Council adopts Klamath, Sacramento fall Chinook rebuilding plans
The Council adopted Klamath River fall Chinook and Sacramento River fall Chinook salmon rebuilding plans in June, choosing “status quo” as the final preferred alternative for both plans. This means that fisheries will continue to be managed under existing protocols, allowing for maximum flexibility in structuring fisheries while rebuilding both stocks and minimizing negative impacts to coastal communities due to fishery constraints. In addition to adopting the final preferred alternative, the Council asked the Habitat Committee to investigate habitat-related issues outlined in both plans, and tasked the Salmon Technical Team with scoping new tools to improve stock assessment and fishery modeling of Sacramento River fall Chinook.
The Council also adopted the three coho salmon rebuilding plans (Strait of Juan de Fuca, Queets River, and Snohomish River) as drafts for public review, and is scheduled to consider these plans for final adoption at the next Council meeting during September in Boise, Idaho.
These five stocks were declared overfished in June 2018. Under the terms of the fishery management plan, a rebuilding plan must be in place within two years. National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is charged with putting the rules in place, a process which takes about 18 months. The Council must submit all five plans to the Secretary of Commerce by September 2019.
Southern Resident Killer Whale Workgroup meets
In March of this year, NMFS announced plans to reinitiate Endangered Species Act consultation on the effect of Council-area ocean salmon fisheries on Southern Resident killer whales. NMFS and the Council agreed on a collaborative approach and began establishing work plans and a tentative schedule.
The Council subsequently formed the Ad Hoc Southern Resident Killer Whale Workgroup, which is tasked with reassessing the effects of Council-area ocean salmon fisheries on the Chinook salmon prey base of the whales. At its first meeting in May, the Workgroup affirmed its task and timeline, identified data gaps, developed risk assessment criteria and methods, and assigned tasks to members. The Workgroup provided a progress report at the June Council meeting and will meet again in July 2019.
Council, NMFS agree on creating Federal trawl logbook program
Earlier this year, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposed a new Federal logbook information collection program for the shorebased individual fishing quota trawl fishery that would require a logbook for Federally-managed groundfish species. This proposal was brought to the Council for consideration and recommendations in June. The NMFS proposal came in response to the repeal of California commercial logbook requirements for Federal fisheries by the California Fish and Game Commission. The California requirement for shorebased limited entry trawl vessels to report Federally-managed species by logbook will end July 1, 2019.
Trawl logbooks have long been required by the states, but currently there is no Federal logbook requirement. While Oregon and Washington will continue to provide logbooks for the trawl fishery, the loss of California data would represent a major loss of information to fisheries managers and scientists. The data are used in many critical activities such as stock assessments, area management, and bycatch interactions.
The Council agreed with NMFS that creation of a Federal logbook information collection program for the shorebased individual fishing quota trawl fishery was necessary in order to minimize data loss from California ports. The Federal system will ensure the continued coverage of limited entry trawl vessels on the west coast, and should avoid substantial gaps in the trawl logbook dataset from California. Additionally, this program will provide coverage if Oregon or Washington remove their logbook requirement in the future.
Groundfish Endangered Species Workgroup meets
The Pacific Coast Groundfish Endangered Species Workgroup met this spring to review incidental take estimates of species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The Workgroup advises the Council on the ESA compliance of West Coast groundfish fishing, reviewing estimates of incidental take for eulachon, green sturgeon, humpback whales, leatherback sea turtles, and short-tailed albatross. The Workgroup reported to the Council in June that the fishery had exceeded the incidental take guidelines for humpback whales, but was under the limits for eulachon, green sturgeon, short-tailed albatross, and leatherback sea turtles.
NMFS has begun its reconsultation on the effects of Council-managed fisheries on humpback whales. The Workgroup recommended research into new fishing gear that may reduce whale entanglements, and supported the Council’s efforts to decrease take of ESA-listed seabirds (see article below). To this end, the Workgroup recommended that the Council and NMFS continue to explore ways to improve fixed-gear configurations (particularly for floated longline gear).
