Location: Anchorage and virtual

The NPFMC and NOAA Fisheries are looking at new rules to reduce chum salmon bycatch in the Bering Sea pollock fishery. They are reviewing five options. One keeps the current rules, and the other four would change how chum salmon bycatch is managed. These options can be combined. The Council will choose its final preferred alternative for chum salmon bycatch management at the February 2026 meeting. NOAA released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) on September 12, 2025. The Council will review this DEIS and choose a preferred option at its February 2026 meeting. Link to DEIS

There are two main chances for the public to comment before the final decision:

1. Send written comments to NOAA Fisheries (DEIS)
Deadline: January 5, 2026
Link

2. Send comments to the NPFMC (DEIS or Final Action input)
Deadline: January 30, 2026

You can attend the February 2026 meeting in Anchorage or online to give oral testimony.