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Tribal Engagement Newsletter
This newsletter serves as an information source for NOAA Fisheries contacts, job postings, grants, educational opportunities available throughout Alaska, and upcoming North Pacific Fishery Management Council issues.
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North Pacific Fishery Management Council
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC, also referred to as Council) was established by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA, also referred to as the Magnuson-Stevens Act) to manage fisheries off the coast of Alaska. The NPFMC meets five times per year and consists of the Science and Statistical Committee (SSC), the Advisory Panel (AP), and the Council. This newsletter includes information about the upcoming February Council meeting and is adapted from the three meeting outlook (Council schedule for the next three meetings). Visit the NPFMC webpage for the upcoming meeting schedule, which includes a detailed breakdown of the upcoming Council meeting by agenda item. If you wish to consult on any of the Council topics below prior to the February meeting, please contact Amilee Wilson at: amilee.wilson@noaa.gov.
Council Process
February 2024 Council Meeting
NOTE: For referenced materials that are available online, links are provided below. Leading up to the Council meeting, Council staff will post additional materials on the eAgenda.
B Reports (Agency level reports on recent events under their jurisdiction)
- (B1) Executive Director’s Report on general announcements about Council meetings, any personnel changes, and additional opportunities for public input
- (B2) NOAA Fisheries Management Report including the annual cost recovery update
- (B3) NOAA General Counsel Report on any legal issues
- (B4) Alaska Fisheries Science Center Report on program updates and science activities
- (B5) ADF&G report on State of Alaska fisheries management
- (B6) USCG report on any highlights and news
- (B7) USFWS report on a summary of major agency updates
- (B8) International Pacific Halibut Commission report
- (B9) Placeholder for public comment on B agenda items
- (B10) SSC report on SSC agenda items
- (B11) AP report on AP agenda items
C1: Norton Sound Red King Crab - set ABC and OFL specifications, provide Crab Plan Team Report
- The Crab Plan Team (CPT) will meet January 8-12. January 7-8 will be a modeling workshop for all crab models and will not have full CPT participation. January 9-12 the full CPT will meet to review and recommend a model for ABC/OFL specifications for Norton Sound red king crab. In addition, the CPT will review Aleutian golden king crab models, discuss research priorities, receive several research updates on various crab stocks, and review the economic SAFE.
- Tribal consultation was offered for this action item in January 2024
C2: Bristol Bay Red King Crab Closure Areas
- The Council will receive an initial review analysis presentation on different biological and management thresholds to be considered for triggering a closure of the Bristol Bay red king crab (BBRKC) savings areas and associated impacts on fisheries that operate within the savings area. Discussion will include a summary of biological impacts of different levels of prohibited species catch (PSC), importance of the savings areas relative to the BBRKC stock, tradeoffs to bycatch and fishing operations impacted with a closure, and an update of ongoing research projects to improve biological and life history understanding.
- Tribal consultation was offered for this action item in January 2024
C3: Cook Inlet Salmon - Status Determination Criteria and Harvest Specifications
- For the proposed salmon fishery in federal waters of the Upper Cook Inlet, which is scheduled to start this summer, NMFS has been developing a Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE report).
- The SAFE Report provides information to the Council so that they can set harvest limits for salmon stocks in the Cook Inlet Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). By Friday, January 15, the SAFE report will be published online here.
- NMFS will provide a virtual informational presentation on the SAFE report on January 19 from 8am to 12pm AK time. You can observe that meeting virtually by clicking here.
- At this meeting, NPFMC will review the SAFE report and recommend to NMFS harvest specifications (catch limits) for salmon fishing in the Cook Inlet EEZ. Public comments on the status determinations and proposed harvest limits will be considered prior to and at the Council meeting. Submit written comments here.
