proposals that propose to change the North Peninsula commercial salmon fishery and 6 proposals that address the Southeastern District Mainland fishery.

ADF&G has submitted placeholder proposals for each regional meeting to allow for changes to the fisheries based on the new genetic studies soon to be published. The Western Alaska Salmon Stock Identification Project (WASSIP) study and the Southeastern District Mainland Genetic Stock Identification (SEDMGSI) study should be available for Board of Fish meetings and inform the salmon fishery discussions.

Public participation is an important piece of the Board of Fish process and submitting proposals is only one of several opportunities to participate. In the Aleutians East Borough, individuals may take part in local Advisory Committees (AC) in Nelson Lagoon, King Cove, False Pass and Sand Point. Also, any individual, group or local AC may comment on proposals. Written comment of up to 100 pages will be accepted until two weeks before the meeting in which a proposal is addressed, and will be included in the Board meeting materials. Written comments may be submitted after the two week deadline before a meeting, but should be no more than 10 pages, and must be submitted at the board meeting with multiple copies. Public attendance and testimony at Board meetings is absolutely essential. The AEB encourages residents from each community to attend Board meetings.

The Board will convene a Work Session October 9 - 11, 2012 and the Alaska Peninsula/Aleutian Islands Finfish meeting of the Board will run from February 26th to March 3rd at the Sheraton in Anchorage. The draft Alaska Board of Fisheries 2012/2013 Proposal Book is available. Visit the link below. (Scroll to Page 164.)

http://www.aleutianseast.org/vertical/sites/%7BEBDABE05-9D39-4ED4-98D4-908383A7714A%7D/uploads/2012-2013_proposal_book_Board_of_Fish.pdf

The Aleutians East Borough Natural Resources team will continue to work closely with local fishermen in preparation for the upcoming Board of Fish meetings, including meetings in Sand Point at 9 a.m. on Aug. 21st (AEB office building) and at the King Cove Harbor House at 9 a.m. on Aug. 22nd.

Contact Ernie Weiss at (907) 274-7557 or eweiss@aeboro.org for more information.

Chignik Commercial Salmon Fishery Announcement # 18

Closed Waters Adjustment: According to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G), effective 4:00 p.m. today (Tuesday, July 31st) the Chignik Lagoon markers will move to Mensis Point.

As Previously Announced: The Chignik Bay, Central, Eastern, Western, and Perryville districts will close to commercial salmon fishing at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 1. Statistical charts, harvest strategies, and subsistence fishing permits are available at the Chignik weir and the Kodiak regional ADF&G offices. Commercial fishing regulations, salmon harvest, escapement, and news releases can be found on the ADF&G website at http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyareachignik.salmon.

Fishermen are encouraged to standby on VHF Channel 6 at 9:15 a.m. and 6:15 p.m. daily for fishery updates.

Cold Bay Commercial Salmon Fishery Announcement #9

According to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G), commercial salmon fishing will be allowed for approximately 36 hours from 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 27 until noon Saturday, July 28 in the following districts and sections:

Unimak District

Southwestern District

All closed waters in the above locations will be as described in the regulation book or as adjusted by emergency order.

Statistical charts and harvest strategies are available at the Sand Point, Cold Bay, and Port Moller Fish and Game offices. Commercial salmon fishing regulations, commercial harvest, escapement, and news releases can be found on the ADF&G website at:

http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyareaakpeninsula.salmon.

Salmon fishery announcements will be broadcast on VHF channels 6 and 73 daily at 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and may also be obtained from ADF&G in Cold Bay at 532-2419.

Port Moller Commercial Salmon Fishery Announcement # 17

According to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G), the Nelson Lagoon Section will remain open to commercial salmon fishing from 11:59 p.m. today (Thursday, July 26th) until 11:59 p.m. Friday, July 27th.

Statistical charts and harvest strategies are available at the Sand Point, Cold Bay, and Port Moller Fish and Game offices. Commercial salmon fishing regulations, commercial harvest, escapement, and news releases can be found on the ADF&G website at:

http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyareaakpeninsula.salmon

Salmon fishery announcements will be broadcast on VHF channel 72 daily at 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. and may also be obtained from ADF&G in Port Moller at 375-2716.

Sand Point Commercial Fishery Announcement #20

According to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G), commercial salmon fishing will be extended in the Beaver Bay, Balboa Bay, Southwest Stepovak, Stepovak Flats, and East Stepovak sections of the Southeastern District for approximately 36 hours from noon today (Tuesday, July 24th) until 11:59 p.m. tomorrow (Wednesday, July 25, 2012.

All closed waters in the above locations will be as described in the regulation book or as adjusted by emergency order.

Statistical charts and harvest strategies are available at the Sand Point, Cold Bay, and Port Moller Fish and Game offices. Commercial salmon fishing regulations, commercial harvest, escapement, and news releases can be found on the ADF&G website at:

http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyareaakpeninsula.salmon

Salmon fishery announcements will be broadcast on VHF channels 6 and 73 daily at 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and may also be obtained from ADF&G in Sand Point at 383-2334 (383-ADFG).

Cold Bay Commercial Salmon Fishery Annoucement #7

Commercial salmon fishing will be allowed for approximately 36 hours from noon Monday, July 23 until 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, July 24 in the following districts and sections:

Unimak District

Southwestern District

All closed waters in the above locations will be as described in the regulation book or as adjusted by emergency order.

Statistical charts and harvest strategies are available at the Sand Point, Cold Bay, and Port Moller Fish and Game offices. Commercial salmon fishing regulations, commercial harvest, escapement, and news releases can be found on the ADF&G website at:

http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyareaakpeninsula.salmon.

Salmon fishery announcements will be broadcast on VHF channels 6 and 73 daily at 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and may also be obtained from ADF&G in Cold Bay at 532-2419.

Sand Point Commercial Salmon Fishery Annoucement #19

According to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G), commercial salmon fishing will be extended in the Beaver Bay, Balboa Bay, Southwest Stepovak, Stepovak Flats, and East Stepovak sections of the Southeastern District for 24 hours from noon today (Monday, July 23rd) until noon Tuesday, July 24th, 2012.

All closed waters in the above locations will be as described in the regulation book or as adjusted by emergency order.

