IB 02-31: The Washington Sea Grant Program Presents Workshops on Seabird Bycatch Avoidance in Sitka, Alaska on May 6, 2002 and Cordova, Alaska on May 7, 2002

The Washington Sea Grant Program (WSGP) is presenting a series of workshops on Seabird 'Bycatch' Avoidance for commercial longliners in several Alaska ports, according to James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).

A question and answer session will follow the one hour presentation on the status of Short-tailed Albatross and other seabirds, research findings on seabird incidental catch deterrents, use of streamer line deterrents, and recommended seabird avoidance regulations and their enforcement. Speakers include Greg Balogh, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Ed Melvin, WSGP, and Kim Rivera and Mark Kirkland, NMFS.

To date, workshops are scheduled for Sitka and Cordova. The Sitka workshop will be facilitated by Dan Falvey, Alaska Longline Fishermen's Association, and held on May 6 at the Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (NSRAA) Meeting Room, 1308 Sawmill Creek Road at 7 PM. The Cordova workshop will be facilitated by Dan Hull, Cordova District Fishermen United, and held on May 7 at the Labor Hall on Main Street at 7 PM.

There is no cost to attend the workshops. Free streamer lines will be available.

For further information contact Ed Melvin, WSGP, (206)543-9968 or Kim Rivera, (907)-586-7424.