Updates

COVID-19 fisheries assistance

NOTE: The Council does not administer fisheries assistance for COVID-19. Please see the links below for resources, or contact the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission.

Recent news

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission role

The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) is working collaboratively with National Marine Fisheries Service to distribute the funds appropriated by Congress for various fishery disasters. Currently, NMFS has requested the Commission administer the fishery disaster programs.

The Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act identified $300 million for fisheries and aquaculture. The PSMFC has been notified by the Department of Commerce that they will be assisting fishery participants affected by COVID-19 in multiple states, territories, and West Coast Tribes.

The distribution of funds will be determined by the states, territories, and tribes. As details become available, PSMFC will update their website.

Applications are not available at this time. If you have questions please call 877-695-3457 or email fishdisaster@psmfc.org.

State resources

A state-by-state guide to COVID-19 resources (useful!)

Federal guidance for small businesses, including information on the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program:

Ecosystem Subcommittee of the Scientific and Statistical Committee to hold online meeting September 4 & 8, 2020

This post was generated by and redirects to https://www.pcouncil.org/events/ecosystem-subcommittee-of-the-scientific-and-statistical-committee-to-hold-online-meeting-september-4-8-2020-2/.

Ecosystem Subcommittee of the Scientific and Statistical Committee to hold online meeting September 4 & 8, 2020

This post was generated by and redirects to https://www.pcouncil.org/events/ecosystem-subcommittee-of-the-scientific-and-statistical-committee-to-hold-online-meeting-september-4-8-2020/.

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

Nomination form

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 time, Monday, August 31, 2020.

The HC is charged with facilitating coordinated action on important habitat issues, working with key agency and public representatives to develop strategies to resolve habitat problems, recommending actions to achieve the Council’s habitat objectives, and assisting with actions which help meet the Essential Fish Habitat mandates of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

The HC consists of 16 members representing State and Federal agencies, California and Northwest Tribes, recreational and commercial fishing industries, and conservation interests. The successful candidate should have interest in habitat issues and/or expertise in strategic planning, experience with commercial fisheries, and sufficient knowledge of West Coast commercial fishing operations to represent varied industry perspectives.

Consult Council Operating Procedure 6 for additional information regarding HC composition and function.

Meeting frequency, travel expenses and stipends

The HC generally meets five times per year, generally in one- or two-day meetings in conjunction with each Council meeting (March, April, June, September, and November).  HC members may also be asked to participate in meetings or workshops outside of Council meetings in support of habitat-related matters, as needed.

Advisory body members who are not Federal employees are reimbursed for travel, meal, and lodging expenses incurred while attending official meetings at the request of the Council as per the Council’s Travel Rules.  Subject to appropriations, limited stipends may also be available to advisory body members who are not employees of a Federal, state, or tribal marine fishery management agency.

Nomination procedures

To submit a nomination and supporting documents, please fill out the Council’s online Advisory Body Nomination Form.  The completed form will provide contact information and a brief summary of the nominee’s qualifications.  The form provides an opportunity to upload supporting documents such as a nomination letter, curriculum vitae, etc.

Individuals may nominate themselves or be nominated by other individuals or organizations.  The vacant positions are for the remainder of the three-year term that began on January 1, 2019 and will end December 31, 2021.  The Council will review the nominations and may fill one or both positions at the September 2020 Council meeting.  To ensure consideration, nominations should be received at the Council office no later than 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday, August 31, 2020.

For additional information on the HC or the nomination process, please contact Jennifer Gilden or Mike Burner, Pacific Fishery Management Council, 7700 NE Ambassador Place, Suite 101, Portland, Oregon 97220-1384; telephone:  503-820-2280.

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 to NARA by September 4, 2020.  Please note, this rule-making differs from the NMFS, West Coast Region’s Electronic Monitoring Program EM data retention policy.

Request for nominations for a vacancy on the Salmon Advisory Subpanel representing Washington Charter Operations

Nomination form

The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) is seeking qualified candidates to consider for a vacant Washington Charter Boat Operator position on its Salmon Advisory Subpanel (SAS).  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 Time, Monday, August 17, 2020.

The SAS consists of 16 members representing a broad spectrum and geographic distribution of commercial, recreational, tribal, community, conservation, and public concerns and knowledge within the Council management area.  The Council is seeking nominees with knowledge and expertise regarding ocean salmon fishery issues on the Pacific Coast, especially with regard to charter boat operations off the coast of Washington.

Consult Council Operating Procedure 2 for additional information regarding SAS composition and function.

