October's Dirty Dozen +2 Trawlers

Halibut continue to suffer under trawling. Stocks are unlikely to recover until unrestrained halibut bycatch is eliminated.

https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/fisheries-catch-landings

Halibut bycatch is measured in kilograms per metric ton of targeted species. Notice that two of these dirty trawlers are "midwater," so NMFS labels are not accurate but misleading descriptions.

80% of halibut bycatch is returned to the sea dead.

Keep yer flippers wet.

NOAA Office of Law Enforcement Pre-warns Trawler Violators CYA

We have always suspected a certain collusion between processors/trawlers and the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement.  We know if we step over the line there is no hesitation in issuing us a Notice of Violation and Assessment (NOVA). Well here is a memo warning trawlers and processors to cover your ass (CYA) about misreporting your catches.  Since when does law enforcement warn violators before taking appropriate action?  Does it depend on who you are?

Hide your violations?  No wonder they don't want EM on the trawlers.  Something like 75% of current GOA trawling is NOT observed.  So if no one sees your violation...but OLE did...so issue a NOVA!  Maddening.

Keep yer flippers wet.