N. Pacific Council Advances Motions That Restrict Catch Shares
SEAFOODNEWS.COM [News Analysis] by John Sackton June 14, 2016
The intense debate at the North Pacific Fishery Management Council this week culminated in a series of votes by the council that will likely mark a turning point in consideration of catch shares in US fisheries.
The most significant vote was on a motion made by Glenn Merrill (NMFS) that slightly softened the language ADF&G Commissioner Sam Cotten had proposed regarding the council's position against creating new economic assets through quota shares. Cotten's language was to "avoid creation of new economic assets" in the bycatch program, and Merrill substituted language that defined the council's objectives as "minimizing economic barriers for new participants." This motion carried 6-5 after one of the 6 member Alaska Delegation, David Long, voted for it.
The Gulf of Alaska groundfish trawlers must comply with stricter by-catch caps on chinook salmon and halibut. But at the same time they..
To Read Full Story Login Below.