Community Quota Program and Community Quota Entities
About the Program
Coils of longline gear in Old Harbor, Kodiak Island, Alaska. Photo: NOAA Fisheries
When the halibut/sablefish Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) program was implemented in 1995, it made a huge difference in how fishermen participated. And, although the program has resulted in significant benefits for fishermen, many quota holders in Alaska’s small coastal communities have chosen to transfer their quota to others. As a result, the total amount of quota available to residents of these communities has declined over time.
To address this issue, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council recommended IFQ Program changes. These changes provide small coastal communities an opportunity to improve their economies. Specified communities can form nonprofit corporations to purchase quota As a result of annual IFQ leases to residents, fishing opportunities in the communities increase. The Secretary of Commerce implemented this program in June, 2004.
Eligible Communities
The 42 eligible communities (21 in each Southeast and Southcentral Alaska) are those:
- having fewer than 1500 people and a history of halibut or sablefish fishing
- located on the coast of the Gulf of Alaska (and not a road system), and
- identified by the Council as eligible.
Nonprofit Corporations
An eligible community must form a nonprofit corporation to act on its behalf; the nonprofit will apply to NMFS for recognition as a Community Quota Entity (CQE) and may buy, sell, and hold Quota for the community.
The CQE will continue to act on behalf of the community by purchasing more quota and helping more local fishermen to fish
Transfers and Limits
- Each year, the CQE will transfer (lease) its IFQ to one or more permanent residents of the community who will do the actual fishing
- Caps are set on the amount of QS that can be held for each community
- Cumulative caps are set on the amount of QS that can be held in the entire program
- Additional limits exist on “blocks” of Quota
Reporting
Each CQE must report to NMFS annually on IFQ activities, including: nonprofit governance, QS holdings, IFQ recipient selection, landings, and other relevant information.
Program Information
Regulations
- Community Quota Program Final Rule: 69 FR 23861, April 30, 2004; Effective June 1, 2004
- Table 21. Eligible GOA Communities, Halibut IFQ Regulatory Use Areas, and Community Governing Body that Recommends the Community Quota Entity
Applications
- Community Quota Entity Transfer: Application/Instructions
- Nonprofit Designation as Community Quota Entity: Application
Participants
Related Information
- Report on Holdings of Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) by Residents of Selected Gulf of Alaska Fishing Communities 1995-2008, July 2009
- State of Alaska Department of Community and Economic Development: Assists communities with obtaining funding and forming non-profit organizations.