AAFA Professional/Management

Accomplishments• U.S. Canada Treaty• No Canadians in US Waters in 2012• Limited Fishing Regime in 2013• Limited Fishing Regime in 2014• Limited Fishing Regime in 2015• 2016 – Third year of three year

Regime.• EPA Exemption• Seafood Coalition

A 3-year extension to the existing NPDES vessel discharge permit moratorium (for all commercial fishing and charter fishing vessels regardless of size; and commercial-use vessels under 79 feet) was just adopted as part of the Senate USCG bill. It will now go back to the House for final approval where it is expected to pass without issue. Senator Murkowski (AK) and her staff played a key role in this process along with Senators Boxer (CA), Cantwell (WA), Thune (SD), Rubio (FL) and Vitter (LA) and many other coastal Members as well as Senate Commerce Committee staff from both sides of aisle. The House effort was led by Chairman Duncan Hunter (CA-R-50th) and Congressman Frank LoBiondo (NJ-R-2nd) and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee/USCG Subcommittee staff. We are most appreciative to all of those that helped with this effort to secure a 3-year reprieve from these burdensome permits which were scheduled to be implemented by the EPA on December 19, 2014.

Canadian TreatyFishing Regime 2014-2016. 45 Canadian albacore vessels in U.S. waters from June 15 – September 15. U.S. access to Canadian waters June 15 – October 31, based on historic number of vessels. AAFA’s Current Position:By allowing 45 Canadian boats to fish in US waters for the 2013 season, the US State Department violated the congressional mandate to keep Canadian albacore effort in the US EEZ to slightly above pre-1998 average levels, which equals about 300 tons per year. Circumstances have changed greatly since the ratification of the treaty, and it no longer benefits US fishermen. After the 2013 season, there must be immediate cessation of all Canadian fishing in US waters, and termination of the US-Canada Albacore Treaty. We will continue to be involved in all albacore related meetings and push politically for a resolution through personal involvement and through the political process.Where do we go from here – Negotiations for future fishing regimes will commence in 2015. We need your feedback.

Mission Statement

VMSAlthough VMS is required for all vessels fishing west of the 150 line, VMS should not be required on pole or troll vessels fishing for albacore east of the 150 line. There is no no bycatch in the pole and troll fisheries, and there are no closed areas where albacore boasts fish that would require vessel monitoring. Such a requirement would serve no purpose and would create an entirely unnecessary financial and administrative burden for fishermen.

Forage FishWhile AAFA understands the need and protection of forage fish, we believe that management decisions regarding the harvesting of forage fish must be done using good reliable science and data. As harvesters of bait fish we will participate in the discussion regarding forage fish at the management level as it moves forward. Pole and Line harvesters should be exempt from any restrictions regarding harvesting of forage fish.

EffortFor consistent management to take place, 'effort' needs to have a universally accepted, well delineated definition. Currently, days on the water is being used as a means for establishing effort. However, if a definition of effort is adopted, it has to be an across the board way of identification for all Pacific albacore fishing countries. Effort must be chosen from a range of years that shows an accurate average. American boats should not be limiting or reducing effort when other countries are building boats and increasing effort.

Eurofins Lab Testing

2014 Radioactivity Analysis Summary:33 Samples Submitted13 Vessels from July – October 2014No change since tests started in 2011

2014 Histamine Analysis Summary15 Samples submitted13 Vessels Histamine <3.00

2014 Mercury Analysis Summary 16 Sample submitted13 VesselsAverage Mercury .247 PPM

Chinese Affect Versus U.S. Market.

Pole & Line Fisheries: Support and Promote around the world.

Representation on management issuesAAFA will continue to have representation at all international and domestic meetings regarding albacore management. We feel that we must remain proactive in our approach to albacore management. AAFA believes that albacore should be managed in a sustainable way that will protect the resource and provide continuing opportunities for fisherman now and in the future.

SuggestionsAAFA welcomes any suggestions regarding these and any other management issues regarding albacore. If you have any suggestions, please forward them to the AAFA office via e-mail or phone. All suggestions will be forwarded to the AAFA management team.

IFQsIndividual Fishing Quotas (IFQ's) should never be used as a management tool for troll and pole caught albacore.

Open AccessAlbacore is one of the last remaining open access fisheries in the US, and it should remain this way at this time. Historically, our US fleet is decreasing while other countries continue to build new boats to target albacore. Until there is consensus and cooperation among all Pacific albacore fishing countries, the US should keep albacore an open access fishery and should not have any special limitations.