The Council agreed with a Groundfish Advisory Subpanel recommendation that three groundfish industry members be added to the workgroup before the next meeting.
Additionally, the Workgroup recommended a logbook for the fixed-gear fisheries, as it had in past reports. This would provide critical data to managers and scientists. The Council reaffirmed its support for this idea and recommended that NMFS pursue development of a fixed-gear logbook.
The Council adopted all the recommendations noted above, which are detailed in the Workgroup’s report.
Council takes final action on albatross take in longline fishery
In June, the Council selected its final preferred alternative to address the take of albatross in groundfish longline fisheries.
Under the alternative, non-tribal vessels 26 feet and greater (overall length) using bottom longline gear in the limited entry fixed gear, open access fixed gear, and Shorebased Individual Fishing Quota Program, must either use streamer lines or deploy gear at night. (See link for technical requirements).
Currently, vessels 55 feet and longer must use streamer lines, which deter seabirds from diving on baited hooks as they are deployed.
Vessels fishing south of 36° N. latitude would be exempt from the requirements. Vessels 26-55 feet could deploy streamer lines at their discretion when a small craft wind advisory (or higher) is in effect.
The Council also encouraged continued collaborative research to develop and test enforceable floated mainline gear configurations that can sink within the streamer line zone to reduce seabird interactions.
The decision was made in response to a 2017 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Biological Opinion addressing take of endangered short-tailed albatross in Council-managed groundfish longline fisheries. The opinion required the Council to extend the existing streamer line requirements to smaller vessels. It also allowed vessels to set the gear at night, when albatross are not active, as an alternative to deploying streamer lines. These requirements apply when fishing in Federal waters (3-200 nautical miles).
NMFS expects to finalize regulations implementing the Council proposal by the beginning of 2020.
Inseason adjustments to groundfish fisheries
In June the Council considered routine inseason action on groundfish stocks as well as adjustments to incidental landings of Pacific halibut in the primary sablefish fishery north of Point Chehalis.
The Council also discussed the unexpectedly high bycatch of shortbelly rockfish in the at-sea whiting fleet to-date. NMFS decided not to implement accountability measures on the groundfish fishery related to shortbelly rockfish at this time.
The Council heard from the California Groundfish Collective regarding how annual vessel limits for cowcod may curtail their fishing efforts earlier than expected. The Council took no action on this issue, but did not oppose NMFS reviewing an exempted fishing permit submitted by the Collective that may provide options for them to continue fishing.
The Council adopted the recommendations of the GMT as follows:
Increase incidental Pacific halibut landing allowance from 200 to 250 lbs dressed weight Pacific halibut per 1,000 lbs dressed weight sablefish, plus 2 Pacific halibut in the primary sablefish fishery north of Point Chehalis.
Increase limited entry bocaccio trip limit for the area between 40° 10′ N. lat. – 34° 27′ N. lat. to 1,500 lbs per 2 months
Recommend revised trip limits for big skate in the shorebased IFQ program as shown:
Jan/Feb
March/Apr
May/June
July/Aug
Sept/Oct
Nov/Dec
5,000 lbs
25,000 lbs
30,000 lbs
70,000 lbs
20,000 lbs
20,000 lbs
Open Access sablefish recommendations:
Open Access North 300 lb per day, or one landing per week up to 1,400 lb, not to exceed 2,800 lb per 2 months.
Open Access South 300 lb per day, or one landing per week up to 1,600 lb, not to exceed 4,800 lb per 2 months.
NMFS developing electronic monitoring guidelines
NMFS is developing internal guidelines on how electronic monitoring data is stored, and is considering the costs and benefits of video storage, and the management, scientific, and enforcement needs of electronic monitoring programs around the country. NMFS will also consider different types of data storage to reduce costs to industry. NMFS is expected to provide a draft procedural directive on this issue at the September or November Council meeting for review and comment.
In addition, NMFS recently published a final rule to implement electronic monitoring for the midwater trawl whiting and fixed-gear catch share fisheries on the West Coast. In September, the Council will review a NMFS document that will guide electronic monitoring providers and fishermen on how to participate in the program.
