Steller sea lions issues prompt more litigation
Two conservation organizations represented by Earthjustice have filed motions in U.S. District Court in support of a federal fisheries decision which impacts Atka mackerel and Pacific cod fisheries in the western Aleutian Islands.
Oceana and Greenpeace, represented by Earthjustice, filed motions Feb. 2 with the federal court in Anchorage, joining the federal government in defending regulations against legal attacks from the Seattle-based fishing industry and Alaska state government, which have gone to court in hope of overturning the restrictions on groundfish fisheries.
The commercial fleet noted in testimony during federal hearings on the issue that such restrictions would cost them millions of dollars, and that they did not feel available science showed that such restrictions would benefit the Steller sea lions.
"The state and the Seattle-based head-and-gut fleet are using out-of-state lawyers to fight the law and the science rather than working toward a solution reached by Alaskans that furthers sustainable fisheries and supports vibrant communities," said Susan Murray, Oceana Pacific director.
Officials for the states of Alaska and Washington said in a joint announcement Feb. 1 that they plan to review the National Marine Fishery Service biological opinion which severely restricts harvests of Atka mackerel and Pacific cod in certain areas. Both species are significant to the diet of the western distinct population segment of Steller sea lions, who were first listed as threatened under the endangered Species Act 20 years ago.
"We are concerned about the decline of Steller sea lions in western Alaska, said Jon Warrenchuk, a biologist with Oceana in Juneau, who cited a decline of Steller numbers by more than 80 percent in less than 50 years.
"I support independent scientific review," he said. "NMFS has a process already to review controversial issues. I don't know what multiple reviews will get us except more discussion and debate."
Seventeen years ago, critical habitat was designated, and 11 years ago management measures were put in place to reduce the catches of groundfish in Steller sea lion critical habitat. Unfortunately, according to Oceana, the population's decline has not been stopped in all places, and the population is not recovering overall, the conservation groups said in a single statement.Read More ...
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