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UFA Update January 6, 2008 Action Alert – Contact your representatives in DC- Support Senate Farm Bill measures for fishermen - EVOS Tax Treatment and Farm Operating Loan program Contact your Senators and Representatives to secure fishermen’s measures in the Farm Bill. Fish has been classified as an agricultural commodity since the 1930s and fishermen need to be on a level playing field with fish farmers as producers. When Congress reconvenes in January, a committee will confer to align the House and Senate versions of the Farm Bill into a final version. Fishermen and other who care about sustainable seafood need to contact their senators and representatives to ensure that measures to help fishing families are retained in the final version of the Farm Bill… See our online action alert for more info and contact information http://www.ufa-fish.org/doc/UFA%20Action%20Alert%20Farm%20Bill%200107.htm Recent UFA Press releases: (1/4/08) UFA selects Senator Lisa Murkowski 2007 Person of the year in Alaska Politics (1/3/08) UFA selects Kathy & Ed Hansen 2007 Fishermen of the Year (12/19/07) UFA Thanks Senator Stevens for Passage of Farm Bill Measure (12/17/07) UFA Thanks Senator Murkowski for Passage of EVOS Tax Treatment Online at http://www.ufa-fish.org/press.htm Contents 1. Senator Murkowski wins Senate passage of Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Tax Legislation 2. January 11, 2008 deadline for Federal Subsistence Regional Council Applications 3. Comment Deadline January 10 – boarding ladders for vessels of 4’ or more freeboard 4. NMFS posts Area 2 C Halibut Charter proposed rule –comment by Jan 30. 5. SE Halibut Fishermen face more quota cuts 6. Southeast commercial fishermen question halibut charter guidelines 7. My Turn: Halibut conservation should be spread across the range (by Mike Saunders) 8. Longliners: No plans to oppose 27-percent halibut cut (KCAW Audio (12/21) . 9. IPHC halibut count spawns new debate 10. IPHC 84th Annual meeting January 15-18 in Portland 11. Halibut saw higher prices in 2007 12. Tulsequah Chief Mine Project - Air Cushion Barging Proposal Public Process Update 13. Deadline January 18 for comments on Upper Cook Inlet BOF Proposals 14. Average Cook Inlet harvest predicted - Run of 5.6 million sockeye projected 15. Deshka fish gate eliminated 16. Data feed debate on poor Valley red salmon runs (Dec 12) 17. USFWS posts final Kenai subsistence fishing regulations, C&T (and AK wildlife) 18. Washington Post on Pebble: Alaskans Weigh the Cost of Gold 19. Deadline January 6 to file protest on BLM SW AK Bay Resource Management Plan 20. Positive sea lion numbers good news 21. Program works to restore Kodiak Island crab stocks 22. Future holds promise for high-end wild fish products (Young Fisherman’s Summit) 23. Seasoned fishermen share stories, advice with young harvesters 24. Senators Stevens Secures Oceans-related Funding for Alaska 25. Congress Approves Stevens-Inouye Provision on IUU Fishing (12/19) 26. NOAA Fisheries invites comments on plan for Beluga Whale Subsistence Hunt 27. Court upholds measures to cut fishing bycatch 28. DCCED Small Business Assistance Center features links for events, financing, etc. 29. Federal fish managers filet 2008 Bering pollock catch 30. Adak's pollock processing bid blocked 31. Governor Palin Announces Board Appointments (Fishermen Fund) 32. Inupiat whaler joins North Pacific board 33. Final Notice of Sale OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sale 193, Chukchi Sea, Feb 6 34. Court upholds measures to cut fishing bycatch 35. MSC Assessment of BC Sockeye Salmon Fisheries 36. Laine Welch’s Fishing's 'year in review' for 2007 37. Wesley Loy ADN Highliner Blog Top 10 Alaska fish stories of 2007 38. Laine Welch's Fish Radio –Topics from this week 39. NMFS posts halibut and sablefish IFQ cost recovery standard prices 40. Comment by January 7 on GOA & BSAI Groundfish 2008 and 2009 Harvest Specs 41. NMFS posts revisions to 2008 final harvest and PSC for BSAI & GOA groundfish 42. NPFMC Steller Sea Lion Mitigation Committee meets Jan 6-8, Seattle 43. BSAI & GOA Groundfish (Stellers): Notice of intent to prepare SEIS 44. BSAI & GOA Groundfish (Salmon bycatch): NOAA Notice of intent to prepare EIS 45. NPFMC Crab Advisory Committee meets Jan 9-10, Anchorage 46. NMFS final rule on groundfish and halibut Seabird Avoidance 47. USFWS Review of candidate species for ESA listings… 48. Comment by March 10 on MSA Experimental Permitting Process, Exempted Fishing 49. 