Saving Seafood

US Pacific Federal Fishery Managers Recommend Tori Lines, New American Samoa Bottomfish Stock Assessment Approach

December 9, 2021 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council recommended today to replace blue-dyed fish bait and strategic offal discharge with tori lines in the Hawai‘i deep-set longline fishery’s suite of seabird conservation measures. This amendment will improve the overall operational practicality and efficacy of required mitigation regulations. At their meeting last week, the Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) supported the regulatory changes, noting that they are informed by the best scientific information available.

The change was based on a fishing-industry-led collaborative project with Hawai‘i longline vessels to conduct field experiments over the past three years to compare seabird interaction rates with baited hooks. “The Hawaii Longline Association fully supports this change to tori lines,” said HLA Executive Director Eric Kingma. Council Executive Director Kitty Simonds added, “This action is an example representing the Council’s long history of proactive and adaptive conservation measures to address fishery impacts to protected species.”

The Hawai‘i deep-set longline fishery, which targets bigeye tuna, has been using a suite of seabird mitigation measures since 2001 under the Council’s Pelagic Fishery Ecosystem Plan. This effort was accomplished through the Magnuson-Stevens Act’s bottom-up approach for making or changing fishery regulations that starts with an issue presented from Council advisory groups and the public.

The Council also endorsed the SSC’s recommendation to use a single-species, age-structured management approach for the next American Samoa bottomfish stock assessment scheduled for 2023. The American Samoa bottomfish fishery is managed in an 11-species complex, which is overfished and experiencing overfishing, according to a 2019 Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) assessment. Data are available to support age-structured assessments.

An SSC working group and PIFSC, American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR) and Council staffs held two data evaluation workshops to improve information used in the stock assessment. “This data discussion and evaluation is a step in the right direction,” said DMWR Director and Council Chair Archie Soliai. “Consultation between PIFSC and DMWR is absolutely necessary to ensure that the next stock assessment is accurate.”

On another issue, Council members raised concerns with the National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NMFS) “negative determination” that the proposed critical habitat designation for Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed coral species is not expected to affect the territories’ Coastal Zone Management Programs. Territory governments have been receiving conflicting information from NMFS on whether the “negative determination” is automatic for critical habitat designations. The Council requested that NMFS follow up with the Guam and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) governments to provide specific reasons for not accepting the territorial objection of the NMFS negative determination on the Coastal Zone Management Act federal consistency provisions.

Council members from the CNMI, Guam and American Samoa continued to press NMFS regarding the pending critical habitat designation. In November 2020, NMFS proposed the designation of critical habitat in nearshore territorial waters. Critical habitat is habitat containing physical features essential to supporting recovery of ESA-listed species.

Territory resource agencies and governors have since voiced their dismay that such designations may impact the territory governments’ ability to manage coastal areas, which are often funded by or authorized by the federal government. Critical habitat designations add a layer of federal agency consultation to the federal project approval process.

Tomorrow the Council will discuss outcomes of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission annual meeting on tropical tuna management measures and proposed Northwestern Hawaiian Islands National Marine Sanctuary updates, among other topics. Instructions on connecting to Webex, agendas and briefing documents are posted at www.wpcouncil.org/meetings-calendars.

The Council manages federal fisheries operating in waters offshore of the State of Hawai‘i, the Territories of American Samoa and Guam, the CNMI and the U.S. Pacific Remote Islands Areas.

 

WPRFMC: 2021 Public Meetings Notice

November 15, 2021 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council announces the following public meetings on fisheries management in offshore waters of Hawai‘i (HI), American Samoa (AS), Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and the Pacific Remote Island Areas (PRIAs). Unless otherwise noted, the meetings will be held by web conference. Host sites are subject to local and federal safety and health guidelines regarding COVID-19; check the Council website for updates. All times listed are local island times. For more information on the virtual meeting connection and complete agendas, go to www.wpcouncil.org/meetings-calendars, email info@wpcouncil.org, fax (808) 522-8226 or phone (808) 522-8220.