Meeting frequency, travel expenses and stipends

At the present time, the SAS usually meets two to four times per year at Council meetings.  The meetings in March and April are four to five days in length and are focused on adopting regulations the forthcoming salmon fishing season.  The meetings in September and November are generally a one to three day meetings depending on the Council’s agenda.  Additionally, the SAS is occasionally asked to participate in SAS or other advisory body meetings between Council sessions, as needed throughout the year.

Advisory body members who are not Federal employees are reimbursed for travel, meal, and lodging expenses incurred while attending official meetings at the request of the Council as per the Council’s Travel Rules.  Subject to appropriations, limited stipends may also be available to advisory body members who are not employees of a Federal, state, or tribal marine fishery management agency.

Nomination procedures

To submit a nomination and supporting documents, please fill out the Council’s online Advisory Body Nomination Form.  The completed form will provide contact information and a brief summary of the nominee’s qualifications.  The form provides an opportunity to upload supporting documents such as a nomination letter, resume, etc.

Individuals may nominate themselves or be nominated by other individuals or organizations.  The vacant position is for the remainder of the three-year term that began on January 1, 2019 and will end December 31, 2021.  The Council will review the nominations and may fill the position at the September 2020 Council meeting.  To ensure consideration, nominations should be received at the Council office no later than 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday, August 17, 2020.

For additional information on the SAS or the nomination process, please contact Ms. Robin Ehlke or Mr. Mike Burner, Pacific Fishery Management Council, 7700 NE Ambassador Place, Suite 101, Portland, Oregon 97220-1384; telephone:  503-820-2280.

Request for nominations for a Washington vacancy on the Ecosystem Advisory Subpanel

Nomination form

The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) is requesting nominations of qualified candidates to fill one Washington at-large position on its Ecosystem Advisory Subpanel (EAS),  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 Time, Monday, August 17, 2020.

The EAS is charged with advising the Council on issues associated with its Fishery Ecosystem Plan (FEP).  The purpose of the FEP is to enhance the Council’s species-specific management programs with more ecosystem science, broader ecosystem considerations, and management policies that coordinate Council management across its Fishery Management Plans and the California Current Ecosystem.

The EAS consists of nine subpanel members (three each from Washington, Oregon, and California) representing a broad spectrum and geographic distribution of commercial, recreational, community, conservation, and public concerns and knowledge within the Council management area.  The successful candidate should have knowledge and expertise regarding ecosystem and fishery issues on the Pacific Coast, especially regarding the State of Washington.

Consult Council Operating Procedure 2 for additional information regarding EAS composition and function.

Meeting frequency, travel expenses and stipends

At the present time, the EAS meets twice per year, generally in three-day meetings in conjunction with the March and September Council meetings.  In addition, various webinars are scheduled to discuss issues, often in advance of the other three Council meetings, April, June, and November.  EAS members may also be asked to participate in meetings or workshops in support of FEP initiatives, as needed.

Advisory body members who are not Federal employees are reimbursed for travel, meal, and lodging expenses incurred while attending official meetings at the request of the Council as per the Council’s Travel Rules.  Subject to appropriations, limited stipends may also be available to advisory body members who are not employees of a Federal, state, or tribal marine fishery management agency.

Nomination procedures

To submit a nomination and supporting documents, please fill out the Council’s online Advisory Body Nomination Form.  The completed form will provide contact information and a brief summary of the nominee’s qualifications.  The form provides an opportunity to upload supporting documents such as a nomination letter, curriculum vitae, etc.

Individuals may nominate themselves or be nominated by other individuals or organizations.  The vacant positions are for the remainder of the three-year term that began on January 1, 2019 and will end December 31, 2021.  The Council will review the nominations and may fill one or both positions at the September 2020 Council meeting.  To ensure consideration, nominations should be received at the Council office no later than 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday, August 17, 2020.

For additional information on the EAS or the nomination process, please contact Dr. Kit Dahl or Mr. Mike Burner, Pacific Fishery Management Council, 7700 NE Ambassador Place, Suite 101, Portland, Oregon 97220-1384; telephone:  503-820-2280.

West Coast Region Electronic Monitoring (EM) Webinar

PUBLIC NOTICE

For Information Contact: NMFS-SEA-20-21 Justin Kavanaugh: Justin.Kavanaugh@noaa.gov (206) 526-4140 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 13, 2020 

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces a webinar on EM program implementation for west coast groundfish. The purpose of this webinar is to review guidance materials for EM service providers, including EM Service Plan Guidelines and the EM Program Manual. 

This webinar will be held on Thursday, July 23 from 3:00pm-5:00pm PDT using the link and access code provided below. 

Additional information can be found online at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/permit/electronic- monitoring-program-service-provider-application-and-service-plan 

Please join from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/605396341 

You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (646) 749-3112 

Access Code: 605-396-341 

New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/605396341 

The Pacific Council re-posted this announcement on behalf of NMFS.