Marine Debris Bill Introduced Last Week

On March 29th, Alaska's Senator Sullivan introduced a bill to amend the Marine Debris Act. You can see the bill here. 

Below is an overview of the bill from Sullivan's office: 

Oceans and waterways across the planet are congested with debris that threaten critical habitat, pose a danger to wildlife, and litter shorelines. Because of ocean currents, intact marine debris from foreign countries travel great distances and pose problems for nations who are not responsible for the mismanagement of this waste. This is particularly true in the United States whose shores require the constant cleanup of foreign-sourced marine debris. As it currently stands, authorizations for important programs responsible for the removal of these debris have expired. Further, there are insufficient resources available to address this important problem.

The Marine Debris Act Amendments received a zero score from the Congressional Budget Office.

Severe Marine Debris Events

This legislation would allow the NOAA Administrator to declare severe marine debris events and authorize funds to assist with cleanup and response. The Governor of the affected state may request the NOAA Administrator make this declaration.

Reauthorize NOAA’s Marine Debris Program

This legislation would reauthorize NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration’s Marine Debris Program through FY2022. Its mission is to conduct research on the source of marine debris and take action to prevent marine debris. The NOAA Marine Debris Program was authorized by the Marine Debris Act of 2006, and was last amended in 2012.

Encourage Action from the Administration

The Marine Debris Act Amendments express that it is the sense of the Senate that the Executive Branch and U.S. Department of State should become more engaged in the understanding, prevention, and response to marine debris internationally. It would encourage that studies be conducted that would determine:

• The primary means by which marine debris enter the oceans.

• The manner in which waste management infrastructure can be most effective in preventing debris from reaching the oceans.

• The economic benefits of decreasing the amount of marine debris in the oceans.

• The long-term economic impacts of marine debris on the national economies of the countries in the

treaty.

The language also encourages the Executive Branch to enter into negotiations with the leaders of foreign countries that produce large amounts of trash to learn about and find solutions to the contributions of these countries to marine debris in the world’s oceans. It would also support federally-funded research into the development of bio-based and other alternatives to materials that result in municipal solid waste. It would also encourage the creation of marine debris to be considered in future U.S. trade agreements.

Support

• This language is supported by the American Chemistry Council.

• Original Cosponsors include Senators Inhofe, Whitehouse, Peters, Murkowski, and Coons.

Please contact Alex Schenck in Senator Dan Sullivan’s (R-AK) office with any questions or concerns -Alex_Schenck@Sullivan.Senate.Gov - 6-6760

Board of Fisheries Call for Proposals Due April 11, 2016

The Alaska Board of Fisheries (board) issued its 2017/2018 Call for Proposals on November 22, 2016 seeking proposals for changes in the subsistence, personal use, sport, guided sport, and commercial fishing regulations for the Southeast and Yakutat finfish and shellfish, Prince William Sound (including Upper Copper River and Upper Susitna River) finfish, and Statewide (except Southeast and Yakutat) Dungeness crab, shrimp, and other miscellaneous shellfish. The board may also accept subsistence related proposals from other regions if they meet criteria identified in 5 AAC 96.916(a).

The deadline for proposals is April 11, 2017.

Proposals may be submitted online, email, mail or fax at:

Online:            www.boardoffisheries.adfg.alaska.gov

Email:             dfg.bof.comments@alaska.gov (Adobe PDF documents only)

Mail:                ADF&G, Boards Support Section

P.O. Box 115526

Juneau, AK 99811-5526

Fax:                 (907) 465-6094

Proposals must be received by Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at the Boards Support Section office in Juneau. A postmark is NOT sufficient for timely receipt.

The Board of Fisheries proposal form, including the online proposal form, is available at the Boards Support website, http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fisheriesboard.forms. Proposal forms are also available at any Boards Support office. Proposals must be submitted on the current approved form. Any additional information provided with the form, such as tables, Internet web links, or charts, will not be included in the proposal book.

The completed proposal form must contain a contact telephone number and address. Email addresses are appreciated. Please print or type the individual’s or organization’s name as appropriate.

Responsive proposals received by the proposal deadline will be considered by the Board of Fisheries during the October 2017 through March 2018 meeting schedule.

White House Budget Puts Fishing at Risk

The Fishing Communities Coalition (FCC), an association of community-based, small boat commercial fishermen, is a national advocacy organization of which ALFA is a member. 

Yesterday, the FCC urged Congress to reject the President’s proposed cuts to programs that are vital to the viability of the American commercial fishing industry and their communities.

In a letter delivered to lawmakers responsible for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) annual budget, the FCC emphasized that President Trump’s FY 2018 budget request would risk recent progress in halting overfishing and rebuilding overfished stocks. 

Below are excerpts from our letter:

“Members of the Fishing Communities Coalition (FCC) know firsthand that the proposed elimination of the Sea Grant program and the prospect of significant cuts to other vital NOAA fisheries programs could result in job losses throughout our industry and put entire fishing communities at risk.” 

