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Posted 6/21/99
June 1999 Newsletter - Published 6/21/99
In this Newsletter:
June Council Meeting (139th Plenary Session
)The Council met June 9-14 at the Kodiak Inn in Kodiak, Alaska, spending the majority of the meeting taking action on American Fisheries Act sideboard provisions, and Steller sea lion issues. These and other issues are described within this newsletter. The Council and industry also had a big send-off party for long-time Council member Wally Pereyra who enjoyed his last Council meeting in Kodiak. Though no longer a Council member after August, we look forward to his continued involvement in the Council process. The next Council meeting is scheduled for the week of October 11, 1999, at the Doubletree Hotel at the Sea/Tac Airport in Seattle.
This was also the last meeting for staff member Linda Roberts who is moving to Ashland,
Oregon at the end of the month. We will miss her at the office and at the AP meetings, but
wish she and Doug the best.
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American Fisheries Act (AFA)
The Council adopted a suite of measures to protect non-AFA-eligible harvest vessels from potential adverse impacts caused by AFA-eligible vessels' participation in cooperatives. These measures restrict the AFA-eligible vessels' harvest of Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands (BSAI) non-pollock groundfish, BSAI crab, and scallops to their historic participation levels. A separate suite of groundfish harvest caps was approved for the Gulf of Alaska (GOA).
Restrictive processing caps, or "sideboards," were not finalized at this meeting. Instead, the Council passed a motion expressing their intent to develop and implement processing sideboards as required under the AFA. To accomplish this goal, the Council will establish an industry committee to work with state and federal managers to resolve implementation issues. The committee will be expected to have a report available to the Council by September 15, 1999. Persons wishing to serve on this committee should send a letter by July 16 expressing their interest to the Council office.
The Council directed staff to review the processor sideboard section (Chapter 8) of the current AFA analysis. The review was requested to ensure that adequate information is available, particularly on crab processing sideboards, for the Council to comment on the draft regulations being developed by NMFS which are prescribed under the AFA, or to approve alternative measures. This review of the draft regulations will be scheduled under the AFA Processing Sideboard agenda item at the October meeting. The Council is scheduled to take final action in October on groundfish and crab processing sideboards, noting that NMFS will be proceeding with crab processing sideboards as prescribed by the Act, pending Council action in October. The Council also noticed industry that they intend to move forward with an analysis for excessive shares and may not recognize processing history after the date of passage of the AFA. That analysis is scheduled for initial review in December 1999.
Another important AFA-related issue which may be subject to Council action in October relates to inshore cooperative structure. NMFS is proceeding with regulations which are based on the structure prescribed in the AFA, though the Council will be reviewing an analysis of economic and policy implications of that cooperative structure, as well as the structure proposed by the Independent Catcher Vessel Association. That analysis is being conducted under contract by economists with the University of Washington and Oregon State University and should be available in mid-September for review. Also affecting a Council decision on cooperative structure will be an anticipated legal opinion on cooperative structure from the Department of Justice. Council contacts for all AFA issues are Darrell Brannan and Chris Oliver.
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Steller Sea Lion Measures
The Council reviewed and adopted a series of measures intended to provide protection for Steller sea lions for the remainder of 1999 and for 2000 and beyond. As with previous actions taken by the Council, these measures respond to the Reasonable and Prudent Alternatives (RPAs) stemming from the recent Biological Opinion issued by NMFS. The June meeting actions closely mirror those actions taken last December, but include further restrictions on pollock fisheries in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) and Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands (BSAI). For example, further restrictions on total removals from Critical Habitat (CH) areas were approved, as well as extended stand-down periods between fishing seasons in the BSAI and modified haul-out closures in the GOA. Staff contacts are David Witherell or Chris Oliver.
