FY2008-09 18 Month Review Crab RationalizationKODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH
RESOLUTION NO. FY2008 -09
Introduced by: Assembly
Requested by: Assembly
Drafted by: Assembly Member Jeffrey
Mayor Selby
Introduced: 09/27/2007
Amended: 09/27/2007
Adopted: 09/27/2007
A RESOLUTION OF THE KODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH ASSEMBLY
REQUESTING THE NORTH PACIFIC FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL
TO EXTEND THE EIGHTEEN MONTH REVIEW FOR THE
BERING SEA CRAB RATIONALIZATION PROGRAM
WHEREAS, Kodiak has consistently ranked among the top three fishing ports in the nation for
decades; and
WHEREAS, the harvesting and processing sectors of the Kodiak fishing community are
engaged in and dependent upon Bering Sea /Aleutian Islands (BSAI) crab fisheries; and
WHEREAS, Kodiak's economic and social health is dependent upon the community's sustained
participation in the BSAI crab fisheries; and
WHEREAS, the Kodiak Island Borough has made substantial investments in support of and in
reliance upon Alaska's fisheries, such as water system improvement and expansion and port
and harbor improvements and expansion; and
WHEREAS, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council adopted the BSAI Crab
Rationalization Program and allocated exclusive harvesting and processing privileges; and
WHEREAS, the BSAI crab fisheries have been managed under the BSAI Crab Rationalization
Program for two crab fishing seasons, and has promoted consolidation in the fishing fleet and
the processor sector, which resulted in skippers, crew members and processing workers bearing
costs of consolidation without fully sharing in the related benefits; and
WHEREAS, the BSAI Crab Rationalization Program changed the distribution of fishing revenues
among participants with resulting disruptive effects on the economy of Kodiak and other
communities; and
WHEREAS, the BSAI Crab Rationalization Program has resulted in disruptions in the processing
sector such as the sinking of the Stellar Sea that left harvesters linked to the Stellar Sea without
a market;
WHEREAS, other issues have surfaced that have not been addressed with proposed changes
such as custom - processing, crew shares, mergers, and processor participation; and
WHEREAS, the City of Kodiak and the Kodiak Island Rnrough joined together to appoint a
Kodiak Fisheries Advisories Committee to provide a forum for the full, and frank exchange of
information and opinions concerning changes in the management of the fisheries affecting
Kodiak; and
WHEREAS, this committee has not had adequate information on any proposed changes to the
BSAI Crab Rationalization Program to have public discussions and develop solid input to the
decision - making process;
Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska Resolution No. FY2008 -09
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KODIAK ISLAND
BOROUGH THAT the NPFMC continue the analysis of the issues surrounding the 90/10
processor share provision and extend the 18 -month review period for the Bering Sea Crab
Rationalization Program.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KODIAK
ISLAND BOROUGH THAT NPFMC is requested to initiate staff analysis on custom processing,
crew shares, mergers, and processor participation beginning immediately for future council
action.
ATTEST:
ADOPTED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH
THIS TWENTYSEVENTH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2007
Nova M. Javier, CMC, B
rough Clerk
KODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH
Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska Resolution No. FY2008 -09
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