This resolution comes in response to the Alaska Food Coalition's on-going efforts to help those less fortunate with much needed food assistance.

Currently, fishermen operating trawl vessels are prohibited from retaining accidentally caught halibut, and are required by federal regulation to discard halibut by-catch at sea, even dead halibut.

Kodiak processors have indicated an interest in handling and processing otherwise unused halibut by-catch for charitable purposes. The Alaska Food Coalition has established a plan, has acquired funds, and is ready to distribute the halibut by-catch to assist Alaskans in need.

This resolution will be sent to the North Pacific Fishery Council and the National Marine Fisheries Service to support the issuance of a Prohibited Species Donation Permit using halibut by-catch from vessels with observers.

Last Updated: 04-02-03

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