Snow crab rebuilding in the Bering Sea, an update on management of Norton Sound red king crab, potential vessel caps for some halibut harvesters, and groundfish data collection in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands are on the agenda for the February meeting of federal fisheries managers in Seattle.
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council meeting at Seattle’s Renaissance Hotel, running through Monday, Feb. 13. To watch virtually dial meeting ID 814 5113 0091 on Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81451130091
The council is scheduled to review the final action analysis of a draft environmental assessment to amend the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands Crab Fishery Management Plan to rebuild the eastern Bering Sea snow crab stock in compliance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and select a preferred alternative.
The council will hear a report from its crab plan team on the final 2023 stock assessment for Norton Sound red king crab and related economic details, as well as review an analysis to extend the temporary rule to waive vessel use caps in Area 4, the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands for halibut harvesters, while the council considers permanent changes to this provision.
Also listed as a major issue is a review of the revised and updated regulatory impact review analysis of alternatives for amending pot catcher/processor monitoring requirements in Bering Sea/Aleutian Island groundfish fisheries. The council has an option to select a preferred alternative on monitoring measures to recommend to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.
The complete agenda is online at https://meetings.npfmc.org/Meeting/Details/2975, along with comments submitted from fisheries industry participants.
Individuals intending to provide oral testimony must be connected to the meeting. All information provided through the eAgenda or during testimony is part of the public record. If you’d like to receive text alerts on council timing, text the word “NPFMC” to 1-833-237-1598.