2008 Bering Sea Pollock TAC adjustment 50. Board of Fisheries Update on Board Fisheries Restructuring Proposals 51. Deadline April 10 for Board of Fisheries 2008 proposals – PSW, SE 52. Deadline Feb 19 for DEC Solicitation For Water Quality, Aquatic Habitat Projects 53. Symphony of Seafood sets dates for 2008 events 54. NOAA and USDA Accepting Public Comment on Aquaculture Feeds - Feb 29 55. NMFS Comment by Jan 14 on Aleutian Islands Habitat Conservation boundaries 56. Deadline Feb 11 for Annual Sustainable Fisheries Leadership Awards 57. IFQ Cost Recovery (Fee) Program payments due January 31, 2008 58. CFEC Notice on paying 2008 fees by credit or debit cards – include expiration date! 59. Comment deadline January 10 on Draft Statewide Long Range Transportation Policy 60. Deadline Jan 15 for Proposals – SSSF - PCSRF priority information issues – 61. Wild Seafood Exchange - February 21st, 2008, Seattle 62. Alaska Marine Science 2008 Symposium, January 20-23, 2008, Anchorage 63. APOC Ethics Training courses, Anchorage, Juneau and online 1. Senator Murkowski wins Senate passage of Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Tax Legislation Senator Murkowski today won Senate approval of tax legislation to give individual plaintiffs in the Exxon Valdez oil spill litigation ability to increase retirement contributions and to provide tax relief through income averaging. The legislation was included as an amendment to the Senate Farm Bill… The bill includes the following provisions: • Allows individual plaintiffs to income average any payouts from this case over a three year period of time… • Permits individual plaintiffs to contribute up to $100,000 to retirement plans • Exempts plaintiffs from having to pay self-employment taxes or payroll taxes on any payouts from this case… http://murkowski.senate.gov/pressapp/record.cfm?id=289174 Murkowski's push for Exxon Valdez tax treatment wins praise http://thecordovatimes.com/news/show/1044 This will go to a conference committee when Congress reconvenes – we need people from all US States to contact all of their representatives. Please forward the action alert above to anyone you know in other states that supports sustainable seafood harvest. 2. January 11, 2008 deadline for Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council Applications See December 3 Press release at http://alaska.fws.gov/asm/news.cfm?gnr=1 3. Comment Deadline January 10 – boarding ladders for vessels of 4 feet or more freeboard “…NMFS proposes to require the use of a pilot ladder on all fishing vessels with a freeboard of 4 ft (1.25 m) or greater in order to provide an easily identifiable and obtainable ladder to provide safe means for personnel to embark and disembark vessels at sea.” DATES: Comments must be received at the following address by January 10, 2008. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by ``RIN 0648-AV78,'' by any one of the following methods: Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal http://www.regulations.gov . Fax: 301-713-1175, Attn: William D. Chappell. Federal Register Notice:
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan2007 Dept of Homeland Security information page:
http://homeport.uscg.mil/mycg/portal/ep/contentDetail 4. NMFS posts Area 2 C Halibut Charter proposed rule –comment by Jan 30. NMFS proposes regulations that would limit the harvest of Pacific halibut by guided sport charter vessel anglers in International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) Area 2C of Southeast Alaska to the guideline harvest level (GHL) for that area under two different scenarios. First, if the GHL remains unchanged in 2008, a suite of three management measures are proposed to be added to an existing two-halibut daily catch and size limit. …Second, if the GHL decreases in 2008, then a one-halibut daily catch limit is proposed to be substituted for the existing two-halibut daily catch limit…
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan2007 NOAA Guided Sport Halibut Management page:
http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/sustainablefisheries/halibut/ 5. SE Halibut Fishermen face more quota cuts Halibut industry may see more than 40% decline in catch Southeast Alaska's halibut fishing industry will face a lower catch limit again this season if recommendations made this month by the International Pacific Halibut Commission stand. A 28-percent drop in catch limits means commercial fishermen and processors would face hard times as the season opens in March. Last year brought a 20-percent drop, so the industry is facing a more than 40-percent decline in its allowed catch…
