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Next Action Events
ADF&G harvest estimates, projections for 2011
North Pacific Fishery Management Council meeting:
December 5-13, 2011, Anchorage
Agenda
International Pacific Halibut Commission meeting:
January 24-27, 2012, Anchorage
ADF&G final numbers for 2010 are out.
2C guided final was 1.086. Last year's projection was 1.279, 17% high.
Non-guided final was 0.885, projection was 43.4% high.
Total recreational projection error was 29.3%.
3A guided final was 2.696m, projection was 2.992, 10.9% high.
Non-guided final was 1.587, projection was 2.077, 30.9% high.
Total recreational projection error was 18.3%
Click HERE: This report should underscore the problems with using projections to manage recreational harvest.
NMFS Recommends CSP Postponement
The National Marine Fisheries Service issued a statement today recommending postponement of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council's (NPFMC) Catch Sharing Plan, originally scheduled for implementation in 2012.
Read: Alaska Charter Association CSP Testimony
Read: Andrew Jensen for the Alaska Journal of Commerce
Read: NOAA suspends Alaska halibut charter catch-share plan
What does this mean?
Due to the enormous amount of comments that poured in during the comment period (see below), which NMFS will have to answer, there is no way NMFS would be able to remain on schedule for a 2012 implementation date. Halibut management will have to revert back to what was in place in 2011 and that was management under the GHL (Guideline Harvest Level). Area 3A, Southcentral, will have a reprieve for another year and will be able to fish under a two fish per day of any size. Area 2C will have to fight for a larger fish than 37", which resulted in a harvest in 2011 close to 40% below the recommended GHL.
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NMFS Swamped with Comments
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Our strength comes with our numbers that show we care about the future of our charter and lodge businesses in Alaska. |
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ACA needs your support!
We are facing a NPFMC catch sharing plan right around the corner. If implemented as currently written, this plan will have us at stair steps below the current GHL levels. This would mean Area 3A will be facing the minnow rule at minimum right from the start. Our opportunity to suggest changes and fixes may come as early as this April. Our first step is to organize and educate our fellow charter operators and lodges to this issue. If you are not currently a member, please consider joining ACA for just $150. Volunteer efforts and membership dues make it happen! Join us so your voice will be heard. Go to the How to Join link and sign up now.
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The Alaska Charter Association is a statewide organization representing about 180 charter and associated businesses. Its mission-“to preserve and protect those fishing rights and resources necessary for the Alaska charter fleet to best serve the recreational fishery.”
For more information on Halibut Charter Background, access information under Letters tab.
Read the North Pacific Fishery Management Council Motion on Area 2C/3A Catch Sharing Plan Click Here
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 History & Purpose
On June 15, 2004, a group of concerned charter boat operators from Homer took time out of their busy summer season and formed a new charter association- The Alaska Charter Association.
Our mission - The Alaska Charter Association seeks to preserve and protect those fishing rights and resources necessary for the Alaska charter fleet to best serve the recreational fishery.
The Alaska Charter Association represents various business and individuals that have united against opposition efforts to restrict the recreational angler’s rights to the halibut resource. Our main points of concern are:
- A need for equal representation on the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council, Board of Fish, Advisory Panel and Stakeholders committees.
- Conservation of the halibut resource and wastage issues.
- Ensure equal and fair access for all recreational anglers.
- Ensuring that management decisions comply with the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the 10 national standards for fishery conservation and management, and the public trust doctrine.
- Ensuring reasonable mechanisms for growth in the recreational fishing sector.
- Comprehensive economic studies of the value of a sport caught fish to the local economies.
From its humble beginnings in Homer, Alaska in June of 2004, the Alaska Charter Association has grown to be the state’s largest association of charter boat operators, with over 341 members including association members, we represent about over 35% of all saltwater guide services. You need to be part of this strengthening organization. In this period, we have accomplished a great deal. See our Accomplishments page.
 There has been much testimony and individuals have written many letters. This effort has been key in realizing our accomplishments. Your continued efforts are necessary. Organized opposition will dominate the resource if we do not make our voice heard. Keep writing these letters.
ACA Board of Directors:
Greg Sutter, Homer President info@alaskacharter.org
Richard Yamada, Juneau, Vice President
Bryan Bondioli, Homer, Treasurer
Chris Fiala, Kodiak, Secretary
Kent Hall, Sitka
Hill Norvell, Seward
James Stegall, Seward
Theresa Weiser, Sitka
Jeff Wedekind, Ketchikan
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