The second draft of the spend plan for the 2020 Norton Sound, Yukon River, Kuskokwim River, Chignik, Southeast Alaska; and 2021 Yukon River salmon disaster declarations has been posted for a two week review period. You can view the latest draft here: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/fishing/pdfs/2020-21_salmon_disaster_second_draft_spend_plan.pdf
Comments must be submitted by Wednesday, February 15th. Comments can be submitted by email to: [email protected] or by mail to:
ADF&G, Attn: Karla Bush
PO Box 115526
Juneau, AK 99811-5526
Here are some changes from the previous draft relevant to Southeast AK:
- To simplify the information used for determining eligibility, the criteria for the SE commercial fisheries are proposed to be based on the salmon species included in the disaster that are the primary targets of each gear sector. Eligibility for the seine sector is proposed to be based on the value of pink and chum salmon; for the gillnet sector on the value of chum, sockeye and coho salmon; and for the troll sector on the value of chum and coho salmon landings.
- Allocations for SE vessel crew are proposed to be sector-specific rather than one pool of funds for all SE crew based on public comment.
- SE seine permit holder distribution is proposed to be equal shares for all eligible permit holders based on public comment. An estimated 204 permit holders meet the criterion.
- The research theme for a Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) analysis was not supported for the Southeast salmon fisheries because those fisheries are managed according to provisions in the Pacific Salmon Treaty. The revised draft plan limits the MSE research theme to the Norton Sound, Yukon River, Kuskokwim River, Chignik, and Yukon River management regions included in this fishery disaster.
- Commercial harvesters: Direct payments to commercial fishery permit holders and their vessel crew who are 18 years old or older and who meet all eligibility criteria in the relevant area. Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission (CFEC) permit data, fish ticket data from commercial salmon landings, and CFEC gross revenue value information will be used to determine eligibility and payment for permit holders.
- References to ex-vessel value were replaced throughout the spend plan and clarified as the CFEC gross revenue estimates. Gross revenue estimates are calculated post-season and informed by the Commercial Fishery Operator Report (COAR) data. (this changes the SE commercial proposed allocation from $25,872,515 to $27,330,804).
- Estimated funds for S01A changed from $10,753,911 to 13,005,310. S03A from $4,926,127 to $5,897,827. And S05B/S15B from $1,913,273 to $1,594,966.