Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

Zusammenfassung

Based on currently available information, NMFS has determined that the trawl catcher/processor sector will not be able to harvest its entire share of the Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). NMFS proposes to make the projected unused amount of the trawl catcher/processor sector share of the Pacific cod TAC available to the trawl catcher vessel sector. NMFS also is proposing to reallocate the projected unused amount of Pacific cod from the trawl catcher/processor sector to vessels using hook-and-line or pot gear in the BSAI. NMFS invites public comments, particularly from the trawl catcher vessel sector, on NMFS's proposal to reallocate the unused amount of Pacific cod from the trawl catcher/processor sector to vessels using hook-and-line and pot gear. The proposed action is necessary to allow the 2000 TAC of Pacific cod to be harvested.