NMFS announces a virtual meeting to present the results of research studies conducted on seabird cable strikes in the West Coast at-sea Pacific whiting fishery. Seabirds congregate around trawlers to feed on offal, putting them at risk of colliding with cables (trawl warps and data cables) that run aft of at-sea factory trawlers (referred to as catcher/processors). Research projects observing seabird cable strikes and other interactions, as well as testing of mitigation measures, have been conducted in the West Coast at-sea whiting fishery. NMFS will present results from these studies to inform a discussion of their application to management.
The virtual meeting will be held on December 10, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Pacific Standard Time (or until business is concluded).
To join the meeting
Meeting link: https://noaanmfs-meets.webex.com/noaanmfs-meets/j.php?MTID=mf8ed941a61d2a2db85cc683239c30845
Meeting number: 2761 947 4792
Password: 503 877 9876
Agenda topics
- At-Sea Hake Observer Program cable strike research presentation
- Oregon Sea Grant/Northwest Fisheries Science Center cable strike research presentation
- Discussion of seabird cable strike mitigation measure testing and best practices
- Public comment
Sign up to receive West Coast Groundfish public notices at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USNOAAFISHERIES/subscriber/new. After entering your contact information, check the boxes for the “Groundfish” and/or “Pacific Whiting” topics under “West Coast Updates”.
