Subcommittee to study multi-tier fee to lure higher-volume landings; working group formed

The Portland Fish Exchange subcommittee explored a conceptual multi-tier fee — essentially a volume-based rebate — intended to attract or retain vessels that could land larger volumes and boost exchange revenue.

Chair Tracy introduced the idea and asked members to form a small working group to develop concrete proposals and run scenario analysis. Meredith described the concept in practical terms: a boat that reached a 200,000-pound threshold could receive a small rebate after the fact and a larger rebate at 400,000 pounds; Tracy noted an example of a 2¢ per-pound rebate at 200,000 lb and 4¢ at 400,000 lb as a draft idea.

Why it matters: board members emphasized balancing incentives for large-volume vessels with fairness to the small-boat fleet that forms the exchange’s core. Mary noted a tiered approach could avoid giving the early pounds away by paying rebates only after thresholds are reached; others suggested scenario planning to model revenue impacts under different landing patterns.

No vote was taken. Members asked staff to prepare financial scenarios and to draft one or more implementation options for discussion at a future meeting so the committee is ready if a high-volume vessel expresses interest in Portland.