The North Pacific Fisheries Management Council voted 10-0 in favor of Alternative 2- Option 3, (details  about various alternatives below), this afternoon. This was the least restrictive of the options, plus based on SEAGO testimony, the Council took our recommendations into account as well:

1. The Council recognized our timing/marketing issue and NMFS committed to re-notification of permits & angler endorsements ASAP and hopefully by our June 1 request.
2. NMFS clarified, and the Council agreed, that the minimum number of angler endorsements for 2nd and subsequent permits would be no lower than 4.

In its decision, the Council testified that the approved changes more closely reflect their original intention. All agreed that this action would not delay the implementation of the moratorium next February.

Application Status Update- NMFS gave a brief status on the permit application process.

• NMFS reported that they received 794 applications by the deadline this past Monday. Further they had estimated that 527 businesses had qualified and they received applications from 514.
• They also indicated that a fair number of challenges were received but didn't have a number. They suspect that the largest issue is trying to match individual and business names that may have changed between the qualification and participation years.
• They intend to begin analyzing applications and send back letters starting immediately on the challenges and the 'extra' applications received- hopefully starting next week.

Open Issues- Unfortunately additional moratorium issues remain open. Several members spoke out on the following items:

• Transferable vs non-transferable designations  - basically the issue is that the permit with the highest number of endorsements gets the transferable permit if ANY of the fleet was eligible for a permit- The Council questioned the algorithm with further follow-up to be taken by staff
• Leasing permits - The topic came up and one member was unhappy that the program includes the capability to lease non-transferable permits and wants it brought up again in the future.  Presumably a lease option could result in less attrition of non-transferable permits as individual guides go out of business.  No specific action item was identified.
• Data scrub issue - discrepancies in the data was discussed and ADF&G and NMFS staff are to meet to discuss ways to clean the data.

Background - At its February meeting, The North Pacific Fisheries Management Council decided to change the Moratorium program as it is currently approved. At risk was the way the "angler endorsement" calculation is determined. In an extraordinary action, the Council agreed to conduct an initial review and final action at its April Meeting.

Then late on March 26th, they posted a 45 page document spelling out the alternatives under consideration. SEAGO urged that no action be taken. See our letter.

If you have questions or comments, please contact John Blair, john@seagoalaska.org or 925-366-6638.

 

About the Southeast Alaska Guides Organization, SEAGO
The Southeast Alaska Guides Organization www.seagoalaska.org  represents charter operators, lodges, and our angler customers throughout the region. SEAGO speaks with the voice of reason and works tirelessly on your behalf promoting sportfishing and sustainable fisheries in Southeast Alaska. Please support our efforts by becoming a member: http://www.seagoalaska.org/join.html

Southeast Alaska is a premier destination for anglers from around the world.  Sport fishing in Southeast contributes $300M annually to the local economy, creates 3,000 jobs, supports more than 400 small businesses, and is a major contributor to the $1.4 billion dollar sport fishing industry across our state.