Top Story: Contradictory trends in Crab survey data make quotas hard to predict 
News Summary:

The crab plan team has finished their meetings in Seattle, but the crab surveys produced contradictory results, and there is no clear indication how the Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game may adjust crab quotas for the king crab, snow crab, and Bairdi crab fishery that will be announced next week. Although survey populations are up almost across the board there are a number of factors that might mean this does not translate to higher quotas. Many think most crab quotas will be virtually unchanged. 

One of unheralded successes of the Alaska pollock fishery is the strides they have made in bycatch avoidance. We highlight a video of the changes to trawl gear that have led to 40% escapement of juvenile chinook bycatch - not a mean feat given all the other efforts the industry is making. The project was audited by an NGO who joined in praising the effort, and acknowledging the real progress being made. This level of effort is not going on in any other MSC certified pollock fishery and is one reason so many in Alaska feel the MSC is no longer the best tool for recognizing excellence in fisheries. 

Alaska freezer longliners suggest that their ability to harvest their 2014 cod quota is in jeopardy due to lack of trained observers. NMFS has refused to acknowledge the problem - throwing it back at the feet of the industry and observer companies. But it seems like a flawed regulation is to blame - and the industry is asking the N. Pacific council for help. 

Continuing our focus on the Northwest, the Fraser sockeye run is still going strong, and may result in the latest dates for commercial catches ever. Packers think they may see another week to ten days of fish. 

In the Gulf, the shortfall in shrimp landings is easing, and it appears that much of the traditional harvest will be achieved, but that it is running late. Anecdotal reports are for strong landings in September, which will bring total Gulf shrimp supplies closer to last year’s levels. 

An Alabama study claims the feds are overestimating the recreational harvest of snapper. If true, it might put the recreational fishery in a better light - but it is notoriously hard to measure. The state says the federal government could have continued the season for a few more days with more accurate estimates of recreational landings. 

Finally, Newfoundland’s personal use cod fishery which is extremely important to people in the Province, has been extended a few days by Ottawa to make up for lost time due to poor weather. It is common knowledge that some of the personal use fish ends up in the commercial trade, much to the benefit of those seeking fresh cod at restaurants this time of year.

John Sackton, Editor And Publisher , Lexington, Massachusetts 

Seafood.com News 1-781-861-1441 

Email comments to jsackton@seafood.com

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