NMFS Reduces Observer Experience Requirements for Western Alaska CDQ Fisheries

Summary

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a final rule to reduce observer experience requirements for some catcher vessels and shoreside processors participating in the Western Alaska Community Development Quota (CDQ) fisheries, aiming to lower costs and align with the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area.