http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/122407/sta_2007 6. Southeast commercial fishermen question halibut charter guidelines With the commercial fishing industry facing large cuts in its 2008 halibut take, some industry insiders are questioning what types of controls might be placed on guided charter operators… It is unclear whether those limits will affect sport fishermen, who operate under guidelines instead of strict catch limits. For the past few years, the sport fishing industry exceeded its guideline harvest level, and commercial fishermen say that's unfair… "In the end, it really comes down to everybody has to be responsible for the resource," said harvester Kathy Hansen.”
http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/122407/sta_2007 Kathy and Ed Hansen were selected UFA Fishermen of the Year for 2007 – in recognition of, but not only for their work on this critical situation. - -MV 7. My Turn: Halibut conservation should be spread across the range (by Mike Saunders)
http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/122007/opi_2007 8. Longliners: No plans to oppose 27-percent halibut cut (KCAW Audio (12/21) . SITKA, ALASKA (2007-12-21) The Alaska Longline Fishermen's Association won't oppose the proposed reduction in the halibut harvest when they attend the annual meeting of the International Pacific Halibut Commission in Portland next month (1-15-08). But, they are going to urge the commission to be more conservative in how much it raises the quota in western Alaska…
http://kcaw.org/modules/local_news/index.php?op= 9. IPHC halibut count spawns new debate A new method for counting fish by the International Pacific Halibut Commission has set off another round of debate among Alaska's charter and commercial fleets and could have far-reaching effects for both industries.
http://www.homernews.com/stories/01022008/ 10. IPHC 84th Annual meeting January 15-18 in Portland The Eighty-fourth Annual Meeting of the International Pacific Halibut Commission will be held in Portland, OR from Tuesday, January 15 through Friday, January 18, 2008. Please note that these dates are a change from the announcement at the 2007 Annual Meeting. The sessions will be held at the Hilton Portland & Executive Tower (rooms no longer available). Schedule and documents
online at
http://www.iphc.washington.edu/halcom/pubs/ IPHC Home page http://www.iphc.washington.edu/halcom/Default.htm 11. Halibut saw higher prices in 2007 By Margaret Bauman Alaska Journal of Commerce It was a good year for Alaska's commercial halibut fleet, with record high prices to fishermen, somewhat compensating them for the allowable catch being cut as a conservation measure…
http://www.alaskajournal.com/stories/121607/hom_ 12. Tulsequah Chief Mine Project - Air Cushion Barging Proposal Public Process Update (January 1, 2008) -Public Comment Deadline extended to February 4, 2008 -Public Meeting now scheduled for January 24, 2008 at the Juneau Cultural Center - DNR Habitat Division
Request for Information posted 12/21/07:
http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/mlw/mining/largemine/ …and other documents are lined in the public notice online at:
http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/mlw/mining/largemine/tulsequah DNR Tulsequah home page:
http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/mlw/mining/largemine/tulsequah Related Juneau Empire items: Juneau Empire editorial: Hoverbarge shouldn't be tested on Taku
http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/121607/opi My turn: Redfern wants to keep the Taku River intact - Redferns Richard Godwin:
http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/122307/opi_ My Turn: Murkowski's permitting changes put Taku River salmon at risk - SEACC’s Rob Cadmus
http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/121907/opi_ 13. Deadline January 18 for comments on Upper Cook Inlet BOF Proposals BOF Meeting schedule: http://www.boards.adfg.state.ak.us/fishinfo/meetinfo/fcal.php Cook Inlet Proposals:
http://www.boards.adfg.state.ak.us/fishinfo/meetinfo/2007 BOF Policy on written
comments:
