HMS recreational fisheries description and catch and effort

Washington recreational HMS fishery statistics are available from
PSMFC through their Recreational Fisheries Information Network (RecFIN)
website. RecFIN provides estimates based on field sampling of HMS catch
and telephone survey for effort. While RecFIN also contains estimates
for Oregon, ODFW’s Ocean Recreational Boat Survey (ORBS) data are used
here given nuances in recreational fishery sector differentiation.
RecFIN does not contain estimates of HMS catch and effort for
California, and CDFW similarly provides data from its Marine Logbook
System (MLS) and California Recreational Fishing Survey (CRFS)
estimates.

Albacore

Recreational anglers fishing from private vessels and from commercial
passenger fishing vessels (CPFVs) target albacore in all three West
Coast states. Albacore is targeted almost exclusively with rod-and-reel
gear, and success is highly dependent upon the distance from port to the
fish, weather and ocean conditions, and fuel prices.

In recent years albacore typically begin to show up within range of
the recreational fishery in California in late spring, migrating
northward and appearing off Oregon and Washington in mid to late June,
and are available through late September or early October in most
years.

Fishery performance

The following tables show recreational albacore catch, fishing
effort, and catch per unit of effort (tables updated 09/05/2023):

  • Table R1a. Recreational albacore catch (number of kept fish) for
    charter and private boats by year and port, 2020-2022 for trips
    targeting tuna.
  • Table R1b. Recreational albacore catch (number of kept fish) for
    charter and private boats by year and port, 2020-2022 regardless of trip
    type.
  • Table R2. Recreational albacore effort (angler days*) for charter
    and private boats by year and port, 2020-2022.
  • Table R3. Recreational albacore catch per unit of effort (number of
    kept fish/angler day*) for charter and private boats by year and port,
    2020-2022.

Note: California and Oregon record catch and effort by angler day.
Washington records catch and effort by angler trip, although the
majority of trips are equal to one day. With very infrequent exceptions,
the duration of Oregon recreational fishing trips by private anglers and
by charter anglers is 24 hours or less, and encompasses one day of
fishing activity.NAs represent data that are not collected/able to be
calculated. Zeros represent no catch.

Table R1a

2020
2021
2022
Port Area Charter Private Combined Charter Private Combined Charter Private Combined
North Coast NA NA NA 0 42 42 0 705 705
Westport 8718 13097 21814 3,356 3,034 6,390 10,219 23,667 33,886
Ilwaco 965 4465 5431 928 3,188 4,117 3,046 12,152 15,198
Washington Subtotal 9683 17562 27245 4,284 6,264 10,549 13,265 36,524 49,789
Astoria 0 85 85 0 53 53 0 1,670 1,670
Pacific City 0 78 78 0 122 122 0 182 182
Garibaldi 63 1111 1174 59 1,384 1,443 0 5,066 5,066
Depoe Bay 0 478 478 36 1,018 1,054 396 2,407 2,803
Newport 11 887 898 56 1,866 1,922 168 4,134 4,302
Florence 0 0 0 0 186 186 0 0 0
Winchester Bay 0 15 15 0 4,626 4,626 0 592 592
Coos Bay 0 465 465 52 7,144 7,196 0 2,967 2,967
Bandon 0 0 0 83 243 326 0 0 0
Gold Beach 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Brookings 0 1699 1699 233 3,696 3,929 167 2,852 3,019
Oregon Subtotal 74 4818 4892 519 20,338 20,857 731 19,870 20,601
Redwood District 844 5644 6488 373 9,269 9,642 2,036 4,728 6,764
Wine District 327 6863 7190 55 0 55 377 26,811 27,188
San Francisco District 57 0 57 10 0 10 15 270 285
Central District 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Channel District 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
South District 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
California Subtotal 1228 12507 13735 438 9,269 9,707 2,428 31,809 34,237
Mex 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Mexico Subtotal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Oregon-Washington Total 9757 22380 32137 4,803 26,602 31,406 13,996 56,394 70,390
U.S. Total 10985 34887 45872 5,241 35,871 41,113 16,424 88,203 104,627
Coastwide Total 10985 34887 45872 5,241 35,871 41,113 16,424 88,203 104,627

