A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF HOMER, ALASKA SUPPORTING A PUBLIC PROCESS TO IDENTIFY AND PROTECT FISH HABITAT FROM SPECIFIC HARMFUL FISHING PRACTICES.

WHEREAS, Federal law requires fishery management plans to identify essential fish habitat, and minimize, to the extent practical, adverse effects on such habitat caused by fishing; and

WHEREAS, the National Marine Fisheries Service provided further guidance in the federal rules, directing managers to focus their attention and action on special habitat areas of particular concern that are vulnerable to fishing impacts; and

WHEREAS, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council has proposed a community-based, public process to identify management strategies for protecting important fish habitat areas of particular concern from damaging fishing practices; and

WHEREAS, adverse effects of marine habitat threatens the diversity and integrity of the marine ecosystem and fisheries resources; and

WHEREAS, the social and economic health of the City of Homer, Alaska and the surrounding region depends upon a healthy and diverse marine ecosystem; and

WHEREAS, coastal residents and fishermen (groups membership) have a great deal of knowledge and experience to add to the scientific information about fish habitat and the impact of specific fishing practices; and

WHEREAS, the City of Homer, Alaska supports the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council's plans to involve local people, fishing groups, and communities, in a public process to locate and protect

fish habitat from specific harmful fishing practices.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of Homer, Alaska requests the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council to work quickly to notify and include us in work to sustain our fisheries by protecting sensitive fish habit; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be sent to Senator Ted Stevens, Senator Frank Murkowski, Representative Don Young, Governor Tony Knowles and Chairman of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council Richard Lauber.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Homer City Council this 23rd day of May, 2000.

CITY OF HOMER

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ATTEST: JACK CUSHING, MAYOR

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MARY L. CALHOUN, CMC, CITY CLERK

Fiscal Note: NA