- Two tribal consultations were conducted on this topic in early January. Tribal consultation was offered for this action item in January 2024
D Items
- D1 Pelagic Trawl Gear Definition Changes
- The Council and the advisory panel (AP) will receive a presentation on the pelagic trawl gear definition discussion paper. The paper expands on a previous analysis of the pelagic trawl gear definition and provides context to pelagic trawl gear components and policy recommendations to resolve inconsistencies from outdated regulations and allow for gear innovation. The paper will be published around January 20. Presentations will be on Thursday, February 8, to the AP and Saturday, February 10, to the Council. The topic will be considered by the council for further action.
- Tribal consultation was offered for this action item in January 2024
- D2 GOA Tanner Crab protections - Review Discussion Paper
- The Tanner Crab discussion paper, prepared in response to a June 2023 motion, aims to inform potential protections for the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) Tanner crab, Chionoecetes bairdi. The paper focuses on evaluating catch and bycatch in target groundfish fisheries, gear types, and monitoring options in areas around Kodiak Island from 2019-2023. It includes detailed analyses of groundfish harvest, Tanner crab bycatch, observer coverage, and the distribution of Tanner and king crabs in specific statistical areas. The paper builds on previous reviews and utilizes data from the NMFS Alaska Region Catch Accounting System and Alaska Department of Fish and Game surveys.
- Tribal consultation was offered for this action item in January 2024
- D3 Programmatic evaluation of management policies - Council direction
- The Council will receive an update from Council staff on the programmatic evaluation of the Council’s management policies that the Council initiated in June 2023 (Purpose and Need and Alternatives can be found in the Council’s motion). The update is intended to: 1) assist the Council in providing more direction on the structure of and alternatives for analysis; 2) identify priorities upon which the Council might choose to focus the analysis and questions for NEPA Scoping and/or the June 2024 Climate Scenario Planning Workshop (see Agenda Item B1). Recommendations from the workshop may be considered together with scoping responses for developing the programmatic evaluation.
- Tribal consultation was offered for this action item in January 2024
- D4 American Fisheries Act Program Review - review work plan
- The Council will receive a presentation on the work plan for the scheduled 2024 review. The last review was conducted in 2017 and described the socioeconomic impacts of the Bering Sea pollock fishery under the Program. The 2017 review is found here.
- D5 E-logbooks Exempted Fishing Permit - review application
- The Council will consider the application for an Exempted Fishing Permit for electronic logbooks during this meeting. The notice is expected to be published in the Federal Register in January. Public comment will be available through the Federal Register after the notice is published and the Council’s e-Agenda beginning January 12.
- D6 Small sablefish release - identify sablefish discard mortality rate for analysis
- The SSC will receive a presentation summarizing previous recommendations and issues with identifying a discard mortality rate for small sablefish release. The SSC will be provided with a range and gear specific DMRs (e.g. hook-and-line and pot) and discuss scientific issues to be considered to reduce uncertainties in analyses and in order to inform the Council on concerns regarding releasing small sablefish. The full agenda item will not be presented at the AP and Council until June.
- Tribal consultation was offered for this action item in January 2024
- D7 Research priorities
- The SSC will review research priorities following public submission and plan team review between November 2023 and January 2024. The research priorities are outlined here for reference.
- Tribal consultation was offered for this action item in January 2024
- D8 Case studies for the 8th National Scientific Coordination Subcommittee (SCS8) workshop
- The SSC will discuss candidates to send to the SCS8, scheduled for August 26-28, 2024. The workshop theme will be, ‘Applying Acceptable Biological Catch Control Rules in a changing Environment’. The purpose of the workshop is to provide guidance to SSCs when Councils are managing catch with data limitations.
Highlighted Upcoming Agenda Items
Tribal consultation will be offered for action items prior to each of the Council meetings.
