PRELIMINARY DRAFT SEPTEMBER 2020 MOTIONS IN WRITING

Cautionary Note — These preliminary motions do not represent the final official administrative record. The motions and amendments contained in this blog are as projected on the screen at the Council meeting at the time of the Council vote and often use expedited language and references without the benefit of any final editing or proofing. […]

Pre-Meeting Video Briefing for Agenda Item F.2., Fishery Ecosystem Plan Update (September 2020 Council meeting)

Ms. Yvonne deReynier, National Marine Fisheries Service West Coast Region, has provided a pre-recorded video briefing. This video is intended for viewing prior to Agenda Item F.2., Fishery Ecosystem Plan Update. Please watch the video briefing on the Council’s YouTube Channel. Briefing materials for Agenda Item F.2 can be found on the Council’s September 2020 […]

Proposed rule to delay implementation of the Electronic Monitoring Program for the West Coast Groundfish Trawl Rationalization Program

On August 28, 2020 NMFS published a proposed rule that would revise regulations to delay implementation of the Electronic Monitoring (EM) Program for the West Coast Groundfish Trawl Rationalization Program. This action would delay implementation of the EM Program to January 1, 2022. NMFS is proposing this change to provide additional time for industry and […]

Funds applied to reduce Pacific Coast groundfish buyback loan

NOAA Fisheries will be applying $5.9 million (allocated by the Office of Management and Budget) to reduce the outstanding principal to the Pacific Coast trawl groundfish buyback loan as of January 14, 2020. This action comes after tireless effort on the part of West Coast groundfish fishery representatives, particularly Heather Mann of the Midwater Trawlers […]

NMFS announces notice of intent to prepare an EIS for HMS exempted fishing permit to fish with longline gear in the West Coast exclusive economic zone; public comment to be accepted by webinar

On August 10, 2020, NMFS announced its intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, to analyze the potential short- and long-term impacts of the proposed action to issue an Exempted Fishing Permit, on the human (biological, physical, social, and economic) environment. This notice of intent to […]

SSC Groundfish Subcommittee to hold online meeting September 2, 2020

The Groundfish Subcommittee of the Pacific Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will hold an online meeting to plan a later methodology review of elasmobranch harvest control rules and management reference points.  

Request for nominations for a commercial fishery vacancy on the Habitat Committee

The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) is requesting nominations of qualified candidates to fill one commercial fishery position on its Habitat Committee (HC).  The successful candidate will serve out the remainder of the 2019-2021 Council advisory body term. To ensure consideration, nominations should be received at the Council office no later than 5 p.m. Pacific […]

National Archives and Records Administration notice of availability of proposed records schedules and request for comments (electronic monitoring)

NOAA Fisheries is working with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) to establish a new retention schedule for the raw imagery and other data collected by Electronic Monitoring systems. This NOAA Fisheries website provides background information, the proposed rule, the link to the NARA website, and the instructions on how to comment. Public comments are due […]