NMFS Issues Final Rule to Allow Longline Pot Gear in Gulf of Alaska Sablefish IFQ Fishery

Summary

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a final rule to allow the use of longline pot gear in the Gulf of Alaska sablefish individual fishing quota (IFQ) fishery, as part of Amendment 101 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska. This change aims to improve efficiency and provide economic benefits for the sablefish IFQ fleet, while minimizing potential interactions with whales and seabirds.