Alaska Marine Mammal Observer Program (AMMOP)
Southeast Alaska Drift Gillnet Fishery: 2012-2013
The Southeast Alaska salmon drift gillnet fishery as a Category II fishery is subject to monitoring of marine mammal interactions under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Fishing operations in the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) Management Areas 6&8 and Anita Bay terminal harvest area for this fishery will be monitored together during the 2012 and 2013 fishing seasons. Operations in this fishery in the remaining ADF&G Management Areas will be monitored in subsequent years.
In 2011 NMFS’ AMMOP conducted outreach to discuss program goals and industry concerns and to determine the best approach for placing observers throughout the fishery for data collection. Public meetings and workshops were held with fishermen to develop a dialog with permit holders regarding data collection methods. Public meetings also will be held prior to each fishing season in which data collection occurs (initially 2012—2013) to ensure fishermen are well informed about the program and to provide a forum for discussion about program details and concerns. Dates and locations for such meetings will be posted here.
AMMOP in Wrangell and Petersburg 2012-13
- 2012-13 AMMOP Information Pamphlet - Southeast Alaska Drift Gillnet Fishery
- 2012 AMMOP Observer Manual
- Public Information Meetings and Workshops
- Public Meetings - Wrangell: May 24, Petersburg: May 25
- Presentation, Petersburg and Wrangell Workshops, November 2011
- Information for Permit Holders
- Letter to Permit Holders, April 2012
- Data Release Form
- Permit selection and contact information
- Fishing Gear Information (needed by observers)
- Preliminary Information
- Letter to Southeast Alaska Drift Gillnet Fishery Permit Holders, November 2010
- Letter to ADF&G Commissioner, October 2010
About the Alaska Marine Mammal Observer Program
NMFS is mandated by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to measure and report on the effects of commercial fisheries on marine mammal stocks. One of the ways NMFS gathers this information is through the Marine Mammal Observer Program .
The purpose of the Marine Mammal Observer Program is to:
- obtain reliable estimates of incidental serious injury and mortality of marine mammals and seabirds,
- determine the reliability of reports submitted by vessel owners and operators,
- identify changes in fishing methods or technology that may increase or decrease incidental serious injury or mortality,
- collect biological samples to support and promote scientific studies,
- record data on by-catch and discard levels of all species.
General Information
AMMOP Overview
- Slide Show (588KB PDF)
- Photo Album
- Laws and Regulations
AMMOP in Yakutat 2007-08
- Letter to Permit Holders, September 2007
- Letter to Set Gillnetters, March 2007
- Program Booklet
- Program Manual
Related Information
- ADF&G Commercial Fisheries (external website)
- Alaska Marine Mammal Authorization Program
- List of Fisheries
- Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports
- National Marine Mammal Laboratory
- National Observer Program
- Observer Providers
- Observer Harassment Warning Sign
- UAA North Pacific Fisheries Observer Training Center (external website)
Bycatch Estimation Reports
- Incidental Take and Interactions of Marine Mammals and Birds in the Yakutat Salmon Setnet Fishery, 2007 and 2008
- Incidental Take and Interactions of Marine Mammals and Birds in the Kodiak Island Salmon Set Gillnet Fishery, 2002 and 2005
- Incidental Catch and Interactions of Marine Mammals and Birds in the Cook Inlet Salmon Driftnet and Setnet Fisheries, 1999-2000
- Salmon Gillnet Fisheries Observer Programs in Prince William Sound and South Unimak Alaska: 1990 and 1991
Program Coordinator
- Bridget Mansfield
PH: (907) 586-7642
Bridget.Mansfield@noaa.gov