Council adopts schedule for setting 2021-2022 harvest specs, management measures
In June the Council adopted a schedule for setting 2021-22 groundfish harvest specifications and management measures. The schedule includes steps such as scientific peer review of data and analyses; preparation of analytical documents; state meetings to solicit public input; and notice and comment rulemaking. The next steps, scheduled for the September Council meeting in Boise, Idaho, are to consider new harvest specifications and management measures. All of these steps need to be timed so that the new regulations can be implemented on January 1, 2021.
The Council also discussed a streamlined process that would allow management measures to be put in place on January 1, 2021 and would free up resources for related Council actions. Final action is scheduled for June 2020.
Council ponders how to phase in conservative catch limits
The Council is considering new ways to phase in more conservative catch limits for groundfish stocks in order to ease short-term negative economic impacts when catch limits are significantly reduced. One option is to phase in new acceptable biological catches (ABCs) over three years. Another is to set ABCs for a limited period based on higher overfishing probabilities than the current maximum. These changes will require a fishery management plan amendment.
In September the Council will look at criteria for these new harvest control rules, a time limit for the duration of the phase-in period (or frequency of their use), the types of analyses needed, and the timing of an amendment process. The Council would like feedback on whether this process should synchronize with the 2021-22 biennial specifications process or be considered on another track. The Council also requested a list of stocks that would be good candidates for these alternative rules.
This issue arose in response to new sigma values recommended by the Scientific and Statistical Committee for determining ABC buffers. The sigma value represents the scientific uncertainty in estimating an overfishing limit. One feature of the new sigma framework is that the sigma (and hence the ABC buffer) increases with the age of the assessment. These larger buffers will result in lower annual catch limits for some key stocks such as Oregon black rockfish.
The phase-in of an ABC control rule is designed to help stabilize catch levels as stock assessments are updated. Whether to apply such a control rule for stocks in the precautionary zone or for rebuilding stocks will be part of the scoping discussion.
The Ad Hoc Climate and Communities Core Team met onThursday, May 30 and Friday, May 31, 2019 in Portland, Oregon (see agenda). The Team worked on climate change scenario planning and began developing a plan for a Council-focused scenario planning exercise as part of the Fishery Ecosystem Plan Climate and Communities Initiative.
The Team was formed in March 2019 and will report back at the September 2019 Council meeting.
The specific tasks addressed during this meeting were:
Refine the scenario topic used in the exercise
Develop a timeline for the scenario planning process (to be conducted between the September 2019 and March 2020 Pacific Council meetings)
In March 2019 the Council formed the Climate and Communities Core Team (Ad Hoc CCCT) to manage a scenario planning exercise on the topic of shifting stock availability (including shifting distribution) across species, FMPs, and communities across the west coast. The Council expects this exercise to result in the definition of tools, products, and processes necessary to react to potential future ecosystem states resulting from climate variability and climate change. The Core Team will flesh out the details of this scenario planning exercise and report back to the Council in September 2019. The bulk of the scenario planning activities would occur between October 2019 and March 2020 when the Council would receive a report on the outcomes of the exercise. Using Scenarios to Explore Climate Change: A Handbook for Practitioners (National Park Service, 2013) provides a general overview of using scenario planning methods to evaluate adaption strategies for climate change.
A March 2018 EWG report describing major Council decision types that may benefit from increased ecosystem science input.
An April 2018 EWG report with suggestions for issues for discussion at the May 2018 Nature Conservancy workshop on climate change and fishing communities.
A September 2018 EWG report reviewing information gathering activities conducted up to that time and recommending that the Council consider using climate change scenario planning as a vehicle to accomplish the goal of this initiative. In response, the Council formed the Ad Hoc Climate Scenario Investigation Committee (CSI), composed of Council members Caren Braby, Rich Lincoln, and John Ugoretz to consider how scenario planning efforts could advance the Climate and Communities Initiative. The CSI reported back to the Council in November 2018 with a set of tasks for the EWG to lay the groundwork for conducting a scenario planning exercise beginning in 2019.
