NMFS + NOAA
Shorebased IFQ Sector Balances Update
2011 Species Quota Pounds, Catch-to-Date and Quota Pounds Remaining can be found at this page. Note: This data-set is not up-to-date for halibut, and discards have not yet been uploaded.
NOAA/NMFS Information and Resources
If you have questions for NMFS about the implementation of catch shares, call (800) 522-0267.
For web-based information, here are links to pertinent areas within the NMFS website:
Main Website: Groundfish Trawl Rationalization Catch Share Program
Catch share program informational documents page
Click on the informational documents link to obtain fact sheets that cover:
- Important dates for permits, endorsements and licenses
- Trawl Catch Share Program Mandatory Economic Data Collection FAQs
- Observer Program FAQs
- Individual Fishing Quota First Receivers
- Catch Monitor Providers for First Receivers
Whiting allocations for 2013
NMFS announces the tribal and non-tribal allocations for Pacific whiting for 2013.
See PDF below.
Incidental halibut retention changes
NMFS announces inseason changes to the incidental Pacific halibut retention regulations in the primary sablefish fishery and to recreational fishery management measures off Washington.
PDF here...
Update from NMFS for quota holders
NMFS announces allocations of Pacific whiting, adjustments to QS accounts, adjustments to vessel accounts, and changes to the online IFQ system.
Here is a PDF with the details.
Quota share adjustments for halibut
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces adjustments to quota share (QS) accounts for Pacific halibut in the Shorebased individual fishing quota (IFQ) program, plans for vessel accounts to prepare for surplus carryover in the shorebased IFQ program, and changes to the online IFQ system.
Please see PDF below.
NMFS issues annual catch report for groundfish, 2012 (PDF)
At the April Council meeting, NMFS released the annual catch report for the West Coast groundfish IFQ fishery. You can download the report in PDF format below.
Public notice regarding extension to emergency rule re allocation of whiting, plus info on vessel account transfers
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces the publication of an extension to the temporary, emergency rule, called the Reconsideration of Allocation of Whiting, Delay of Relevant Regulations (“RAW 1”), in the Federal Register (78 FR 3848, January 17, 2013).
Additionally, as of January 15, 2013, non-renewed vessel accounts will no longer be able to receive quota pound (QP) transfers unless the account is in deficit. In the case of a deficit, a non-renewed vessel account will only be eligible to accept QP transfers in for the species in deficit and only up to the amount of the deficit.
A "2013 IFQ Important Dates Calendar" is included in this public notice for your convenience.
See the PDF below.
NMFS Public Notice and Federal Register Notice re Pacific Dawn and Reallocation of Whiting
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces the publication of a proposed rule in the Federal Register that proposes revisions to several portions of the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Trawl Rationalization Program regulations and requests comments on NMFS’ preliminary conclusion that the Pacific Fishery Management Council’s (Council’s) selection of the no action alternative regarding the reconsideration of initial allocation of Pacific whiting (whiting) is consistent with the Magnuson‐Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP), and other applicable law.
Both the public notice and the Federal Register notice are available for download below.
NMFS seeking public comments on groundfish specs and management
The National Marine Fisheries Service is requesting comments on the proposed rule for 2013-2014 groundfish biennial specifications and management mesures. This proposed rule would establish the 2013-2014 harvest specifications and management measures for groundfish taken in the U.S. exclusive economic zone off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan.
For more information and to view the proposed rule, please click through to the PFMC website.
