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Ocean Issues: A Beltway Perspective on the Application of Parkinson’s Law

Ocean Issues: A Beltway Perspective on the Application of Parkinson’s Law. Rick E. Marks Robertson, Monagle & Eastaugh PSMFC 2012. PSMFC Annual Meeting 2012. National Ocean Policy -- where are we? Magnuson-Stevens Act -- is it that time again? Catch Share Programs -- still running hot!

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Ocean Issues: A Beltway Perspective on the Application of Parkinson’s Law

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  1. Ocean Issues: A Beltway Perspective on the Application of Parkinson’s Law Rick E. Marks Robertson, Monagle & Eastaugh PSMFC 2012

  2. PSMFC Annual Meeting 2012 • National Ocean Policy -- where are we? • Magnuson-Stevens Act -- is it that time again? • Catch Share Programs -- still running hot! • Protected Species -- key updates! • NPDES/Ballast – the permits are coming! Or are they? • New offering! A sampler of regional Tribal issues • Other Marine Issues…A National “Grab Bag” !

  3. National Ocean Policy: Where Are We Today? • NOP DRAFT Implementation Plan released for public comment (2/12); FINAL Plan expected any day! • Navy’s Ocean Research AP public mtg 8/15/12 • 9 Priority Objectives: focus on CMSP & EBM…& CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION/OCEAN ACIDIFICATION • House: 2 Oversight + 1 Field hearing (2012) • AK testifies at House Field hearing (4/12) • Split constituencies, broad national opposition, Senate letter of concern; appropriation limitations, perception of uncertainty persists

  4. 9 National Ocean Policy Priority Objectives [See 76 FR 4139 on 1/24/2011] Regional Ecosystem Protection & Restoration Strategy Promote Water Quality & Sustainable Practices on Land Address Changing Conditions in the Arctic Ocean, Coastal & GL’s Mapping & Infrastructure • Implement CMSP • Adopt Ecosystem-Based Management • Inform Decisions and Improve Understanding • Coordinate & Support Integrated Management • Resiliency & Adaptation of Climate Change & Ocean Acidification

  5. Where are we headed? • GCC filling 8 Regional Planning Bodies (RPBs) with agency reps: Summer/Fall 2012 • RFMCs invited to serve (1 seat: State rep) • Gov’s invited to serve (2 seats: State employees/elected officials) • RPBs to draft Regional Plans w/in 1 yr; finalize 2-3 yrs; implementation 4-5 yrs • NOC approves Plans consistent with National Policy • States may elect to “opt out” of their Plan

  6. Need More Information on the NOP/NOC/GCC/RPB Process? • Alaska Region: Mark Robbins (Associate Director, Office of the Governor; mark.robbins@alaska.gov) • West Coast Region: Brian Baird (Assist. Secretary for Ocean & Coastal Policy, CA Natural Resources Agency) Jacque Hostler (CEO, Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria, CA) Micah McCarty (Makah Tribe Chairman, Neah Bay, WA; GCC Vice Chairman; klaowus@hotmail.com) Kevin Ranker (WA State Senator; kevin.ranker@leg.wa.gov)

  7. Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA) Since Reauthorization • MSA Implementation complete; proliferation of LAPPs continues • 2nd reform “MARCH ON WASHINGTON” by 1,500 commercial/charter/sport fishermen (3/12) • NOAA revising NSG1 (due 9/15; 77 FR 26238) • NOAA revising data confidentiality protocols (due 10/21; 77 FR 30486) • NAS NRC ongoing study: “Effectiveness of Stock Rebuilding Plans”

  8. MSA Activities: House • OLE hearing (3/10); Catch Share Oversight (3/10) • Hearings: NOAA Budget (3/11) & NOAA Science (7/11) • MSA legislative hearing on 7 bills (12/11) • 2nd Member letter urging reform (7/12) • “Transparent & Science-Based Fishery Management Act of 2012” (H.R. 6350) sets reauthorization marker for 113th Congress (Rep. Runyan, R-NJ, 8/12) • Nat Res Full Com. Field Hearing “Fishing = Jobs: How Strengthening America’s Fisheries Strengthens Our Economy”; 8/25, Panama City, FL

  9. MSA Activities: Senate • Senate Commerce Committee: No hearings, one expected late 2012 (Sens. Schumer/Kerry; 6/12) • Senate Commerce Committee to mark-up S.1916 (FL Sens. Rubio/Nelson) “Science Improvement Act of 2012” (9/12) • 1st Session Legislation: “RI Fishermen’s Fairness Act” (Reed; D-RI); “Asset Forfeiture Fund Responsibility Act” & “Fishing Impact Statement Honesty Act” (Sen. Brown; R-MA); “Flexibility in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act” (Sen. Schumer; D-NY) ; “Fisheries Fee Fairness Act” (Sen. Kerry; D-MA)

