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ACA written testimony on the Halibut Catch Sharing Plan September 22, 2012
The ACA thanks the North Council for its April motion on the halibut catch sharing plan (CSP). The motion has the potential to resolve a number of problems that were identified in comments on the proposed rule. However, issues remain with guided recreational allocation alternatives, sector accountability, the committee based approach to harvest management, guided angler fish (GAF), skipper and crew retention of halibut and sector separation.
Allocation
The April discussion of the CSP allocation included new allocation options for Areas 2C and 3A as well as allocation adjustments resulting from the transition to logbook based harvest accounting. Sector accountability was also added for analysis...... Read more.
Recent action event
April 2012 North Council Report
The North Council received the AP and staff reports on the CSP issues on Sunday, April 1, and then took public
testimony.
Messages delivered in testimony from the guided sector:
- Scrap the CSP matrix in favor of a committee based approach similar to the approach used for 2012
- Increase the allocation to a level that more closely approximates the GHL
- Support of transition from Statewide Harvest Survey (SWHS) to Charter Logbooks for harvest
accounting with appropriate allocation adjustments to account for the change in measuring sticks.
- Scrap GAF in favor of a pooled compensated allocation transfer mechanism such as CATCH.
- Support analysis of accountability change where each sector is directly accountable for their wastage.
read more
NMFS Recommends CSP Postponement
September 28, 2011
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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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. |
 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:
David Bayes, Homer, President
Richard Yamada, Juneau, Vice President
Bryan Bondioli, Homer, Treasurer
Jeff Wedekind, Ketchikan, Secretary
Gary Ault, Homer
James Stegall, Port Lions
Theresa Weiser, Sitka
Ken Newman, Kodiak
Frank Casey, Clam Gulch
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