Table R1b

2020
2021
2022
Port Area Charter Private Combined Charter Private Combined Charter Private Combined
North Coast NA NA NA 0 42 42 0 942 942
Westport 8718 13265 21982 3,405 3,115 6,520 10,350 24,389 34,739
Ilwaco 965 4465 5431 928 3,242 4,170 3,046 12,636 15,682
Washington Subtotal 9683 17730 27413 4,333 6,399 10,732 13,396 37,967 51,363
Astoria 0 87 87 0 53 53 0 1,841 1,841
Pacific City 0 78 78 0 122 122 0 182 182
Garibaldi 63 1282 1345 59 1,437 1,496 0 5,446 5,446
Depoe Bay 12 583 595 36 1,045 1,081 396 2,494 2,890
Newport 11 1000 1011 56 2,157 2,213 168 4,369 4,537
Florence 0 0 0 0 186 186 0 0 0
Winchester Bay 0 57 57 0 4,948 4,948 0 619 619
Coos Bay 0 465 465 52 7,144 7,196 0 3,268 3,268
Bandon 0 0 0 83 243 326 0 0 0
Gold Beach 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Brookings 0 1719 1719 245 3,730 3,975 167 2,873 3,040
Oregon Subtotal 86 5271 5357 531 21,065 21,596 731 21,092 21,823
Redwood District 844 5644 6488 373 9,269 9,642 2,036 4,728 6,764
Wine District 327 6863 7190 55 0 55 377 26,811 27,188
San Francisco District 57 0 57 10 0 10 15 270 285
Central District 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Channel District 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
South District 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
California Subtotal 1228 12507 13735 438 9,269 9,707 2,428 31,809 34,237
Mex 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Mexico Subtotal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Oregon-Washington Total 9769 23001 32770 4,864 27,464 32,328 14,127 59,059 73,186
U.S. Total 10997 35508 46505 5,302 36,733 42,035 16,555 90,868 107,423
Coastwide Total 10997 35508 46505 5,302 36,733 42,035 16,555 90,868 107,423

Table R2

2020
2021
2022
Port Area Charter Private Combined Charter Private Combined Charter Private Combined
North Coast NA NA NA 0 49 49 5 149 154
Westport 757 3735 4492 613 1944 2557 863 4962 5825
Ilwaco 571 1743 2314 630 1310 1940 936 2682 3618
Washington Subtotal 1328 5478 6806 1,243 3303 4546 1,804 7793 9597
Astoria 0 63 63 0 61 61 0 413 413
Pacific City 0 94 94 0 43 43 0 73 73
Garibaldi 47 797 844 38 762 800 0 1207 1207
Depoe Bay 0 264 264 33 260 293 236 535 771
Newport 23 521 544 10 536 546 104 1003 1107
Florence 0 0 0 0 34 34 0 4 4
Winchester Bay 0 31 31 0 1117 1117 0 226 226
Coos Bay 0 317 317 31 1730 1761 7 1093 1100
Bandon 0 0 0 32 98 130 0 0 0
Gold Beach 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Brookings 0 409 409 38 984 1022 36 385 421
Oregon Subtotal 70 2496 2566 182 5625 5807 383 4939 5322
Redwood District 203 NA NA 47 NA NA 488 NA NA
Wine District 101 NA NA 5 NA NA 130 NA NA
San Francisco District 24 NA NA 8 NA NA 29 NA NA
Central District 0 NA NA 0 NA NA 0 NA NA
Channel District 4 NA NA 0 NA NA 0 NA NA
South District 0 NA NA 0 NA NA 0 NA NA
California Subtotal 332 NA NA 60 NA NA 647 NA NA
Mex 0 NA NA 0 NA NA 0 NA NA
Mexico Subtotal 0 NA NA 0 NA NA 0 NA NA
Oregon-Washington Total 1398 NA NA 1,425 NA NA 2,187 NA NA
U.S. Total 1730 NA NA 1,485 NA NA 2,834 NA NA
Coastwide Total 1730 NA NA 1,485 NA NA 2,834 NA NA

