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To see the Limited Entry Rule, click here
Read the North Pacific Fishery Management Council Motion on Area 2C/3A Catch Sharing Plan Click Here
NMFS will not implement further charter halibut restrictions for Area 2C
ACA retained the services of Earl Comstock to help us protect our upcoming season from any further restrictions. He wrote a letter to NOAA as well as met with officials in DC. Click the following link to his letter: ACA Letter
ACA was also at the recent IPHC meeting and fought off an attack from the Halibut Coalition to have the IPHC implement restrictions on Area 2C charter fleet. Click the following link to see their proposal: Halibut
In the final hour, ACA was successful in having their Minority Report read into the record. Click the following link to our document: ACA Minority Report
Our efforts contributed to having NMFS write a letter to National Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) that they will not take actions this year to further restrict the charter fleet. Click the following link to see their letter: NMFS Letter to NPFMC
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ACA needs your support!
We are facing a NPFMC catch sharing plan right around the corner. If implemented as currently written, this plan will have us at stair steps below the current GHL levels. This would mean Area 3A will be facing the minnow rule at minimum right from the start. Our opportunity to suggest changes and fixes may come as early as this April. Our first step is to organize and educate our fellow charter operators and lodges to this issue. If you are not currently a member, please consider joining ACA for just $150. Volunteer efforts and membership dues make it happen! Join us so your voice will be heard. Go to the How to Join link and sign up now.
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The Alaska Charter Association is a statewide organization representing about 180 charter and associated businesses. Its mission-“to preserve and protect those fishing rights and resources necessary for the Alaska charter fleet to best serve the recreational fishery.”
For more information on Halibut Charter Background, access information under Letters tab.
Read the North Pacific Fishery Management Council Motion on Area 2C/3A Catch Sharing Plan Click Here
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 History & Purpose
On June 15, 2004, a group of concerned charter boat operators from Homer took time out of their busy summer season and formed a new charter association- The Alaska Charter Association.
Our mission - The Alaska Charter Association seeks to preserve and protect those fishing rights and resources necessary for the Alaska charter fleet to best serve the recreational fishery.
The Alaska Charter Association represents various business and individuals that have united against opposition efforts to restrict the recreational angler’s rights to the halibut resource. Our main points of concern are:
- A need for equal representation on the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council, Board of Fish, Advisory Panel and Stakeholders committees.
- Conservation of the halibut resource and wastage issues.
- Ensure equal and fair access for all recreational anglers.
- Ensuring that management decisions comply with the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the 10 national standards for fishery conservation and management, and the public trust doctrine.
- Ensuring reasonable mechanisms for growth in the recreational fishing sector.
- Comprehensive economic studies of the value of a sport caught fish to the local economies.
From its humble beginnings in Homer, Alaska in June of 2004, the Alaska Charter Association has grown to be the state’s largest association of charter boat operators, with over 341 members including association members, we represent about over 35% of all saltwater guide services. You need to be part of this strengthening organization. In this period, we have accomplished a great deal. See our Accomplishments page.
 There has been much testimony and individuals have written many letters. This effort has been key in realizing our accomplishments. Your continued efforts are necessary. Organized opposition will dominate the resource if we do not make our voice heard. Keep writing these letters.
ACA Board of Directors:
Greg Sutter, Homer President info@alaskacharter.org
Richard Yamada, Juneau, Vice President
Bryan Bondioli, Homer, Treasurer
Chris Fiala, Kodiak, Secretary
Kent Hall, Sitka
Hill Norvell, Seward
James Stegall, Seward
Theresa Weiser, Sitka
Jeff Wedekind, Ketchikan
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