Fishing Industry Advisory Committee

November 16 (T)     1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (HST)

Major agenda items: Fishing and market issues/impacts; Seabird mitigation measure revisions in the HI deep-set longline (DSLL) fishery; Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) meeting reports; False killer whale acoustic study and Take Reduction Team research priorities; AS gear diversification project report; and CNMI bottomfish (BF) development and training report.

Non-Commercial Fisheries Advisory Committee 

November 16 (T)     3 p.m. to 5 p.m. (HST)

Major agenda items: Fishery allocation discussion; National Recreational Fishing Summit update; and Fishermen observations.

AS Archipelago Fishery Ecosystem Plan (FEP) Advisory Panel (AP)

November 16 (T)     6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (SST)

Major agenda items: AS Sustainable Fisheries Fund (SFF) project reports; AS outreach and education update; AS BF Data Workshop report; Territorial BF Fishery Management Plan update; AS fishermen observations update; and AP plans.

Pelagic and International Standing Committee

November 17 (W)    1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (HST)

Major agenda items: Seabird mitigation measure revisions in the HI DSLL fishery; Endangered Species Act Biological Opinions report; Hawaii Longline Assoc. and Tautai o Samoa Longline & Fishing Assoc. reports; and WCPFC meeting reports.

Social Science Planning Committee

November 18 (Th)   1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (HST)

Major agenda items: Socioeconomic modules for the annual Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation reports; Social Science Strategic Plan update; and Environmental justice in fisheries management.

Mariana Archipelago FEP-CNMI AP

November 18 (Th)   1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (ChST)

Major agenda items: Fish aggregating devices (FADs) and fishery infrastructure reports; Military issues and concerns; Catchit Logit transfer and mandatory reporting requirements; SFF project updates; CNMI fishermen observations update; and AP plans.

Mariana Archipelago FEP-Guam AP

November 18 (Th)   6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (ChST)

Major agenda items: Military issues and concerns; FAD issues and solutions; Council Coral Reef Program update; AP outreach and education report; Guam fishermen observations update; and AP plans.

HI Archipelago FEP AP

November 19 (F)     1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (HST)

Major agenda items: Seabird mitigation measure revisions in the HI DSLL fishery; Proposed Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) sanctuary update; Green turtle management update; HI Dept. of Aquatic Resources sportfish funding report; HI fishermen observations update; and AP plans and working group reports.

142nd Scientific and Statistical Committee

Direct link to meeting: https://tinyurl.com/142SSCMtg. If prompted, password SSC142mtg.

November 30 – December 2 (T – Th)  11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (HST)

Major agenda items: Seabird mitigation measure revisions in the HI DSLL fishery (action item); Environmental justice report; AS BF Data Workshop report; and SSC and Council Coordination Committee area-based working group reports.

Executive and Budget Standing Committee

December 6 (M)  3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (HST)

Major agenda items: Financial and administrative matters; and Council family changes.

189th Council Meeting

Direct link to meeting: https://tinyurl.com/189CouncilMtg. If prompted, password CM189mtg.

Host sites: Tedi of Samoa Bldg., Suite 208B, Fagatogo Village, AS

BRI Bldg., Suite 205, Kopa Di Oru St., Garapan, Saipan, CNMI

Cliff Pointe, 304 W. O’Brien Drive, Hagatña, Guam

December 7 – 9 (T – Th)   11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (HST)

Major agenda items: Territorial creel survey expansion; Seabird mitigation measure revisions in theHI DSLL fishery (action item); False killer whale weak hook study report; AS BF Data Workshop report; WCPFC meeting reports; and Proposed NWHI sanctuary update.

Written comments on final action items on the 189th Council meeting agenda received by Dec. 3, 2021, will be distributed to Council members prior to meeting. Direct comments to Kitty M. Simonds, Executive Director, WPRFMC, and mail to 1164 Bishop St., Suite 1400, Honolulu, HI 96813; fax to (808) 522-8226; or email to info@wpcouncil.org. Written comments on all other agenda items may be submitted for the record by email throughout the duration of the meeting.