Table R3

2020
2021
2022
Port Area Charter Private Combined Charter Private Combined Charter Private Combined
North Coast NA NA NA 0.0 0.9 0.9 0.0 4.7 4.6
Westport 11.5 3.5 4.9 5.5 1.6 2.5 11.8 4.8 5.8
Ilwaco 1.7 2.6 2.3 1.5 2.4 2.1 3.3 4.5 4.2
Washington Subtotal 7.3 3.2 4 3.4 1.9 2.3 7.4 4.7 5.2
Astoria 0 1.3 1.3 0.0 0.9 0.9 0.0 4 4
Pacific City 0 0.8 0.8 0.0 2.8 2.8 0.0 2.5 2.5
Garibaldi 1.3 1.4 1.4 1.6 1.8 1.8 0.0 4.2 4.2
Depoe Bay 0 1.8 1.8 1.1 3.9 3.6 1.7 4.5 3.6
Newport 0.5 1.7 1.7 5.6 3.5 3.5 1.6 4.1 3.9
Florence 0 0 0 0.0 5.5 5.5 0.0 0 0
Winchester Bay 0 0.5 0.5 0.0 4.1 4.1 0.0 2.6 2.6
Coos Bay 0 1.5 1.5 1.7 4.1 4.1 0.0 2.7 2.7
Bandon 0 0 0 2.6 2.5 2.5 0.0 0 0
Gold Beach 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0
Brookings 0 4.2 4.2 6.1 3.8 3.8 4.6 7.4 7.2
Oregon Subtotal 1.1 1.9 1.9 2.9 3.6 3.6 1.9 4 3.9
Redwood District 4.2 NA NA 7.9 NA NA 4.2 NA NA
Wine District 3.2 NA NA 11.0 NA NA 2.9 NA NA
San Francisco District 2.4 NA NA 1.2 NA NA 0.5 NA NA
Central District 0 NA NA 0.0 NA NA 0.0 NA NA
Channel District 0 NA NA 0.0 NA NA 0.0 NA NA
South District 0 NA NA 0.0 NA NA 0.0 NA NA
California Subtotal 3.7 NA NA 7.3 NA NA 3.8 NA NA
Mex 0 NA NA 0.0 NA NA 0.0 NA NA
Mexico Subtotal 0 NA NA 0.0 NA NA 0.0 NA NA
Oregon-Washington Total 7 NA NA 3.4 NA NA 6.4 NA NA
U.S. Total 6.3 NA NA 3.5 NA NA 5.8 NA NA
Coastwide Total 6.3 NA NA 3.5 NA NA 5.8 NA NA

Other HMS (Southern California)

Recreational anglers in California take the entire suite of
management unit species (MUS) included within the HMS FMP using
rod-and-reel gear almost exclusively; in addition, a nominal amount of
fish, primarily tunas and dorado, are taken by free divers using spear
guns. In Oregon and Washington anglers only occasionally take HMS
species other than albacore, such as blue sharks, and more recently
Pacific bluefin tuna.

CPFVs also make trips from Southern California ports (primarily San
Diego) into Mexican waters. Yellowfin, bluefin, and skipjack tunas as
well as dorado are the most commonly caught HMS species.

Private vessel data for California are collected by the California
Recreational Fisheries Survey (CRFS) program while the state’s mandatory
logbook program provides an estimate of fishing activity for CPFVs. The
fact that a much higher overall percentage of highly migratory MUS
catches are represented in logbook data than in CRFS samples is why
logbooks are preferred over CRFS in determining the catch of these
species by anglers fishing from CPFVs. Logbooks also have the advantage
of supplying catch information on MUS taken in Mexico. However, CRFS
data are the best available for making catch estimates of anglers
fishing from private boats. Statistics for the CPFV fishery are also
available from the federal charter logbook program. In Oregon statistics
for recreational fisheries, including private, CPFV, and tournament
fisheries, are available from the ODFW Ocean Recreational Boat Survey
Program. Beginning in 2005, a mandatory charter boat tuna logbook
program was implemented in Washington to provide additional information
on location and effort in the charter albacore fishery.

Fishery performance

The following tables present recreational catch in Southern
California waters(tables updated 2023-09-05):

  • Tables R-4 and R-5. Estimated number of highly migratory MUS kept
    and thrown back alive by recreational anglers fishing from California
    private vessels in U.S. EEZ waters (Table R-4) and Mexico waters (Table
    R-5), 2020-2022.
  • Tables R-6 and R-7. Reported number of highly migratory MUS kept and
    thrown back by recreational anglers fishing from California Commercial
    Passenger Fishing Vessels (CPFVs) in U.S. EEZ waters (Table R-6) and
    Mexico waters (Table R-7), 2020-2022.

NAs represent data that are not collected/able to be calculated.
Zeros represent no catch. CONFID represents data excluded for
confidentiality.