- April 2024 Council Meeting
- NMFS report on Essential Fish Habitat Consultation and seabird working group
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Report
- Cooperative reports
- Scallop - Stock assessment and fishery evaluation report and harvest limits
- Maximum Retainable Amount discussion paper review
- Amendment 80 program review
- Chum Salmon Bycatch initial review of Draft Environmental Impact Statement
- Pollock Incentive Plan Agreement reports and Sea Share Review
- Chinook/Chum genetics reports for the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska
- Area 4 vessel caps initial review
- Individual Fishing Quota Program review report
- Research priorities, final action
- Economic and community reports review
- June 2024 Council Meeting
- Crab - BSAI harvest specifications and plan team report
- Crab - unobserved fishing mortality workgroup
- Observer Program - review Fisheries Monitoring and Advisory Committee report
- Observer Program - review discussion paper for Observer Availability
- Small Sablefish Release - initial review
- Central Gulf of Alaska Rockfish - program review
- Pot cod limited access privilege program discussion paper review
- American Fisheries Act program report review
- Crab - Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands program report review
- Bristol Bay Red King Crab closure areas final action
Resources
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Contacts
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Amilee Wilson, Tribal Engagement Point of Contact for the Alaska Regional Office, amilee.wilson@noaa.gov (can assist with requests for consultation, information on regulations, and NOAA Fisheries tribal engagement policy, in addition please contact Amilee with feedback or questions on this newsletter.
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Maggie Mooney-Seus, Communications Program Manager for the Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC), marjorie.mooney-seus@noaa.gov (can assist with questions on collaborative research efforts)
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Kate Haapala, Rural Fishing Community and Tribal Liaison for the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, kate.haapala@noaa.gov (can assist with questions regarding Council actions and process)
NOAA Fisheries
- NOAA Fisheries Tribal Consultation
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Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments
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NOAA Tribal Resources & Updates: On July 12, 2023, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen its relationship between NOAA and Indigenous peoples by releasing its updated Tribal Consultation Handbook, Revised NOAA Administrative Order, and Indigenous Knowledge Guidance. Updated resources are available here.
NOAA Fisheries Vacant Positions
- Upcoming Jobs at NOAA Fisheries Alaska Region:
- The Alaska Region has been frequently posting new job opportunities. Please check USAJobs for updates (Use search query with the keyword: “NOAA” and location: “Alaska” for NOAA jobs in Alaska).
- Current Openings (NOAA Fisheries Alaska Region)
Co-Management Update
- NMFS AKR Protected Resources Division, AFSC Marine Mammal Lab (MML), and the Aleut Community of St. Paul Island (ACSPI) have been working together formally since 2000 under a co-management agreement established under Section 119 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. In 2018, we began to develop a broad laaqudan (northern fur seal in Unangam Tunuu) research collaboration, funded by the Alaska Native Co-Management Funding Program. NMFS also has co management agreements with the Traditional Council of St. George Island and Aleut Marine Mammal Commission. All three of these organizations recently petitioned NMFS to revise the northern fur seal subsistence use regulations to authorize increased subsistence use opportunities for their respective communities. The public comment period for the notice of receipt of petition closed on December 9, 2023. NMFS and ACSPI are also collaborating on the finalization of the conservation plan for the eastern pacific stock of northern fur seals and expect publication of the plan in mid-2024.
Upcoming Events, Publications, and Announcements
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Indigenous Scientists on St. Paul Island, Alaska, Work to Protect Marine Mammals: This team worked independently and in partnership with NOAA Fisheries. For Native American Heritage Month, NOAA Fisheries celebrated the Indigenous scientists who help make our work in marine mammal conservation possible. The Tribal Government of the Aleut Community of St. Paul Island conducts high-level science and management of their marine resources. They work independently and in partnership with NOAA through a formal co-management agreement authorized by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Read more.
