Comment from Rod Moore, West Coast Seafood Processors Association

The following comments are submitted on behalf of the West Coast Seafood Processors Association (WCSPA) in regard to the proposed rule implementing Amendment 15 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery. WCSPA represents shore-based seafood processing companies and associated businesses in Washington, Oregon, and California. WCSPA members catch, process, and market Pacific whiting and are thus directly affected by the proposed rule. Due to their diverse interests, our members individually supported different variations of Amendment 15 when it was being considered by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council), although all supported the overall goal of the amendment – to continue the rationalization process for the Pacific whiting fishery in an effort to maintain an economically and biologically viable fishery which minimizes bycatch to the extent practicable. At this time, we believe that Amendment 15, as recommended by the Council, should be implemented as quickly as possible so that it will be in effect for the 2009 Pacific whiting season.