On the Sea Grant program

“In Alaska, Sea Grant is helping our members with workshops that help young fishermen launch their careers; on Cape Cod, Sea Grant is working with our fishermen to develop a thriving aquaculture industry; and in Maine Sea Grant is assessing the impacts of invasive species on critical shellfish stocks. For the members of FCC, Sea Grant is an important federal partner that helps create economic development and jobs and cultivates future leader.”

On NOAA Fisheries Funding

“Under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), we have made remarkable progress in halting overfishing and rebuilding overfished stocks. Since 2000, 40 depleted marine fish stocks have been fully rebuilt, with many others seeing measurable progress. The outstanding results of this science-based fisheries management approach have benefitted the U.S. commercial fishing industry, the nation’s seafood supply chain and American consumers alike…

 “…The NOAA Fisheries program, which constitutes less than .03 percent of the federal budget, is critical to this economic success story. The vital scientific information it gathers – including data collection, fish stock surveys, analysis and assessments – provides the stable foundation for informed fishery management…

 “…On behalf of the more than 1,000 fishermen we represent and the fishing communities they support, we ask you to reject the Administration’s proposed elimination of the Sea Grant program and to provide full funding to NOAA Fisheries.”

Please let us know if you would like to hear more about FCC and our efforts on behalf of the nation’s small-boat fishermen.

Experienced deckhand looking for longline position

ALFA Members, 

We have been contacted by an experienced deckhand looking to gain experience crewing on a longline vessel. Please contact us if you are looking for crew at alfa.outreach@gmail.com

Using Sablefish Pot gear- FAQ's from NOAA

NOAA recently released an informational document with FAQ's regarding the recently approved sablefish pot fishery in the Gulf of Alaska. See the full FAQ document by clicking here. 

Why is NMFS authorizing longline pot gear for the GOA sablefish IFQ fishery?

Beginning in 2009, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) and NMFS received reports from fishermen that there have been numerous whale interactions with the sablefish IFQ fleet in the GOA. Sperm whale depredation on hook-and-line fishing gear is most common in the Central GOA, West Yakutat District, and Southeast Outside District sablefish areas and killer whale depredation is most common in the Western GOA and Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. While sperm whale depredation events are difficult to quantify on a per-vessel basis, fishery participants indicated that depredation continues to be a major cost to the sablefish IFQ fishery through reduced catch per unit effort and increased operating costs. The Council and NMFS determined that authorizing longline pot gear in the GOA sablefish IFQ fishery could reduce the adverse impacts of depredation for those vessel operators who choose to switch from hook-and-line gear. The Council recommended and NMFS implemented regulations to authorize, but not require, the use of longline pot gear in the GOA sablefish IFQ fishery beginning with the 2017 fishing season.

Halibut/Sablefish Fisheries set to open on time

NMFS published two information bulletinsfor the 2017 sablefish IFQ fisheries. The halibut fishery is also set to open on March 11th.

Here is a link to the information bulletin announcing the March 11, 2017, opening date for the sablefish fixed gear fisheries.

Here is a link to the information bulletin announcing the March 11, 2017, effective date for the final rule to authorize longline pot gear in the Gulf of Alaska sablefish IFQ fishery. The bulletin also provides a link to the pot gear frequently asked questions document posted on the NMFS web site.

Big thanks to the folks at NMFS and our Congressional delegation who helped move this through quickly!

Free F/V Drill Conductor Workshop for Commercial Fishermen

Free F/V Drill Conductor Workshop for Commercial Fishermen

The Alaska Marine Safety Education Association (AMSEA) will offer a 10-hour Fishing Vessel Drill Conductor workshop in Sitka on Monday, March 13, from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The workshop will meet at the Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (NSRAA), 1308 Sawmill Creek Road.

This workshop is an excellent opportunity for commercial fishermen and other mariners to gain hands-on training with marine safety equipment and learn best practices for surviving emergencies at sea. The workshop covers cold-water survival skills; EPIRBs, flares, and maydays; man-overboard recovery and firefighting; immersion suits and PFDs, helicopter rescue, life rafts, abandon ship procedures, and emergency drills.

AMSEA’s Drill Conductor workshops meet the U.S. Coast Guard training requirements for Drill Conductors on documented commercial fishing vessels operating beyond the federal boundary line. This workshop is offered to commercial fishermen at no cost, thanks to support from the U.S. Coast Guard, the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health. The cost is $175 for all others. Interested mariners may register online at www.amsea.org or call (907) 747-3287.

