Advisory bodies back targeted IRA deliverables; rec‑fishing group urges management flexibility

Several advisory bodies provided supplemental reports and recommendations during the special projects discussion. The GAP recommended integrating if‑then statements into existing agenda items rather than creating new standalone processes and suggested dedicating most remaining IRA funds to Special Project 1; the EWG recommended targeted briefings and continued integration of local knowledge into stock-assessment processes.

Jessica Watson of the Ecosystem Workgroup advised scheduling checkpoints for Special Project 2 work and recommended advisory‑body briefings throughout 2027. The EAS supported in-person convenings where useful and the proposed Fisherman’s Roundtable in November.

In public comment, Larry Phillips, representing the American Sport Fishing Association, urged the council to prioritize projects that improve fishing opportunity and management flexibility, specifically calling out groundfish harvest specification flexibility and the community resilience decision tool as priorities. “We encourage the council to protect projects that can produce practical benefits and also provide greater clarity on project scope, expected costs, and staff comments before future projects are approved,” Phillips said.