October 10, 2017 — The Honolulu Civil Beat article “Congressman Blasts Fishery Council for ‘Improper Lobbying’” by Kirstin Downey repeats unsubstantiated and serious allegations of Congressman Gregorio Sablan (D-CNMI). These allegations could have been clarified through review of the procedures and regulations of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, which are publicly available.
Green sea turtle petition: After considering the improved abundance and distribution information on Hawaii green sea turtles, the Council voted to direct Council staff to assist in the preparation of a request to the National Marine Fisheries Service to classify the population as a Distinct Population Segment as a step toward potential delisting.
The Council routinely makes conservation and management recommendations related to fisheries stocks, protected species and marine ecosystems, as authorized by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA).