Dan Hull, Chairman
David Witherell, Executive Director
SUBJECT: title
BSAI Pacific cod trawl CV analysis - Preliminary review, including discussion of interaction with AI Pacific cod set aside adjustment analysis
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STAFF CONTACT: Jon McCracken and Darrell Brannan (NPFMC)
ACTION REQUIRED: recommended action
• Review preliminary review document
• Address staff clarifications and assumptions regarding alternatives
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BACKGROUND:
In April 2017, the Council tasked staff to prepare a discussion paper that examines participation and effort in the Bering Sea (BS) trawl catcher vessel (CV) Pacific cod fishery in response to a potential need to limit entry and participation in the trawl CV sector and the sector’s delivery of BS Pacific cod to Amendment 80 catcher/processor (C/P) vessels acting as motherships. Starting in 2016, the number of Amendment 80 vessels acting as a mothership in the BS Pacific cod fishery and the number of trawl CVs delivering BS Pacific cod to those Amendment 80 C/Ps has increased. Some historical Pacific cod participants are concerned about the increased participation by Amendment 80 C/Ps and the potential to negatively impact the distribution of historical harvest.
At its December 2017 meeting, the Council after reviewing a staff discussion paper, adopted a purpose and need statement, and initiated an analysis to limit participation in the BSAI non-CDQ Pacific cod trawl CV fishery. Staff has begun the development of the proposed amendment package. At this meeting, staff is requesting clarification on specific aspects of the motion and is providing updated fishery information for review.