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BSAI Pacific Cod Fixed Gear Split
The Council reviewed an analysis which examines the effects of apportioning the fixed gear allocation of Pacific cod among the freezer longline, hook and line catcher vessel, and pot sectors of the fishery. Another option would make the split only between all longline vessels and all pot gear vessels. The split may be apportioned according to recent catch histories to be determined as a percentage of cumulative catches of the fixed gear TAC of BSAI Pacific cod by gear type for:
Option 1: 1996, 1997
Option 2: 1997, 1998
Option 3: 1996, 1997, 1998
Option 4: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998
Depending on the option, freezer longliners may be allocated between 79.2% and 85.4% of the fixed gear TAC, with hook and line catcher vessels receiving between 0.1% and 0.3%, and pot vessels accruing between 14.5% and 20.7% of the split. The revised document will also analyze an option to create a set-aside for catcher longline vessels under 60' length overall (LOA). Such a set-aside will be calculated as either:
1. 2% of the Pacific cod TAC, or
2. 2% of the fixed gear Pacific cod quota
At the June meeting, the Council also adopted a problem statement and moved to release the analysis for public review, pending SSC approval of revisions by teleconference in August. The problem statement adopted by the Council is as follows:
The hook-and-line and pot fisheries for Pacific cod in the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands are fully utilized. Competition for this resource has increased for a variety of reasons, including increased market value of cod products and a declining ABC/TAC.
Longline and pot fishermen who have made significant long-term investments, have long catch histories, and are significantly dependent on the BSAI cod fisheries need protection from others who have little or limited history and wish to increase their participation in the fishery.
This requires prompt action to promote stability in the BSAI fixed gear cod fishery until comprehensive rationalization is completed.
Final action is scheduled for October. Also scheduled for review in October is a preliminary analysis of proposed license limitation measures aimed at reducing latent capacity in the BSAI fixed gear Pacific cod fisheries (as detailed in the April newsletter). While this issue will not be decided until December 1999, or February 2000, information on potential numbers of licenses may be relevant to the Pacific cod gear allocation decision. Staff contacts are Chuck Hamel or Darrell Brannan.
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Tanner Crab Rebuilding Plan
The Bering Sea Tanner crab (C. bairdi) stock was declared "overfished" on March 3, 1999, because the 1997 C. bairdi spawning biomass (64.2 million pounds) was below MSST (94.8 million pounds of biomass; see adjacent figure). The stock has continued to decline, with spawning biomass estimated to be 36.9 million pounds in 1998. Section 304 of the Magnuson-Stevens Act requires that a rebuilding plan be developed within one year of an overfishing determination.
In June, the Council reviewed a draft rebuilding plan and released it for public review with additional options for bycatch reduction and habitat protection. The rebuilding plan is comprised of three components: a revised harvest strategy, bycatch control measures, and habitat protection. The stock is projected to rebuild to the Bmsy level in about 11 years under the proposed plan. Final action is scheduled for October. Staff contact is Dave Witherell.
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Demersal Shelf Rockfish (DSR) Retention
Upon the advice by NOAA General Counsel (NOAA GC) on legal issues related to the February 1999 motion by the Council to implement a regulatory change to require full retention of demersal shelf rockfish (DSR) by federally permitted vessels in the GOA by fixed gear vessels, the Council reconsidered its original recommendations to the Secretary. NOAA GC identified a Constitutional conflict in requiring fish in excess of the permitted allowance to be surrendered only to the State of Alaska, as required in paragraph D below:
In February, the Council approved the following:
A. eliminate the maximum retainable bycatch (MRB) limit for DSR;
B. require that all DSR caught by Federally-permitted vessels using fixed gear in the Southeast Outside District be retained, landed, weighed and reported;
C. limit the amount of DSR that may be sold to an amount that is no more than 10 percent of other retained catch; and
D. require fishermen to surrender to the State of Alaska amounts of DSR that are in excess of the amount that may be sold.
As a result, the Council reconsidered its February action and approved a new paragraph (D) that provides the fisherman with more options for disposing of retained DSR. The revised paragraph (D) is listed below. This regulatory change would likely be in effect in 2000, if approved by the Secretary. Staff contact is Jane DiCosimo.
