Last May the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) issued a 164 page "Biological Opinion". Frank Haw, a member of CCA’s Government Relations Committee, reviewed the document and found two topics that validate positions consistently advocated by CCA Washington.
First, Frank refers to pages 157 and 158, and explains that "This provision, dealing with rockfish conservation, clearly applies to both tribal and non-tribal fishers. The requirements include mandatory and timely derelict gear reporting, accounting, location, and prevention – things that could only be accomplished with net marking."
In addition, Frank refers to a "Conservation Recommendation" made by NMFS (page 159) that, since other steelhead fisheries are currently selective, appears specifically aimed at the tribes: "The BIA, USFWS and NMFS, in collaboration with the affected states and tribes should evaluate possible improvements in gear technologies and fishing techniques (including the feasibility of selective and non-retention methods) that would reduce mortality of listed species." However, this is merely a suggestion, rather than a requirement, and avoids the overwhelming problem with gillnet fishing for Chinook salmon
Thanks to Frank Haw for reading and analyzing this 164 page document. The full title of it is "Endangered Species Act Section 7(a)(2) Biological Opinion and Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Essential Fish Habitat Consultation".
This document is not currently listed on the NMFS website page "Biological Opinions (ESA Section 7)",
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/consultation/opinions.htm
To read just pages 157, 158, and 159 of the Bi/Op, click here.
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