NOAA is “evaluating” the trawler whale takes. Any other fisherman/gear would immediately be arrested and fined thousands of dollars.

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NOAA is “evaluating” the trawler whale takes. Any other fisherman/gear would immediately be arrested and fined thousands of dollars.
The word ‘bycatch’ does not even appear in the State of AK’s testimony to NOAA about its intent to modernize fishing regs.
NOAA says it’s “unclear” about lethal takes of orcas by trawlers. “No comment.”
Goals target sustainable production, increase in US aquaculture, market access. Huge inequities remain between $$ for farmers, fishermen.
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.”
AK communities get clipped to protect halibut stock while trawl bycatch increases, per IPHC.
Group will try to better understand the historic declines of Chinook and chum salmon runs in AYK region in recent years.
NPFMC will decide in October whether to include traditional knowledge and add more AK Native voices.
Bethel joins Tanana Chiefs Conference and Association of Village Council Presidents in federal lawsuits over outdated NOAA fishery guidelines.
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.”