Agenda for Gillnet Task Force

The Gillnet Task Force Agenda is set for December 1st at 9:30 am in Wrangell at the Wrangell Fire Hall. All Gillnetters are invited to attend. The meeting changes location from year to year to accommodate fishermen in various southeast locations. The gillnet task force is the annual meeting/update where the department of Fish & Game collaborate with the gillnet fishermen on each gillnet district to improve, enhance, sustain and/or monitor our gillnet fisheries.

Introduction of meeting participants, distribute meeting materials, and review agenda – Bill Davidson and Chris Knight.  We will try to distribute meeting materials to the USAG and SEAFA directors prior to the meetings to encourage discussion

B. Review of 2010 season and 2011 season outlook

• Justin Breese – Tree Point
• Troy Thynes – Prince of Wales and Stikine
• Dave Harris – Taku/Snettisham
• Randy Bachman – Lynn Canal
• Andy Piston – 2010 escapement review, update on chum salmon straying,   McDonald lake sockeye update
• Review of enhanced and wild allocations (handout)

C. Hatchery Operators Summaries and Forecast

• DIPAC – Eric Prestegard
• NSRAA – Steve Reifenstuhl
• SSRAA – John Burke/Susan Doherty

D. Discussion Issues

• Update of the status and plans of the NOAA Marine Mammal Observer Program in Districts 6 & 8 – Bridget Mansfield, NOAA
• Update on McDonald lake sockeye returns. Review implementation of Action Plan. What restrictions have been imposed on other fleets to escape McDonald Lake Sockeye? Where and when?
• Stock of Concern Issues? Are there other stocks that could become stocks of concern?
• Snettisham Plan-Escapement goals and back-planting as suggested by the management plan.
• Chilkoot Lake sockeye management-can we improve opportunities for commercial harvest?
• Department’s goal and perspective on enhanced fish straying? Are there plans for a scientific study? What information do we have now, what is needed or missing? What are the costs? What are the implications for future production of enhanced fish? What are the existing statutes and regulations for harvest of salmon, maximizing value and protecting wild stocks?
• General concern about the extent to which District 6 management has changed focus from mixed stock to stock specific/terminal area. Stikine sockeye, McDonald Lake sockeye, pink salmon management. Is stock specific expected into the future or can it move back to focus on mixed stocks?
• Pink salmon management-Are there additional opportunities for gillnet harvests? Section 11-C or other areas? Could Section 11-C open earlier in the season and stay open longer?
• Marx Creek Spawning Channel-Update and effectiveness.
• Coho salmon management for districts 6 and 8

F. Future Task Force Meetings

• Set next meeting time and place

G. Adjourn (on or before 3:15 p.m.)

Meeting Information: Breakwater Charters out of Wrangell has been arranged to take up to 18 people attending the Purse Seine Task Force meeting November 30 from Petersburg to Wrangell on the morning of December 1. Charter Cost totals around $200. If necessary two trips or two boats may be needed.

AK Airlines Flt 64 departs Wrangell at 4:40 pm to Kechikan. AK Airlines Flt 69 departs Ketchikan for Juneau at 8:37 pm. So the meeting should end by 3:15 pm for travelers.