Fish Meetings in Honolulu: Public Invited, Yawn Expected
Published Date: 3/7/2025
Notice
Summary
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council is holding important meetings from March 24-27, 2025, to decide on fishing rules and budgets that affect fishermen and coastal communities in the Western Pacific. These meetings are open to the public both in person in Honolulu and online, giving everyone a chance to join and share their thoughts. Expect updates that could impact fishing limits, budgets, and conservation efforts soon!
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 7 mixed.
North Pacific Striped Marlin Limits
At the March 24–27, 2025 meetings, the Council will consider an action item and a final action on North Pacific Striped Marlin catch limits. If the Council takes final action, it may transmit proposed management measures or regulations to the Secretary of Commerce under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
ACLs for MHI Uku and Deepwater Species
The Council agenda includes Annual Catch Limit (ACL) specifications for Main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) Uku (listed as an initial action) and MHI Deepwater Shrimp and Precious Corals (listed as final action) during the March 24–27, 2025 meetings. Final actions may be transmitted as proposed plan amendments or regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
Tier 6 ABC Control Rule Inclusion
The Council will consider including a Tier 6 Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) control rule in Fishery Ecosystem Plans as a final action at the March 24–27, 2025 meetings. Adoption would change how ABCs are set in the Western Pacific Fishery Ecosystem Plans and could lead to proposed regulatory changes under the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
Papahānaumokuākea Sanctuary Fishing Rules
The agenda lists the 'Fishing Regulations for the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary Final Rule' for discussion at the March 24–27, 2025 meetings. The Council may take actions that could be transmitted as proposed regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Act affecting fishing in that sanctuary area.
Electronic Monitoring and Observer Program Updates
The Council will consider updates on implementing an Electronic Monitoring (EM) program, EM amendment development, EM sampling strategy and planning, socioeconomic analyses, and the status of the Pacific Islands Regional Observer Program during the March 24, 2025 agenda. These items relate to monitoring and data collection for fisheries in Hawaii and American Samoa.
Longline Crew Training and Biological Terms
The Council agenda includes a status report on the regulatory implementation approach for Hawaii and American Samoa longline crew training and proposed revisions to longline biological opinions terms and conditions at the March 25, 2025 meeting. These topics pertain to rules and conditions that guide longline operations and crew requirements.
American Samoa Bottomfish Species Revision
On March 27, 2025, the Council will consider a final action to revise the American Samoa Bottomfish Management Unit Species (BMUS). If finalized, the Council may transmit proposed changes under the Magnuson-Stevens Act that affect which species are managed and how they are regulated in American Samoa.
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