Glenn Merrill, Assistant Regional Administrator
Sustainable Fisheries Division, Alaska Region NMFS
P.O. Box 21668
Juneau, AK 99802-1668
Submitted via http://www.regulations.gov
NOAA-NMFS-2021-0074
Dear Mr. Merrill:
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for a proposed amendment to the BSAI Groundfish FMP that would implement abundance-based management for halibut prohibited species catch (PSC) limits.1 I submit the following comments on behalf of The Boat Company and Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association (ALFA). The Boat Company and ALFA both promote conservation while operating in and advocating for Southeast Alaska’s coastal fishing communities that significantly depend on access to the halibut resource for commercial fishing, sport fishing and subsistence.
ALFA is a commercial fishing organization that represents and advocates for community-based, small commercial fishing businesses. ALFA represents commercial fishing vessel owners, deckhands, and business members from nearly every community in southeast Alaska who participate in, or otherwise support and benefit from the commercial fishing economy.2 ALFA’s members have also historically participated in Bering Sea fisheries, including residents of Bering Sea communities. ALFA has received national and statewide recognition for its work to rebuild fish stocks, address food security in Alaska and beyond, improve fishery monitoring and to protect fish habitat and ensure the socio-economic viability of coastal communities.
The Boat Company operates multi-day conservation and wilderness tours in Southeast Alaska aboard its two larger vessels, the 145’ M/V Liseron and the 157’ M/V Mist Cove. Visitors on these vessels participate in a variety of activities as part of their visit that include environmental education, kayaking, hiking, beachcombing as well as sport fishing from smaller vessels. For many clients, the opportunity to fish for halibut is a highlight of their Alaska experience.