Resolution 11-089 Requesting that NOAA Include the Results of Socio–Economic Study in the Formulation of the Proposed Halibut Catch Sharing Plan

CITY OF HOMER
HOMER, ALASKA

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RESOLUTION 11-089

A RESOLUTION OF THE HOMER CITY COUNCIL REQUESTING THE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION INCLUDE THE RESULTS OF ITS SOCIO–ECONOMIC STUDY IN THE FORMULATION OF THE PROPOSED HALIBUT CATCH SHARING PLAN.

WHEREAS, The City of Homer is the “Halibut Capital of the World” and is supported by an economically healthy subsistence, commercial and recreational halibut fishery under the current federal Guideline Harvest Level rule for the guided recreational angler halibut allocation; and

WHEREAS, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has published for public review and comment, a proposed halibut Catch Sharing Plan (CSP) that changes the allocation of the halibut resource between the commercial and guided recreational sector; and

WHEREAS, The City of Homer thanks NOAA for extending the public comment period by fifteen days to September 21, 2011 so the public can be better informed about the proposed halibut Catch Sharing Plan (CSP), its potential significant socio-economic implications, and provide comment thereon; and

WHEREAS, The Homer Chamber of Commerce voted to officially request from NOAA and the National Marine Fisheries Service three items:
1) Extend the comment period for the CSP by sixty days;
2) Prepare an economic impact analysis using current data;
3) Set the CSP allocation to closely approximate the Guideline Harvest Level’s (GHL) allocation; and

WHEREAS, A reallocation of the halibut resource may have substantial negative tax consequences to the City of Homer and the residents it serves; and

WHEREAS, The City of Homer wishes to maintain its stable tax base supported by both commercial and guided recreational fishing to provide public services to the community.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Homer City Council directs the City Manager to submit a letter to the United States Secretary of Commerce and the United States Secretary of State emphasizing the need to incorporate the findings of the current comprehensive social-economic study being conducted by NOAA before action is taken on the CSP, and to adjust the CSP allocation in accordance with the indicative results of the economic study.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Homer City Council directs the City Manager to provide copies of this letter to the President of the United States, the Director of NOAA, Assistant Administrator of the National Marine Fisheries Service, Governor Sean Parnell, Senator Lisa Murkowski, Senator Mark Begich, Representative Don Young, Legislators of the State of Alaska, and the Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Homer City Council this 12th day of September, 2011.

CITY OF HOMER

______________________________
JAMES C. HORNADAY, MAYOR
ATTEST:

______________________________
JO JOHNSON, CMC, CITY CLERK

Fiscal Note: N/A