Statistical charts and harvest strategies are available at the Sand Point, Cold Bay, and Port Moller Fish and Game offices. Commercial salmon fishing regulations, commercial harvest, escapement, and news releases can be found on the ADF&G website at:

http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyareaakpeninsula.salmon

Salmon fishery announcements will be broadcast on VHF channels 6 and 73 daily at 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and may also be obtained from ADF&G in Sand Point at 383-2334 (383-ADFG).

Port Moller Commercial Salmon Fishery Announcement # 16

According to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G), the Black Hills Section will remain open to commercial salmon fishing from 6:00 p.m. today (Thursday, July 19th) until 6:00 p.m. Saturday, July 21st. The Nelson Lagoon Section will remain open to commercial salmon fishing from midnight Thursday, July 19th until 11:59 p.m. Saturday, July 21st.

Statistical charts and harvest strategies are available at the Sand Point, Cold Bay, and Port Moller Fish and Game offices. Commercial salmon fishing regulations, commercial harvest, escapement, and news releases can be found on the ADF&G website at:

http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyareaakpeninsula.salmon

Salmon fishery announcements will be broadcast on VHF channel 72 daily at 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. and may also be obtained from ADF&G in Port Moller at 375-2716.

Cold Bay Commercial Salmon Fishery - Announcement #5

According to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G), commercial salmon fishing will be allowed for 24 hours from 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 17 until 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 18 in the following districts and sections:

Unimak District

Southwestern District

All closed waters in the above locations will be as described in the regulation book or as adjusted by emergency order.

Statistical charts and harvest strategies are available at the Sand Point, Cold Bay, and Port Moller Fish and Game offices. Commercial salmon fishing regulations, commercial harvest, escapement, and news releases can be found on the ADF&G website at:

http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyareaakpeninsula.salmon.

Salmon fishery announcements will be broadcast on VHF channels 6 and 73 daily at 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and may also be obtained from ADF&G in Cold Bay at 532-2419.

Chignik Commercial Salmon Fishery Announcement # 15

The Chignik Bay and Central districts as well as the Inner Castle Cape Subsection of the Western District (273-93) will open to commercial salmon fishing from 3:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 17 until 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, July 24. The Chignik Lagoon markers will be located at Humes Point.

Closed Waters Adjustment: Effective 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 17 the Chignik Lagoon markers will move to Mensis Point.

Statistical charts, harvest strategies, and subsistence fishing permits are available at the Chignik weir and the Kodiak regional ADF&G offices. Commercial fishing regulations, salmon harvest, escapement, and news releases can be found on the ADF&G website at http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyareachignik.salmon. Fishermen are encouraged to standby on VHF Channel 6 at 9:15 a.m. and 6:15 p.m. daily for fishery updates.

Cold Bay Commercial Salmon Fishery Announcement #4

The Urilia Bay Section of the Northwestern District will open to commercial salmon fishing for 60 hours from 6:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 18 until 6:00 p.m. Friday, July 20.

CLOSED WATERS: Waters within 500 yards of the Christianson’s Lagoon exit channel terminus at the ocean shoreline are closed to commercial salmon fishing.

As previously announced the Swanson Lagoon Section of the Northwestern District will be closed to commercial salmon fishing until further notice.

All closed waters in the above locations will be as described in the regulation book or as adjusted by emergency order.

Statistical charts and harvest strategies are available at the Sand Point, Cold Bay, and Port Moller Fish and Game offices. Commercial salmon fishing regulations, commercial harvest, escapement, and news releases can be found on the ADF&G website at: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyareaakpeninsula.salmon.

Salmon fishery announcements will be broadcast on VHF channels 6 and 73 daily at 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and may also be obtained from ADF&G in Cold Bay at 532-2419.

Dutch Harbor Food and Bait Herring Fishery Announcement #2

The commercial herring fishing season in the Unalaska and Akutan districts will remain open for 48 hours from noon Monday, July 16 until noon Wednesday, July 18, 2012.

Fishermen are reminded of the following closed waters: Waters of Unalaska Bay between Unalaska and Amaknak Islands, including Margret’s Bay, west of a line from the “Bishop’s House” at 53◦52.64’ N. lat., 166◦32.30’ W. long. to a point on Amaknak Island at 53◦52.82’ N. lat., 166◦32.13” W. long. and north of a line from a point south of Agnes Beach at 53◦52.28’ N. lat., 166◦32.68’ W. long., to a point at 53◦52.35’ N. lat., 166◦32.95” W. long. on Amaknak Island.

Each permit holder registered for the fishery is required to report fishing activities and harvest to the department by noon July 18, 2012 regardless of whether or not they fished or harvested any herring. The reports should be made to ADF&G in Dutch Harbor on VHF Channel 9 or by phone at (907) 581-1239.

Commercial fishing periods will be opened and closed by emergency order based upon anticipated fishing effort, harvest rates from previous openings, processing capacity, and the abundance of herring. The department will notify the fleet of subsequent fishing periods after catch reports are received and the amount of herring harvested during the prior period has been determined.

The 2012 Dutch harbor food and bait herring fishery allocation is 1,300 tons for purse seine and 227 tons for gillnet. For further information please contact ADF&G in Dutch Harbor at (907) 581-1239.

Port Moller Commercial Salmon Fishery Announcement # 15

As previously announced, the commercial salmon fishing season will be closed in the Port Moller Bight, Bear River, Three Hills, Ilnik and Outer Port Heiden sections from 6:00 a.m. Monday, July 16 until further notice.

Statistical charts and harvest strategies are available at the Sand Point, Cold Bay, and Port Moller Fish and Game offices. Commercial salmon fishing regulations, commercial harvest, escapement, and news releases can be found on the ADF&G website at:

http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyareaakpeninsula.salmon

Salmon fishery announcements will be broadcast on VHF channel 72 daily at 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. and may also be obtained from ADF&G in Port Moller at 375-2716.

Sand Point Commercial Salmon Fishery Annoucement #14

Commercial salmon fishing will be allowed in the South Central Districts and the Shumagin Islands portion of the Southeastern District for 24 hours from 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 17 until 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 18, 2012.

Commercial salmon fishing will also be allowed in the Beaver Bay, Balboa Bay, Southwest Stepovak, Stepovak Flats, and East Stepovak sections of the Southeastern District for approximately 36 hours from noon Tuesday, July 17 through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, July 18, 2012.

