NOAA is “evaluating” the trawler whale takes. Any other fisherman/gear would immediately be arrested and fined thousands of dollars.
Filed Under
NOAA Fisheries
State of AK, NPFMC oppose revisions to fishing laws, including bycatch regs
The word ‘bycatch’ does not even appear in the State of AK’s testimony to NOAA about its intent to modernize fishing regs.
Trawlers give new meaning to “getting whaled”
NOAA says it’s “unclear” about lethal takes of orcas by trawlers. “No comment.”
National Seafood Strategy unveiled by NOAA
Goals target sustainable production, increase in US aquaculture, market access. Huge inequities remain between $$ for farmers, fishermen.
AK Salmon Task Force created by Congress holds “kick off” meeting
The group “hopes its report will help benefit Alaska’s salmon resources.” There is “no formal plan at this time for on-going or follow up efforts.”
Halibut catches sluggish despite high prices; charter ops beached “to protect the resource”
AK communities get clipped to protect halibut stock while trawl bycatch increases, per IPHC.
Wanted: Members for AYK Salmon Research Work Group
Group will try to better understand the historic declines of Chinook and chum salmon runs in AYK region in recent years.
AK pollock industry “concerned” about more local, traditional knowledge being added to NPFMC process
NPFMC will decide in October whether to include traditional knowledge and add more AK Native voices.
Bethel joins lawsuit seeking to reexamine catch limits for trawlers
Bethel joins Tanana Chiefs Conference and Association of Village Council Presidents in federal lawsuits over outdated NOAA fishery guidelines.
“Mid-water” trawls get a pass because the gear doesn’t fit “regulatory definitions”
OLE: “Pelagic trawl gear does contact the bottom, it is not defined as Bottom Contact Gear and it is not restricted in Habitat Conservation and Protection Areas.”