http://www.boards.adfg.state.ak.us/fishinfo/news/ Relevant ADFG reports: Biological and Fishery-Related Aspects of Overescapement in Alaskan Sockeye Salmon http://www.boards.adfg.state.ak.us/fishinfo/meetinfo/2008-2009/ucioverescap.pdf Review of Salmon Escapement Goals in Upper Cook Inlet, Alaska 2007 http://www.boards.adfg.state.ak.us/fishinfo/meetinfo/2008-2009/uciescapgoalre.pdf Post-Season Stock Composition Analysis of Upper Cook Inlet Sockeye Salmon Harvest, 2005-2007 - (LARGE PDF 1,675 KB) http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/FedAidPDFs/fms07-07.pdf 14. Average Cook Inlet harvest predicted - Run of 5.6 million sockeye projected Biologists for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game are predicting a reasonably good year for commercial fishermen and anglers fishing for sockeye salmon next year. The harvest should only be 200,000 fish below the 20-year average in four of the major Cook Inlet rivers including the Kenai while the sockeye salmon forecast for the Kasilof River is higher than the average…
http://www.peninsulaclarion.com/stories/122707/ 15. Deshka fish gate eliminated SAVING $55,000: Salmon count to be less accurate. WASILLA -- Anglers, legislators and members of a mayor's task force in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough are unhappy about a state decision to save some money by removing a gate used for counting silver salmon on the Deshka River, one of the Valley's most popular fishing streams… http://www.adn.com/matsu/story/253288.html 16. Data feed debate on poor Valley red salmon runs (Dec 12) New state reports could help shed light on what or who is responsible for the string of dismal red salmon runs in the Susitna Valley… http://www.adn.com/fishing/story/142180.html 17. USFWS posts final Kenai Peninsula subsistence fishing regulations, C&T determinations (and AK wildlife) This final rule establishes regulations for seasons, harvest limits, methods, and means related to taking of wildlife for subsistence uses in Alaska during the 2007-08 regulatory year. The rulemaking is necessary because the regulations governing the subsistence harvest of wildlife in Alaska are subject to an annual public review cycle. This rulemaking replaces the wildlife regulations that expired on June 30, 2007. This rule also amends the regulations that establish which Alaska residents are eligible to take specific species for subsistence uses. In addition, this rule revises the regulations for fishing seasons, harvest limits, methods and means related to taking of fish on the Kenai Peninsula for subsistence uses during the 2007-08 regulatory year. This rule also amends the customary and traditional use determinations of the Federal Subsistence Board…
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/ 18. Washington Post on Pebble: Alaskans Weigh the Cost of Gold Mine Could Imperil Salmon, Way of Life http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/24/AR2007122401915.html 19. Deadline January 6 to file protest on BLM SW AK Bay Resource Management Plan
http://www.blm.gov/ak/st/en/prog/planning/bay_rmp_eis Federal Register Notice:
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800 20. Positive sea lion numbers good news Fishermen are breathing a sigh of relief, knowing that the latest sea lion counts won't force more fishing closures -- at least for a while. "At this point it looks like there will be no changes out on the water in terms of the current regulations for Steller sea lion mitigation before January 2010," said Doug DeMaster, director of the NOAA Fisheries Science lab in Juneau. http://www.adn.com/money/industries/fishing/story/118679.html 21. Program works to restore Kodiak Island crab stocks In hopes of reversing a decades-long slump in wild king crab production, the Alaska King Crab Research and Rehabilitation Program (AKCRRAB) was formed as an Alaska Sea Grant partnership with fishermen and coastal communities… http://www.adn.com/money/industries/fishing/story/245100.html 22. Future holds promise for high-end wild fish products (Young Fisherman’s Summit) Aquaculture, which includes fish farming, will dominate the future world seafood industry, but there will be increased opportunities for wild products in the upper end of the market, a professor of economics says. The forecast for increased demand for seafood is good for Alaska but fishermen must remember they are competing against other proteins, said James L. Anderson, chair of the Department of Environmental and Natural Resource Economics at the University of Rhode Island at Kingston, R.I.
