InSeason Management Teleconference Summaries - 2008 Salmon Bycatch Update Newsletter - Fall 2008

Policy Advocacy Projects

• Salmon Bycatch
  Salmon bycatch in the Bering Sea-Aleutian Islands (BSAI) pollock fishery is at record high levels, with over 120,000 Chinook salmon caught as bycatch in 2007. The goal of this project is to reduce salmon bycatch through work at the North Pacific Fishery Management Council and other venues, working with other salmon, tribal, and marine conservation groups in Alaska and internationally.
  
• Grassroots Representation
  YRDFA represents Yukon River fishers at the numerous state, federal, and international boards, councils, and agencies that make decisions impacting the Yukon River, the salmon, and communities, as well as at conferences and in alliances concerning salmon.
  
• Co-management Research
  One of the goals of YRDFA is to take a stronger role in co-management of the Yukon River salmon fishery. YRDFA will explore already-established examples of co-management relationships and the potential for an increased co-management role for Yukon River fishermen and women.
• Hatchery Production
  Alaska ’s private nonprofit hatcheries produce huge returns of pink and chum salmon to Southeast Alaska and Prince William Sound each year. Hatchery production has potentially contributed to the elimination of the roe market for middle and upper Yukon River fishers and may have profound biological implications. Through this project YRDFA will develop a strategy to address the economic and biological impacts of Alaska’s hatchery system.