e. Council Action: Provide Guidance on Bycatch Estimation Issues

Abstract

on the status of bycatch estimates for Pacific halibut in the Council-area groundfish trawl fishery. The halibut bycatch estimates for the 2002 groundfish trawl fishery in International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) Area 2A waters include information from the groundfish observer program and effects of the groundfish area closures in 2002. A report was provided to the Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) for review with the intent of providing estimates to the IPHC to use in establishing the 2004 halibut fisheries (Attachment 1). Council Action: 1. Utilizing input from the SSC, provide any needed Council guidance to the completion o