Contact:
Doug Vincent-Lang
Special Project Coordinator
Phone: 907-267-2339

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game Division of Sport Fish has instituted revised reporting requirements in the saltwater charter and freshwater guide logbook programs. In 2006, both saltwater and freshwater logbook data will need to be submitted to the department weekly. In addition, guides will be required to record the license number, client residency, as well as catch and harvest information for all clients. Weekly report submission will enable the department to edit and enter data in a more timely fashion, while individual angler information will allow for verification of logbook information. These changes are intended to improve the quality and accuracy of the logbook information being collected. Another change for 2006 is that halibut reporting in the saltwater logbook will be re-instituted. While halibut are a federally managed species, the department is currently exploring options to gain greater oversight and management of the halibut charter industry, an important fishery for Alaskan coastal communities. To that end, the department has committed to collect more accurate effort and harvest data from the halibut charter fleet. On December 9, 2005 the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) set a control date to notice the halibut charter industry operating in southeast and southcentral Alaska that a moratorium and/or limited entry program may be implemented for these fisheries. Businesses or guides not participating in those halibut fisheries by December 9, 2005 may not be eligible for future access and/or quota shares should a limited entry, a moratorium, or an individual quota share program be imposed. For additional information, please call the NPFMC directly at 907-271-2809. The department anticipates that, in the future, accurate information from logbooks may be relied upon to serve a similar purpose for some of the more popular and heavily fished locations that are managed by the state. One critical step in any such decision would be accurate documentation of participation by the guided fishing industry in a fishery that might be considered for a moratorium, limited entry, or super-exclusive status. For further information, please feel free to call any ADF&G office or Doug Vincent-Lang at (907) 267-2339.