ALFA to host Spring Fishermen's Expo & Sablefish Summit

ALFA will be hosting a Spring Fishermen's Expo in conjunction with the Alaska Department of Fish & Game's sablefish summit on March 2nd-3rd. Schedule of events:

Thursday, March 2nd, Sitka Sound Science Center

• 9AM-10AM- simulated fire extinguishing training with AMSEA
• 10AM-noon Beginner’s bathymetric workshop
• Lunch (provided) - fire extinguishing simulation
• 12:30-2PM Financial skills for fishermen
• 2:15-4PM Advanced bathymetric workshop

Friday, March 3rd, UAS Sitka Room #229 (hosted by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game) 

• 12-5PM: Sablefish summit: status of the stock, state and federal waters; updates on the Southeast Alaska Sperm Whale Avoidance Project(light refreshments provided) 
  • Introduction   –   Andrew Olson (ADF&G)
  • NSEI fishery and survey data review–  Ben Williams (ADF&G)
  • NSEI age structured assessment model– Ben Williams (ADF&G)
  • Outlook for 2017 NSEI sablefish quota/ NSEI decrement review – Andrew Olson (ADF&G)
  •  NSEI future fieldwork/ Budget update – Andrew Olson (ADF&G)   
  •  Gulf of Alaska federal sablefish fishery stock status – Dana Hanselman/Chris Lunsford (NOAA)
  •  Sperm whale tagging and depredation –Neve Baker (SEASWAP)

A huge THANK you to our sponsors workshop organizers: 

Murray Pacific, AMSEA, Delta Western, Inc., The Daily Sitka Sentinel, the City of Sitka, Harry Race Pharmacy, Nobeltec, Wells Fargo, and Spirit Bear Bookkeeping! 

Can't make it in person? This press release has information on attending via webinar on the second page: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/applications/dcfnewsrelease/763450826.pdf

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 17th 2017

ALFA to host Spring Fishermen’s Expo, free educational workshops for local fishermen

Following the success of a similar event held this fall, the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association (ALFA) is hosting a Spring Fishermen’s Expo on March 2nd-3rd to provide educational workshops and technical assistance to local fishermen.  The two-day series will wrap up with an overview of sablefish stock status and updates provided by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game on March 3rd.

During the workshops, fishermen will have the opportunity to attend bathymetric mapping workshops at both beginner and advanced levels, receive technical support on their vessels, and attend a “financing your fishing business” session targeted towards young and beginning fishermen. In addition to an overview of the NSEI state sablefish fishery, there will also be presentations on the Gulf of Alaska federal sablefish stock by federal stock assessment scientists and on whale depredation research by the Southeast Alaska Sperm Whale Avoidance Project (SEASWAP) scientists.
 

ALFA is an alliance of small-boat, commercial fishermen that support sustainable fisheries and thriving coastal communities by involving fishermen in research, advocacy and conservation initiatives. This series is part of a push by ALFA and other groups to provide resources and educational opportunities for fishermen, especially those who are just starting out.
 

“Thanks to the support of our sponsors and ALFA’s membership, we are able to offer these workshops free and open to the public," says ALFA Executive Director Linda Behnken. "In the future, we hope to build on this successful model with support from the Young Fishermen’s Development Fund, a fund that will be created by legislation soon to be introduced to this Congress with bipartisan support.”

The March 2nd events will be held at the Sitka Sound Science Center, and the sablefish summit will be held at the University of Alaska Southeast. Please visit alfafish.org for a full schedule of events.

CONTACT:

Linda Behnken, Executive Director, ALFA: 907-738-3615

Alyssa Russell, Outreach Coordinator, ALFA: 508-566-6098

IPHC requests assistance marking sex of halibut

The IPHC requests your help as they design and implement a sampling program to determine the sex of halibut that are landed by the commercial longline fishery. Accurate sex-ratio information is necessary for stock assessment - most notably, for accurately estimating and monitoring spawning stock biomass. You can help by marking the sex of the fish that you catch, while dressing them, using the identification-cuts that are described in this handout. 

Photo: Tele Aadsen

ALFA Announces Membership Competition!

Photo by Nancy Behnken.

ALFA is launching a membership competition- members, help us expand our members and supporters! 

How can you recruit members? 

Try buying memberships for your crew (a deckhand membership is only $100!), encouraging your non-commercial-fishermen friends to try our new subsistence membership ($50), or telling other fishermen about the perks available to ALFA members- including access to our bathymetric mapping data, opportunities to participate in our fishery conservation network, opportunities to voice your opinion about fishery management, and representation in local, state, federal and national management forums

What's a new member? 

Someone who did not pay dues in 2016. 

Prizes: 

• The individual who refers the most new members in 2017 will be gifted a new performance laptop prepped for Timezero TZ. All charts, data sets and software installed. You provide your license. All 12v network board with USB hub, Network Hub, 12v laptop power supply. 
• The individual who raises the most money for ALFA through referred new members will receive 15,000 Alaska Airline Miles.

How to enter? 

• Talk to a friend and tell them to join ALFA! 
• When they donate online, make sure they write your name in the "I was referred by" field.
• If they donate in person or via mail, make sure that they let us know that you were the person that referred them.
• To win, refer the most new members! 

All non-business ALFA members are encouraged to participate in the contest. We will draw winners on November 31st, 2017.