 

US Pacific Fishery Managers Recommend Quota for American Samoa Bottomfish

October 20, 2021 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

Today, the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council recommended the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) implement a 5,000-pound annual catch limit (ACL) for the American Samoa bottomfish stock complex. According to a 2019 NMFS assessment, the 11-species bottomfish complex is overfished and the fishery is experiencing overfishing. A 10-year rebuilding plan is required by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Federal waters will be closed to bottomfishing when the ACL is projected to be reached. With 85% of the bottomfish habitat located within territorial waters, it is critical that federal and local fishery management efforts are coordinated.

The American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources presented a draft Bottomfish Management Plan to the Council that was developed with input from fishing communities in Tutuila and Manu‘a. The plan includes mandatory catch reporting; fisher and fish dealer licensing; vessel registration; seasonal, area-based and catch-based closures; and size limits.

In his remarks to open the Council meeting, American Samoa Governor Lemanu Mauga said fishing is a way of life in the islands and a vital aspect of his culture. He noted that only a tiny portion of the bottomfishers’ catch is sold—most is “eaten, shared and distributed among families, especially during fa‘alavelaves (cultural events, funerals, weddings, etc.) and holidays. Perhaps, it is also high time to explore more culturally appropriate ways of managing this type of small, cultural and subsistence fishery.”

“The dilemma that we are facing in American Samoa is the difficulty of melding Western ways with cultural ways we live by every day,” said Kitty Simonds, Council executive director. Simonds pointed out the Council has worked for many years to develop a management system without strict regulations that better fits the Western Pacific Region.

Manny Dueñas, Council vice chair from Guam, supported the recommendation, but with reservations about the health and welfare of the American Samoa community. He commented he would hate to be in Council Chairman Soliai’s shoes when he tells the community to stop catching fish for their festivities. The Guam bottomfish fishery is overfished according to a 2019 NMFS stock assessment.

The territory has a population of approximately 58,000 people, with more than 54% living under the poverty level. The ACL for the bottomfish stock complex specified in 2017 was 106,000 pounds.

The Council manages federal fisheries operating in waters offshore of the State of Hawai‘i, the Territories of American Samoa and Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and the U.S. Pacific Remote Islands Areas.

 

Federal Fishery Managers to Choose Alternative for American Samoa Bottomfish Rebuilding Plan

October 15, 2021 —  The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will meet virtually Oct. 19, 2021, and take final action on the American Samoa Bottomfish Rebuilding Plan. The agenda, background documents and instructions for connecting to the meeting and providing oral public comments are available at www.wpcouncil.org/event/188th-council-virtual-meeting.

In February 2020, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) informed the Council of a change in stock status for American Samoa bottomfish to overfished and experiencing overfishing based on an artifact of uncertainty in the survey data. The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act requires the Council to develop a rebuilding plan within 15 months of notification and rebuild the overfished stock within 10 years. Alternatives include an annual catch limit (ACL) of 5,000 pounds that would rebuild the stock in 10 years with a 27% risk of overfishing, and closing federal waters.

The ACL for the bottomfish stock complex specified in 2017, prior to the 2019 assessment, was 106,000 pounds. Following the assessment, fishermen were allowed to catch an interim limit of 13,000 pounds to alleviate the impact on their communities, which expires Nov. 18, 2021. The American Samoa bottomfish fishery is small, with six fishers catching an estimated 8,040 pounds in 2020. Fishery landings have been declining since a high of 21,536 pounds in 2015. NMFS is not scheduled to complete a new stock assessment until 2023.

“According to the Pacific Community (SPC), 5,000 metric tons of bottomfish are harvested in neighboring Samoa, which is an incredible amount of fish,” said Archie Soliai, Council chair and director of the American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources. “We obviously have a data problem, not a resource problem.”

At the 187th meeting in September 2021, the Council deferred taking final action on the rebuilding plan for the federally managed bottomfish complex in American Samoa to allow Soliai time to consult with Governor Lemanu Mauga on the coordinated management of the bottomfish fishery in territorial and federal waters. Several Council members expressed their dismay at the low catch limit alternatives and the potential fishery closure.

The Council has worked with NMFS and the territory of American Samoa for the past year to develop the first set of rebuilding plans for the region. Governor Mauga is scheduled to make opening remarks at the Council meeting.