In March 2017 the Council scoped a potential Fishery Ecosystem Plan initiative to take up in the coming years. They asked the Ad Hoc Ecosystem Workgroup (EWG) to report back in September 2017 with more information to choose between a combined initiative on the socioeconomic effects of fisheries management practices on fishing communities (A.2.7) and on human recruitment to the fisheries (A.2.6), and an initiative on the effects of near-term climate shift and long-term climate change on our fish, fisheries, and fishing communities (A.2.8).
The EWG presented a report in September that identified specific objectives of the initiatives, inventoried available information, and proposed a timeline for completing either or both initiatives. Based on this scoping the Council decided to begin work on the Climate Shift Initiative with an emphasis on the wellbeing of dependent fishing communities.
The Council’s Habitat Committee provides advice to the Council on a wide variety of habitat-related issues. The committee works with other advisory bodies on habitat issues, helps develop ways to resolve habitat problems and avoid future habitat conflicts, and makes recommendations for actions that will help achieve the Council’s habitat objectives. Meetings are open to the public.
Lance Hebdon is the Chair and Dr. Correigh Greene is the Vice-Chair of the Habitat Committee (HC).
A dory fisherman brings in his boat in Pacific City, Oregon.
New Council newsletter format debuts
The Council is updating the format of its newsletter to make it more flexible and user-friendly. The web-based format uses a “post” style for articles on similar topics, which makes it easier to share articles across platforms and allows third-party news outlets to link to Council articles. In addition, the new format is smartphone-friendly and will eventually reflect the look of the Council’s new website, which is currently under construction. We welcome your comments during this transition period.
E-Portal open for June briefing book comments
The Council’s comment portal is now accepting comments on June briefing book materials. Please visit the June 2019 Council Meeting E-portal to submit your written comment. Select the agenda item you are interested in commenting on and either enter your comments in the text box, or upload a file containing your comments in .pdf format. You may submit one comment per agenda item in advance of the initial advance briefing book public comment deadline (Thursday, May 23, 5:00 pm).
You will then be allowed one more comment opportunity between 5:01 p.m., May 23 and the supplemental public comment deadline (5:00 p.m., Monday, June 10, 2019), which will allow you to review the advanced briefing materials scheduled to be posted to the Council website no later than close of business, Monday, June 3, 2019.
In March and April, the Council reviewed and approved the following appointments: Greg Krutzikowsky was appointed to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) seat on the Coastal Pelagic Species Management Team formerly held by Cyreis Schmitt; Patrick Mirick was appointed to the ODFW seat on the Groundfish Endangered Species Workgroup formerly held by Dr. Caren Braby; Caroline McKnight was appointed to the California Department of Fish Wildlife (CDFW) vacancy on the Groundfish Management Team; Travis Buck was appointed to the CDFW seat on the ad hoc Ecosystem Workgroup formerly held by Deb Wilson-Vandenberg; Melinda Rowse was appointed to the NMFS Northwest Fisheries Science Center seat on the Salmon Technical Team formerly held by Dr. Robert Kope; Jon Pink was appointed to the Washington Coastal Tribal Fisheries vacancy on the Salmon Advisory Subpanel; and Robin Bown was appointed to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service position on the Groundfish Endangered Species Workgroup formerly held by Laura Todd.
The Council recommended adding an additional at-large Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) position as a means of bringing needed expertise to the committee and appointed Dr. Marisol Garcia-Reyes, Dr. Kristen Marshall, and Dr. Jason Shaffler to the three vacant at-large positions on the SSC.
Chris German of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) will replace CDR Jason Brand as RADM Throop’s second designee and as an Enforcement Consultant for the USCG. The Council expressed their appreciation for CDR Brand’s contributions to the Council and wished him the best in his future endeavors. The Council also welcomed Sergeant Kit Rosenberger as an alternate for Captain Dan Chadwick as a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Consultant.
The Council approved the revisions to the Council Operating Procedures regarding rules of conduct, staffing expectations, and the Council’s new electronic public comment policies with minor language changes.
