KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
Kayla Desroches/KMXT
At its regular meeting this week, the Kodiak Fisheries Work Group consulted its fisheries analyst, Heather McCarty, about what effect it could have in the North Pacific Fishery Management Council process.
Assemblyman Larry LeDoux said he wanted to know how the work group could make a difference instead of playing a reactionary role.
Based on McCarty’s feedback, members of the council would be open to that.
“A couple of meetings ago, I think it was when the commissioner was actually in Kodiak, he said, you know, I’d love to get new ideas from the community, from the Fisheries Work Group and wherever, and I think some folks are actively seeking those new ideas, some are actively seeking to have the council go in the direction of a catch share program.”
Having said that, McCarty pointed out that in the past the work group has avoided taking strong positions on the bycatch alternatives.
“And so that may mean that all you can do is be a conduit for information back to the community, which I think is a very valuable thing, but unless there is a feeling that new ideas can come from the community through the Fisheries Work Group, I don’t know if you can play that role. You haven’t so far.”
She said right now it’s unclear which direction the council will go in, and the work group is likely to be in a reactionary position again soon.
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council convened in Anchorage for its last meeting in early October. It will return to Anchorage again for its next meeting from December 6 to 13.
