May 14, 2012:  Adjustments to Quota Share (QS) and Vessel Accounts

• Quota Share Accounts
  We've allocated final 2012 allocations of Pacific whiting to quota share accounts.
• Vessel Accounts
  We've credited 2011 surplus carryover quota pounds (QP) to eligible 2012 vessel accounts. Read a public notice (PDF 316KB) with details on surplus carryover credits, including a Frequently Asked Questions and a step-by-step description of the 2011 surplus carryover calculation. You may also access an Excel format of the 2011 surplus carryover calculation spreadsheet by clicking on the "Vessel Accounts Info" link to the left, scrolling to the bottom of the vessel account page, and clicking on the document "2011 Surplus Carryover Calculation Spreadsheet."

April 11, 2012:  The observer program uploaded final 2011 observer discard data to the vessel account system. The deadline for vessel account owners to examine their 2011 landings and discard data for data discrepancies or errors, and submit any questions, closed on April 25, 2012.

• Questions on Observer Data – Neil Riley, 206-861-7607
• Questions on Catch Monitor Data – Lori Jesse, 503-595-3282
• Questions on E-Ticket Data – Call the first receiver who entered the E-Ticket
• Questions on how to view 2011 catch data – Sarah Towne, 206-526-4140

In early May, we'll use 2011 catch data to calculate potential surplus carryover pounds, and will make a determination on whether or not to credit surplus carryover.

Feb. 15, 2012:  Update on Decision in West Coast Trawl Rationalization Case: Pacific Dawn v. Bryson, C10-4829 TEH (PDF 94KB)

On Dec. 22, 2011, the federal district court in San Francisco, Calif., issued a ruling in litigation on the initial quota share allocations for Pacific whiting under the trawl rationalization program. The court ruled that the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) failed to adequately consider current and historical harvests in establishing the initial quota share allocations for whiting. The court upheld NMFS' consideration of certain historical harvests associated with Pacific Groundfish B permits in establishing the initial allocation for groundfish, including whiting. The parties provided briefs to the court on the appropriate remedy on Jan. 30, 2012. Each party then provided their reply briefs to the court on Feb. 13, 2012.

The court is reviewing all of the briefs submitted by the parties, and will likely issue a final decision on remedy in late February or March 2012. After receiving the court's final decision on remedy, NMFS will work with the Department of Justice on options, including the potential for appeal. The court's decision may affect the further distribution of whiting quota pounds that is scheduled to take place after the final decision on the 2012 total allowable catch of whiting.

Dec. 22, 2011:  Compliance Guide for the Pacific Coast Groundfish Trawl Rationalization Catch Share Program-Changes for 2012 and Beyond (PIE Rule) (PDF 260KB)

We've approved new catch share measures for the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP). Amendment 20 describes trawl rationalization and Amendment 21 specifies intersector allocations. The new regulations establish formal allocations for limited entry trawl participants and procedures for initial permit issuance, endorsements, and quota shares. These regulations should increase net economic benefit, create individual economic stability, provide full utilization of the trawl sector allocation, consider environmental impacts and achieve individual accountability of catch and bycatch. 

 See the links to the left for more information on the trawl rationalization-catch share program.