http://www.alaskajournal.com/stories/123007/hom_2007 23. Seasoned fishermen share stories, advice with young harvesters Alaska commercial fishing veterans Robin Samuelsen and Arne Fuglvog told young harvesters Dec. 11 they are the industry's future, and encouraged their full participation in both the fisheries and the regulatory process that governs the harvest…
http://www.alaskajournal.com/stories/123007/hom_2007 24. Senators Stevens Secures Oceans-related Funding for Alaska Omnibus includes millions in projects and a provision to combat IUU fishing Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) played a key role in securing oceans-related funding for Alaska and other coastal states. By authoring several provisions in the Congress-passed omnibus spending bill, Senator Stevens continued his efforts to ensure that America’s oceans and its resources remain healthy and sustainable…
http://stevens.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction 25. Congress Approves Stevens-Inouye Provision on IUU Fishing (12/19) Measure Would Create “Blacklist” of Illegal, Unreported, Unregulated Fishing Vessels The United States Congress today approved a provision authored by Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and Senator Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) that would create a list of fishing vessels and vessel owners engaged in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The measure was included as part of a comprehensive omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 2764). The provision would also allow the United States to take appropriate action against listed vessels and owners, in accordance with federal and international fisheries and trade laws…
http://commerce.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction= 26. NOAA Fisheries invites comments on plan for Beluga Whale Subsistence Hunt NOAA Fisheries Service today released a draft plan that reviews alternatives for the subsistence hunt of Cook Inlet beluga whales. Public comments on the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement are due by March 4, 2008… The DSEIS is available
electronically at:
http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/protectedresources/whales Public hearings on the DSEIS are scheduled in: Anchorage, Alaska — January 29, 2008, from 4 to 7 pm. at the Loussac Public Library, Wilda Marston Room, 3600 Denali Street. Soldotna, Alaska — January 30, 2008, from 4 to 7 pm. at the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly chambers, 144 North Binkley Street. NOAA Press release: http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/newsreleases/2007/122807 Previous NOAA Press release: Increase in Beluga population noted with caution in NOAA survey of Cook Inlet (Dec 18)
http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/newsreleases/2007/belug 27. Court upholds measures to cut fishing bycatch Large bottom-trawling vessels fishing off Alaska will be required to retain more of the fish they actually catch instead of throwing unwanted species overboard. A federal appeals court let stand measures requiring large bottom-trawler and processor vessels in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands to keep more of their total catch. The rules require the boats, which drag huge nets along the ocean floor, to retain 65 percent of their catch in 2008 and 85 percent by 2010…
http://www.adn.com/money/industries/fishing/story/ 28. DCCED Small Business Assistance Center home page features links for events, financing, reference, etc. http://www.commerce.state.ak.us/oed/smallbus/home.cfm 29. Federal fish managers filet 2008 Bering pollock catch Federal fisheries managers set a 1 million metric ton limit on the 2008 Bering Sea pollock catch, a 26 percent reduction from the 1.35 million tons harvested in 2007. The move, a precautionary
measure to protect pollock stocks during a predicted downward trend, was
applauded by the Marine Conservation Alliance, a coalition of harvesters,
processors and communities engaged in the Alaska groundfish and crab
industries…