Table R-4

2020
2021
2022
No. Fish
No. Fish
No. Fish
Species Kept Released Kept Released Kept Released
Tuna
Tuna, albacore 12,507 26 9,269 194 31,809 0
Tuna, bigeye 0 0 0 0 73 0
Tuna, bluefin 1,335 74 4,363 361 4,096 139
Tuna, skipjack 189 96 52 49 0 0
Tuna, yellowfin 397 10 373 0 1,063 102
Billfish
Marlin, striped 0 19 0 0 11 60
Swordfish 43 0 44 0 12 0
Sharks
Shark, blue 46 127 0 281 0 298
Shark, shortfin mako 23 70 10 60 99 332
Shark, thresher 127 319 396 678 181 531
Other Fish
Dolphin (fish) 2,196 545 3,418 351 48,265 3,815
Total 16,863 1,286 17,925 1,974 85,609 5,277

Table R-5

2020
2021
2022
No. Fish
No. Fish
No. Fish
Species Kept Released Kept Released Kept Released
Tuna
Tuna, albacore 0 0 0 0 0 0
Tuna, bigeye 0 0 0 0 0 0
Tuna, bluefin 593 21 1,673 11 916 111
Tuna, skipjack 1,498 1,067 12 16 83 0
Tuna, yellowfin 3,556 298 670 11 492 50
Billfish
Marlin, striped 0 0 0 0 11 14
Swordfish 0 0 0 0 0 0
Sharks
Shark, blue 0 66 0 22 0 105
Shark, shortfin mako 11 23 11 23 13 83
Shark, thresher 0 41 0 0 0 0
Other Fish
Dolphin (fish) 2,547 769 815 785 5,575 765
Total 8,205 2,285 3,181 868 7,090 1,128

Table R-6

2020
2021
2022
No. Fish
No. Fish
No. Fish
Species Kept Released Kept Released Kept Released
Tuna
Tuna, bigeye 0 0 0 0 0 0
Tuna, bluefin 25,981 403 34,482 305 23,173 252
Tuna, albacore 1,228 4 438 0 2,428 3
Tuna, skipjack 2,958 496 374 182 25 3
Tuna, yellowfin 9,493 67 2,949 19 6,111 48
Billfish
Swordfish 6 0 5 0 CONFID 0
Marlin, striped CONFID CONFID 3 CONFID 8 8
Sharks
Shark, blue CONFID 42 0 40 CONFID 60
Shark, shortfin mako 39 45 31 81 40 101
Shark, thresher 21 7 10 CONFID 15 11
Other Fish
Dolphin (fish) 9,226 727 6,483 98 69,319 1,248
Total 48,950 1,790 44,775 723 101,117 1,734

Table R-7

2020
2021
2022
No. Fish
No. Fish
No. Fish
Species Kept Released Kept Released Kept Released
Tuna
Tuna, bigeye 12 0 6 0 206 0
Tuna, bluefin 19,397 103 9,914 44 27,950 153
Tuna, albacore 0 0 19 20 0 0
Tuna, skipjack 1,515 2,828 4,084 1,034 78 55
Tuna, yellowfin 35,328 2,008 36,912 2,434 42,497 3,418
Billfish
Swordfish CONFID 0 0 0 0 0
Marlin, striped CONFID 61 CONFID 153 CONFID 343
Sharks
Shark, blue 0 0 0 0 0 CONFID
Shark, shortfin mako CONFID 3 4 CONFID 7 CONFID
Shark, thresher 0 0 0 0 0 0
Other Fish
Dolphin (fish) 7,334 738 20,149 3,319 31,995 1,581
Total 63,583 5,741 71,087 7,003 102,732 5,548

Data from these tables are summarized in the figures below.

This figure shows estimated catch (retained plus discarded) by fleet,
zone (Mexico or US waters), and species group for the years 2020 to
2022. The Tuna species group accounted for the most catch at 63%. The
CPFV fleet in Mexico waters accounted for 42% of catch followed by the
CPFV fleet in US waters at 33%.

Total recreational catch (retained plus discarded) by sector and zone.

Total recreational catch (retained plus discarded) by sector and zone.

This figure shows catch by species (retained plus discarded) aggregated
by fleet and zone, 2020 – 2022.

Total catch (retained plus discarded) by species.

Total catch (retained plus discarded) by species.

June 2022 Decision Summary Document

June 9-14, 2022 

Council Meeting Decision Summary Documents are highlights of significant decisions made at Council meetings.  Results of agenda items that do not reach a level of highlight significance are typically not described in the Decision Summary Document.  For a more detailed account of Council meeting discussions, see the Council meeting record and transcripts

Coastal Pelagic Species Management

Central Subpopulation of Northern Anchovy Assessment and Harvest Specifications 

The Council adopted a benchmark assessment for the Central Subpopulation for Northern Anchovy (CSNA) and  utilized the Council Operating Procedure (COP) 9 framework and flowchart for periodically evaluating harvest reference points for CSNA. The Council adopted the following harvest specifications for CSNA:

Overfishing Limit243,779 mt
Acceptable Biological Catch60,945 mt
Annual Catch Limit25,000 mt

Based on the COP 9 framework, the Council is next scheduled to review the status and harvest specifications for CSNA in 2024.

