Overview
Title
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska; Application for an Exempted Fishing Permit
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The people who take care of fish rules in Alaska got a request from fishermen to try out a new tool that could help stop catching too many halibut fish by mistake while they catch other kinds of fish. They want to test this tool to see if it can let more fish they want go into their nets while keeping the halibut safe.
Summary AI
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced the receipt of an application from the Alaska Seafood Cooperative for an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP), aiming to reduce bycatch of halibut in the North Pacific flatfish fishery by testing new excluder devices. This permit would allow the Cooperative to conduct field testing between August 2021 and December 2022 to develop a design that minimizes target species loss while reducing halibut bycatch. Public comments on this application can be submitted through February 12, 2021, and the North Pacific Fishery Management Council will consider the application during its meeting from February 1 to February 12, 2021. This experiment aligns with the goals of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
Abstract
This notice announces NMFS' receipt of an application and the public comment period for an exempted fishing permit (EFP) from the Alaska Seafood Cooperative. If issued, this permit would allow the applicant to test methods to minimize bycatch of halibut using an excluder device in the North Pacific's Amendment 80 flatfish fishery. The objective of this EFP, if issued, would be to develop a halibut excluder design that avoids high target species losses with more significant reductions in halibut bycatch. Field testing would be conducted between August 2021 and December 2022. This experiment would have the potential to promote the objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document in question discusses an application by the Alaska Seafood Cooperative to obtain an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). This permit, if granted, would allow for testing innovative methods to reduce halibut bycatch in the North Pacific flatfish fishery. The primary goal is to develop a halibut excluder device that diminishes unwanted halibut capture without significant loss of target fish species. Testing is proposed for a period extending from August 2021 to December 2022, aligning with the overarching objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
Summary and Explanation
The Exempted Fishing Permit aims to explore practical approaches to mitigate a longstanding issue in fishing: bycatch. In the flatfish fisheries of the North Pacific, halibut are often caught alongside the intended catch. The permit would allow field testing of devices designed to let halibut escape nets, thereby reducing bycatch figures. The test involves key stakeholders, including fishery managers and boat operators, coordinating efforts to ensure minimal ecological disruption and enhanced fishing efficiency.
Public comments on the EFP application are encouraged, and a consideration process will occur during a North Pacific Fishery Management Council meeting. This kind of participation is vital as it allows the public and stakeholders to voice their opinions and concerns about the experimental framework and environmental implications.
Issues and Concerns
The document introduces several complex dynamics that may not be readily accessible to the general public. The technical jargon surrounding halibut excluder design and fishery regulations could alienate non-expert readers. Moreover, there are series of exemptions outlined that may give the impression of sidestepping existing protections for halibut populations, thus raising potential ethical and environmental concerns.
Another significant point is that the document does not specify a clear metric or method of evaluating the success of the excluder devices. This lack of quantifiable success criteria may lead to ambiguity for both the evaluators and stakeholders post-testing. Furthermore, the complexities surrounding the public comment process might inadvertently limit participation to those with sufficient technical knowledge, thereby marginalizing broader public involvement.
Potential Impacts
The successful implementation of the EFP and subsequent deployment of better excluder devices could represent a positive development for the marine ecosystem by preserving halibut populations, a species that has been under pressure due to overfishing. For the fishing industry, improvements in bycatch reduction devices could lead to better regulatory compliance and operational efficiency, potentially supporting sustainable practices and improving fish yield.
However, stakeholders such as environmental groups might view the required exemptions with caution. They may advocate scrutinizing any actions that could lead to increased halibut bycatch, albeit temporarily, due to experimental activities. There is also no discussion on funding, raising questions about the financial resources allocated to this endeavor, an area of interest for fiscal conservatives and public accountability advocates.
In summary, while the document outlines a significant attempt to resolve a prevalent issue within the fishing industry, the challenges regarding regulatory exemptions, public engagement, and specificity in measurement criteria require careful consideration and transparent communication to all stakeholders involved.
Issues
• The document discusses a potentially complex issue involving exempted fishing permits, which may not be easily understood by the general public without detailed knowledge of fisheries management and regulations.
• The language describing the technical aspects of the halibut excluder designs and testing methods may be too complex for readers who are not experts in fisheries or marine biology.
• There is a potential concern regarding the collection and handling of halibut even when they exceed bycatch limits, which may raise ethical or environmental issues.
• The document doesn't explicitly state how success will be measured, meaning the effectiveness of the halibut excluder device improvement might lack clarity and quantifiable metrics.
• The description of the exemptions required for this experiment could be perceived as circumventing regulations designed to protect halibut populations.
• The process regarding the submission and review of the public comments is clear, but could potentially favor technical stakeholders over general public involvement due to complexity and detailed procedural requirements.
• There's no discussion regarding the budget or funding for this experiment, which could lead to concerns about undisclosed spending or financial implications.