Friday, October 27, 2023

Alaska Preliminary data looks promising for Kodiak, South Peninsula and Chignik Tanner crab fisheries Cordova Times - October 26, 2023 Tanner crab fisheries will likely open in January for Kodiak, the South Alaska Peninsula and Chignik, but a final decision won’t be made until November, said Cassandra Whiteside, assistant shellfish/groundfish management biologist for the region for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG). https://www.thecordovatimes.com/2023/10/26/preliminary-data-looks-promising-for-kodiak-south-peninsula-and-chignik-tanner-crab-fisheries/ International International Pacific Halibut Commission Celebrates 100 Years of Sustainable Fisheries Management SeafoodNews by Susan Chambers - October 25, 2023 All the work to create a renowned international fisheries management organization was done just for the halibut. Seriously. The International Pacific Halibut Commission is celebrating its 100th anniversary, as of October 21. The Commission was established by Canada and the United States to manage the Pacific halibut fishery and is regarded as the oldest regional fishery management organization in the world. The IPHC Convention was signed on March 2, 1923, by both Contracting Parties, ratified by the US Senate on May 31, 1924, then signed by the president on June 4, 1924, and finally by Great Britain on July 21, 1924. Ratifications were exchanged on October 21, 1924 and proclaimed on October 22, 1924. The Commission plans to celebrate over the next year as it observes the signing of the Convention for the Preservation of the Halibut Fishery of the Northern Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea, between Canada and the United States of America, and the remarkable work it has accomplished since. The IPHC has been a pioneer in the science and management of sustainable fisheries and has helped to ensure the Pacific halibut stock remains healthy and productive for future generations. Over the years, the Commission has collaborated with stakeholders to develop management measures. The IPHC works closely with fishing communities, businesses and government agencies to develop management measures that are both effective and fair. The IPHC's work has benefited not only the Pacific halibut stock, but also the fishing communities and businesses that rely on the fishery, the IPHC said in a statement. The Commission's management measures have helped ensure the fishery remains economically viable while also protecting the stock. In addition to its work on Pacific halibut, the IPHC has also played a role in the development of international fisheries management agreements. The IPHC's 100th anniversary is a major milestone for the organization. Over the course of the next 12 months, the IPHC will hold several celebratory events, including a formal reception at the 100th Annual Meeting (AM100) in Anchorage, Alaska, on January 22, 2024. https://www.seafoodnews.com/Story/1264235/International-Pacific-Halibut-Commission-Celebrates-100-Years-of-Sustainable-Fisheries-Management Environment/Science Homing instinct is strong, accurate in humpies Cordova Times by Margaret Bauman -October 25, 2023 It’s as if a map was imprinted on their brain, as pink salmon heading back to their natal streams spawn within 100 meters of the point where their parents spawned. https://www.thecordovatimes.com/2023/10/25/homing-instinct-is-strong-accurate-in-humpies/ NPRB Seeks Pre-Proposals for Integrated Ecosystem Research Program Fishermen's News - October 25, 2023 Concerns over warming waters in the Bering and Chukchi seas and reduction in the extent and duration of seasonal sea ice have prompted the North Pacific Research Board (NPRB) to issue a request for pre-proposals for its Northern Bering Sea Integrated Ecosystem Research Program. https://fishermensnews.com/nprb-seeks-pre-proposals-for-integrated-ecosystem-research-program/ Labeling and Marketing GAPP launches new “Pollock People” campaign to boost industry transparency with consumers Seafood Source by Christine Blank - October 26, 2023 The Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) has launched a new “Pollock People” campaign to help buyers and consumers better understand where wild Alaska pollock comes from and enhance transparency in the fishery. https://www.seafoodsource.com/news/supply-trade/gapp-launches-new-pollock-people-campaign-to-boost-industry-transparency-with-consumers Federal Register North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting A Notice by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on 10/26/2023 The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) Groundfish Plan Teams will hold a meeting. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for agenda. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/10/26/2023-23682/north-pacific-fishery-management-council-public-meeting Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan; 2024 Specifications and Management Measures Corrections A Proposed Rule by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on 10/27/2023 This rule proposes to correct 2024 harvest specifications for several species of groundfish where the numerical values were mathematically calculated incorrectly and do not accurately reflect the harvest policy recommendations of the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council). These harvest specifications are for groundfish caught in the U.S. exclusive economic zone seaward of Washington, Oregon, and California, consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) and the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (PCGFMP). This proposed rule would revise harvest limits or allocations that were calculated based on incorrect annual catch limits. This action would implement corrected numerical values that align with the Council's intended harvest policy decisions and considers the most recent fishery information available at the time those policies were recommended. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/10/27/2023-23686/magnuson-stevens-act-provisions-fisheries-off-west-coast-states-pacific-coast-groundfish-fishery FYI’s NOAA Seeks Comment on Federal Management of Cook Inlet Fisheries Fishermen's News - October 25, 2023 NOAA Fisheries is seeking public comment on a proposed rule to implement federal management of commercial and recreational salmon fishing in Alaska’s Cook Inlet Exclusive Economic Zone. NOAA published the proposed rule in the Federal Register on Thursday, Oct. 19. https://fishermensnews.com/noaa-seeks-comment-on-federal-management-of-cook-inlet-fisheries/ Alaska Salmon Research Task Force issues progress report, seeks public input National Fisherman - October 25, 2023 Chinook salmon harvested in Alaska (1985–2021) as reported annually; total commercial harvest (main panel), commercial harvest for Alaska regions (lower panels), and sport and subsistence harvest. Alaska Salmon Research Task Force graphic. https://www.nationalfisherman.com/alaska/alaska-salmon-research-task-force-issues-progress-report-seeks-public-input Pacific Seafood Processors Association 1900 W Emerson Place Suite 205, Seattle, WA 98119 Phone: 206.281.1667 E-mail: admin@pspafish.net; Website: www.pspafish.net Our office days/hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. 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