Stock Assessment Terms of Reference (TOR) 

The Council adopted the CPS stock assessment TOR for 2023-2024 for public review and is expected to finalize the TOR at the November 2022 Council meeting.  Additionally, the Council received an update from the National Marine Fisheries Service Southwest Fisheries Science Center on proposed workshops related to Pacific sardine stock structure and methodology review.  

Essential Fish Habitat Review – Phase 2 Action Plan 

The Council adopted the essential fish habitat (EFH) Phase 2 Action Plan and instructed the Coastal Pelagic Species Management Team (CPSMT) to consider recommendations from the Habitat Committee and the CPSAS.  These recommendations address non-fishing impacts and associated conservation recommendations, consideration of Habitat Areas of Particular Concern, and consideration of the dynamic nature of CPS habitat.  The Council also supported a joint CPSMT-HC meeting in November 2022 to discuss the EFH review.  At the November 2022 Council meeting, the CPSMT will provide a recommended schedule and timeline for completing the EFH review, under the Future Council Meeting and Workload Planning agenda item.

Habitat Issues

Current Habitat Issues

The Habitat Committee provided a report summarizing several issues including California water crisis concerns and a proposed Humboldt Bay oyster mariculture project.  The Council directed the HC to develop letters on the California Central Valley Project water salmon temperature thresholds for the September Briefing Book, and a letter to the Humboldt Bay Harbor District on the Humboldt Bay Mariculture Intertidal Pre-Permitting Project draft Environmental Impact Review.  That draft letter will either be in the September 2022 Briefing Book or will be completed via the Quick Response procedure, depending on timing of the public notice and associated comment period.  

Groundfish Management

Limited Entry Fixed Gear Catch Share Program Review

The Council adopted the Limited Entry Fixed Gear Catch Share Program review document as final, completing the program review.  Additionally, the Council proposed beginning the next program review in 2026.

Stock Assessment Plan and Terms of Reference – Final Action  

The Council adopted a near final list of groundfish stocks to be assessed in 2023 as follows:

  • Full assessments:  black rockfish (all areas), copper rockfish (California areas), petrale sole, and canary rockfish;
  • Data-moderate assessments: shortspine thornyhead and rex sole; and
  • Catch-only projection updates: cowcod south of 40° 10’ N. lat., widow rockfish, and yelloweye rockfish.

The Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) recommended in their report consideration for assessing copper rockfish in all West Coast areas in the event the ultimate decision in the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) amendment to define stocks in the FMP delineates copper rockfish stocks in a manner that differs from state boundaries (see next agenda item). The Northwest Fisheries Science Center informed the Council one stock assessment would have to come off the list to add additional copper rockfish area models.  The Council is scheduled to make that decision in September.

The Council adopted a preliminary list of stock assessment priorities for 2025 as follows:

  • Full assessments:  aurora rockfish, canary rockfish, China rockfish, Pacific spiny dogfish, quillback rockfish, rougheye/blackspotted rockfishes, sablefish, yelloweye rockfish (full or update assessment), and yellowtail rockfish.

The Council also adopted three Terms of Reference recommended by the Scientific and Statistical Committee, including one guiding development of groundfish rebuilding analyses, one guiding review of new proposed methodologies informing management of  groundfish and coastal pelagic species, and one guiding groundfish stock assessment reviews.

New 2023 groundfish stock assessments and methodologies that are Scientific and Statistical Committee-endorsed and adopted by the Council will inform groundfish management in 2025 and beyond.

Stock Definitions – Scoping 

The Council was briefed on the need to define stocks in the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) to enable NMFS to make stock status determinations.  A scoping document provided some considerations for this FMP amendment.  The Council gave staff the flexibility to collaborate with NMFS and the states to do some initial analyses to inform further consideration of an FMP amendment to define stocks in September.

Sablefish Gear Switching 

The Council continued its process of considering a limitation on the use of non-trawl gear to catch northern sablefish in the trawl individual fishing quota fishery (sablefish gear switching), and provided guidance to refine its existing action alternatives: Alternative 1, gear-specific northern sablefish quota shares (QS, any-gear and trawl-only); and Alternative 2, gear switching endorsements for trawl limited entry permits.  Additionally, it directed the creation of a new action alternative that would be similar to Alternative 1 but with gear-specific quota pounds instead of gear-specific QS.  Finally, it directed that Alternative 2 be split into two alternatives, parallel in all their provisions but one with a qualifier based on permit history and the other with a qualifier based on vessel history.  As is standard, no action continues to be an alternative. 

