February Council Recap: Limited Progress on Chum Bycatch

AMCC community, thank you to everyone who submitted comments or provided testimony during the North Pacific Fishery Management Council meeting earlier this month. While this is not the outcome we would have wanted, we will continue to focus on advancing targeted fisheries policy measures that protect Alaska’s fisheries and ecosystems and stand in solidarity with the communities most affected by chum salmon declines.

Despite hours of testimony from nearly 180 people, including Tribal leaders, Elders, community members, youth, and AMCC Deputy Director Jamie O’Connor, the Council rejected proposals for lower Bering Sea-wide bycatch caps and broader corridor protections necessary to prevent further harm to already devastated salmon-dependent communities.

What the Council Adopted: The Council passed a motion with 8 in favor and 3 opposed to establish a cap on Western Alaska (WAK) chum bycatch. While the action represents a small step beyond the status quo, it falls far short of what Tribes and communities have consistently called for: meaningful limits that reflect Traditional Knowledge, sound science, and the lived reality of ongoing chum collapses.

• WAK Chum Bycatch Limit with a Corridor Closure

• The Council adopted a 45,000-fish cap on WAK chum salmon bycatch in two key pollock fishing areas during the B season (June 10-August 31). Bycatch in these areas counts toward the cap, and pollock sectors may transfer portions of the limit among themselves. Fishing corridors would close if the cap is reached.

• What this means: The 45,000-fish cap has only been exceeded three times in 13 years. On average, about 35,239 WAK chum have been caught each year (2011-2023). Because the limit is rarely reached, this will mostly maintain current conditions rather than significantly reduce chum bycatch.

• Requirements for Incentive Plan Agreements

• Some voluntary bycatch avoidance practices in the pollock fishery, such as genetic testing and salmon excluders, will now be required to help avoid fishing where WAK and Yukon River chum are most likely to be present.

• What this means: Many of these measures are already widely adopted, so this change primarily formalizes existing practices rather than introducing new reductions.

• Establish a WAK Chum Index

• A new index tied to Yukon River chum run strength would remove certain bycatch limits and area closures when runs are considered very strong (at or above the 90th percentile).

• What this means: In effect, when chum levels are considered high enough, the bycatch cap and related restrictions would be lifted rather than adjusted upward based on stock abundance. This is a concession to industry and likely a last minute industry addition as there was no testimony in favor of this provision on record at the February meeting.

What happens next?

The Council’s recommendation now moves to NOAA Fisheries for preparation of a Final Environmental Impact Statement and proposed regulations. The measures would not take effect until 2028 and could be subject to further refinement or modification during the federal rulemaking process.

For fishing and subsistence communities, this means the fight for meaningful protections is far from over. The February decision establishes a framework, but implementation details, enforcement mechanisms, and future adjustments will determine whether it delivers real reductions in bycatch and meaningful relief for struggling salmon systems.

Bottom line

Vivian Korthuis, Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP) eloquently surmises this final action:

 “The Council heard us—but it did not listen. This decision continues a pattern of putting industry convenience over the survival of our culture and our Alaska Native identity. We are salmon people and every salmon counts.”

AMCC will continue working to ensure the experiences and priorities of salmon-dependent communities are heard and reflected in future decisions. We remain committed to supporting these communities, elevating their perspectives, and advocating for management approaches that safeguard both salmon and the people who depend on them.

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