Updates

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.

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.

Council says goodbye to Rich Lincoln and hello to Butch Smith

The Council thanks Rich Lincoln for his three terms of service as a Council member, and welcomes Butch Smith in the Washington obligatory seat, effective August 11.

A family on a fishing boat
Butch Smith (left) with his son and grandkids

Butch Smith  is a third-generation salmon and sturgeon fishing guide whose family owns and operates Coho Charters in Ilwaco. He is a longtime advocate for salmon and salmon enhancement on the Columbia River.  Butch has served on the Council’s Salmon Advisory Subpanel as the Washington Charter representative since 2002 and has been its Chair since 2007.  He fills the seat held by Rich Lincoln, who is completing his third term.  Lincoln has over 40 years of experience in fisheries research, management and policy in the North Pacific and working on global fisheries sustainability.  Rich will continue to serve on the Council’s Ad Hoc Climate and Communities Core Team as they help the Council develop scenarios to help plan for the potential effects of climate change on west coast communities.