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Five Alaskan Entities Receive 2023 National Coastal Resilience Fund Awards: In November 2023, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and NOAA announced grant recipients for the 2023 National Coastal Resilience Fund. There are five Alaska awards:
- ANTHC Building a Community Climate Risk Assessment Program (AK)
- Creating a Master Plan for Resiliency in Village of Alakanuk (AK)
- Designing a Hybrid Living Reef to Build Flood Resiliency in Seward, Alaska
- Designing Innovative Nature-Based Solutions to Improve Habitat and Build Resiliency in Kake, Alaska
- Yakutat Tlingit Tribe Restoration and Stewardship Planning on Ancestral Homelands (AK). Additional information on the awards can be found here.
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NOAA Fisheries Equity & Environmental Justice Town Halls for Alaska Native Tribes and Organizations: On October 17 and 25, AKRO Regional Administrator Jon Kurland and AFSC Director Bob Foy hosted five "Town Hall" teleconferences for Tribal government members and their representatives regarding the development of an Alaska Implementation Plan for the national NOAA Fisheries Equity & Environmental Justice (EEJ) Strategy. These five meetings were geographically focused for Tribes in Southeast Alaska, Eastern and Western Interior, Southcentral/Kodiak/Aleutians/Seward Peninsula, Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta and Bristol Bay, and the Northwest Arctic/North Slope. The goal was to discover how NOAA Fisheries can better serve the needs of historically underserved communities. We thank you for your feedback and look forward to working with you more as we develop a draft EEJ Implementation Plan for Alaska.
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The Bering Sea Fishery Ecosystem Plan Climate Change Task Force Meeting: On March 1 & 2, the Bering Sea Fishery Ecosystem Plan Climate Change Task Force will be conducting a Hybrid meeting at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center, 7600 Sand Point Way, N.E., Building 4, Seattle, WA. For more information and to attend remotely, click here.
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Draft Alaska Salmon Research Task Force DRAFT Report 2023: The Task Force is seeking comments on existing knowledge, research gaps, and applied research that is needed to better understand the increased variability and declining salmon returns in some regions of Alaska. We greatly value your input in the development of this DRAFT report. Comments on Existing Knowledge, Research Gaps, and Applied Research Needs can be given via this form through March 15. The next Task Force meeting will be held on January 25, 2024 (virtual–open to the public) where they will report on progress toward the DRAFT Report. Read more.
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NOAA Participates in United Nations COP28: NOAA participated in the United Nations climate conference (COP28), a crucial global event focused on addressing climate change. This COP28 was particularly significant, as the global community reviewed progress on achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement, and advanced critical discussions on climate adaptation and climate finance. COP28 presents a unique opportunity for NOAA to collaborate with other nations and strengthen our collective efforts in combating climate change. Our work at NOAA plays a pivotal role in understanding and mitigating the impacts of climate change, and our commitment to this cause is more important than ever. NOAA contributed expertise and insights to the international community through participating on the U.S. negotiating team, engaging in events and discussions, and presenting our latest findings and groundbreaking science. Read more.
Grants
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Alaska Region Federal Funding website: The Alaska Region has put together a website to include federal funding opportunities related to fisheries and mariculture. The website is updated regularly and lists all programs and funding that the Alaska Region supports as well as other opportunities that may be of interest to those living in Alaska. The grants office is constantly working on listing available opportunities and welcomes any feedback on the site.
The website is fisheries.noaa.gov/alaska-grants, and any feedback or questions about grants or upcoming announcements can be sent to akr.grants@noaa.gov.
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Five Alaskan Entities Receive 2023 National Coastal Resilience Fund Awards: On November 29, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and NOAA announced grant recipients for the 2023 National Coastal Resilience Fund. There are five Alaska awards:
- ANTHC Building a Community Climate Risk Assessment Program (AK)
- Creating a Master Plan for Resiliency in Village of Alakanuk (AK)
- Designing a Hybrid Living Reef to Build Flood Resiliency in Seward, Alaska
- Designing Innovative Nature-Based Solutions to Improve Habitat and Build Resiliency in Kake, Alaska
- Yakutat Tlingit Tribe Restoration and Stewardship Planning on Ancestral Homelands (AK)
Additional information on the above awards can be found here.
