The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) published its final List of Fisheries (LOF) for 2020, as required by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The final LOF for 2020 reflects new information on interactions between commercial fisheries and marine mammals. This final rule is effective May 18, 2020. Information regarding the LOF may be obtained from […]
NOAA Fisheries has issued a proposed rule for the Pacific halibut Catch Sharing Plan and annual management measures for Area 2A off Washington, Oregon, and California. Comments on the proposed changes to the Catch Sharing Plan and domestic Area 2A Pacific halibut management measures must be received by March 9, 2020. Please see the Federal Register […]
Washington, Oregon Recommend Sport Halibut Season Changes Recreational fishing boats in Blaine, Washington. Photo: Cascade Creatives/Shutterstock In November, the Council adopted the following recommended changes for Washington and Oregon sport halibut fisheries. The changes are consistent with state recommendations after the states of Washington and Oregon held public meetings. No changes were proposed for California […]
Regional fisheries management organizations discuss bluefin tuna stock status, allocations In September the Council recommended that U.S. Commissioners to the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) negotiate an equitable allocation of harvest opportunity for Pacific bluefin tuna between the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the Western and Central Pacific Ocean. The WCPFC is a treaty-based organization established […]
Final salmon rebuilding plans approved In September the Council adopted rebuilding plans for Strait of Juan de Fuca natural coho, Queets River natural coho, and Snohomish River natural coho, subject to approval by National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Each plan contained two alternatives for rebuilding the stock. Under Alternative I, management would remain the same […]
Transfer of halibut management authority moves forward Plans to transfer management of the non-Indian commercial directed halibut fishery from the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) to the Council are moving forward. In June, the Council committed to working closely with the IPHC and stakeholders on transitioning the management of this fishery, and outlined the Council’s […]
Changes to halibut management may be on the horizon The non-Indian commercial directed halibut fishery may be managed by the Council in the future, in response to International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) recommendations to change the structure of the fishery, citing safety concerns. The Council asked representatives from NMFS, the states, and Council staff to meet […]
Ingredients Four 6- to 7-ounce halibut fillets (another firm white fish like lingcod, rockfish or swordfish may be substituted) All purpose flour 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided 2 large shallots, chopped 1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper 4 plum tomatoes, seeded, chopped 1/2 cup chopped pitted Kalamata olives 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, divided 1 […]
Ingredients 10 ounces zucchini (about 2 medium), trimmed, chopped 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro plus leaves for garnish 1/3 cup chopped white onion 5 tablespoons fresh lime juice 2 1/2 tablespoons chopped seeded jalapeño chiles 1 1/4 teaspoons finely grated lime peel 2 1/4 teaspoons coarse kosher salt, divided Nonstick vegetable oil spray 1 1/4 […]