State fisheries council seeks public input on bycatch reduction by May 4

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game's Bycatch Advisory Council will hold a public meeting May 4 at 9:00 a.m. to discuss ways to reduce unwanted fish catches in commercial fisheries.

The council will review recent bycatch data from the North Pacific Fishery Management Council and examine past efforts to reform Gulf of Alaska trawl fisheries. Members will also discuss the state's new bycatch webpage and consider recommendations from the Alaska Bycatch Review Task Force.

The meeting will be held via Zoom webinar. Alaskans can join by computer at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89587613219 or by phone at 253-215-8782 using webinar ID 895 8761 3219. Public comment will be limited to three minutes per person.

The council was established to advise the department on protecting Alaska's fisheries and reducing the number of non-target fish caught and discarded during commercial fishing operations. The goal is to maintain Alaska's standing as a leader in fisheries conservation.

For more information, contact Megan O'Neil at [email protected] or 206-759-648, or Kari Winkel at [email protected] or 907-465-6141. Those needing special accommodations should contact Art Nelson at 907-267-2292 or [email protected] at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Details about future meetings are available at http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=bycatchtaskforce.meetinginfo#abac.