WFOA NEWS:

Updated April 5, 2012

News Note These are brief versions of ongoing and new stories affecting the west coast albacore fleet. For full information we welcome new members to WFOA. WFOA Membership Application

U.S. / Canada Albacore Treaty - Fishing Regime Under Treaty Suspended The "Fishing Regime" under the U.S./Canada Albacore treaty which has been in exsistance for 31 years will be suspended for the 2012 fishing season while informational data and negotiations continue.Ther will be NO fishing by Canadian vessels in the U.S. EEZ, or U.S. vessels in the Canadian EEZ this coming season. We believe this will not affect port access by either country asthe treaty remains in place minus a new "regime". At this time this does not mean a complete termination which requires further steps from either government.

WFOA Statement on Suspension - April 3, 2012

Fishing West of 150W? For vessels fishing beyond 150W you are required under the WCPFMC rules to carry VMS and be registered through NOAA/NMFS.Intructions and applications can be downloaded at: Beyond 150W Requrements

OTHER NEWS:

AFRF Fees: We want to remind WFOA members that with a mix of new markets this season, AFRF fees still are required to be paid at the rate of $20/st by the vessel unloading at any Non-AFRF buyer. All AFRF buyers are listed at the end of this newsletter. WFOA members are required by WFOA By-laws to adhere to this.

AFRF Contracted Buyers: Bornsteins Seafoods Inc., Bumble Bee Seafoods, Chicken of the Sea International, Driscoll's Wharf, Interocean Fisheries, Island Trollers Inc., Jessie's Ilwaco Fish Company, Jolly Roger Seafoods,Ilwaco Landing LLC, Mary-Lu Seafoods, New Day Fisheries, Ocean Gold Seafoods, Pacific Seafood Group, Papa George Gourmet Albacore, Pelican Packers Inc., Seafood Producers Co-op, Shamrock Fisheries, Star Kist Seafoods, Starvin Marvin Seafoods,Trident Seafoods, Tri-Marine International, Whole Foods Select Fish, Wild Planet Inc