Legislative News
The Legislative Committee met in April to discuss several bills, including:
H.R. 549: the FISH Act, introduced by Ken Calvert (R-CA). This bill is the same as H.R. 3916, which was the subject of a 2017 Council letter to Congressman Calvert. The bill transfers all functions with respect to anadromous species and catadromous species under the Endangered Species Act from the Secretary of Commerce or National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to the Secretary of the Interior. Opposing groups believe the bill would weaken protections that currently exist under NMFS jurisdiction.
S. 906/H.R. 1979: Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act, introduced by Diane Feinstein and Ted Lieu (D-CA). This bill would extend current California state regulations regarding driftnets to all Federal waters within five years.
H.R. 2236: Forage Fish Conservation Act, introduced by Debbie Dingell (D-MI). This bill amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to require Scientific and Statistical Committees to provide scientific advice on maintaining a sufficient abundance of forage fish populations; adds forage fish populations and distribution as a research priority; calls for Councils to develop lists of unmanaged forage fish species and prohibit development of new fisheries (as the Pacific Council has done); and requires Councils to reduce annual catch limits for forage fish fisheries according to the dietary needs of fish species and other marine wildlife.
The Council is tracking the driftnet and forage fish bills, but has not been asked to provide comments. (The Council may not comment on legislation unless it receives a Congressional request).
The Legislative Committee will meet next at the June Council meeting.
In April 2019 the Council scheduled electronic monitoring (EM) items for the June, September, and November 2019 Council meetings and recommended the Groundfish Electronic Monitoring Policy Advisory Committee (GEMPAC) meet as necessary to review National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) procedural directives and program guidance documents.
In September the Council recommended that NMFS consider changes to the EM Program Guidelines and the draft Data Storage Procedural document that had been identified by the GEMAC. The Council agreed to ask Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) to identify a way forward that would allow PSMFC to continue providing EM review services for the industry in 2021.
In November the Council reviewed, but did not finalize, their recommendations on the revised EM Program Guidelines and the Draft EM Manual. The Council agreed to tell NMFS that they wanted to delay implementation of the EM regulations until 2022, and would consider extending the EM exempted fishing permit at the March 2020 meeting. The Council asked for more information on the appropriate level of video review for vessel steam time (nonfishing activity).
The Council noted that an analysis was needed to understand the effect of applying vessel-specific halibut discard mortality estimates to non-reviewed trips as noted by the GEMPAC/TAC. Finally, the Council expressed concern about the cost effectiveness of the program and said it would like the industry to continue to work with NMFS and PSMFC to find a way for industry to fund part of the EM program.
The Council is updating the format of its newsletter to make it more flexible and user-friendly. The web-based format uses a “post” style for articles on similar topics, which makes it easier to share articles across platforms and allows third-party news outlets to link to Council articles. In addition, the new format is smartphone-friendly and will eventually reflect the look of the Council’s new website, which is currently under construction. We welcome your comments during this transition period.
E-Portal open for June briefing book comments
The Council’s comment portal is now accepting comments on June briefing book materials. Please visit the June 2019 Council Meeting E-portal to submit your written comment. Select the agenda item you are interested in commenting on and either enter your comments in the text box, or upload a file containing your comments in .pdf format. You may submit one comment per agenda item in advance of the initial advance briefing book public comment deadline (Thursday, May 23, 5:00 pm).
You will then be allowed one more comment opportunity between 5:01 p.m., May 23 and the supplemental public comment deadline (5:00 p.m., Monday, June 10, 2019), which will allow you to review the advanced briefing materials scheduled to be posted to the Council website no later than close of business, Monday, June 3, 2019.
In March and April, the Council reviewed and approved the following appointments: Greg Krutzikowsky was appointed to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) seat on the Coastal Pelagic Species Management Team formerly held by Cyreis Schmitt; Patrick Mirick was appointed to the ODFW seat on the Groundfish Endangered Species Workgroup formerly held by Dr. Caren Braby; Caroline McKnight was appointed to the California Department of Fish Wildlife (CDFW) vacancy on the Groundfish Management Team; Travis Buck was appointed to the CDFW seat on the ad hoc Ecosystem Workgroup formerly held by Deb Wilson-Vandenberg; Melinda Rowse was appointed to the NMFS Northwest Fisheries Science Center seat on the Salmon Technical Team formerly held by Dr. Robert Kope; Jon Pink was appointed to the Washington Coastal Tribal Fisheries vacancy on the Salmon Advisory Subpanel; and Robin Bown was appointed to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service position on the Groundfish Endangered Species Workgroup formerly held by Laura Todd.
