This rule, if approved, would establish the harvest specifications and management measures for the next two years. These specifications and management measures were adopted by the Pacific Fishery Management Council at their June 2020 meeting. Additionally, this rule would implement Amendment 29 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan which would designate shortbelly rockfish as an ecosystem component species and revise the trawl/non-trawl allocations for petrale sole, widow rockfish, lingcod south of 40°10” North latitude, and blackgill rockfish (within the southern slope complex south of 40°10” North latitude) from Amendment 21 amounts to biennial allocations.
Stakeholders have the opportunity to submit comments to NMFS regarding this rule until November 2, 2020 either written or via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Written comments may be submitted to Barry Thom, Regional Administrator, West Coast Region, NMFS, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115-0070.
The NMFS contact for this rule is Karen Palmagiano. She can be reached at 206-526-4491 or via email at mail: karen.palmigiano@noaa.gov.
Council staff is also able to discuss this rule. Please contact either Todd Phillips –503-820-2426; or John DeVore –503-820-2413
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) is seeking qualified candidates to consider for a vacant Conservation position on its Coastal Pelagic Species Advisory Subpanel (CPSAS). 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, October 19, 2020.
The CPSAS is charged with advising the Council on issues associated with its Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan (FMP). Their duties include offering advice to the Council on the assessments, specifications, and management measures pertaining to the FMP with particular regard to: a) the capacity and the extent to which the U.S. commercial and recreational fisheries will harvest the stocks managed under the FMPs, b) the effect of such management measures on local economies and social structures, c) potential conflicts among groups using a specific fishery resource, or d) enforcement problems peculiar to each fishery with emphasis on the expected need for enforcement resources.
The CPSAS consists of 10 subpanel members representing a coastwide geographic distribution of commercial, recreational, community, conservation, and public concerns and knowledge within the Council management area. The Council is currently seeking nominees representing the conservation community with knowledge and expertise regarding coastal pelagic fishery issues.
Typically, the CPSAS meets three times per year, generally in three- or four-day meetings in conjunction with the Council’s April, June, and November meetings. Additional in-person meetings or webinars may be scheduled to discuss issues associated with the other two Council meetings, March, and September. CPSAS members may also be asked to participate in methodology or assessment review meetings, 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 theCouncil’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 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 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 November 2020 Council meeting. To ensure consideration, nominations should be received at the Council office no later than 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday, October 19, 2020.
For additional information on the CPSAS or the nomination process, please contact Mr. Kerry Griffin or Mr. Mike Burner, Pacific Fishery Management Council, 7700 NE Ambassador Place, Suite 101, Portland, Oregon 97220-1384; telephone: 503-820-2280.
The Council adopted for public review proposed changes to the current Area 2A Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan (CSP) and annual fishing regulations in Washington, Oregon, and California recreational fisheries for the 2021 season as follows:
In the Columbia River subarea allow the retention of yellowtail, widow, canary, redstriped, greenstriped, slivergray, chilipepper, bocaccio, and blue/deacon rockfishes, Pacific cod, flatfish species, and lingcod north of the Washington – Oregon border on all depth halibut days.
Remove the description of the South Coast Recreational Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area (YRCA) and the Westport Offshore YRCA from section 6.9.3 South coast subarea, h. Closed conservation areas of the CSP.
Coastwide in Oregon allow all-depth halibut fishing and longleader gear fishing on the same trip.
Change the end date in the California sport fishery from October 31 to no later than November 15.
In addition, the Council adopted for public review two options for the 2021 Area 2A non-tribal directed commercial halibut fishery periods:
10-hour periods, and
58-hour periods (0800 on day 1 to 1800 on day 3) starting on the fourth Monday in June, but could be open either:
Suboption 1: Mondays – Wednesdays;
Suboption 2: Tuesdays – Thursdays.
The Council is scheduled to adopt the final changes to the 2021 CSP and annual fishing regulations at their November 13-20 meeting held via webinar. Public comment materials received through the e-portal BY 5:00 pm, Monday, October 19, 2020, will be available to Council members and appropriate advisory bodies prior to the November meeting. Public comment materials received via e-portal after the October 19, 2020, 5:00 pm deadline, but BY 5:00 pm, Tuesday, November 3, 2020 will be included in the supplemental materials distributed to the Council on the first day of the November meeting. To submit public comment on this topic for the November Council meeting, please visit the Council’s November 2020 public comment e-portal.
For further information, please contact Ms. Robin Ehlke at (503) 820-2410; or toll free 1-866-806-7204.