D. fishermen may do one or all of the following with amounts of DSR that are in excess of the amount that may be sold:
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HMAP Pilot Program
In April 1999, the Council reviewed a proposal from Groundfish Forum to develop a pilot Halibut Mortality Avoidance Program (HMAP) for the 2nd quarter GOA deepwater flatfish fishery and the BSAI July "other flatfish" fishery, and initiated analysis of a regulatory amendment to implement it. Some preliminary analysis has been completed to date, but issues dealing with implementation and monitoring are still being evaluated. In June, the Council heard a progress report on the analysis and requested that it be ready for final action in October. Staff contact is Dave Witherell.
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AFDF Artificial Bait Project
The Council reviewed and endorsed an application from the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation (AFDF) for an experimental fishing permit to test their artificial longline bait under commercial fishing conditions. The field trials are scheduled to occur in July and again in the fall in the Central Gulf with Pacific cod as the target species, taking up to 20,000 pounds of P. cod and a small amount of bycatch of other species, primarily rockfish (halibut bycatch would be covered by IFQs on the contracted fishing vessel). The artificial bait is made from seafood processing waste and preliminary tests were very positive for a variety of factors including attractiveness to cod, durability, and consistency. For further details on the project contact Richard Drake, Project Manager, at the Foundation at 907-276-7315.
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ATTACHMENT 1
Council Actions on American Fisheries Act Issues
General : (1) NMFS will manage all fisheries such that sideboards and PSC caps are not exceeded.(2) all sideboard calculations will be based on best estimates of landed catch.
Catcher Processor Sideboards
Groundfish:
1. Non-pollock groundfish caps (other than Atka mackerel in the central and western Aleutians) for listed vessels will be established on the basis of the percent of landed groundfish catch relative to TAC (of the original 29 vessels) in the pollock and non-pollock fisheries in 1995, 96, and 97 (for Pacific cod, 1997 only; for POP in the Aleutians, 1996 and 1997).
2. NMFS will determine the bycatch needs for pollock and non-pollock fisheries and allow for directed fishing for non-pollock target species such that the total catch of those species should not exceed the caps.
PSC Caps:
1. Total PSC cap for listed vessels will be established on the basis of percentage of PSC removals in the non-pollock groundfish fisheries in 1995, 96, and 97.
2. NMFS will allow for directed fishing of non-pollock species such that the total PSC removals do not exceed the PSC cap.
3. The listed vessels’ PSC caps will not be apportioned and will be managed under open access season apportionment closures.
Catcher processor sideboards for both groundfish and PSC caps
are a package and disapproval of any component would be disapproval of the whole
package and returned to the Council for further action.
Catcher Vessel Sideboards
BSAI Groundfish Sideboards
1. Shall be based on vessel catch between 1995-97.
2. Shall be based on non-pollock catch in pollock and non-pollock targets, as a ratio of the AFA vessels’ catch to TAC.
3. NMFS will determine the bycatch needs for pollock and non-pollock fisheries and allow for directed fishing for non-pollock target species such that the total catch of those species should not exceed the caps.
4. Shall apply to all AFA eligible vessels regardless of participation in a co-op.
5. Shall apply at the AFA CV sector level in 2000. However, NMFS shall publish the proportion of the cap represented by the aggregate catch history of the vessels in each co-op, and facilitate the formation of an interco-op agreement to monitor the subdivision of the caps at the co-op level. NMFS shall require each co-op agreement to contain provisions that would limit its participants to their collective 1995-97 harvest in other fisheries.
6. Shall be applied throughout the year, except:
a. Mothership sector qualified AFA vessels’ (21 vessels) CV trawl P. cod sideboards shall be lifted March 1;
b. Vessels with less than 1700 mt of annual average landed pollock catch history shall be exempt from the catcher vessel trawl P. cod sideboard cap.
BSAI PSC Sideboard Caps
1. Shall be based on the ratio of catch in each non-pollock target to the PSC cap for that target, and shall represent an aggregate cap (as with the AFA CP sector).
