Canned NMFS Response to West Coast Observer Waiver Requests Irks Industry
Within hours of the NMFS Greater Atlantic Regional Administrator notifying the industry on May 15 of observer waiver extensions through May 30 in the Northeast, the West Coast Regional Administrator extended the "no" decision on observer waivers to the Washington, Oregon and California fleets, despite recent coronavirus outbreaks.
Industry groups including the Midwater Trawlers Cooperative, Fishermen's Marketing Association, West Coast Seafood Processors Association, Oregon Trawl Commission and United Catcher Boats sent letter to NMFS West Coast Regional Administrator Barry Thom in April, asking for a waiver. It was denied...
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