In addition, the Northwest Stepovak section will open to commercial salmon fishing for 48 hours from noon Tuesday, July 17 until noon Thursday, July 19, 2012. The closed waters of Orzinski Bay will be extended to the 1,000 yard markers. All closed waters in the above locations will be as described in the regulation book or as adjusted by emergency order.

Statistical charts and harvest strategies are available at the Sand Point, Cold Bay, and Port Moller Fish and Game offices. Commercial salmon fishing regulations, commercial harvest, escapement, and news releases can be found on the ADF&G website at: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyareaakpeninsula.salmon.

Salmon fishery announcements will be broadcast on VHF channels 6 and 73 daily at 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and may also be obtained from ADF&G in Sand Point at 383-2334 (383-ADFG.

Dutch Harbor Food and Bait Herring Fishery Announcement #1

The Unalaska and Akutan District will open to commercial herring fishing for 24 hours from noon Sunday, July 15th until noon Monday, July 16, 2012.

Fishermen are reminded of the following closed waters: Waters of Unalaska Bay between Unalaska and Amaknak Islands, including Margret’s Bay, west of a line from the “Bishop’s House” at 53◦52.64’ N. lat., 166◦32.30’W. long to a point on Amaknak Island at 53◦52.82’ N. lat., 166◦32.13’ W. long. and north of a line from a point south of Agnes Beach at 53◦52.28’ N. lat., 166◦32.68’ W. long., to a point at 53◦52.35’ N. lat., 166◦ 32.95’ W. long. on Amaknak Island.

Each permit holder registered for the fishery is required to report fishing activities and harvest to the department by noon July 16, 2012 regardless of whether or not they fished or harvested any herring. The reports should be made to ADF&G in Dutch Harbor on VHF Channel 9 or by phone at (907) 581-1239.

Commercial fishing periods will be opened and closed by emergency order based upon anticipated fishing effort, harvest rates from previous openings, processing capacity, and the abundance of herring. The department will notify the fleet of subsequent fishing periods after catch reports are received and the amount of herring harvested during the prior period has been determined.

Prior to participating, fishermen must possess a current Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission permit for the fishery and must register with the department in Dutch harbor. Processors and tenders must also register with the department prior to taking any herring. Fishermen should have a secure market prior to harvesting any herring.

The 2012 Dutch harbor food and bait herring fishery allocation is 1,400 tons for purse seine and 227 tons for gillnet. For further information please contact ADF&G in Dutch Harbor at (907) 581-1239.

Chignik Commercial Salmon Fishery Announcement #13

The Chignik Bay, Central, Eastern, Western, and Perryville districts of the Chignik Management Area will open to commercial salmon fishing for 72 hours beginning at 11:30 p.m. tonight (Thursday, July 12th) until 11:30 p.m. Sunday, July 15. The Chignik Lagoon markers will be located at Humes Point.

Statistical charts, harvest strategies, and subsistence fishing permits are available at the Chignik weir and the Kodiak regional ADF&G offices. Commercial fishing regulations, salmon harvest, escapement, and news releases can be found on the ADF&G website at http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyareachignik.salmon.

Fishermen are encouraged to standby on VHF Channel 6 at 9:15 a.m. and 6:15 p.m. daily for fishery updates.

Sand Point Commercial Salmon Fishery - Announcement # 12

Commercial salmon fishing will be allowed in the Northwest Stepovak Section of the Southeastern district for 48 hours from noon tomorrow (Friday, July 13th) until noon Sunday, July 15, 2012.

Fishermen are reminded that the waters of Orzinski Bay, northwest of a line from Elephant Point to Waterfall Point, are open until further notice. The closed waters of Orzinski Bay are reduced to the stream mouth.

All closed waters in the above locations will be as described in the regulation book or as adjusted by emergency order.

Statistical charts and harvest strategies are available at the Sand Point, Cold Bay, and Port Moller Fish and Game offices. Commercial salmon fishing regulations, commercial harvest, escapement, and news releases can be found on the ADF&G website at: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyareaakpeninsula.salmon. Salmon fishery announcements will be broadcast on VHF channels 6 and 73 daily at 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and may also be obtained from ADF&G in Sand Point at 383-2334 (383-ADFG).

Port Moller Commercial Salmon Fishery - Announcement #12 - The Outer Port Heiden Section

ADF&G has announced that the Outer Port Heiden Section will open to commercial salmon fishing from 6:00 a.m. tomorrow (Friday, July 13th) until 6:00 p.m. Sunday, July 15th.

Statistical charts and harvest strategies are available at the Sand Point, Cold Bay, and Port Moller Fish and Game offices. Commercial salmon fishing regulations, commercial harvest, escapement, and news releases can be found on the ADF&G website at:

http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyareaakpeninsula.salmon

Salmon fishery announcements will be broadcast on VHF channel 72 daily at 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. and may also be obtained from ADF&G in Port Moller at 375-2716.

Port Moller Commercial Salmon Fishery

According to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G), the Nelson Lagoon Section will remain open to commercial salmon fishing from 11:59 p.m. tonight (Thursday, July 12th) until 11:59 p.m. tomorrow night (Friday, July 13th).

Statistical charts and harvest strategies are available at the Sand Point, Cold Bay, and Port Moller Fish and Game offices. Commercial salmon fishing regulations, commercial harvest, escapement, and news releases can be found on the ADF&G website at:

http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyareaakpeninsula.salmon

Salmon fishery announcements will be broadcast on VHF channel 72 daily at 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. and may also be obtained from ADF&G in Port Moller at 375-2716.

Cold Bay Commercial Salmon Fishery Announcement #2

ADF& G has announced that commercial salmon fishing will be allowed for 24 hours from 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 11 until 9:00 p.m. Thursday, July 12 in the following districts and sections:

Unimak District Southwestern District

All closed waters in the above locations will be as described in the regulation book or as adjusted by emergency order.

Statistical charts and harvest strategies are available at the Sand Point, Cold Bay, and Port Moller Fish and Game offices. Commercial salmon fishing regulations, commercial harvest, escapement, and news releases can be found on the ADF&G website at: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyareaakpeninsula.salmon. Salmon fishery announcements will be broadcast on VHF channels 6 and 73 daily at 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and may also be obtained from ADF&G in Cold Bay at 532-2419.

