Unalaska, AK – The North Pacific Fishery Management Council wrapped up its October meeting by voting to restructure the observer program run by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The eleven-member council unanimously agreed to both change the size of the program in the North Pacific and the way observers are paid.

The restructuring would add new vessel classes to the observer program, including halibut longliners. The cost of the observers, who count bycatch, will be covered through a 1.25% fee on the dockside value of the catch.

The new payment plan makes an exception for large vessels, like factory trawlers, that have observers on them at all times. They will continue to pay observers directly.

These plans must be approved by Commerce Secretary Gary Locke before going into effect.