The virtual meeting will have host sites at Tedi of Samoa Building, Suite 208B, Fagatogo Village, American Samoa; BRI Building, Suite 205, Kopa Di Oru St., Garapan, Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI); and Cliff Pointe, 304 W. O’Brien Dr., Hagatña, Guam. Host sites are subject to local and federal safety and health guidelines regarding COVID-19; check the Council website for updates.

The Council manages federal fisheries operating in waters offshore of the State of Hawai‘i, the Territories of American Samoa and Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and the U.S. Pacific Remote Islands Areas.

2021 Public Meeting Notice and Action Item Summary for the 188th Meeting of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council

September 30, 2021 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

The 188th meeting of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will convene Oct. 19, 2021, from 2 to 4 p.m. (HST) by web conference (Webex) with host sites at the following locations:

•Tedi of Samoa Building, Suite 208B, Fagatogo Village, American Samoa

•BRI Building, Suite 205, Kopa Di Oru St. Garapan, Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

•Cliff Pointe, 304 W. O’Brien Drive, Hagatña, Guam

Host sites are subject to local and federal safety and health guidelines regarding COVID-19; check the Council website for updates. The direct Webex link is https://tinyurl.com/188CouncilMtg. If prompted, enter event number: 2469 054 2743; password: 188CMmtg.

The Council will consider and may take action on the issue summarized below, including any public comments on the action. Written public comments on final action items should be received by the Council’s executive director by 5 p.m. (HST), Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, by postal mail, fax or email as indicated below.

Instructions for connecting to the Webex and providing oral public comments during the meeting, along with the complete agenda, will be posted on the Council website at https://www.wpcouncil.org/event/188th-council-virtual-meeting.

Mail:

Ms. Kitty M. Simonds, Executive Director
Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council
1164 Bishop St., Suite 1400, Honolulu, HI 96813

FAX:  (808) 522-8226

E-mail: info@wpcouncil.org

Action Item Summary for the 188th Council Meeting

American Samoa Bottomfish Management Unit Species Rebuilding Plan (Final Action)

In February 2020, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) informed the Council about the change in stock status for the American Samoa bottomfish management unit species complex from not overfished and not subject to overfishing to overfished and subject to overfishing. The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) and National Standard 1 requires the Council to develop a rebuilding plan and submit the amendment package within 15 months of notification. This is the first rebuilding plan for American Samoa. For one year, the Council has worked with NMFS and the territory of American Samoa to develop a rebuilding plan to comply with MSA section 304(e)(3) and implementing regulations at 50 CFR 600.310(j)(2). An interim catch limit was implemented in the American Samoa bottomfish fishery through an interim measure emergency rule-making to curb the impact of the change in stock status and sudden drop in the annual catch limit (ACL) (85 FR 73003, Nov. 16, 2020). This level of catch is 13,000 pounds, with the possibility of extension if this is not reached.

The biomass projection is now based on the most recent catch data in the American Samoa Fishery Ecosystem Plan Annual Stock Assessment Fishery Evaluation Report published in June 2021. The catch for 2020 was below the interim catch limit and is no longer based on an estimate as it was in the January 2021 projection.

The Council at its 188th meeting will consider taking final action on the American Samoa Bottomfish Rebuilding Plan and will consider the following alternatives:

1.Status quo – continue to utilize an ACL of 13,000 pounds with an in-season accountability measure (AM).

2.Implement an ACL of 1,500 pounds with an in-season AM and higher performance standard that would close the federal waters until measures are in place to control the additional source of fishing mortality. If the total catch is maintained below this level, the bottomfish stock will be rebuilt in 9 years.

3.Apply a temporary moratorium on bottomfish fishing in federal waters. If the territory is able to apply a similar moratorium in territorial waters, the bottomfish stock will be rebuilt in 8 years.

4.Implement an ACL of 5,000 pounds with an in-season AM and higher performance standard that would close the federal waters until measures are in place to control the additional source of fishing mortality. If the total catch is maintained below this level, the bottomfish stock will be rebuilt in 10 years.