Sand Point Commercial Salmon Fishery Announcement #11

According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), commercial salmon fishing will be allowed in the South Central District and the Shumagin Islands portion of the Southeastern district for 24 hours from 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 11 until 9:00 p.m. Thursday, July 12, 2012.

All closed waters in the above locations will be as described in the regulation book or as adjusted by emergency order.

Statistical charts and harvest strategies are available at the Sand Point, Cold Bay, and Port Moller Fish and Game offices. Commercial salmon fishing regulations, commercial harvest, escapement, and news releases can be found on the ADF&G website at: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyareaakpeninsula.salmon.

Salmon fishery announcements will be broadcast on VHF channels 6 and 73 daily at 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and may also be obtained from ADF&G in Sand Point at 383-2334 (383-ADFG).

ADF&G Releases Trawl Survey of Crab and Groundfish (Kodiak, Chignik, South Peninsula & Eastern Aleutian management Districts)

ADF&G conducted a bottom trawl survey during 2011, focusing on inshore waters around Kodiak Island, along the Alaska Peninsula from Cape Douglas to False Pass, and in the Eastern Aleutian Islands from Akutan to Unalaska Island. This recently-released report summarizes the bottom trawl survey to assess crab and groundfish resources in the Kodiak, Chignik, South Peninsula, and Eastern Aleutian management districts conducted from June through September 2011. Trawl tows were assessed for species catch composition, population estimates of commercially important crabs, and density estimates of commercially important groundfish. The estimated Tanner crab Chionoecetes bairdi abundance was above the minimum population threshold required by regulation to consider a fishery opening in the Eastside, Southeast, and Southwest sections of the Kodiak District. Tanner crab abundance was also above the minimum required by regulation to consider a fishery opening in the Eastern and Western sections of the South Peninsula District and the Chignik District. Red king crab Paralithodes camtschaticus population estimates in each of the surveyed registration areas remain too low to consider opening the red king crab commercial fishery. Flathead sole Hippoglossoides elassodon, arrowtooth flounder Atheresthes stomias, and walleye pollock Theragra chalcogramma dominated the groundfish catch in all of the areas surveyed.

Visit the link below to view the full report.

http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/FedAidPDFs/FMR12-20.pdf

Cold Bay Commercial Salmon Fishery Annoucement #1

According to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G) , the Urilia Bay and Bechevin Bay sections of the Northwestern District will open to commercial salmon fishing for 48 hours from 6:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 11 until 6:00 a.m. Friday, July 13.

CLOSED WATERS: Waters within 500 yards of the Christianson’s Lagoon exit channel terminus at the ocean shoreline are closed to commercial salmon fishing.

In addition, the Swanson Lagoon Section of the Northwestern District will be closed to commercial salmon fishing until further notice. All closed waters in the above locations will be as described in the regulation book or as adjusted by emergency order.

Statistical charts and harvest strategies are available at the Sand Point, Cold Bay, and Port Moller Fish and Game offices. Commercial salmon fishing regulations, commercial harvest, escapement, and news releases can be found on the ADF&G website at: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyareaakpeninsula.salmon.

Salmon fishery announcements will be broadcast on VHF channels 6 and 73 daily at 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and may also be obtained from ADF&G in Cold Bay at 532-2419.

New Dates Scheduled for AEB Fishermen's Meeting in Sand Point and King Cove

With the many important fishery issues to be addressed at upcoming NPFMC and Board of Fish meetings, AEB's Natural Resources Deparment would like to schedule two fishermen's meetings for late August.

The new schedule for these meetings is:

Sand Point: Tuesday, August 21st at 9 a.m. at the AEB office building.

King Cove: Wednesday, August 22nd at 9 a.m. at the King Cove Harbor House.

We will connect with other AEB communities by teleconference during one of these meeting times, or schedule a separate time for the smaller sites.

Port Moller Commercial Salmon Fishery Announcement #9 - Nelson Lagoon Section

According to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G), the Nelson Lagoon Section will remain open to commercial salmon fishing from 11:59 p.m. Friday, July 6 until 11:59 p.m. Saturday, July 7. Statistical charts and harvest strategies are available at the Sand Point, Cold Bay, and Port Moller Fish and Game offices. Commercial salmon fishing regulations, commercial harvest, escapement, and news releases can be found on the ADF&G website at: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=commercialbyareaakpeninsula.salmon Salmon fishery announcements will be broadcast on VHF channel 72 daily at 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. and may also be obtained from ADF&G in Port Moller at 375-2716.

Area M Seiners Association Stands Down during First Opening of 2012

For the third year in a row, the Area M Seiners Association has decided to voluntarily sit out the first opening of the June sockeye salmon fishery, which began today. The Area M fishery is located around Alaska’s Eastern Aleutian Islands and Western Peninsula on the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea. The Association has 35 members from Sand Point, King Cove and False Pass.
“The Area M Seiners Association realizes that chum salmon catches during the June fishery are politically dangerous,” said Association president Glen Gardner, Jr. “For many years, our fishermen have been plagued by accusations that we are affecting commercial and subsistence chum salmon runs in the A-Y-K (Arctic Yukon Kuskokwim). We believe that scientific studies currently underway will demonstrate that the Area M sockeye salmon fishery has very little impact on the chum salmon stock.”
“Until then, and until the public and the Alaska Board of Fisheries has time to review the studies, the chum issue continues to be a political hot potato for our fishermen,” said Sand Point seiner David Osterback.
“We’re trying to be proactive about this controversial issue,” Gardner added.
The Association met earlier this week (June 5th) and last Friday (June 1st) to discuss their options. Gardner said subsistence fishermen have noticed that the chum-to-sockeye ratios are still high. So the group decided to stand down during this opening, which began today at 6 a.m. (Thursday, June 7th) and ends at 10 p.m. on Sunday, June 10th. Giving up fishing time after a long winter is a tough decision, but one the Association believes is necessary.
“During the month of June, we concentrate on fishing sockeye, the money fish,” said Osterback. “We don’t make any money fishing chums. But we don’t want this chum issue to be a threat that’s held over our heads.”
“As long as A-Y-K residents believe our fishermen are catching high numbers of chums, we face great political scrutiny,” Gardner said. “We certainly recognize their concerns. We view our stand down as a positive gesture of solidarity.”
In 2001, the Alaska Board of Fisheries implemented severe restrictions which nearly bankrupted the entire Area M fishing fleet. In 2004, the Board of Fisheries lifted the restrictions to pre-2001 levels after finding no evidence that previous chum salmon fishing restrictions made any improvement in chum runs in the A-Y-K.
“We don’t want to have our gear restricted again,” Osterback said. “We need to be out there fishing when the fish are running. We have a very short opportunity to do that. The sockeye salmon fishery keeps our communities alive. We have a longstanding fishery here, and we deserve the right to fish this historical fishery. But at the same time, we don’t want to be shut down because there are too many chums going by.”
The fishermen hope that by taking voluntary measures like this Area M Seiners Association stand down, they can maximize their sockeye harvest without generating controversy that follows large chum catches.