2. Attainment by the entire fleet of any PSC cap in any target fishery will close directed fishing to all trawl vessels, even if the AFA vessels have not attained their aggregate PSC cap.
3. PSC species limited to crab and halibut.
GOA Groundfish Sideboards
1. Shall be based on vessel landed groundfish catch between 1995-97.
2. Shall be based on non-pollock landed groundfish catch in non-pollock targets as a ratio of the AFA vessels’ catch to TAC.
3. Shall be based on the landed pollock catch in the pollock target as a ratio of the AFA vessels’ catch to TAC, and shall be apportioned seasonally.
4. NMFS will determine the bycatch needs for pollock and non-pollock fisheries and allow for directed fishing for non-pollock target species such that the total catch of those species should not exceed the caps.
5. Shall apply to all AFA vessels.
6. Shall apply at the AFA-eligible catcher vessel sector level in 2000. However, NMFS shall publish the proportion of the cap represented by the aggregate catch history of the vessels in each co-op, and encourage the formation of an inter-co-op agreement to monitor the sub-division of the caps at the co-op level. NMFS shall require each co-op agreement to contain provisions that would limit its participants to their collective 1995-97 harvest in other fisheries.
7. Shall be applied throughout the year except vessels with less than 1700 mt of annual average pollock landed catch history shall be exempt from pollock and cod sideboards and from those Gulf groundfish fisheries in which they participated in 1995, 1996, or 1997.
GOA PSC Sideboards Caps
1. Shall be based on the ratio of catch in each non-pollock target to the PSC cap for that target, and shall represent an aggregate cap, sub-divided into deep and shallow water flats.
2. Attainment by the entire fleet of any PSC cap in any target fishery will close directed fishing to all trawl vessels, even if the AFA vessels have not attained their aggregate PSC cap.
3. Shall be apportioned seasonally.
Scallop Sideboards
1. Participation in a co-op is defined as any use of a vessel’s catch history by a co-op, whether by direct harvest, lease, sale, or stacking of quota.
2. Measures that would restrict pollock co-op vessels to their aggregate traditional harvest in the scallop fishery in 1997 based on a percentage of the upper end of the state-wide guideline harvest. level. The cap would be this percentage applied to the upper end of the state-wide guideline harvest level established each year.
Crab Sideboards
A. Crab Sideboards shall apply to all AFA vessels.
B. Bristol Bay Red King Crab (BBRKC)
1. These AFA vessels that hold a BBRKC endorsement shall be capped at their 5-year (91-97, excluding 94-95) weighted average share. These vessels shall be managed in the aggregate.
2. This share of future catch shall apply to the pre-season BBRKC GHL.
C. Opilio — AFA LLP Alternative 9 Tanner crab endorsed vessels may participate in the opilio fishery if they harvested opilio in more than 3 of 10 years (88-97).
D. Bairdi
1. AFA qualified vessels that receive an LLP endorsement are excluded from participating in the directed bairdi fishery, except as follows: If and when the bairdi rebuilding goal is reached, the only AFA vessels allowed to participate would be those with catch history in 1995 or 96. These vessels would be capped at their aggregate historic catch for 1995-96.
2. If there is a BBRKC fishery where bairdi bycatch is allowed, the AFA Tanner crab endorsed vessels may retain bycatch bairdi.
E. AFA LLP Alternative 9 vessels which hold a LLP endorsement for either the St. Matthews or Pribilof king crab, and had a landing in that fishery in 1995, 96 or 97, may participate in that fishery. For Adak red king crab and brown crab fisheries a qualified vessel which had a landing in the last two years the fishery was open may participate in those fisheries.
F. Prohibit the sale, lease, transfer or stacking of crab LLP licenses or endorsements by AFA-eligible catcher vessels.
Additionally, a committee will be formed to workout implementation issues relating to crab sideboards. This committee will likely meet during July and is scheduled to have a report available for the joint Council/BOF meeting to be held in August.
