Access to the Arctic is increasing with diminished sea ice cover and issues related to natural resource management in region continue to develop. The region has never been subject to commercial fishing and any new fisheries in the Arctic need to be conducted on a sustainable basis. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service has announced a proposed framework to accomplish this need and are asking the public to comment on the plan for fishing in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas.
Acting Administrator NOAA Fisheries Service in Alaska Doug Mecum says, ”Historically, there have been no commercial fisheries in our Arctic seas, but with Arctic sea ice receding, more human activities may likely begin there, including increased interest in commercial fishing. The new management plan sets up a framework for possible development of Arctic fisheries in the next decades. It would ensure that we proceed carefully and do not allow commercial fishing to expand northward before we know what level of fishing the Arctic can sustain.”
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council started review potential management option for the Arctic waters in 2006. Working with regional stakeholders, the Council has recommended no fishing occur in the region until there is enough research conducted to better understand the dynamics of the Arctic fisheries. The proposed Arctic Fishery Management Plan approved by the Council only addresses finfish and shellfish populations. It does not address halibut and salmon fishing or subsistence hunting and fishing activities that are regulated by other statues.
People interested in the plan can review it online. Comments (Referencing 0648-AX71 NOA),can be filed up to July 27, 2009 by writing to:
Sue Salveson – Assistant Regional Administrator Sustainable Fisheries Division – Alaska Region NMFS Post Office Box 21668 Juneau, Alaska 99802 Attention Ellen SebastianOr submitted electronically via the Federal eRulemaking Portal