NOAA Fisheries Begins Western Steller Sea Lion EIS Process

NOAA Fisheries is asking for public input as it begins to prepare an environmental impact statement, or EIS, on Steller sea lion protection measures for the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area groundfish fisheries.

The western distinct population segment of Steller sea lions is listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act or ESA. By law, NOAA Fisheries must ensure that the groundfish fisheries are not likely to result in “jeopardy of continued existence, or adverse modification or destruction of designated critical habitat,” or JAM, for these Steller sea lions.

Steller sea lion protection measures have been used to manage the groundfish fisheries since 1999. The current protection measures were put into effect in January 2011, after a biological opinion concluded that primarily Pacific cod and Atka mackerel commercial fishing in part of the Aleutian Islands may be preventing the recovery of the endangered Steller sea lions, and might result in JAM. Atka mackerel and Pacific cod are important prey species for Steller sea lions.

The analysis in the EIS will determine the impacts to the human environment resulting from the proposed action and alternatives to restrict groundfish fishing in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area to ensure the fishing would not likely result in JAM.

“Scoping brings out ideas that help shape what comes through the process,” said Jim Balsiger, Administrator for the Alaska Region of NOAA Fisheries. “I hope people take time to send us their written comments, including potential impacts and alternatives that should be considered in revising the Steller sea lion protection measures.”

NOAA Fisheries intends to work with stakeholders to develop fisheries restrictions that are not likely to result in JAM and minimize the potential economic impact on the fishing industry to the extent practicable while meeting the requirements of the ESA.

In scoping for the EIS, the agency will accept written comments from the public to determine the issues of concern; the appropriate range of management alternatives; and the direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts. Instructions for submitting written comments and more detail can be found on the NOAA Fisheries Alaska Region Web site at: http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/sustainablefisheries/sslpm/.

The formal public scoping period will close October 15, 2012.
NOAA, in coordination with the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, will conduct public meeting(s) to inform the public of the proposed action and alternatives, present issues and potential impacts, and gather public comment. These meetings will be announced by notice in the Federal Register and on the website at http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/npfmc/.

Additional information, and the 2010 environmental assessment and biological opinion prepared for the Steller sea lion protection measures, are also available at http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/sustainablefisheries/sslpm/.

NOAA Seeks Public Input on a New Oberserver Program Structure for Alaska Fisheries

NOAA Fisheries Service is accepting public comment on the agency’s new proposal to change the observer program for federal groundfish and halibut fisheries off Alaska.

The proposed rule filed with the Federal Register today. Once published, a 60-day comment period will open up for members of the public to provide input.

Observers are trained biologists who collect information while aboard vessels and at shore-side plants during commercial fisheries. They record information such as the amount of fishing gear set and the location, how much and what kinds of fish are caught, information on prohibited species caught, interactions with protected species like marine mammals, and detailed biological information on the species encountered.

Fisheries managers, scientists and policymakers, use the collected information, which is critical to sustainable management of Alaska’s multi-million dollar fisheries industry.

NOAA put the current observer program in place in 1991. The industry-funded program has worked well, but there are some elements that need improvement.

Owners of small vessels pay observer costs that are disproportionately high relative to their gross earnings. Vessel owners with no observer coverage requirements do not contribute to the cost of observer coverage, though they benefit from management based on the observer-data collected. Vessel owners and operators who are not required to have 100-percent of their operations observed choose when to carry observers, which may not accurately represent their overall fishing behavior. Vessels less than 60 feet in overall length and vessels fishing for halibut are exempt.

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) recommended the proposed changes to more equitably distribute industry’s costs, to improve data quality, and to include halibut vessels.

The proposed rule would divide the existing Observer Program into two observer coverage categories—partial and full. All groundfish and halibut vessels and processors would be included in one of the categories.

Vessels and processors in the full observer coverage category—required to have an observer at all times—would retain the current funding and deployment system, and would continue to contract directly with observer provider companies and pay the full cost of their own observer coverage.

Vessels and processors in the partial observer coverage category—not required to have an observer at all times—would have a new funding and deployment system, and would pay a fee based on the value of each landing, similar to a sales tax, to NOAA Fisheries for their observer coverage. NOAA Fisheries is providing the $3.8 million start-up funding for the first year of this partial coverage category program. The fees collected from industry will fund the program in subsequent years.

In the partial coverage category, NOAA Fisheries would select vessels and trips for observer coverage according to a science-based, random design. With the fees paid by industry, NOAA Fisheries would contract with one or more observer provider companies to provide observers for the partial coverage category. Because fishing trips and offloads would be selected for coverage at random to achieve an overall coverage rate, the coverage rate of individual vessels and plants in the partial coverage category could vary.

NOAA hopes to deploy observers under the restructured program by January 1, 2013.
The proposed rule filed with the Federal Register today, and is expected to publish early next week. Upon publication, members of the public will have a 60-days to submit comments.

To view the proposed rule and for more information on how to comment, go to: http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/sustainablefisheries/observers

News from the NPFMC

Chum Bycatch:

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC or Council) recently took public comments on measures to reduce the number of chum salmon caught incidentally by the pollock trawl fleet in the Bering Sea.

During the meeting, information from genetic studies was revealed which could change the direction the Council ultimately takes on this issue. The genetic stock composition (GSC) analysis demonstrates that a large percentage of those chums from the Bering Sea may have been bound for hatcheries in Japan and Russia, rather than rivers in western Alaska.