Non-Sideboard decisions
Compensation in Shoreside Sector Co-ops
1. Provide compensation to vessels with offshore history greater than 499 tons (as per Table 10.5).
Utilize the best 2 of 3 years to determine the share of the inshore pollock allocation each vessel brings to a co-op.
AFA Conformance Measures (Amendments 62/62)
Action 1: BSAI pollock allocations as per AFA.
Action 2: Alternative 2 Extension of the GOA program through 2004 so the sunset dates for the BSAI and GOA are the same.
Additionally:
1. Conforming the definitions of directed pollock harvest in the GOA and BSAI so that they are the same.
2. Substituting the term "groundfish" for "fish" in the AFA definition of "shoreside processor."
3. Applying the inshore/offshore restrictions only to directed fishing for pollock in the BSAI and GOA, and directed fishing for P. cod in the GOA. However, for the purpose of GOA catch accounting, all processors will be categorized "inshore" or "offshore."
Clarify that "shoreside processor" for purposes of Section 208(f) of the AFA means only the physical facility or vessel which processed pollock in the qualifying years 1996 and 1997, and not the entire corporate entity which owns or controls that facility or vessel.
Single Geographic Location
Clarify that AFA eligible inshore processors may only receive BSAI pollock at the same physical location at which that inshore processor received BSAI pollock during the qualifying years 1996 and 1997.
CDQ Conformance Measures
Action 1: Defining directed fishing for pollock CDQ
The Council adopted Alternative 2 (regulations currently in effect for 1999 under an Emergency Interim Rule) which reads as follows:
Directed fishing for pollock CDQ would be based on the percent of pollock in each CDQ haul by a catcher/processor and in each delivery by a catcher vessel.
All pollock caught while directed fishing for pollock CDQ would accrue against the CDQ group’s pollock CDQ. All pollock caught in CDQ hauls or deliveries that do not meet the definition of directed fishing for pollock CDQ will accrue against the pollock incidental catch allowance.
Proposed definition: Directed fishing for pollock means fishing that results in the following:
(1) For each haul by a catcher/processor, the round weight of pollock represents 60% or more by weight of the total round weight of all groundfish in the haul.
(2) For each delivery by a catcher vessel, the round weight of pollock represents 60% or more by weight of the total round weight of all groundfish delivered to the processor.
The amount of CDQ pollock counted against the ICA is to be identified by fishery and CDQ Group and be reviewed by the Council annually. Further, that the Council's intent that CDQ groups make every effort to insure that the incidental catch of pollock in non-pollock fisheries does not exceed historic levels.
Action 2: Squid CDQ
Adopt Alternative 2: do not allocate 7.5% of the squid TAC to the CDQ Program. Squid caught while CDQ fishing would accrue against the non-CDQ squid TAC and the catch of squid would not limit the CDQ fisheries (unless the overall catch of squid reached an amount that would affect all BSAI fishing).
AFA Processor Sideboards
(1) It is the Council's intent to develop and implement processor sideboards as required by AFA. The Council will establish an industry committee to work with state and federal managers to resolve implementation issues. This will be a broad based committee involving both AFA and non-AFA processors, AFA and non-AFA fishermen, as well as other members of industry. The committee will make their report available to the Council and public no later than September 15, 1999.
(2) The Council requests that staff review the current AFA analysis for processor sideboards, paying particular attention to crab processing sideboards, and to supplement the analysis, if necessary, to assure adequate analysis for crab processor sideboards to consider at October meeting; and to ask NMFS to provide the Council opportunity to comment on the draft regulations for crab processor sideboards (which will go forward as prescribed in the AFA) at the October meeting.
Excessive Share Limits
The Council notices industry that they intend to move forward with an analysis for excessive shares and may not recognize processing history after the date of passage of the AFA.
Cooperative Agreements and Council Review
Cooperative agreements may be one to six years in duration, but must be review annually by the Council if they are more than one year in duration. The Council’s intent was that this was considered to be a post- season performance review.
Cooperative agreements, regardless of duration, must be submitted to the Council by December 1, of the year prior to the start of fishing.
