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HALIBUT & SABLEFISH IFQ COMMUNITY PURCHASE
UPDATE: JUNE 15, 2002
ISSUE:
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council approved a new program to allow eligible Gulf of Alaska coastal communities to purchase halibut and sablefish quota share for lease to community residents. This was a program that the GOAC3 proposed over three years ago and is an amendment to the existing IFQ program. The program recommends the creation of community-based non-profits which will purchase and administer the lease of quota shares to community residents, regardless of race or gender. A further recommendation is a creation of an "umbrella" organization which will act as an oversight to all the "community based enterprises" and will provide technical assistance in the administration of the program as well as application of a uniform "code of conduct."
PROCESS:
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) develops proposed rules. These proposed rules go to the Secretary of Commerce for review. Proposed Rules are published in the Federal Register. There is a public commentary for 30 days or more. Comments are reviewed and any changes made by the NPFMC or the NMFS are forwarded to the Secretary of Commerce. Final Rule is then published in the Federal Register. The earliest this program might be implemented is March 2003.
In the meantime, the NPFMC appoints an Implementation Committee for the program which will make further recommendations for the implementation of the program.
ACTION NEEDED NOW:
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Read the Council motion and supporting documents.
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Begin discussions of the creation of a non-profit community group to be buyers of quota shares. Identify potential funding sources.
WHERE TO GET INFORMATION:
Check out the GOAC3 web site(goac3.org/) to access copies of the Council motion, our original paper, news articles and other information. There is also a link to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council and other web sites. More updates will follow.