Genetic Stock Composition Analysis:

1048 samples were taken in 2010 from the Bering Sea.

East Asian: 38%

North Asian 26%

Western Alaska 14%

E. Gulf/Pacific NW 13%

Upper/Mid Yukon 7%

The Council ended up deciding to send the issue back for further analysis. Chris Oliver, executive director of the Council, said the matter will probably be on the agenda for the October meeting in Anchorage. If a final decision is made then, it would then go to the U.S. Department of Commerce for approval. It’s likely the issue won’t be resolved until 2014.


Fish Up – Halibut Shares for Area 4B:

At the March-April 2012 NPFMC meeting, the Council took final action to allow a fish up provision for the IPHC halibut area 4B. Owners of D category IFQ will be able to use this quota on C class vessels. D class vessels are 35’ and under, and C class refers to vessels 60’ – 36’ in length. The fish up provision was previously allowed for areas 3B and 4C back in 2004. Area 4A (including Akutan and Dutch) does not have a fish up provision. Safety is the main reason advocates gave for moving the 4B fish up provision forward. Opponents believe the fish up provision deteriorates entry level opportunities. The Advisory Panel to the NPFMC has been divided on this issue. APICDA has been a constant advocate for the 4B fish up provision.

ROFR Committee Disbanded:

The Bering Sea Aleutian Island Crab Community provisions workgroup, also known as the ROFR (Right of First Refusal) Committee, has been disbanded. The Council followed the Advisory Panel’s lead on this agenda item and accepted the workgroup’s report as the FINAL product of the group. The group found they had thoroughly worked through the issues, but could not reach further agreement, basically agreeing to disagree. Further decision points are now left to the Council. The only question is whether the issue will come up for initial review in June, October or December.


GOA Pacific cod A season dates:

A discussion paper on changing the GOA Pacific cod A-season dates has continued to be an important issue for AEB fishermen. Since the implementation of the sector split at the beginning of 2012, many area fishermen have been dissatisfied with how the fishery is prosecuted. The AEB had some good testimony at the recent NPFMC meeting in support of moving this analysis forward. Aleutians East Borough Assembly Member Paul Gronholdt and Natural Resources Director Ernie Weiss opened up public testimony on the topic of GOA P. cod A-season Opening Dates. The Peninsula Fisherman’s Coalition spokesperson, Beth Stewart, finished up testimony on the agenda item, virtually bookending all opposing testimony. The Council, however, voted to take no action at this time. This is still the first year of the sector. This issue is expected to resurface again in the future.

Reminder: BOF April 10th Proposal Deadline is Just Around the Corner

The Alaska Board of Fisheries Proposal Deadline is 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10, 2012. Any advisory committees or individuals wishing to submit proposals can still do so by that date. Proposals can be submitted online, by fax or by mail.

The Alaska Board of Fisheries is accepting proposed changes to the subsistence, commercial, personal use, sport, guided sport and guided sport ecotourism finfish regulations for the Bristol Bay, Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim and Alaska Peninsula/Aleutians Islands management areas. Finfish includes: salmon, herring, trout, groundfish, char, burbot, northern pike, whitefish, Pacific cod, sablefish, shark, pollock, etc., but does not include halibut.

Examples of “statewide finfish” regulations can be found in Title 5 of the Alaska Administrative Code and include, but are not limited to, policy for the management of sustainable salmon fisheries, policy for the management of mixed stock fisheries, policy for statewide salmon escapement goals, possession of sport-caught fish, fishing by proxy, etc.

Proposals may be submitted:

Online: http://boardoffisheries.adfg.alaska.gov/

Fax: (907) 465-6094

Mail: ADF&G, Boards Support Section, P.O. Box 115526, Juneau, AK 99811-5526.

A postmark is not sufficient for timely receipt. Please use the Board of Fisheries proposal form, available from any office of the Boards Support Section or from the following website: http://www.boards.adfg.state.ak.us/fishinfo/index.php. Proposals must contain a contact telephone number and address. Please print or type the individual’s name or organization’s name as appropriate. A fax is acceptable and considered an original. Currently, the Board is unable to accept submission of proposals via email. The Board is working with its information technology section and hopes to be able to offer this option soon.

All proposals are reviewed by the board’s proposal review committee prior to publication. Language that is emotionally charged detracts from the substance of the proposal. It may draw opposition that may not be germane to the element(s) of the proposal and may elicit non-responsive charges from the public/board members. The proposal review committee reserves the right to edit proposals containing offensive language. Proposals published in the proposal book will be referenced with the appropriate Alaska Administrative Code citation and include a brief description of the action requested. Following publication, proposal booklets will be available to advisory committees and the public for review and comment.

Proposals received per the above “Call for Proposals” deadline will be considered by the Board of Fisheries during the October 2012 through March 2013 meeting schedule.

For more information, please contact the Alaska Board of Fisheries Executive Director at (907) 465-4110.

South Alaska Peninsula Area State-Waters P.cod Pot Season Closes This Afternoon

According to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G), the South Alaska Peninsula Area state-waters Pacific cod (P.cod) season will close for all vessels using pot gear at 4 p.m. today (Thursday, March 22, 2012). In-season catch estimates indicate the pot gear guideline harvest level will be attained at the time of the closure.

Fishermen are reminded that all pots must be unbaited and doors open at the time of the closure. Pots may be legally stored in waters deeper than 25 fathoms with doors open and bait containers removed for seven days following the closure. Operators are required to be at their unloading destination within 48 hours of the closure.

For more information, contact ADF&G in Kodiak at (907) 486-1840.

2012 South Alaska Peninsula Area State-Waters Pacific Cod Jig Season Opening Delayed

The National Weather Service (NWS) marine weather 48-hour forecast issued at 4 a.m. Monday, March 19, 2012 for Area 155 contained gale warnings. Therefore, the South Alaska Peninsula Area state-waters Pacific cod season for mechanical jigging machines and hand troll gear will be delayed for 24 hours.

If the NWS forecast issued at 4 a.m. Tuesday, March 20, 2012 for Area 155 contains gale warnings, the season will be delayed for an additional 24 hours. Season opening delays may continue on a rolling basis for 7 days beyond the initial opening date.