Council adopts 2021 Catch Sharing Plan changes, annual regulations
In September the Council adopted proposed changes to the 2020 Area 2A Pacific halibut Catch Sharing Plan and annual fishing regulations for West Coast recreational fisheries for public review. In addition to status quo, the options include:
In the Columbia River subarea, allowing the retention of yellowtail rockfish, widow rockfish, canary rockfish, redstriped rockfish, greenstriped rockfish, slivergray rockfish, chilipepper, bocaccio, and blue/deacon rockfish, Pacific cod, flatfish species, and lingcod north of the Washington-Oregon border on all-depth halibut days.
Removing the descriptions of the South Coast Recreational and Westport Offshore Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Areas from relevant sections of the Catch Sharing Plan.
In Oregon, allowing fishing with longleader gear on the same trip as halibut fishing during the all-depth halibut days coastwide.
In California, setting the end date of the sport fishery to no later than November 15 (currently it is no later than October 31).
Final action on 2021 Pacific halibut fisheries is scheduled for the November 2020 Council meeting.
Transition of Area 2A fishery management continues
The Council continued the process of transitioning Pacific halibut management from IPHC to the Council and NMFS, adopting preliminary preferred alternatives (PPAs) for public review.
The PPAs include considering the directed fishery framework during the Catch Sharing Plan process in September and November, including any guidance for vessel limits and insesason changes (Alt. 4.1.2, Alt 2); issuing permits for all Area 2A halibut fisheries (Alt. 4.2.1, Alt 2); allowing NMFS to set application deadlines for commercial halibut applications (Alt. 4.2.2, Alt. 2); and requiring that proof of permit be on board applicable fishing vessels, readily available upon request (Alt. 4.2.5, Alt. 1). The Council is scheduled to select final alternatives at its November 2020 meeting. A description of all the alternatives and accompanying analyses are available on the Council’s website.
Preliminary commercial halibut fishing regulations for 2021 adopted
In September the Council adopted preliminary recommendations for public review for the 2021 Area 2A non-tribal directed commercial halibut fishery. The recommendations, which are open for public comment, include two options: ten-hour openings and 58-hour openings, starting on the fourth Monday in June. The 58-hour openings would begin at 8:00 a.m. on day 1 and continue until 6:00 p.m. on day 3. They could be open either on Mondays through Wednesdays or Tuesdays through Thursdays.
The structure of this fishery has been a topic of discussion between the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) and the Council over the past few years as the management of the fishery transitions from the IPHC to the Council.
The Council’s final 2021 season structure recommendation will be forwarded to IPHC for consideration during their meetings in November and January.
Colville tribal elder Pat Bray releases a summer Chinook as part of a ceremonial salmon release. Source.
Upper Columbia United Tribes begin reintroducing salmon above Chief Joseph, Grand Coulee
The Upper Columbia United Tribes have begun a process to reintroduce anadromous fish above Chief Joseph and Grand Coulee dams. The tribes have been working with state and Federal agencies on the project.
In a report to the Council in September, Rodney Cawston, the Chair of the Colville Business Council of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, outlined the phased-approach for salmon reintroduction. Phase 1 of the plan, which is now complete, explored the capacity for fish production, appropriate donor stocks, disease risks, and fish passage options. Phase 2, which is now underway, focuses on experimental, pilot-scale salmon reintroductions and interim passage facilities. Phase 3 involves constructing permanent passage facilities and supporting propagation facilities and improving habitat. Phase 4 addresses monitoring, evaluation, and adaptive management along with more habitat improvements.
This year, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation held ceremonies and released adult salmon in the upper Columbia, where passage has been blocked for over 80 years. The cultural and economic value of salmon is a long-recognized aspect of the Pacific Northwest.
The Northwest Power Planning Council has estimated that before 1850, 14.7 percent of all Columbia Basin spring Chinook originated above where Chief Joseph Dam now stands. Sixteen percent of summer Chinook, 14 percent of fall Chinook, 17.3 percent of coho, 10.5 percent of steelhead, and 64.7 percent of sockeye originated from the same area.
Council adopts final alternatives for salmon season start date, KMZ boundary
The Council has adopted final preferred alternatives for an amendment to the salmon plan that change the effective date of annual fisheries from May 1 to May 16 and move the southern boundary of the Klamath Management Zone from Horse Mountain 5 nm north to 40° 10′ N. lat. Amendment 20 also includes several housekeeping items.
NMFS has stated that completing the Federal regulatory process in time for the fishery start date has been a challenge in recent years.The 2019 and 2020 regulations for ocean salmon fisheries could not be processed in time for the traditional start date, May 1.
