Preparing for Upcoming NPFMC Meeting: Key Decisions Ahead for Alaska’s Fisheries

Posted on May 22, 2025

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) will meet in Newport, Oregon, from June 2–10, 2025, to address several critical issues impacting Alaska's fisheries. The written public comment period closes at noon on Friday, May 30th. Find the meeting schedule and all the details here.

We will be engaging in discussions under Agenda Item C3, focusing on providing input to the pelagic trawl gear definition (review or download the pdf to the right) and exploring innovations aimed at reducing bycatch and minimizing habitat impacts. We advocate for updates that reflect current fishing practices while ensuring the protection of marine ecosystems.

For a historical peek and a review of why this issue matters to us and to you, review or download the pdf to the left.

Other key agenda items include:

C1: Observer Program Annual Report for 2024 – Review

C2: BSAI Crab Specifications – SAFE Report Review and ABC/OFL Adoption

C3: Pelagic Trawl Gear

a) Innovations Development – Update

b) Innovations Process – Discussion Paper

c) Gear Definition Analysis – Initial Review/Final Action

C4: Crab Arbitration – Initial Review

D1: American Fisheries Act Program Review – Review

D2: Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish Program Review – Council Only

D3: BSAI Pacific Cod Pot Gear Limited Access Privilege Program – Discussion Paper

D4: Blackspotted/Rougheye Rockfish Accountability Measures

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Reminder! AMCC prepared a new guidebook for interacting with the Council, the importance of community engagement and tips on effectively participating in its activities. This is meant to contribute to our community and enhance our collective ability to engage in and influence the Council process - review it here!