Catch Shares

What is a Catch Share?

"Catch Share" is a generic term used to describe a fishery management program that exclusively allocates a specific portion of the total fishery catch to individuals, cooperatives, communities, or other entities including sectors. The term encompasses more specific programs defined in legislation such as Limited Access Privilege Programs and Individual Fishing Quotas.
 

Catch Shares Task Force

In a June 22, 2009 press release, NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco announced creation of a Catch Share Task Force to assist NOAA and the regional fishery management councils as they consider and implement catch share management programs. The press release provides a list of Task Force participants and outlines the five objectives of the Task Force.

Below you can find Task Force status reports, summaries of stakeholder sessions, and meeting summaries.

Past Task Force Status Reports

• July 2, 2009
• July 17, 2009
• July 29, 2009
• August 14, 2009

Summaries of Stakeholder Sessions

• Commercial Stakeholders - July 20, 2009
• Recreational Stakeholders - July 22, 2009
• Environmental Stakeholders - July 23, 2009

Task Force Meeting Summaries

• Conference Call 1 - June 30, 2009
• Conference Call 2 - July 16, 2009
• Conference Call 3 - August 26, 2009

Additional Catch Share Links:

• 2008 Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper IFQ Annual Report (PDF)
  
• Catch Shares Fact Sheet (PDF)
  
• Current and Expected Catch Shares Programs (PDF)
  
• Guidance for Limited Access Privilege Program
  
• Limited Access Privilege Program Clearinghouse
  
• Design and Use of Limited Access Privilege Programs (PDF)
  
• Links to additional catch share resources

If you have questions or comments regarding catch shares, email us at catchshares@noaa.gov.