http://www.alaskajournal.com/stories/121607/hom_ 30. Adak's pollock processing bid blocked Adak Fisheries won't be joining the "pollock club" any time soon in the Bering Sea, according to company representative and part owner David Fraser. He has reported a chilly response from the North Pacific Fishery Management Council in Anchorage on Dec. 11… http://www.thedutchharborfisherman.com/news/show/1050 31. Governor Palin Announces Board Appointments (Fishermen Fund) ANCHORAGE, Alaska—Governor Sarah Palin today announced a number of appointments to state boards and commissions including those responsible for compensation of injured workers and fishermen… Governor Palin appointed Alan Andersen and Clay Bezenek to the Fishermen’s Fund Advisory and Appeals Council. UFA salutes Mac Meiners for his service on the Fishermen’s Fund board, and welcomes these fishermen who have stepped up to the plate for this important service. 32. Inupiat whaler joins North Pacific board An Inupiaq whale hunter originally from Barrow, Steve MacLean of Anchorage, has been appointed to the North Pacific Research Board by Gov. Sarah Palin. Reappointed were Dorothy Childers, Gerry Merrigan, Pam Pope and Denis Wiesenburg… http://thearcticsounder.com/news/story/1063 33. Final Notice of Sale OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sale 193, Chukchi Sea, Feb 6 The MMS will hold OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sale 193 (Chukchi Sea) on February 6, 2008… Federal Register Notice:
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20081800 34. Court upholds measures to cut fishing bycatch Large bottom-trawling vessels fishing off Alaska will be required to retain more of the fish they actually catch instead of throwing unwanted species overboard. A federal appeals court let stand measures requiring large bottom-trawler and processor vessels in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands to keep more of their total catch. The rules require the boats, which drag huge nets along the ocean floor, to retain 65 percent of their catch in 2008 and 85 percent by 2010. http://www.adn.com/alaska/story/242662.html 35. MSC Assessment of BC Sockeye Salmon Fisheries Nominations for Peer Reviewers of MSC Draft Assessment Report
http://www.msc.org/assets/docs/BC_Salmon/Peer_Review 36. Laine Welch’s Fishing's 'year in review' for 2007 …Alaska's seafood industry continued to provide more jobs than oil and gas, mining, agriculture and forestry combined…
http://www.adn.com/money/industries/fishing/ 37. Wesley Loy ADN Highliner Blog Top 10 Alaska fish stories of 2007 http://community.adn.com/adn/node/115184 & Forecast for 2008 http://community.adn.com/adn/node/115349 38. Laine Welch's Fish Radio –Topics from this week Friday 1/4/08 A rocky U.S. economy and the impacts on seafood in 2008 Thursday 1/3/08 AK crabbers and processors agree to snow crab price Wednesday 1/2/08 Seafood trends to 2020 Tuesday 1/1/08 AK fishing gears up for 2008 Monday 12/31/07 New Year ‘fish wishes’ from Kodiak Online at http://www.marineconservationalliance.org/fishradio.htm & also see Laine Welch's Fish Factor at http://www.kinyradio.com/fishfactor.html 39. NMFS posts halibut and sablefish IFQ cost recovery standard prices NMFS publishes IFQ standard prices for the individual fishing quota (IFQ) cost recovery program in the halibut and sablefish fisheries of the North Pacific. This action is intended to provide holders of halibut and sablefish IFQ permits with the 2007 standard prices and fee percentage to calculate the required payment for IFQ cost recovery fees due by January 31, 2008…
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800 NOAA IFQ Cost Recovery Program home page: http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/ram/ifqfees.htm 40. Comment by January 7 on GOA & BSAI Groundfish 2008 and 2009 Harvest Specs (12/6) NMFS proposes 2008 and 2009 harvest specifications, reserves and apportionments, and Pacific halibut prohibited species catch (PSC) for the groundfish fishery of the Gulf of Alaska.. GOA Federal Register Notice:
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800 BSAI Federal Register
Notice: Proposed 2008 and 2009 Harvest Specifications for Groundfish:
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800 2007 - 2008 Alaska Groundfish Harvest Specification Tables
http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/sustainablefisheries/2007_ 41. NMFS posts revisions to 2008 final harvest and PSC for BSAI & GOA groundfish (12/19) NMFS announces revisions to the 2008 final harvest specifications and prohibited species catch (PSC) allowances for the groundfish fisheries of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI) and Gulf of Alaska (GOA) that are required under the final rules implementing Amendments 80 and 85 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP)… Federal Register Notice:
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800 NOAA Amendment 80 home
page:
http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/sustainablefisheries/amds 42. NPFMC Steller Sea Lion Mitigation Committee meets Jan 6-8, Seattle The North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Steller Sea Lion Mitigation Committee (SSLMC) will meet in Seattle, WA at the Nexus Hotel (January 6) and the Alaska Fishery Science Center (January 7 and 8). DATES: The meetings will be held on January 6, 7, 8, 2008, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Federal Register Notice:
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800 Agenda:
http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/current_issues/ssl/SSL 43. BSAI & GOA Groundfish (Stellers): NOAA Notice of intent to prepare SEIS Comment deadline April 21. NMFS, in consultation with the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council), announces its intent to prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) on revisions to Steller sea lion protection measures, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA)… DATES: Written comments must be received by April 21, 2008. Written comments on issues and alternatives for the SEIS should be sent to Sue Salveson NOAA Fisheries Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) on Revisions to the Steller Sea Lion Protection Measures page:
http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/sustainablefisheries/seis NOAA Fisheries Steller Sea Lion Protection Measures page:
http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/protectedresources/ 44. BSAI & GOA Groundfish (Salmon bycatch): NOAA Notice of intent to prepare EIS Comment deadline April 21 – Comment deadline Feb 15. NMFS, in consultation with the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, announces its intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on salmon bycatch reduction measures in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI), in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. The proposed action would replace the current Chinook and Chum Salmon Savings Areas in the BSAI with new regulatory closures, salmon bycatch limits, or a combination of both. These management measures could incorporate current or new bycatch reduction methods. The scope of the EIS will be to determine the impacts to the human environment resulting from these salmon bycatch reduction measures. NMFS will accept written comments from the public to determine the issues of concern and the appropriate range of management alternatives for analysis in the EIS. DATES: Written comments must be received by February 15, 2008.
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan2007 45. NPFMC Crab Advisory Committee meets Jan 9-10, Anchorage Crab Advisory Committee, January 9-10, 8:30-5, Hawthorne Suites, 1110 West 8th Ave, Ballroom B, Anchorage. The Committee will have discussion on the purpose and needs statement; potential elements and options; crew proposal and alternatives to those proposals; data issues; community protections; possible emergency relief from regionalization; arbitration issues. .. Federal register notice:
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800 NPFMC committee meetings
home page:
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800 46. NMFS final rule on groundfish and halibut Seabird Avoidance NMFS issues a final rule that revises the seabird avoidance measures for the Alaska hook-and-line groundfish and halibut fisheries. The final rule strengthens gear standards for small vessels and eliminates certain seabird avoidance requirements that are not needed… Federal Register Notice:
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800 APRN/KMXT audio: New rules should be easier for fishermen http://aprn.org/2007/12/19/new-rules-should-be-easier-for-fishermen/ 47. USFWS Review of candidate species for ESA listings… Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Review of Native Species That Are Candidates for Listing as Endangered or Threatened; Annual Notice of Findings on Resubmitted Petitions; Annual Description of Progress on Listing Actions; Proposed Rule.. (Kittlitz's Murrelet priority upgraded, PWS gillnet fishery among threats)
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800 48. Comment by March 10 on MSA Experimental Permitting Process, Exempted Fishing Permits, and Scientific Research Activity NMFS proposes new and revised definitions for certain regulatory terms, and procedural and technical changes to the regulations addressing scientific research activities, exempted fishing, and exempted educational activities under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. …NMFS intends to clarify the regulations, ensure necessary information to complete required analyses is requested and made available, and provide for expedited review of permit applications where possible… DATES: Comments must be received by March 20, 2008.
