Peltola introduces pair of fish bills to restrict bottom trawling, reduce bycatch

Representative Mary Peltola on May 22, 2024, introduced a pair of bills to restrict bottom trawling and reduce bycatch – the bipartisan ‘Bycatch Reduction and Mitigation Act,’ and the ‘Bottom Trawl Clarity Act.’

“Since coming to Congress, I’ve worked to make fish and fishing policy the issue of national importance it deserves to be,” said Rep. Peltola. “I know fish, I know Alaska, and I know how to work with people in both parties to get stuff done.”

The Bycatch Reduction and Mitigation Act supports Alaskan fishermen working to reduce bycatch by authorizing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Bycatch Reduction and Engineering Program (BREP) at $10 million for five years.

It also establishes the Bycatch Mitigation Assistance Fund, to be administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and used to help fishermen and vessel owners purchase new gear or technology to reduce bycatch – such as camera systems, lights, and salmon excluders.

The bipartisan bill is cosponsored by Rep. Garrett Graves of Louisiana and Representative Jared Huffman from California.

The Bottom Trawl Clarity Act limits bottom trawling in vulnerable ocean by mandating each Fisheries Management Council that permits the use of any bottom trawl gear to define the terms “substantial” versus “limited” bottom contact; requiring the designation of Bottom Trawl Zones, limiting the areas where gear that scrapes the seafloor is allowed.

“I work day in and day out to elevate this issue in DC and bring folks onside – whether it’s introducing them to their first taste of real smoked salmon or explaining that I have a “fish guy” on my staff!” continued Representative Peltola. “Because of our work at the federal level, many in the fishing industry have already self-selected to use better practices, and we’ve already reduced bycatch by 50%. With these bills, we’re taking the next step.”

According to recent reports, under increased pressure of procedures, led at the federal level by Representative Peltola, the Pollock industry’s chum catch fell from 315,000 chums a year over the past decade to just 112,000 in 2023.

Both bills have received support from the Kuskokwim River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Bering Sea Fishermen’s Association, Native Peoples Action, SalmonState, Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, The Boat Company, Bear Trail Lodge, B&J Sporting Goods and DeepStrike Sportfishing. In a joint press release, the organizations all applaud her leadership and action and look forward to working with Congress to pass these bills into law. “Immediate action is imperative in order to turn the tide on dwindling numbers of Alaska’s most valuable and iconic fish species.”

“These Bills Representative Peltola has introduced let Alaskans know that she is listening and responding to our concerns and will work with fishermen and the North Pacific Council to rebuild stocks, protect habitat, and safeguard our fishing communities. Alaska fishermen are fortunate to have Representative Peltola in our corner, working hard for the long-term,” said Linda Behnken, Executive Director, Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association.

“As Alaska’s largest dedicated fishing tackle and bait shop, we’ve become an unofficial conversation hub on the subject of trawl and the state of our fisheries across Alaska. We regularly hear firsthand accounts of frustration, astonishment, and expressions of dismay over our deeply alarming and rapidly declining crab and salmon populations. The overwhelming consensus being, ‘Something must be done about trawlers,’ said Troy Arnold, Owner of B&J Sporting Goods. “We’re pleased to see that Alaskan voices on this critical state issue are being heard and responded to. We appreciate the work Representative Mary Peltola is doing to address our collective concerns by putting these bills forward. We look forward to continued momentum on this important subject and welcome positive, solutions minded and action-oriented change.”