Prohibit cooperative agreements from requiring cooperative vessels to deliver species other than BSAI pollock to their AFA processor.
Cooperative agreements shall require the disclosure of catch and bycatch statistics.
ATTACHMENT 2
Council Actions on Steller Sea Lion Measures
General Considerations
C November 1 to January 19 closure in BSAI with extension to GOA
C Seasonal caps at 30% of annual TAC
C 40/60 split in BSAI between A1/A2 and B/C seasons
C Rollovers allowed consistent with seasonal cap and areal apportionments (CHCVOA)
C Retain closure of Aleutians area
Gulf of Alaska
Season dates and TAC apportionments
Season
TAC Apportionment
Start Date
Close Date
A
30%
Jan 20
Mar 1
B
15%
Mar 15
May 31
C
30%
Aug 20
Sep 15
D
25%
Oct 1
Nov 1
Provide for a seasonal exclusive area requirement for catcher vessels fishing between the BSAI and GOA
Catcher vessels would be prohibited from engaging in directed fishing for pollock in both the BSAI and GOA during the following season pairs:
Bering Sea A1
GOA A
Bering Sea A2
GOA B
Bering Sea B
GOA C
Bering Sea C
GOA D
with exemption for vessels less than 125' in areas 620 (east of 157 degrees) and 630 (area 610 still exclusive).
Trip limits in the GOA
Catcher Vessel Trip Limits
Option 2: 300,000 lb trip limit for W, C and E Gulf of Alaska
(Council intent is that this be managed such that the average of all trips over a season be less than 300,000 lbs)
Tender vessel trip limits
Option 4 (as amended): 600,000 lb trip limits for tender vessels in area 610 and 620 west of 157° with a prohibition on tendering in areas 620 east of 157°, 621, 630, 631 and 640.
Spatial dispersion in the GOA
Separate TAC in Shelikof Strait with proportionate reduction in TACs for areas outside the Strait in the A and B seasons only.
Pollock no-trawl zones in the GOA
Implement RPA proposed pollock trawl exclusion zones with eight existing exemptions (as amended below).
a. Pt. Elrington, Rugged Island and The Needles would be closed to pollock fishing May 1 - January 20.
b. Sea Lion Rocks would stay open with a 60 ft boat limit.
c. Spitz Island and Mitrofania open Jan 20 - April 30 and Sept - Nov 1 with a 60 ft boat limit.
The Council also passed two motions:
(1) request NMFS to monitor removals from the 8 areas and report no later than February 2000 on rates of removal and provide any recommendations stemming from that information, and
(2) to write a letter to the BOF summarizing all Council actions related to this agenda item, and request any appropriate complementary actions, and express support for proposed BOF action with regard to 40% reduction in Prince William Sound.
Bering Sea
Temporal Dispersion Package
Inshore Sector Seasons
A1 season — Jan 20 - Feb 15
Stand-down 7 days
A2 season — Feb 22 - April 17
B season 1999 — August 1 until quota achievement
B-C stand-down 7 days inside CH/CVOA
B season 2000 and forward — June 1 start date for co-ops (August 1 for open access)
C season — B closure, plus 7 days till Nov 1.
Mothership Sector Seasons
A1 and A2, single season — Feb 1 - April 15
No stand-down between A1 and A2; no stand-down outside CH/CVOA with max daily catch rate of 2,000 mt. from Feb. 15-22.
B and C season, single season — Sept 1 - Nov 1
Catcher Processor Sector Seasons (including 7 catchers)
A1 season — Jan 20- Feb 15
Stand-down 7 days in CHCVOA; no stand-down outside CHCVOA with max daily catch rate of 2,000 mt from Feb 15-22.
A2 season — Feb 22-April 17
B season — July 10 - August 31
No stand-down
C season — Sep 1- Nov 1
CDQ Sector Seasons
A1 and A2 single season — Jan 20 - April 15
Stand-down 7 days in CHCVOA; no stand-down outside CHCVOA with max daily catch rate of 2,000 mt from Feb 15-22.