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800 49. 2008 Bering Sea Pollock TAC adjustment SUMMARY: NMFS is adjusting the 2008 total allowable catch amount (TAC) for the Bering Sea pollock fishery…based on the November 2007 SAFE report for this fishery, the current Bering Sea pollock TAC is incorrectly specified. Consequently, the Regional Administrator is adjusting the 2008 pollock TAC to 1,000,000 mt in the Bering Sea subarea...
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20081800 ADN: Lower pollock limit proposed
http://www.adn.com/money/industries/fishing/story/ 50. Board of Fisheries Update on Board Fisheries Restructuring Proposals (December 2007) The board has identified six proposals for the 2007/2008 regulatory cycle as restructuring proposals…. In addition to the proposals from this year's regulatory cycle, three (Bristol Bay) proposals from the 2006/2007 regulatory cycle were identified by the board as restructuring proposals… The board anticipates holding a public meeting of its restructuring committee in conjunction with the Commercial Salmon Industry Restructuring Workgroup in March or April 2008 to allow for further analysis of these proposals. BOF Public Notice: http://www.boards.adfg.state.ak.us/fishinfo/index.php 51. Deadline April 10 for Board of Fisheries 2008 proposals – PSW, SE The Alaska Board of Fisheries calls for proposed changes in the subsistence, personal use, sport, guided sport, and commercial finfish, and groundfish regulations for the Prince William Sound, Southeast Alaska, and Yakutat management areas and Dungeness crab, shrimp, and miscellaneous shellfish fisheries statewide (including regional and statewide regulations) and King and Tanner crab regulations for the Southeast Alaska, and Yakutat management areas… PROPOSAL DEADLINE – 5:00 p.m., APRIL 10, 2008
http://notes5.state.ak.us/pn/pubnotic.nsf/cc52605f7c1 52. Deadline Feb 19 for DEC Solicitation For Water Quality, Water Quantity and Aquatic Habitat Projects Fiscal Year 2009
http://notes5.state.ak.us/pn/pubnotic.nsf/cc52605f7c156e7 53. Symphony of Seafood sets dates for 2008 events New product entries from seafood harvested in Alaskan waters are now being accepted for the 2008 Alaska Symphony of Seafood, hosted by the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation…
http://www.alaskajournal.com/stories/123007/hom_2007 Dates: January 23 , 2008: Private Judging & Open House in Seattle January 31, 2008: Gala Soirée & Awards Ceremony in Anchorage. Symphony of Seafood home page: http://www.symphonyofseafood.com/ 54. NOAA and USDA Accepting Public Comment on Aquaculture Feeds - Feb 29
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/ 55. NMFS Comment deadline Jan 14 on Aleutian Islands Habitat Conservation boundaries
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/ 56. Deadline Feb 11 for Nominations for the 2008 Annual Sustainable Fisheries Leadership Awards
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/ 57. IFQ Cost Recovery (Fee) Program payments due January 31, 2008 http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/ram/ifqfees.htm 58. CFEC Notice to Fishermen paying 2008 fees by credit or debit cards – include expiration date! 2008 Permit and/or Vessel Renewal Forms sent by mail did not include lines asking for the credit card expiration date. Please write the expiration date in the payment section by your credit card number. Commercial Fishery Entry Commission home page: http://www.cfec.state.ak.us/ 59. Comment deadline January 10 on Draft Statewide Long Range Transportation Policy Plan Update “2030 Let’s Get Moving.”
http://notes5.state.ak.us/pn/pubnotic.nsf/cc52605f7c156e7a 60. Deadline Jan 15 for Proposals – SSSF - PCSRF priority information issues –
http://notes5.state.ak.us/pn/pubnotic.nsf/cc52605f7c156e 61. Wild Seafood Exchange - February 21st, 2008, Seattle 62. Alaska Marine Science 2008 Symposium, January 20-23, 2008, Anchorage The 2008 Symposium will be held January 21-23, 2008 at the Hotel Captain Cook, starting with a kick-off reception Sunday evening, January 20. ... http://www.alaskamarinescience.org/index.htm 63. APOC Ethics Training courses, Anchorage, Juneau and online
http://www.state.ak.us/local/akpages/ADMIN/apoc/ethics_
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