NOAA Seeking Comment for Proposed Regulation of Cook Inlet Commercial Fishing
October 20, 2023 | 1 min to read
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries is seeking public comment on a proposed rule for federal management of salmon fishing in the Cook Inlet Exclusive Economic Zone, previously regulated by the state. This amendment, known as Amendment 16, introduces new requirements for commercial drift gillnet vessels, allowing fishing on specified days from June 19 until the catch limit is met or by August 15, while enforcing a federal permit, logbook maintenance, and onboard monitoring systems.
Public comment is being sought by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries on a proposed rule that would implement federal management on commercial and recreational salmon fishing in the Cook Inlet Exclusive Economic Zone. That area has previously been subject to state regulation with the rest of Cook Inlet.
According to information published by NOAA Fisheries on Wednesday, their proposed amendment — Amendment 16 — would implement new requirements for commercial drift gillnet vessels in the zone, which runs south from Kalgin Island to around Anchor Point. Fishing would be permitted Mondays and Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. “beginning on or after June 19” until total allowable catch is taken or Aug. 15.
The publication says that commercial fishing vessels would need a federal permit, would maintain a fishing logbook, and would have a monitoring system installed onboard.
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