The southern boundary of the Klamath Management Zone is being changed to simplify management of the fishery as the new boundary is the same as that used to manage groundfish fisheries. Fishermen also noted safety concerns with maneuvering near the boundary due to currents and bathymetry in that area.
The next step is to update the Pacific Coast Salmon Fishery Management Plan with the changes and any Council Operating Procedures affected by the changes. The change should be in place by May 2021.
Southern Resident Killer Whale ESA consultation alternatives adopted
The Southern Resident Killer Whale Workgroup has been developing alternatives to address the NMFS consultation on the effects of ocean salmon fisheries on Southern Resident killer whales. In September the workgroup provided, and the Council adopted, a purpose and need statement, a scope of action, and a range of alternatives.
The Workgroup assessed the effects of Council-area ocean salmon fisheries on the Chinook salmon prey base of Southern Resident killer whales, and recommended management tools to further limit fishery impacts on the whales if fishery management modifications are deemed necessary. Their assessment and recommendations will help inform NMFS’ Endangered Species Act consultation and biological opinion.
The alternatives are currently available for public review, and include a status quo fishery management approach, options for a Chinook abundance threshold north of Cape Falcon, Oregon, and a list of actions that could be taken if abundance falls below that threshold. In addition, the Workgroup recommended reevaluating the conservation objectives for Sacramento River fall Chinook and Klamath River fall Chinook, and developing an age-structured stock assessment for Sacramento River fall Chinook.
The Council will consider adopting a final preferred alternative in November.
F/V Gutsy Lady 4, an HMS boat. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Gardon
Nineteen exempted fishing permits for deep-set buoy gear forwarded
At its September meeting the Council reviewed 20 exempted fishing permit (EFP) applications to use standard and linked deep-set buoy gear, and recommended that National Marine Fisheries Service issue all but one.
Four of the applications proposed using deep-set buoy gear at night, but the Council did not recommend NMFS issue additional permits for this activity. This year, one vessel (the F/V Bear Flag 2) has been testing deep-set buoy gear at night under an EFP. Once the results are available in 2021, the Council could reconsider expanding night-set buoy gear EFPs to other vessels.
The Council also recommended that NMFS modify the conditions for all of its deep-set and night-set buoy gear EFPs to require reporting of lost gear and clear marking of gear to distinguish permit holders allowed to fish at night from those only allowed to fish during the day.
Council reviews the status of highly migratory stocks
Under the HMS FMP’s biennial management process, starting in September in even years the Council has the opportunity to review “status determination criteria,” which are used by NMFS to determine whether fish stocks are healthy, subject to overfishing, or overfished. Using these criteria, if overfishing is occurring or the stock is overfished, NMFS notifies the Council. When stock status is primarily the result of foreigh fisheries, the Council may determine no additional domestic measures are needed to address US vessels’ impact on the stock.
Stock assessments for highly migratory species are conducted by international management bodies. Since the Council last reviewed status determinations in 2018, new assessments have been conducted for North Pacific albacore, Pacific bluefin tuna, bigeye tuna (in both the eastern and western Pacific), yellowfin tuna (in both the eastern and western Pacific), skipjack tuna (in the western Pacific), and striped marlin (in the western Pacific).
The stock assessment for Eastern Pacific ocean yellowfin tuna, completed by the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) in 2020, is most likely to trigger a change in stock status (currently, this stock is subject to overfishing). NMFS cannot use the assessment results until they are adopted for management by the IATTC’s Scientific Advisory Committee, which has not yet scheduled a meeting.
In November, the Council will receive an update from NMFS on its status determinations and may advise NMFS on the criteria it used.
There is concern that the IATTC may be unable to adopt 2021 measures for the tropical tuna fishery (targeting skipjack, yellowfin, and bigeye tunas) and Pacific bluefin tuna, because of the difficulty of conducting an online meeting due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Without such action, NMFS would be unable to implement domestic measures to address the stock status of Pacific Bluefin tuna and Eastern Pacific ocean yellowfin tuna.
If that occurs, the Council will need to consider its obligations under the Magnuson-Stevens Act. As a precaution, the Council directed the highly migratory species advisory bodies to look at options under the Magnuson-Stevens Act and report to the Council in November.
Council to consider changes to essential fish habitat for highly migratory species
The Council considered the Highly Migratory Species essential fish habitat (EFH) literature review and Highly Migratory Species Management Team report in September and found that there was enough new information to justify considering revisions to EFH. EFH for highly migratory species has not been updated since the fishery management plan was adopted in 2003. The Highly Migratory Species Management Team will develop a proposed scope of work, schedule, and amendment process for Council consideration in March 2021.