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FY24 Species Recovery Grants to Tribes: The FY24 Species Recovery Grants was awarded to the Native Village of Kotzebue Tribe. Summaries for grants awarded are found here. The FY25 Notice of Funding Opportunity will open in early August of 2024 on grants.gov. All federally recognized tribes are eligible to apply. These grants support tribally-led management, research, monitoring, and outreach activities that have direct conservation benefits for threatened and endangered species. Feel free to visit our FAQ webpage.
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Alaska Native Organization Co-Management Funding Program: The National Marine Fisheries Service recognizes the unique importance of marine mammals to Alaska Native Organizations and values ongoing efforts by Alaska Native Tribes and ANOs to conserve and protect subsistence species under NOAA Fisheries' jurisdiction. Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. §1388, NOAA Fisheries may provide Federal assistance to ANOs to conserve marine mammals and to promote co-management of Alaska Native subsistence use of such mammals under NOAA Fisheries' jurisdiction. This program, provided in the form of cooperative agreements, may be used to support conservation of marine mammals utilized for subsistence purposes by Alaska Natives. Funded activities may include development and implementation of species management, subsistence harvest monitoring, subsistence harvest sampling, scientific research, and public education and outreach. Tribally-Authorized ANOs with a signed agreement for co-management with NOAA Fisheries are eligible to apply under this program. Applications are due February 2, 2024.
If you have any questions regarding this funding opportunity, please contact Kristin Cieciel at (907) 586-7273 or Kristin.Cieciel@noaa.gov
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Alaska Marine Education and Training Mini-Grant Program: The National Marine Fisheries Service is soliciting competitive applications for the fiscal year 2024 Alaska Marine Education and Training Mini-Grant Program. Projects are being solicited to improve education and training on marine resource issues throughout the Alaska geographic region and increase scientific education for marine-related professions among coastal community residents. Projects must be conducted within Alaska. Applications are due March 1, 2024.
If you have any questions regarding this funding opportunity, please contact Kristin Cieciel at (907) 586-7273 or Kristin.Cieciel@noaa.gov
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National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) Funding Opportunity: On October 13, 2023, the National Marine Fisheries Service shared a funding opportunity with the Alaska Coastal Resilience Area. The Alaska Regional Coastal Resilience focus area targets rural areas in Alaska that have previously not had the high resolution data necessary to run advanced models that evaluate coastal resilience management options. The NCCOS is soliciting proposals that will leverage existing data where possible, to advance coupled coastal modeling in the region.
- The deadline for Letters of Intent for focus areas was November 13, 2023, and for full applications is January 24, 2024.
- More information can be found here. View the full NOFO here.
If you have any questions regarding this funding opportunity, please contact Jennifer Stegar at jennifer.steger@noaa.gov.
Educational Opportunities
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Hollings Scholar Program (due end of January): A 9-week, paid, summer program to increase undergraduate training in oceanic and atmospheric science, research, technology, and education and foster multidisciplinary training opportunities. All applications and supporting materials must be received by Monday, January 31, 2024, at 11:59 PM EST.
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Hollings Preparation Program (HPP) (due mid March): The HPP will prepare undergraduates to be competitive applicants for the full NOAA Hollings Scholarship in their sophomore year of college. HPP scholars will be paired with NOAA mentors primarily on the West Coast, including California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, and Alaska, for four to six weeks during the summer of 2023. Apply by sending a cover letter and resume to: hollingsprep.wcr@noaa.gov by March 14, 2023.
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Knauss Fellowship (due mid February): The Sea Grant Knauss Fellowship provides a unique educational and professional experience to graduate students who have an interest in ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources. All applications must be received by February 15, 2024.
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Alaska Sea Grant Fellowship (applications due by February 8): A unique professional opportunity for soon-to-graduate or recently finished graduate students interested in the science and policy needed to keep our marine resources healthy.
- Graduate Programs at University of Alaska Fairbanks
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