Proposals 163-165

Three proposals, 163-165, at the March Statewide Finfish Alaska Board of Fisheries meeting address pelagic trawl gear definitions, monitoring, and operation in state waters, focused on bottom contact and salmon bycatch. Pelagic, or “midwater,” trawl gear is intended to fish off the seafloor. However, recent North Pacific Fishery Management Council analysis and trawl fleet testimony show that pelagic gear often operates on the seafloor, up to 40-100% of the time depending on fleet and area, including in state waters.

Federal fisheries lack clear rules on pelagic trawl seafloor contact, but the State of Alaska does not. State regulation 5 AAC 39.105 is clear – it prohibits bottom contact by pelagic trawl gear, but monitoring and enforcement tools are insufficient. This raises concerns about regulatory compliance and habitat impacts. At the same time, salmon bycatch remains a statewide priority. These proposals respond by strengthening clarity, accountability, and practical mitigation tools. They do not seek to eliminate trawl fisheries or limit access unfairly.

Advisory Committees, businesses, community orgs, and individuals are encouraged to consider supporting these proposals, in whole or in part.

Proposal 163: Aligning Trawl Gear Definitions with Current Operating Practice

WHAT: Redefine pelagic trawl gear as mobile bottom contact gear until operators can monitor bottom contact and demonstrate compliance with Alaska’s existing midwater trawl regulations. Direct ADFG to work with the fleet to develop monitoring systems, compliance standards, and a process to apply for midwater trawl status.

WHY: 1) Regulatory compliance. Aligns operations with existing state law. 2) Clarity. Supports consistent enforcement and shared understanding. 3) Habitat protection. Limits unnecessary bottom contact to protect seafloor ecosystems supporting multiple fisheries and users.

Proposal 164: Trawl Seafloor Contact Monitoring Requirements

WHAT: Establish clear monitoring standards to track when and how pelagic trawl gear contacts the seafloor.

WHY: 1) Consistency. Reduces confusion and uneven application. 2) Enforceability. Improves fair and effective compliance oversight. 3) Public confidence. Transparency strengthens trust in fisheries management.

Proposal 165: Salmon Excluder Requirements for Pelagic Trawl Gear

WHAT: Phase in the required use of salmon excluder devices in Gulf of Alaska pelagic trawl fisheries to reduce incidental salmon catch.

WHY: 1) Widely used in the Bering Sea pollock fishery, intended for bycatch reduction and maintaining performance. 2) Supports Alaska salmon values. 3) Practical implementation. Reasonable time and support allow adoption without undermining viability.