Pacific bottomfish data reviewed in virtual meetup
Published Date: 3/20/2025
Notice
Summary
The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council and NOAA are holding a virtual meeting in April 2025 to review updated fish population data for bottomfish in the Northern Mariana Islands. This review helps make sure fishing stays safe and sustainable for local fishers and the environment. The meeting is open to the public, with a local viewing spot in Saipan, and aims to keep fishing healthy without hurting the economy.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Assessment May Inform Catch Limits
NOAA scientists updated the CNMI bottomfish stock assessment using data through 2023, and a Western Pacific Stock Assessment Review will examine that update at a meeting on April 2–4, 2025. The assessment includes projections that will be used to inform recommendations for allowable biological catch (ABC) and annual catch limits (ACL) for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands bottomfish complex.
Public Access to Review and Comment
The stock assessment review will be held virtually via WebEx with web access information posted at www.wpcouncil.org, and a satellite public viewing site will be available at the Council office in Garapan, Saipan (Kopa Di Oru St., 1182 BRI Bldg., Suite 205). The meeting schedule includes public comment periods on the agenda, and people with disabilities can request sign language interpretation or other aids at least 5 days before the meeting.
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