Fisheries Management Update: Council Asks for Remedies to Long-Standing Issues & Invitation to Join

At a recent Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council meeting, Chair Archie Soliai reiterated concerns about NOAA Pacific Islands Regional Office (PIRO) delays in completing Endangered Species Act (ESA) consultations for the region’s longline and bottomfish fisheries.

“Our experience with ESA consultations over the last several years have left us with the impression that our Council process is not respected,” emphasized Soliai. “The Council is here to ensure the sustainability of our region’s fishery resources as mandated by the Magnuson-Stevens Act.” Soliai added, “We ask PIRO to provide us with realistic timelines and meaningful dialogue, so we may work together to complete these biological opinions and ensure that our fisheries can continue to operate in compliance with ESA.”

The Council will convey its concerns to Janet Coit, assistant administrator for the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), requesting assistance so biological opinions are completed in coordination with the Council.