The Council recommended adding an additional at-large Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) position as a means of bringing needed expertise to the committee and appointed Dr. Marisol Garcia-Reyes, Dr. Kristen Marshall, and Dr. Jason Shaffler to the three vacant at-large positions on the SSC.
Chris German of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) will replace CDR Jason Brand as RADM Throop’s second designee and as an Enforcement Consultant for the USCG. The Council expressed their appreciation for CDR Brand’s contributions to the Council and wished him the best in his future endeavors. The Council also welcomed Sergeant Kit Rosenberger as an alternate for Captain Dan Chadwick as a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Consultant.
The Council approved the revisions to the Council Operating Procedures regarding rules of conduct, staffing expectations, and the Council’s new electronic public comment policies with minor language changes.
Legislative News
The Legislative Committee met in April to discuss several bills, including:
H.R. 549: the FISH Act, introduced by Ken Calvert (R-CA). This bill is the same as H.R. 3916, which was the subject of a 2017 Council letter to Congressman Calvert. The bill transfers all functions with respect to anadromous species and catadromous species under the Endangered Species Act from the Secretary of Commerce or National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to the Secretary of the Interior. Opposing groups believe the bill would weaken protections that currently exist under NMFS jurisdiction.
S. 906/H.R. 1979: Driftnet Modernization and Bycatch Reduction Act, introduced by Diane Feinstein and Ted Lieu (D-CA). This bill would extend current California state regulations regarding driftnets to all Federal waters within five years.
H.R. 2236: Forage Fish Conservation Act, introduced by Debbie Dingell (D-MI). This bill amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to require Scientific and Statistical Committees to provide scientific advice on maintaining a sufficient abundance of forage fish populations; adds forage fish populations and distribution as a research priority; calls for Councils to develop lists of unmanaged forage fish species and prohibit development of new fisheries (as the Pacific Council has done); and requires Councils to reduce annual catch limits for forage fish fisheries according to the dietary needs of fish species and other marine wildlife.
The Council is tracking the driftnet and forage fish bills, but has not been asked to provide comments. (The Council may not comment on legislation unless it receives a Congressional request).
The Legislative Committee will meet next at the June Council meeting.
Administrative shorts
On Earth Day a few members of the Council staff conducted a litter cleanup at Chinook Landing, a boat ramp and park near the Council office. They gathered three bags of debris, mostly beer bottles and plastic water bottles. The Pacific Council and its staff continue to look for ways to reduce impacts to our environment. We work with hotels to ensure recycling bins are available and clearly labeled, encourage the use of electronic documents, reuse paper, and collect styrofoam, batteries, and plastic clamshells from staff for recycling. Please help us out by supporting our recycling efforts at Council meetings!
National Marine Sanctuaries: Bill Douros, Regional Director of the National Marine Sanctuaries program, reported to the Council on Office of National Marine Sanctuary activities and programs.
Saltonstall-Kennedy program: Cliff Cosgrove, National Saltonstall-Kennedy Program Manager, briefed the Council on the program and solicited feedback on ways to improve communications, dissemination, and utilization of results achieved through projects funded by the program. An evening session on the program was held on April 12. Each year, the Saltonstall-Kennedy Grant Program awards up to $10 million to fisheries research and development projects which are selected based on how well they address the needs of fishing communities, benefit U.S. fishing industries (including both commercial and recreational fisheries), and involve fishing community participation. From 2010 through 2018, over $15 million in funding was awarded for 57 projects through the S-K Program in the West Coast region.
Allocation review: The Council approved a draft operating procedure (COP 27) on intersector allocation reviews for public review.
