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Council debates whiting processing exempted fishing permit; motion to block out‑of‑cycle review withdrawn
Summary
A proposal to allow Pacific whiting processing south of 42° drew prolonged council discussion about bycatch risk and process. A motion to discourage NMFS from prioritizing an out‑of‑cycle EFP review was introduced and later withdrawn; the council urged NMFS to coordinate timing so the council and advisory bodies can provide input.
A proposal to allow shore processing of Pacific whiting south of 42° generated prolonged debate at the Pacific Fishery Management Council’s June meeting. Council discussion focused on process, bycatch risk, and allocation of groundfish set‑asides, and culminated in a motion that was introduced to discourage National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) from prioritizing EFP review outside the council process. The maker subsequently withdrew the motion following extended discussion.
What was proposed and why it matters: Industry representatives indicated they would pursue an exempted fishing permit (EFP) to allow whiting processing south of 42° N latitude. Proponents said the EFP was intended to improve market access and processing opportunities; opponents and some advisory bodies warned it could increase bycatch risk — especially of salmon in northern California — and pose allocation and quota accounting problems for other groundfish sectors.
Motion, debate and withdrawal: Councilmember Marcy Ripko moved that the council recommend NMFS not prioritize review, development or issuance of an EFP outside the…
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