2012 South Alaska Area State-Waters Pacific Cod Jig Season Opens March 19th

The Western Gulf of Alaska (WGOA) parallel Pacific cod (P.cod) season will close to jig gear on Saturday, March 17th at 12:00 noon. According to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G), the state-waters P.cod season for vessels using jig gear will open 48 hours later in the South Alaska Peninsula Area on March 19th at 12:00 noon unless delayed by weather. For vessels participating in the WGOA parallel P.cod jig fishery, all P.cod must be delivered prior to participating in the South Alaska Peninsula Area state-waters season.

Jig vessels may not operate more than 5 mechanical jig machines with more than 30 hooks per line. Jig vessels are allocated 15 percent of the total South Alaska Peninsula GHL or 2.3 million pounds.

All vessels participating in the South Alaska Peninsula Area state-waters Pacific cod season may not exceed 58 feet in overall length. Vessel operators must obtain an exclusive state-waters vessel registration from ADF&G prior to participating in the state-waters season.

As a reminder, vessels may not participate in a state-waters P.cod season and any other P.cod season at the same time. Vessels registered for the state-waters season must invalidate their state-waters registration before that vessel may participate in any other P.cod season.

Weather Delay
The state-waters season opening for jig vessels will be delayed for 24 hours if the National Weather Service (NWS) 48-hour marine weather forecast for Area 155 issued at 4 a.m. on March 19th contains gale force wind warnings (35 knots or higher). If the jig gear season opening is delayed and the following day’s 4 a.m. 48-hour forecast again contains gale warnings, the season opening will be delayed an additional 24-hours. Season opening delays may continue on a rolling 24-hour basis for up to seven days beyond the initial opening date. After seven days, the jig season will open regardless of the NWS marine weather forecast for Area 155.

For more information, contact the Alaska Department of Fish & Game in Kodiak at (907) 486-1840. You can also contact in season management staff at the National Marine Fisheries Service at (907) 586-7228 for more information on fishing outside of state waters.

2012 South Alaska Peninsula Area State-Waters Pacific Cod Pot Gear Season Opens Today

The National Weather Service marine weather 48-hour forecast for Area 155 issued at 4 a.m. today (Wednesday, March 7, 2012) did not contain gale warnings. Therefore, according to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G), the South Alaska Peninsula Area state-waters Pacific cod season opening for pot vessels will open at 12 p.m. today (Wednesday, March 7, 2012). Participants are advised that the master of each vessel is ultimately responsible for the safety of the vessel.

ADF&G will manage the 2012 South Alaska Peninsula Area state-waters Pacific cod pot season based on in-season reports from participating vessels. Reports will be taken daily starting at 9 a.m. by dispatch (7894), phone (907-486-1840), or email (mark.stichert@alaska.gov).

For more information, contact ADF&G in Kodiak at 907-486-1840.

Joint Protocol Committee Meeting of BoF and NPFMC scheduled for March 19th

A Joint Protocol Committee of the Alaska Board of Fisheries (BoF) and the North Pacific Fishery Management Council will be held on March 19, 2012 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Anchorage Hilton Hotel.

Issues on the agenda include the status of the salmon bycatch, such as Bering Sea chinook, Gulf of Alaska (GOA) Chinook and Bering Sea chum salmon.

Another issue up for discussion is revising the Pacific cod (P.cod) "A" season opening date in the GOA. This will be another opportunity for fishermen to testify in front of both the Board and the Council about changing P.cod season dates. Other topics to be discussed include the status of the GOA Pacific cod reverse parallel jig fishery and the status of GOA halibut bycatch.

For more information, click on the title of this blog posting or copy and paste the website address below into your browser:
http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/PDFdocuments/meetings/212JntProtocolAgenda.pdf

NOAA Seeks Nominations for Appointments to Two IPHC Commissioner Seats

NOAA is soliciting nominations for two individuals to serve as United States Commissioners to the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC). According to a NOAA press release, two U.S. Commission seats will expire in March 2012.

Established by the international convention in 1923, the IPHC oversees research and management of halibut in U.S. and Canadian convention waters.

U.S. representation consists of three Commissioners appointed by the President of the United States to represent the interests of the United States and all of its stakeholders in the Pacific halibut fishery.

The three U.S. Commissioners are described in the Northern Pacific Halibut Act as:
(1) One shall be an official of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;
and
(2) Two shall be knowledgeable or experienced concerning the Northern Pacific halibut fishery; of these two, one shall be a resident of Alaska and the other shall be a non-resident of Alaska.

Of the three Commissioners, one shall be a voting member of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council.

U.S. Commissioners are appointed for a term not to exceed 2 years, but are eligible for reappointment.

Public solicitation for nominations was published in the Federal Register and can be found at: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-02-16/pdf/2012-3697.pdf (or click on the title of this blog post).

Nominations are due by March 19, 2012

This action is necessary to ensure that the interests of the United States and its stakeholders in the Pacific halibut fishery are adequately represented. The intended effect of this action is to improve transparency and stakeholder participation in the nomination process.

Nominations for U.S. Commissioners to the IPHC should be made in writing to:

Patrick E. Moran
Office of International Affairs
National Marine Fisheries Service
1315 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Nominations can also be sent via fax to 301-713-2313 or by email:
Pat.Moran@noaa.gov

For more information, contact Patrick E. Moran at (301) 427-8370.

NPFMC Conducts Teleconference Today on Possible Measures Limiting Chum Bycatch in Bering Sea Pollock Fishery

This morning (from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Feb. 24, 2012) analysts with the North Pacific Fishery Management Council will answer questions about possible new measures to limit chum salmon bycatch in the Bering Sea pollock fishery. The Council is evaluating new measures to limit bycatch. A teleconference is open to the public. Council analysts will be on the line to provide information and answer questions.

If you plan to ask a question, please RSVP via email (Steve.MacLean@noaa.gov) or call the Council (907-271-2809) with your name, location and question. Due to the possibility for a large number of participants, the RSVP list will have first priority for questions. The Council is asking each participant to limit their question to two minutes.

If you'd like to take part in the teleconference, please call:
(877) 214-2906, code 1214A short presentation will be given at the beginning of the call. If you wish to follow, the presentation, click on title of this post for the link.

