Update on the efficacy of Electronic Monitoring

January 04, 2023

Electronic Monitoring (EM) is one method of ensuring that all fish harvested and/or discarded at-sea are accounted for. Since 2019, the effectiveness of EM has been studied, thanks to the participation of volunteer catcher vessels and shoreside processors from the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska pelagic pollock fisheries and a grant from the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation.

MTC vessels are committed to accountability and they care about healthy fisheries. Our members pioneered EM on the West Coast and are now participating in growing the program in the North Pacific.

For a broad overview of what’s happening in the world of EM, read a 2023 update on the project here.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced today that it is cancelling the Offshore Wind lease auction scheduled for October 15, 2024. Read BOEM’s explanation of the cancellation here.

Earlier in the day, Oregon Governor Tina Kotel had also indicated to BOEM that the process they were undertaking didn’t adhere to “the Oregon Way” and asked them to halt the auction. Read the Governor’s letter here.

Representatives of several organizations related to commercial fishing, seafood processing, and coastal communities said they wer relieved to get the news. You can read their statement here.

Midwater Trawlers Cooperative sends a hearty thanks to the Oregon Coastal Caucus, Governor Tina Kotek, OR Natural Resources and Climate Advisor Karin Power, Tribal governments, and all who took time to write letters, testify, and otherwise organize against this rush toward offshore wind.