Exempted Fishing Permits, Harvest Specifications, and Management Measures for 2023-2024 Fisheries – Final Action 

Specifications

The Council adopted quillback rockfish harvest Alternative 1 specifications (annual catch limit (ACL) < acceptable biological catch (ABC); spawning potential ratio 0.55; P* 0.45; 2023 statewide ACL = 1.76 mt; 2024 statewide ACL = 1.93 mt) as their final preferred alternative (FPA) to inform the contribution of California quillback rockfish to the north and south of 40° 10´ N. lat. Nearshore Rockfish complexes.  The Council adopted the No Action harvest control rule (HCR) for copper rockfish that would apply the default 40-10 adjustment to each assessment area ABC, which includes the corrected apportionment values as described in F.6, Attachment 3, June 2022 and supported by the SSC as their FPA.

Exempted Fishing Permits (EFP)

The Council recommended that five EFPs be  implemented by NMFS for the 2023-2024 biennium. These include: Yellowtail Rockfish Jig Fishing off California, Monterey Bay Regional EFP Targeting Chilipepper Rockfish, Year-Round Coastwide Midwater Trawling for Rockfish, CDFW Recreational Cowcod Sampling in California, and WDFW Enhanced Yelloweye Recreational Fishery Biological Sampling. Additionally, the Council endorsed enhancing the Yellowtail Rockfish Jig Fishing off California EFP and Monterey Bay Regional EFP Targeting Chilipepper Rockfish to include natural bait. The Council also recommended the Yellowtail Rockfish Jig Fishing off California EFP expand the geographic range of the EFP to include areas between 40° 10´ N. lat. and the Washington/Oregon border and between 34° 27’ N. lat. to the California/Mexico border as described in Supplemental REVISED GAP Report 1.

Management Measures

The Council adopted their preliminary preferred alternative (PPA) as the FPA for routine management measures in the 2023 and 2024 groundfish fisheries (detailed in Appendix 2 of the Supplemental REVISED GMT Report 3).  The Council adopted updates to the Groundfish Fishery Management Plan that would support the items in this action (F.6, Attachment 9).

The Council adopted updates to Rockfish Conservation Area (RCA) waypoints as described in F.4.a, Supplemental CDFW Report 5, April 2022 and E.5.a, Supplemental CDFW Report 1, November 2021 that will address CDFW enforcement requests, better align coordinates with the depth contours as suggested by industry, and to eliminate crossovers. The Council specifically stated that these updates do not include new proposed waypoints arounds islands, banks, and high spots within the Cowcod Conservation Areas (CCAs) from E.5.a, Supplemental CDFW Report 1, November 2021, which will be considered in the Non-Trawl Management Measures action. 

The routine management measures for the 2023-2024 biennium include increases to the Tribal set-asides for darkblotched rockfish and Pacific ocean perch, removal of the 50 mt annual catch target for cowcod south of 40° 10’ N. lat. Additionally, the Council reviewed Supplemental GMT Report 2 which describes annual catch targets (ACT) for copper rockfish and quillback rockfish in the Exclusive Economic Zone off of California.  The Council adopted ACTs for both species to be set equal to their annual catch limit (ACL) contribution to the Nearshore Rockfish Complex. If the ACT for these species is exceeded, or projected to be exceeded, the Council will determine if mitigation measures are needed to reduce catch as part of a future Inseason Adjustments agenda item.

Harvest guidelines/state shares for stocks in a complex as well as the biennial and Amendment 21 allocations were not changed for the 2023-2024 biennium.  The Council adopted the No Action commercial non-trawl open access (OA) and limited entry fixed gear (LEFG) trip limits  for all species except for quillback rockfish and copper rockfish in the EEZ off of California. The trip limits for these species will be set at 75 lbs. per two months between 42° – 40° 10′ N. lat. within the 2,000 lbs. per 2 months Minor Nearshore Rockfish limit and 75 lbs. per two months south of 40° 10′ N. lat. within the 2,000 lbs. per 2 months Deeper Nearshore Rockfish limit. Further, the Council adopted the OA sablefish north of 36° trip limits Option 1: 2,000 lbs. per week, not to exceed 4,000 lbs. / 2 months (removing the 600 lbs. daily trip limit).

The Council adopted the recreational management measures recommended by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife .

