Eric Olson, Chairman
Chris Oliver, Executive Director
SUBJECT: Title
Discussion paper on directed fishing for Gulf of Alaska octopus and EGOA skates fishery
end
ESTIMATED TIME:
10 hours (all Groundfish Specifications items)
ACTION REQUIRED: Recommended Action
Body
BACKGROUND:
In June 2013, the Council requested a discussion paper on the potential for a directed octopus fishery in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) in 2014. The Council had also previously requested information for consideration of opening a directed fishery for skates in the EGOA. A combined discussion paper addressing both issues is attached. This discussion paper focuses upon the biology and life-history traits of octopus and skate species, catch in federal waters as well as state waters, and the process by which the Council could consider recommending directed fisheries for either octopus and skates. The Council requested that the GOA Plan Team consider area apportionment of the ABC for octopus as a step towards allowing a directed fishery. The GOA Plan Team comments are referenced in this paper and contained under agenda Item C-6. The Council will receive this report and take further action as needed.