Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Processor Quota Share (PQS) and Individual Processing Quota (IPQ)

Greetings fishies!

The topic for tonight is the egregious and provision called Processor Quota Share (PQS) and Individual Processing Quota (IPQ). This little gem of an idea is what keeps the fishermen caught by the shorthairs. It is what makes them head to sea in dangerous weather - to make that processor imposed delivery deadline. Safer? Uh yeah right - I don't think so.

What is PQS?

PQS is a long-term privilege to receive a percentage of the crab harvest in a fishery. PQS annually yields IPQ.

What is IPQ?

IPQ is the pounds of crab that PQS yields each year. IPQ is needed to receive any amount of crab harvested under a Class A IFQ permit. The amount of IPQ issued every year is equal to the pounds issued as Class A IFQ.

How do I get PQS?

NMFS issued PQS to qualified applicants that submitted an application BEFORE the application deadline. Applications were accepted from April 4, 2005, until 5:00 p.m. Alaska local time on June 3, 2005. To receive PQS now you must obtain it by transfer from another PQS holder.

How do I get IPQ?

By August 1 each year a PQS holder must submit an application for IPQ to NMFS. All required fees and data reports must be submitted before NMFS issues you IPQ. If you do not hold PQS, you can receive IPQ by transfer. In addition, NMFS will not issue IPQ to any PQS holder that is required to participate in the Arbitration System until the Arbitration System requirements have been met.

Do I need IPQ to process crab?

No, you can receive crab harvested with Class B IFQ, CPO IFQ, CPC IFQ, and CVC IFQ (before July 1, 2008) without IPQ. You can also receive crab harvested under a CDQ allocation without IPQ. You must have IPQ to receive crab harvested with Class A IFQ. Anyone who is receiving crab (whether processing or not) must have a registered crab receiver (RCR) permit. That permit is necessary for data collection and fee assessment. That permit is available through NMFS (but will only be issued if fee payments and reporting requirements have been met).

I know, I know fishies, but you really do need to know this stuff.

Stay tuned!

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