The Council adopted a suite of new management measures including an amendment to the FMP (F.6, Attachment 9). This amendment formailzes a 2,000 mt threshold for shortbelly rockfish bycatch that would trigger Council review of the fishery. The Council recommended changes to management of the Non-Trawl Rockfish Conservation Area (NT_RCA). This measure will allow commercial non-trawl vessels to access the NT_RCA and fish within its boundaries with specific gear types. 

The Council adopted an extension of the primary sablefish season from October 31 to December 31 and, in conjunction with this measure, they recommended that the incidental Pacific halibut closure be the date specified by the International Pacific Halibut Commission, or until the quota is taken for this fishery.

The Council adopted two California recreational fishery measures which would allow the Council to consider a range of bag limit changes to quillback rockfish, copper rockfish, and vermilion rockfish if necessary. The second measure would allow a modification to the use of Rockfish Conservation Areas (RCA) for recreational fishery, whereby an RCA could be used to close areas shoreward of a depth boundary; previously an RCA could only be set seaward of a boundary depth. 

The Council also adopted changes to the use of block area closures (BAC) for the trawl fishery. BACs will be applicable to bottom trawl gear off Washington and midwater trawl gear off Washington, Oregon, and California to mitigate groundfish bycatch, if necessary.  Additionally, the Council adopted corrected FMP language for BAC that would support this measure ((F.6, Attachment 9). 

Inseason Adjustments – Final Action

The Council did not receive or recommend any inseason adjustments to groundfish fisheries at this meeting.

Highly Migratory Species

International Management Activities 

The Council endorsed the recommendations of its Highly Migratory Species Advisory Panel on harvest strategies for Pacific bluefin tuna and North Pacific albacore tuna. 

Recommendations for U.S. actions at the upcoming July 11-13 meeting of the  Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission-Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission Northern Commission Joint Working Group on Pacific Bluefin Tuna Management:

  • Oppose catch limit increases this year, if proposed
  •  If increases are agreed to, ensure that, with a high probability, they do not result in overfishing and the that U.S. receives an equitable allocation of any catch limit increases
  • Submit a proposal to the Joint Working Group for development of a harvest strategy that would include mechanisms to carry out a management strategy evaluation
  • Include in any such harvest strategy proposal appropriate management objectives that are consistent with measures agreed to by U.S. stakeholders that stem from NMFS-sponsored stakeholder workshops. In particular, include those aimed at maintaining the stock at levels that can achieve maximum sustainable yield

Recommendations for revisions to the US draft proposal on a North Pacific albacore harvest strategy (as an Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission Resolution):

  • Revise the beginning of paragraph 1 to read, “A harvest strategy shall be adopted for all fisheries which harvest North Pacific albacore in the Convention Area.”
  • For the purpose of implementing management measures, develop definitions to distinguish between fisheries (or vessels) that target North Pacific albacore and those that catch North Pacific albacore but are not targeting them
  • At paragraph 1(a)(iv) add language that there should be a low probability of management changes resulting in a 30 percent or greater decrease between consecutive assessment periods (consistent with the performance indicator described in the management strategy evaluation)
  • Defer inclusion of harvest control rules (paragraph 1(f)) until further consultations with stakeholders can be completed

Exempted Fishing Permits 

The Council approved the following exempted fishing permit (EFP) applications for immediate issuance by NMFS:

The Council will take final action on the following EFP applications at its September 2022 meeting, with recommended modifications described below: 

  • G. Harold (Attachment 5): Remove requested fishing within state waters
  • G. Honings (Attachment 6): Limit total pieces of gear to 15 and the current 5 nm footprint
  • K. Jacobs & T. Gomez (Attachment 8)
  • S. Mintz (Attachment 10): Remove the proposal to add time before and after sunrise and sunset
  • N. Perez (Attachment 11): Limit total pieces of gear to 15
  • Pfleger Institute of Environmental Research (PIER) (Attachment 12)

The Council also requested that NMFS provide the information necessary for the HMSMT to evaluate whether existing EFP holders requesting new EFPs (all of the above except for G. Harold) have been in compliance with logbook and annual report requirements, as specified in their EFP terms and conditions. The HMSMT will then report back on any compliance issues at the September 2022 meeting.

Drift Gillnet Fishery Hard Caps

The Council provided guidance on the completion of the analysis of the range of alternatives so that the Council may choose its final preferred alternative at the November 2022 meeting.

Administrative Matters

Council Coordination Committee Meeting Report 

The Council heard a report on the May 2022 meeting of the Council Coordination Committee. That report included several matters ranging in scope from FY 2022 and 2023 financial information, updates on legislation relevant to U.S. fisheries management, and additional matters of interest concerning management of U.S. fisheries. These additional matters included climate change, management strategy evaluation, alignment between the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the Endangered Species Act, the America the Beautiful initiative, Equity and Environmental Justice, and more. The Council did not take any action after hearing this report.

