Speak Out Against Salmon Bycatch – NPFMC June 2022 Meeting

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) manages federal marine fisheries off the coast of Alaska (3–200 miles offshore). Part of the NPFMC’s management includes managing salmon bycatch in commercial trawl fisheries. 

This June 6-14, the NPFMC will be meeting in Sitka and via Zoom teleconference, with the Council body meeting June 9-14. Agenda item D1 discusses salmon reports, including recent marine salmon research, Chinook and chum salmon genetic analyses, and bycatch management. 

KRITFC and a coalition of Western and Interior Alaska Tribal organizations and allies are advocating for the Council to take every action possible to reduce Chinook and chum salmon bycatch in the Bering Sea-Aleutian Island (BSAI) fishery, including lowering the Chinook salmon bycatch cap, establishing a chum salmon bycatch cap, and collaborating and consulting with Tribes during management and research planning. Read our recent op-ed, published by Anchorage Daily News, with our story and asks here.

we need your help urging NPFMC to end salmon bycatch!

We are looking for fishermen and members of the public to share their testimonies about how salmon bycatch is affecting you, your families, and your fishing. 

Here’s what you can do:

• Submit a written comment online by this Friday, June 3 at 12:00pm AKDT. 

• Verbally testify remotely via Zoom or telephone during the Advisory Panel (June 7-10) or Council meeting (June 9-14) under agenda items B9, D1, and/or E. You must sign up online to testify online when the AP or Council reaches that agenda item. Individuals are given 3 minutes to testify. NOTE: You do not have to be on the meeting the entire time. Staff will be monitoring the meeting and can let you know when to call in to speak.

• Sign up for text alerts on Council timing by texting “NPFMC” to 81411.

Need more information, want help with your testimony, or help figuring this process out? Contact Terese Schomogyi, KRITFC Communications & Outreach Coordinator, at 907-545-7388 or terese@kritfc.org.