  10. Protected Species Issues #1 • MMC meetings to prioritize research/management needs (in AK/WA/CA, fall 2012; www.mmc.gov) • NOAA/USFWS propose ESA policy to define “significant portion of its range” (12/11; 76 FR 76987) • CA sea lion removal bill (HR 3069) moves in House Public Lands bill; Seattle field hearing (10/12); NOAA issues permits to remove CA sea lions (3/12) • Orcas/Salmon: NOAA/DFO evaluating effects of fishing on SRKW; Draft Science Panel Report 5/12; Workshops 9/11, 3/12, 9/12 – Seattle; results will inform Final Recovery Plan • AK Sea Otters: SW stable (orca problems), SC+, SE+2X in 10yrs ~ fishery conflicts; H.R.2714/S.1453 (Young & Murkowski) to amend MMPA to liberalize use of subsistence pelts; House hearing 10/11

  11. Protected Species Issues #2 • Proposed Rule to delist SSL Eastern DPS (4/12; 77 FR 23209; Final Rule TBD?) • SSL Western DPS: Court finds NOAA violated NEPA but BSAI fishing restrictions remain (1/12); OSU/ASLC cite orca predation (1/12); CIE 2010 BiOp Review mtg (8/12) • CA Sea Otters: stable #s (3yr avg.=2711); USFWS to terminate translocation program (PR 76 FR 53381); Final Rule 11/12 • H.R. 4043 (Rep. Gallegly, R-CA); exemption areas for military & state fishery interactions; House hearing 4/12; passed House Defense Authorization; Senate action TBD? • CA-based property rights/agricultural coalition files ESA petition to delist PNW orcas (8/12)

  12. Protected Species Issues #3 • ENGOs sue NOAA over Navy West Coast sonar (2/12) • PETA killer whale 13th Amendment lawsuit dismissed • NOAA Draft 2012 SARs for AK/Pacific species (due 11/5) • NOAA to prepare recovery plan for NP Right Whale (4/12) • Loggerhead ST 9 DPS ESA listing (9/11; 76 FR 58868) • Critical Habitat designated for leatherback ST covering 108,558 nm CA/OR/WA (1/12) • NOAA revises policy on marine mammal injuries (1/12) • USACE NOI for DEIS on Columbia River cormorant removal (7/12; 77 FR 42487) • Snowy Plover CH (WA/OR/CA; 6/12; 77 FR 36728) • 2012: Record gray whales calves (330)

  13. National Catch Share Policy • NOAA finalizes Policy (11/10); conducts catch share workshop (1/11) • Primary purpose “is to encourage well-designed catch share programs to help maintain or rebuild fisheries, and sustain fishermen, communities and vibrant working waterfronts, including the cultural and resource access traditions that have been a part of this country since its founding.” • EDF maintains well-funded pro-catch share campaign; recruits fishing groups to proliferate LAPPs around the country; strengthening industry opposition

  14. National Catch Share Controversy Continues… • IFQ programs since 2006 MSA – West Coast Groundfish; GOMEX Snapper-Grouper; Mid-Atlantic Tilefish; Northeast Cod “Sector” Management -- Litigation targets; NE appeals; CA District Court on whiting control date may lead to re-allocation, current ban on sale/transfer extended • Numerous LAPPs under development absent referendum or request by industry, via EFP, in healthy fisheries, creating a “race” for catch history • NOAA contracts with IATTC for “Evaluation of a Total Allowable Catch System for the Purse-Seine and Longline Tuna Fisheries in the Eastern Tropical Pacific”…contemplating the first “international” LAPP • Results: Split constituencies & regions, widespread fear & frustration; Congressional response

  15. Catch Share Updates • NOAA Congressional briefing to promote 1st year success of West Coast Groundfish IFQ (7/12) • GOMEX 5-yr Review of Red Snapper IFQ -- 68% of small/med shareholders oppose program (4/12) • NOAA rescinds AK charter halibut IFQ proposal facing overwhelming opposition • ENGO group awarded $2.7M to evaluate LAPPs (2012) • NOAA preparing report: “Economic Performance of Catch Share Fisheries” (Release date TBD?) • GOMEX “Sector Separation” now forcing charter/sport fishermen to actively engage & oppose

  16. Congressional Actions Related to Catch Share Fisheries • FY11 “Jones Amendment” passes; no new LAPPs in East & GOMEX • FY12 effort not successful; battle now raging over FY13 • House passes FY13 CJS with “Jones” fix (excl. AK & West Coast); Senate FY13 CJS TBD? • MSA reform bill (H.R. 6350) contains LAPP definition & referendum requirement (excl. AK & West Coast) • Rep. Thompson (D-CA-1) bill imminent to modify terms of 2003 $35.7M trawl byback loan

  17. NPDES & Ballast Water…1 of 2 • Congress exempted 13M pleasure boats/yachts in 2008 • Current NPDES permit moratorium expires 12/13 • EPA proposes “sVGP” & “VGP” (12/11) • State 401 Cert deadline extended to 10/1/12 • Final permits 12/12; effective 12/13; 5-yr permits, no changes until 2018 • House passes permanent NPDES fix (11/11) • Senate Commerce to consider S.3332 “Vessel Incidental Discharge Act” (Begich; D-AK; 9/12); no WA/OR/CA support • Likely scenario: House version & S.3332 differences negotiated • Final Congressional action in 2012 or 2013, or not at all…