Financial Disclosure and Recusal Policy

The Council received the first annual briefing on the matter of financial disclosure and recusal from NOAA General Counsel and heard plans for the development of a Regional Recusal Determination Procedure handbook that will be developed over the coming months.

Marine Planning

The Council directed the Marine Planning Committee (MPC) to work with the HC as appropriate, to continue developing comment letters on the Oregon Call Areas Notice, the California Proposed Sale Notice, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Aquaculture Opportunity Areas, and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management fishery mitigation guidance draft document.  The Council also directed staff to develop a new draft policy/guidance document for the September Council meeting, taking into consideration the input received during the June Council meeting, as well as soliciting comments from the Ecosystem Workgroup and the Ecosystem Advisory Subpanel.  Information and links to these documents and comment opportunities are contained in the MPC’s supplemental report.  

Fiscal Matters 

The Council adopted a 2022 calendar year budget of $5,798,871 and requested the Committee to review two preliminary provisional budgets for CY 2023 at its September Meeting.  The Council also recommended the committee have a special meeting in October to discuss strategic development of future budgets.

Membership Appointments and Council Operating Procedures 

The Council suspended the provision of Council Operating Procedure 1 that states that the Chair may not serve more than two consecutive one-year terms and elected Mr. Mr. Marc Gorelnik as Council Chair and Mr. Brad Pettinger and Mr. Pete Hassemer as Council Vice-Chairs for the August 11, 2022 – August 10, 2023 term.

The Council made the following Advisory Body Appointments:

  • Ms. Shannon Adams was appointed to the vacant Northwest or Columbia River Tribal Representative position on the Habitat Committee.
  • Ms. Corianna Flannery was appointed to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife position on the Habitat Committee currently held by Mr. Eric Wilkins.
  • Mr. Eric Chavez was appointed to the vacant West Coast Region position on the Habitat Committee.
  • Mr. Mike Okoniewski was appointed to the vacant at-large processor position on the Groundfish Advisory Subpanel.

The Council decommissioned the Ad Hoc Southern Oregon Northern California Coast Coho Workgroup and the Ad Hoc Sablefish Management and Trawl Allocation Attainment Committee and expressed appreciation for the work these groups contributed to the Council process.

Regarding proposed revisions to Council Operating Procedure 23 regarding protocols for consideration of exempted fishing permits for coastal pelagic species fisheries, the Enforcement Consultants recommended inclusion of language regarding violation history checks of applicants, and the Council directed Council Staff to incorporate the language and publish revised drafts for additional review by the CPS advisors and the public.  The Council is scheduled to consider final adoption in September.

The Council directed Council Staff to solicit nominations for the following vacancies for Council consideration at the September meeting:

  • Coastal Pelagic Species Advisory Subpanel – Washington Commercial Position
  • Salmon Advisory Subpanel – Washington Charter Operator
  • Habitat Committee – Sport Fishery Representative
  • Scientific and Statistical Committee – At-Large Position

Additional information and instructions for submitting an electronic nomination will be posted to the Council’s Advisory Body Vacancy web page.

Future Council Meeting Agenda and Workload Planning

The Council received a report from the Salmon Technical Team (STT) regarding plans to evaluate effort forecast performance and consider ways to improve the accuracy of effort projections produced by the Klamath Ocean Harvest Model (KOHM). The STT will evaluate effort forecast performance in the KOHM and will explore using shorter time series/more recent data to improve forecast performance. The STT concluded that such changes would not require a methodology review. The STT will report back to the Council on their progress in refining KOHM effort predictions at the September meeting.

PRELIMINARY DRAFT JUNE 2022 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. They may use short-hand language or abbreviations that may not be clear without the context of verbal comments and clarifications made during their development at the meeting, or may contain inadvertent transposition errors. They have not been approved by the Council to represent the final official record of Council action. The final official record will be posted on the Council website after the Council approves the full meeting record at a future Council meeting.

Now Accepting Applications for Deputy Director of the Pacific Fishery Management Council

The Pacific Fishery Management Council is seeking candidates to serve as its next Deputy Director.  The application period is open now through May 30, 2022.  More information is provided in the Deputy Director recruitment packet, which consists of a recruitment announcement and a position description.

The Pacific Fishery Management Council is committed to the principle of diversity and is particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of people, including minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Ad Hoc Marine Planning Committee to hold online meeting Tuesday, May 24, 2022

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