For more information, click on the link below:

http://www.fakr.noaa/gov/npfmc/PDFdocuments/bycatch/ChumOutreachNotice22412.pdf

ADF&G Announces Change to 2012 South Alaska Peninsula Area State-Waters Pacific Cod Pot Gear Season Opening

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) previously announced that the South Alaska Peninsula Area state-waters Pacific cod pot gear season opening would be at 12:01 a.m. (midnight) March 7, 2012. ADF&G has since determined that the previously announced opening time of 12:01 a.m. on March 7 conflicts with the regulation that delays the start of the season based on marine weather. Therefore, the South Alaska Peninsula Area state-waters Pacific cod season for pot gear will open 12 hours later than previously announced. It will open at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, March 7, 2012, unless delayed by weather.

WEATHER DELAY:

The state-waters season opening for pot vessels will be delayed for 24-hours if the National Weather Service (NWS) 48-hour marine weather forecast for Area 155 issued at 4 a.m. on the scheduled opening day contains gale force wind warnings (35 knots or higher). If the pot gear season opening is delayed and the following day’s 4 a.m. 48-hour forecast again contains gale warnings, the season opening will be delayed an additional 24 hours. Season opening delays may continue on a rolling 24-hour basis for up to seven days beyond the initial opening date. After seven days, the pot season will open regardless of the NWS marine weather forecast for Area 155.

2012 South Alaska Peninsula Area State-Waters Pacific Cod Season Openings

According to ADF&G, the 2012 South Alaska Peninsula state-waters Pacific cod (Pcod) season for vessels using pot gear will open at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 unless delayed by weather. Pot vessels are restricted to operating no more than 60 pots. Buoy tags are required for all pot gear. Open and unbaited pots may be stored in waters less than 25 fathoms deep prior to the start of the state-waters pot season. Pot gear may not be baited or placed into waters deeper than 25 fathoms until the pot season opens on March 7th. The 2012 South Alaska Peninsula state-waters Pcod guideline harvest level (GHL) is 15.45 million pounds. Pot vessels are allocated 85 percent of the GHL or 13.13 million pounds.

The state-waters Pcod season for vessels using jig gear will open 48 hours after closure of the Western Gulf of Alaska (WGOA) federal/parallel jig gear A-season, unless delayed by weather. However, if the WGOA federal/parallel jig A-season has not closed by March 15th, ADF&G may close the WGOA parallel (0 - 3 nautical miles from shore) jig season and open the South Alaska Peninsula state-waters jig season based on in-season assessment of effort, harvest rate or remaining federal/parallel jig quota. Jig vessels may not operate more than 5 mechanical jig machines with no more than 30 hooks per line. Jig vessels are allocated 15 percent of the total GHL or 2.32 million pounds.

All vessels participating in the South Alaska state-waters Pcod season may not exceed 58 feet in overall length. Vessel operators must obtain a miscellaneous finfish interim-use permit card from the Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission and an exclusive state-waters vessel registration from ADF&G prior to participating in the state-waters season. Registration and buoy tags are available at ADF&G offices in Kodiak and Dutch Harbor, Trident Seafoods in Sand Point and Peter Pan Seafoods in King Cove.

WEATHER DELAYS

The state-waters season openings for pot or jig gear will be delayed for 24-hours if the National Weather Service (NWS) 48-hour marine weather forecast for Area 155 issued at 4 a.m. on the scheduled opening day for the pot season or the scheduled opening day for the jig season contains gale force wind warnings (35 knots or higher). If a season opening is delayed and the following day’s 4 a.m. 48-hour forecast again contains gale warnings, the season opening will be delayed an additional 24 hours. Season opening delays may continue on a rolling 24-hour basis for up to seven days beyond the initial opening date. After seven days, the pot or jig seasons will open regardless of the NWS marine weather forecast for Area 155.

CATCH REPORTING

Vessel operators using pot gear during the South Alaska Peninsula Area state-waters Pcod season must report the following information to ADF&G daily:

1) Fishing location
2) Number of pot lifts for the previous 24-hour reporting period
3) Pounds of Pcod retained for the previous 24-hour fishing period

Reports will be taken by ADF&G between 9 and 10 a.m. each day by satellite dispatch (7894). Vessel operators may also report by phone (907-486-1840) or email (mark.stichert@alaska.gov). Vessels without satellite service may relay reports through other fishing vessels or local processors. Encrypted code sheets will be issued to vessels relaying catch information to maintain confidentiality. Vessel operators interested in making alternative reporting arrangements are encouraged to contact ADF&G prior to the season opening.

For more information, contact the Alaska Department of Fish & Game in Kodiak at (907) 486-1840.

NPFMC Seattle meeting update 2/3/2012

The NPFMC is moving swiftly through the agenda items during the meeting in Seattle this week, while taking a full 8 hours on the halibut PSC agenda item. The Council Motion on this agenda item is to move the document forward and to release the EA/RIR/IRFA for public review while incorporating some suggestions from the SSC. Halibut bycatch is a contentious issue and the Council avoided taking sides on differing recommendations from the AP, who were split on this issue. The AP motion, passing 11-8, recommended not releasing the EA/RIR/IRFA for public review while adding other options. The AP minority of 8 motion, to move the document forward with the addition of an option of 20% to the list of 5%, 10% and 15%, failed and the Council did not add a 20% option.

Discussions at the AP about bycatch and other subjects, spur comments by industry on the need to move ahead with catch share plans and GOA groundfish rationalization. AP member Weiss voiced an objection to the continued assertions, claiming many AEB fishermen he has talked with are generally opposed to gulf rationalization.

The Council began work on crab issues on Friday, beginning with the Pribilof Island blue king crab rebuilding plan. The council motion adopts Option 2B as the PPA. 2B would expand the Pribilof Island Habitat Conservation Zone closure to trawl and pcod pot fishing in the area. The motion also adopts most of the AP suggested additions. Council member Benson tried to strike the adoption of Option 2B as a PPA with a failed amendment. The Council also heard a report Friday morning on the BSAI Tanner Crab Rebuilding Plan, but took no action. Friday afternoon the Council began considering final action on the BSAI crab EDR revisions.

Stakeholders listening to the meeting live via webcast noticed difficulties with the service. The Council’s regular web meeting software needs updating and was not working in Seattle. Council staff quickly linked to the UStream free service, which occasionally interrupts the streaming audio with commercials. The Council is considering ways to improve electronic communication under Staff Tasking later in the meeting.