|
The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) adopted a potentially crippling proposal to regulate Area 2C guided anglers to one halibut per day with a maximum size limit of 37 inches. Why 37 inches? The math is simple and incomplete; the analysis of impacts nearly non-existent. The guided harvest for 2011 was estimated at 46,000 halibut and that number was divided into the GHL of 788,000 pounds (net weight). SEAGO Chair Tom Ohaus, Vice-chair Russell Thomas, and Interim Director Forrest Braden, as well as ACA Chair Greg Sutter and ACA Board member Richard Yamada, attended the meeting. We spoke privately with commissioners and stated the charter industry's case publically before meeting participants. We spelled out the severe economic consequences of regulating the Southeast charter fleet to less than one halibut per day of any size. Friday's decision came as a blow to the entire Southeast charter industry, including SEAGO's board and members who have concluded that the Commission could show some latitude with 2C catch limits. Commercial harvesters articulated a convincing case during last week's IPHC meeting that catch limits in 2C could be set higher without jeopardizing recovery of the stocks. SEAGO fully agrees. We believe that the judicious use of extra poundage could offset a great deal of economic pain and salvage livelihoods in both the commercial and charter sectors. Businesses across Southeast are contacting SEAGO, voicing serious concern about their future under a regulation of one halibut per day no larger than 23 pounds. SEAGO is working feverishly to avert the widespread economic hardship and business failure in our industry in 2011 that a 37 inch maximum size will render. The industry already faces uncertain outcomes with the transition into the Charter Limited Entry program, and severe changes in limits will only compound the problem. SEAGO and ACA recently completed a joint National Fish &Wildlife Foundation Innovation grant application that would provide our industry resources necessary to explore solutions to this issue. SEAGO takes the strong position that regulations of this nature should not originate from the IPHC. U.S. based management processes incorporate transparency and public input while the IPHC process takes place largely behind closed doors. The IPHC did not solicit any input from our industry related to what management options would have the least affect on our businesses, nor did they seek sufficient input from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, which routinely provides them scientific data related to the sport catch. Let elected officials and managing agencies in Alaska know how this regulation impacts your business and your local economy! Share the real life consequences of this decision to your business. Express your concern that the IPHC is assuming the role of domestic manager of the 2C guided fishery and has picked a regulation for our area without allowing input on alternatives. The 37 inch maximum rule could be law in less than a month. Email, fax, and call the following officials with your message NOW: OFFICIALS We need support from you! SEAGO board members and staff spend endless hours working on your behalf. Your contributions and industry support are required if we hope to achieve the critical mass it will take to grab the full attention of the regulators!
If you have questions or comments, please contact our interim Executive Director, Forrest Braden, at director@seagoalaska.org or 907-747-6963. About the Southeast Alaska Guides Organization, SEAGO |
|