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NMFS Closes Gulf of Alaska Trawl Season Early Due to Alarming Chinook Bycatch
bycatch Mary Catharine Martin bycatch Mary Catharine Martin

NMFS Closes Gulf of Alaska Trawl Season Early Due to Alarming Chinook Bycatch

ANCHORAGE, AK— The National Marine Fisheries Service was forced to close most of the Gulf of Alaska to pollock trawling last week after two “midwater” trawlers accidentally netted 2,000 Chinook salmon in one day bringing the estimated season total of Chinook bycatch to near or over their allowable number. While pelagic or midwater gear is supposed to be off the seafloor, recent studies found that trawl nets contact the bottom on average 40% to 80% of the time, with rates up to 100% on factory ships, also called catcher/processors.  Last week's closure halts fishing for 20 boats ahead of their scheduled Nov. 1 closure.  The North Pacific Council will meet this week in Anchorage to discuss whether or not to clarify if midwater nets should be allowed to drag the bottom. 

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