Council Addresses Pelagic Trawl Definitions, Avoids More Controversial Issue of Seabed Contact
The North Pacific Fisheries Management Council adopted a new Purpose and Need Statement at last week’s meeting to update the definition of pelagic trawls in Alaska. The definition has not been changed since 1993, long before excluder devices and other innovative gear improvements have been added for conservation, efficiency, and reducing bycatch.
The council's purpose was more of a housekeeping action focused on the components of a pelagic trawl than it was keeping pelagic trawls off the ocean floor, which was the focus of most stakeholders at the ...
To Read Full Story Login Below.