Dan Hull, Chairman
Chris Oliver, Executive Director
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Executive Director's Report
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Legislative Update
In December the President signed the implementing legislation for the North Pacific Fisheries Convention (HR 6452 - "To Implement the Convention on the Conservation and Management of High Seas Fisheries Resources in the North Pacific Ocean..in the South Pacific Ocean..and for other purposes." Among the primary provisions of this legislation, it bestows Commissioner status to the Chair (or designee) of the North Pacific, Pacific, and Western Pacific Fishery Management Councils. It also establishes an 11-member permanent Advisory Committee, to include a member of the commercial fishing industry from the North Pacific, an indigenous member from Alaska, and a marine fisheries scientist from Alaska. The appointment process for these positions is still being clarified, and I will update you as that information becomes available.
Payment of travel expenses is not explicitly authorized for members of the Advisory Committee, and the legislation encourages the use of teleconference for meetings of the Advisory Committee. The legislation also does confirm the payment of meeting expenses for the Bering Sea Fisheries Advisory Body (BSFAB) to the U.S./Russia ICC process, as well as the advisors to the North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission (NPAFC).
I have no new information regarding the schedule or timing of potential Magnuson-Stevens Act reauthorization.
WCPFC Advisory Committee nominations
While we do not really participate, our Council is party to the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention. Attached is a notice soliciting nominations for their permanent Advisory Committee, with nominations due February 24.
Standardized Bycatch Reporting Methodology - Final Rule
On January 19, 2017 NMFS published a final rule (attached) to implement requirements and guidance to the regional Councils and Secretary regarding the development, documentation, and re...
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