Sometimes even the best intentions can cause a point of contention, and that's what happened when the Homer Chamber of Commerce sent a letter to the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council on Sept. 22. The letter requested that the council take no action on agenda items dealing with halibut allocation for the 3A fishery because of the lack of comparative economic data. The intent was only to request more economic analysis for the recreational sport fishing industry, but the result was perceived as the chamber trying to delay the process.

The letter caused a point of contention with members of the commercial fishing industry and marine trade services of Homer, resulting in a special meeting of the chamber board of directors. At that meeting, the board clarified that the letter was not intended to create such contention or to cause further delay of the North Council formulating a viable solution. The board truly believes that a request for further economic data on the impact of the recreational sport fishing industry, particularly in area 3A, is necessary in order to better represent our diverse membership and to make fair and informed decisions on all of their behalf.

The allocation of this renewable resource affects the livelihoods of a significant percentage of our membership and our community. The chamber's board feels that it needs the most recent economic data to review in order to provide our membership with a clearer understanding of the economic impact of the entire 3A fishery.

The board is comprised of dedicated citizens and business leaders whose only intent is to be more informed on this very complex issue that impacts the entire community. The board urged the North Council to consider their efforts and the letter in reference, as only a request for statistical economic data. A clarification of the board's intent was being presented during public testimony at the North Council's meeting currently under way in Anchorage.

Tina Day, executive director

Homer Chamber of Commerce