2021 WESPAC Public Meetings Notice

August 30, 2021 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council announces the following public meetings on fisheries management in offshore waters of Hawai‘i (HI), American Samoa (AS), Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and the Pacific Remote Island Areas (PRIAs). Unless otherwise noted, the meetings will be held by web conference. Host sites are subject to local and federal safety and health guidelines regarding COVID-19; check the Council website for updates. All times listed are local island times. For more information on the virtual meeting connection and complete agendas, go to www.wpcouncil.org/meetings-calendars, email info@wpcouncil.org, fax (808) 522-8226 or phone (808) 522-8220.

Non-Commercial Fisheries Advisory Committee
September 1 (W) 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (HST)
Major agenda items: Main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) uku fishery monitoring and management; Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) sanctuary designation; Proposed Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA) changes; Regional research priorities; and Fishermen observations.

HI Archipelago Fishery Ecosystem Plan (FEP) Advisory Panel (AP)
September 3 (F) 9 a.m. to noon (HST)
Major agenda items: Seabird mitigation measure revisions in the HI deep-set longline (DSLL) fishery; NWHI sanctuary designation; MHI uku annual catch limit (ACL) specification; Proposed MSA changes; Report on HI bottomfish restricted fishing areas; HI fishermen observations update; and AP plans.

AS Archipelago FEP AP
September 7 (T) 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (SST)
Major agenda items: AS bottomfish updates; AS large vessel prohibited area update; Proposed MSA changes; AS fishermen observations update; and AP plans.

Fishing Industry Advisory Committee
September 9 (Th) 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (HST)
Major agenda items: Proposed MSA changes; Military impacts on Guam fisheries; Import impacts on HI seafood markets; NWHI sanctuary designation; AS bottomfish rebuilding plan update; MHI uku ACL specification; and Seabird mitigation measure revisions in the HI DSLL fishery.

Mariana Archipelago FEP-Guam AP
September 9 (Th) 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (ChST)
Major agenda items: Proposed MSA changes; Bigeye tuna quota transfer review and options; Guam fishermen observations update; and AP plans.

Mariana Archipelago FEP-CNMI AP
September 11 (Sat) 9 a.m. to noon (ChST)
Major agenda items: Proposed MSA changes; Regional research priorities; CNMI fishermen observations update; and AP plans.

141st Scientific and Statistical Committee
Direct link to meeting: https://tinyurl.com/141SSCMtg. If prompted, password SSC141mtg.
September 14 – 16 (T – Th) 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (HST)
Major agenda items: Seabird mitigation measure revisions in the HI DSLL fishery (action item); and Second Tropical Tuna Workshop and Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Committee Science Committee updates.

Fishery Data Collection and Research Committee (FDCRC)
September 20 (M) 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (HST)
Major agenda items: FDCRC Strategic Plan 2022-2026; and Catchit Logit implementation report and transfer to territorial agencies.

Executive and Budget Standing Committee
September 20 (M) 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (HST)
Major agenda items: Financial and administrative matters; and Council family changes.

187th Council Meeting
Direct link to meeting: https://tinyurl.com/187CouncilMtg. If prompted, password CM187mtg.
Host sites: Tedi of Samoa Bldg., Suite 208B, Fagatogo Village, AS
BRI Bldg., Suite 205, Kopa Di Oru St., Garapan, Saipan, CNMI
Cliff Pointe, 304 W. O’Brien Drive, Hagatña, Guam
September 21 – 23 (T – Th) 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (HST)
Major agenda items: Standardized bycatch reporting methodology and fishery ecosystem plan amendments (action item); Seabird mitigation measure revisions in the HI DSLL fishery (action item); AS bottomfish rebuilding plan (action item); and MHI uku ACLs for fishing years 2022-25 (action item).

Written comments on final action items on the 187th Council meeting agenda received by Sept. 17, 2021, will be distributed to Council members prior to meeting. Direct comments to Kitty M. Simonds, Executive Director, WPRFMC, and mail to 1164 Bishop St., Suite 1400, Honolulu, HI 96813; fax to (808) 522-8226; or email to info@wpcouncil.org. Written comments on all other agenda items may be submitted for the record by email throughout the duration of the meeting.

