BUYBACK REFERENDUM RESULTS

The referendum to authorize an assessment to purchase 22 seine permits at a cost of $5.8 million was not approved by the required majority of permit holders.

180 (57%) out of the 315 ballots sent were returned to NMFS by the January 13 deadline.  Of the 180 ballots returned, 132 voted YES (in favor of the plan); and 48 voted NO (in opposition to the plan).  The 132 YES votes fell short of the required majority (158) necessary to approve the Plan. 

NMFS will publish the referendum results in the Federal Register next week. 

LAST DAY TO CAST YOUR BALLOT

Today is the last day to send in your vote on the buy back. SEAS tried to provide you with information to make an informed decision. It's important for future opportunities that there is a good response to the vote, so NOAA feels their time and effort to conduct these are well spent. So, no pressure, yes or no, just keep your ability to make these decisions an option in the future.