Tell the Council Your Story

As we mentioned a few weeks ago, the Halibut Recreational Quota Entity ("RQE") is at the top of the list for December's North Pacific Fishery Management Council ("Council") meeting. In order for businesses and guided anglers to benefit from the RQE, we need to make sure the Council votes for a program which reflects our needs. The Council members learn these needs by reading your letters and hearing your testimony.

The Council will accept public comment on the RQE through TOMORROW, Tuesday, November 29th, 2016, at 5:00 p.m. Letters can be sent via e-mail to: npfmc.comments@noaa.gov

Need a quick recap? Maybe some help drafting?
SEAGO has updated information and draft letters available HERE.
You can also e-mail: director@seagoalaska.org with questions or for drafting assistance.

For those of you interested in attending the December meeting, Alaska Airlines offers a travel discount and SEAGO can assist with hotel arrangements.

The current Catch Sharing Plan allots only 18.3% of the halibut catch in Southeast to charter fishing. When halibut numbers fall, this leads to extremely reduced, ever changing, regulations. The CSP raises questions about fairness in allocations, and risks marginalizing anglers and charter operators.

The RQE would purchase halibut quota shares to increase that 18.3% allocation, and spread the benefit across 2C operators with consistent, less stringent regulations for their clients.

The RQE breathes life into Alaska sportfish tourism opportunities using a new, creative program brought forth by our sector.

We can't wait to read what you have to say!