B and C season — April 15 - Nov 1
NOTE: Council intent with regard to maximum daily catch rates is that NMFS, in consultation with industry, may adjust maximum daily catch rates for each sector to comply with RPAs. (i.e., option is to agree to that maximum daily catch rate throughout the A1/A2 seasons, or take the stand-down). This only applies to outside CH/CVOA stand-downs. Inside CH/CVOA stand-downs remain.
Pollock Allocation RPAs Package
AFA Allocations Apply.
Seasonal Allocations by Sector
Seasonal TAC apportionments
A1
A2
B
C
Inshore
27.5%
12.5%
30%
30%
C/P
27.5%
12.5%
30%
30%
Mothership
40%
60%
CDQ
45%
55%
Area Allocations by Sector
CH/CVOA Percentages 1999
A1
A2
B
C
Inshore
56%
56%
45%
63%
C/P
33%
33%
0%
0%
Mothership
50%
0%
CDQ
82.5%
56%
CH/CVOA Percentages 2000
A1
A2
B
C
Inshore
56%
56%
27%
45%
C/P
33%
33%
0%
0%
Mothership
50%
0%
CDQ
82.5%
37%
NOTE 1: Phase-in reduction in total B/C season CHCVOA removals (B season 25% in 1999 and 15% in 2000 - C season 35% in 1999 and 25% in 2000.
NOTE 2: B to C rollovers permitted but not to exceed 30% directed pollock allocation in any season
General
E west, north of CH/CVOA.1. No pollock allocation east and west of 170
2. No buffer zone north of CH/CVOA.
3. Catcher vessels less than or equal to 99 ft length overall (LOA) would be exempt from CH/CVOA closure from September 1 through March 31 unless the percentage cap for inshore sector has been reached. NMFS will manage in a manner intended to leave enough remaining quota within CH/CVOA sufficient to support fishing by vessels less than or equal to 99 ft. LOA for the duration of the current inshore sector opening..
Sarichef Steller sea lion haulout
20-mile closure year round.
Request NMFS to have a report on adaptive management strategies for review at the December 1999 Council meeting, and conduct a workshop related to that effort in late summer or early fall.
ATTACHMENT 3
June 21, 1999
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council invites proposals to amend the crab, scallop and groundfish fishery management plans (FMPs), proposals to identify habitat areas of particular concern (HAPC) for each FMP and proposals to amend the halibut and sablefish IFQ program. The Council has adopted an annual amendment cycle and has formulated criteria for determination of completeness of proposals. To be eligible for Council consideration, proposals must satisfy the criteria outlined below.
Please Be Certain to Complete All Portions of this Form. Submit the Form and Supporting Materials to the Council Office by Monday, August 16, 1999. Additional Sheets Should Be Added to this Form as Necessary.
Instructions: Although some requirements may be self-evident, the following summarizes Council expectations for each.
Brief Statement of Proposal - Provide a single, brief paragraph concisely describing the action to be taken. Details should be specified on additional sheets.
Objectives of Proposal - Begin with a concise statement of the problem to be solved by the proposal. Attach sheets as necessary to fully describe the problem, and the implications to American fisheries if the problem is not resolved.
Justification for Council Action - Briefly explain why action by the Council is necessary to address and solve the problem. Is there any other way the problem can be resolved?
Foreseeable Impacts of Proposal - Briefly outline the effects you think the proposed amendment will have, not only in solving the problem but also to other sectors of the fishery.
Possible Alternative Solutions - Even if Council action is required, there is probably more than one solution to the problem you have identified. Briefly list possible alternatives to the proposed action that the Council could consider.
Supportive Data and Other Information - Please provide any relevant data or other information available to you.
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council welcomes recommendations that will improve the management procedures used to regulate fisheries in the EEZ. Submission of a completed amendment proposal will enhance our ability to respond in a rapid and equitable fashion. Proposals will be reviewed by the Council at their October meeting in Seattle (the week of October 11th).
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