Summary of Action Items for the 187th Meeting of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council

August 26, 2021 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

The 187th meeting of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will convene September 21-23, 2021, by web conference (Webex) with host sites at the following locations:

  1. Tedi of Samoa Building, Suite 208B, Fagatogo Village, American Samoa
  2. Cliff Pointe, 304 W. O’Brien Drive, Hagatña, Guam
  3. BRI Building, Suite 205, Kopa Di Oru St. Garapan, Saipan, CNMI

The Webex link is https://tinyurl.com/187CouncilMtg (if prompted, enter event number: 177 946 5402; password: CM187mtg).

The Council will consider and may take action on the issues summarized below, including any public comments on them. Written public comments on final action items should be received by the Council’s executive director by 5 p.m. (HST), Friday, September 17, 2021, by postal mail, fax or email as indicated below.

Instructions for connecting to the Webex and providing oral public comments during the meeting will be posted on the Council website at https://www.wpcouncil.org/event/187th-council-virtual-meeting.

Read the full release here

WPRFMC, NMFS Modernize Catch Reporting for Hawaii, American Samoa Longliners

August 12, 2021 — Technological progress is coming to the island: Longliners from Hawaii and American Samoa will be required to electronically report their catches beginning next month.

The National Marine Fisheries Service said the regulation is intended to reduce human error, improve data accuracy, save time for fishermen and NMFS, and provide more rigorous monitoring and forecasting of catch limits. The rule goes into effect on Sept. 7.

Read the full story at Seafood News

Modernizing Catch Reporting in Hawaii and American Samoa Longline Fisheries

August 11, 2021 — The following was released by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced last week that the requirement for the Hawai‘i and American Samoa pelagic longline fisheries to electronically report their catch will be effective Sept. 7, 2021. This regulation is intended to reduce human error, improve data accuracy, save time for fishermen and NMFS, and provide more rigorous monitoring and forecasting of catch limits.

Development of the electronic reporting (ER) system for the Hawai‘i and American Samoa longline fisheries ramped up about 2014. After several years of development, the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) began rolling out the tablets in 2019 for Hawai‘i longline vessels to use on a voluntary basis. At its September 2020 meeting, the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council took final action recommending mandatory implementation.

To support PIFSC’s ER outreach to Vietnamese-American fishermen, the Council hired a Vietnamese-speaking staff. The outreach team introduces the tablet, conducts training and follows up with them after their initial trips to help resolve any issues.

Approximately 115 of the 150 Hawai‘i longline vessels have been trained and are now voluntarily using the tablets ahead of mandatory implementation. PIFSC is also coordinating with local NMFS staff in American Samoa to roll out training for the longline vessels based in Pago Pago. PIFSC will continue to provide training support to bring all vessels into compliance.

After Sept. 7, 2021, Hawai‘i longline vessels and Class C and D American Samoa longline vessels will be required to use electronic logbooks once the following criteria are met:

  1. NMFS notifies the permit holder of the requirement.
  2. Permit holders have received the ER tablet (at no cost).
  3. The vessel operator has obtained an individually assigned user account from NMFS.

Fishermen will be allowed to use paper logbooks as a backup if vessels experience any electronic logbook or transmission problems.

In the past, longline captains filled out one logbook sheet for every day of fishing during their trip. Then they submitted their full trip’s log sheets to PIFSC when they returned to port. The data were verified and manually entered into a database by PIFSC staff.

There was often a several week delay between when the paper logbook was filled out by the captain and when it became available to fishery managers to compare the latest catch information with catch quotas. The delay creates a significant challenge to predict when the fleet will reach annual catch limits, such as for bigeye tuna.

Electronic logbooks automate and streamline many of these steps, allowing near-real-time catch reports. Each vessel is equipped with a tablet loaded with ER software. The tablet is connected to a vessel monitoring system, which transmits the daily logbook data via satellite to NMFS. Daily catch data submission will be required under the new rule while operating in U.S. waters around Hawai‘i, American Samoa and adjacent high seas.

The Federal Register notice is available at: www.wpcouncil.org/fr-notice-electronic-logbooks-for-hawaii-and-american-samoa-pelagic-longline-fisheries-august-5-2021.