NMFS has reinitiated consultation under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on the effects to listed Pacific salmon species from implementation of the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan. NMFS announces a public work session for interested stakeholders to provide input relative to managing the impacts to salmon from the groundfish fisheries. NMFS is seeking information on the amount and distribution of salmon bycatch, salmon bycatch management in the different sectors of the groundfish fishery, and whether stakeholders anticipate changes in fishing strategies or target species over the next few years that could alter the amount and distribution of salmon bycatch. NMFS and the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) will consider the information discussed at the work session in developing and evaluating the proposed action for the ESA consultation…
Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings and Hearings
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Chuck, I’m hearing aronud Block Island that there is a monster school of dogfish. More than usual. So up this way, in the Point Judith area, I’m positive fisherman are shaking their head at the closure. But the real problem I think is the dogfish infrastructure and the European markets for western Atlantic dogs, has been lost. So even if the quota were raised and raised to levels where fishermen were happy, the question is who is going to buy and process all the fish. I do here that when the season opens many fisherman would like to see an aggregate landings options and not a daily possession limit. If we are allowed 3,000 pounds per day, why not 21,000 for the week. That way we can go out and fish for nothing but dogs put the fish onboard, sell them, and target squid or skate the rest of the week. Just some thoughts. John