  18. NPDES & Ballast Water…2 of 2Some Elements of S. 3332 -- • USCG (w/EPA consult) sets uniform standards for both ballast & incidental discharges (ballast: initial, revised 2020, 10-yr review, plus future revisions; incidental: “BMPs”; future revisions) • Certify ballast treatment technology; grandfathers existing vessel systems, if maintained • Incidental & localized ballast exemptions (incl. NPDES incidental exemption for any commercial fishing, fish processing & tender & charter fishing vessel; and for commercial-use vessels < 79ft) • Preserves state rights on incidental & ballast discharges thru petition process with technology standard & proof of detection (House includes this only for ballast water) • Alternative ballast compliance for boats with < 8 cu m capacity

  19. Some Regional Tribal Issues • NW Treaty Tribes convene 1st climate change conference (7/12) • New DEIS process for Makah gray whale hunt (5/12) • So. Cal. Ocotillo Wind Energy project opposition • DOC Tribal Consultation Policy (due 10/1; 77 FR 39464) • IWC approves joint Makah-Russian gray whale quota (6/12) • Elwha Dam Removals (9/11) • Billy Frank Jr. book “Where the Salmon Run”

  20. NOAA finalizes policy on scientific integrity (12/11) NOAA ocean acidification research program (due 9/10;77 FR 40860) ANS TF 5-yr Strategic Plan, comments due 9/20; See http://anstaskforce.gov; Next mtg: 11/14 3 House Nat Res. Com. hearings on impacts of ESA litigation NOAA study of allocation policy nearing completion (georgelapointe@gmail.com) Marine Debris reauthorization passes House (H.R.1171; 8/12) 5 of 7 new MAFAC members from PSMFC-member States NOAA R/V Reuben Lasker due in San Diego 2013 WCGA coordination on tsunami debris USCG safety interim rule expected late 2012 PSMFC “Grab Bag” #1

  21. 2 hearings on San Joaquin water issues H.R. 1837 (6/12) Emergency Disaster loan provision for fishermen in Senate Farm Bill ENGO “forage” fish lawsuit in SF District Court (10/12) DOC IG investigating NOAA rulemaking process H.R. 6069 to reauthorize Anad & IJFA to 2017; 7/19 House hearing on H.R. 6007 – Lacey Act/Zebra Mussels v. Plano, TX Maritime Lien Reform Act to protect fishing permits/quota from lien exposure added to House-passed USCG bill USCG dockside examination of fishing vessels fixed in House USCG bill…Senate action TBD; deadline 10/12 Industry effort to reform CCF to allow penalty-free withdraw unsuccessful Controversial Administration initiatives to curtail H-2B & J-1 Visa programs PSMFC “Grab Bag” #2

  22. NOAA releases regional saltwater recreational fishing plans (12/11) NOAA releases new MRIP catch estimates (1/11) 3 Senate hearings: Law of the Sea Treaty ratification sinks…but not over S. 1851 (Sen. Merkley, D-OR) to restore Klamath Basin via collaborative water mgmt program NOAA/OAR release 5-yr Draft Strategic Plan (9/11) Draft National Fish, Wildlife and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy (2/12); See NOP & www.wildlifeadaptationstrategy.gov Sens. Boxer/Kerry plan 2012 “sweeping” reviews of oceans & climate change Salmon anemia reported: Rivers Inlet, British Columbia; U.S. funds domestic Task Force (12/11) PSMFC “Grab Bag”#3

  23. PSMFC “Grab Bag” #4 • Administration suggests moving NOAA to DOI (1/12); GAO examination • Pacific Salmon Stronghold Conservation Act of 2011 (Sen. Cantwell, WA-D; S.1401;1/12) • I-81 to ban gillnets in OR inland waters on the ballot • NOAA releases 1st ever National Bycatch Report (9/11) • Nat’l Fish Habitat Conservation Act approved by EPW (S.1201; Lieberman CT-I) • Nat’l Fish Habitat Board meets 12/12; www.fishhabitat.org • USFWS awards $3.3M for fish habitat projects in 29 states • House/Senate S-K legislation (S.2184/H.R.4208) debate

  24. PSMFC “Grab Bag” #5 • NOAA petitioned to amend civil penalty schedule (6/12) • US-EU bilateral agreement v. IUU fishing (H.R.4100; H.R.6200; S.50; S.52; S.1980 approved by Commerce Com., 8/12) • CA adds 137 nm of North Coast MPAs • S.2066 “Recreational Fishing & Hunting Heritage Act” (Sens. Murkowski/Manchin) • NTSB to USCG: vessel safety recommendations (11/11) • DOC/USDA draft aquaculture plan (77 FR 41164; due 8/27/12)

  25. WE MOVED! Please update your files… Rick E. Marks Robertson, Monagle & Eastaugh P.C. 1810 Samuel Morse Drive, Suite 202 Reston, VA 20190 Phone 703-527-4414 or 571-313-1792 Mobile 703-963-1852; Fax 571-313-1973 Email: rem@hsgblaw-dc.com **Now offering Environmental Conflict Resolution (ECR) services**

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