Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast Multispecies Fishery; Pollock Catch Limit Revisions

Zusammenfassung

NMFS issues this final rule pursuant to its authority to issue emergency measures under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). This emergency action implements new stock status determination criteria for pollock and associated increases in pollock catch limits under the Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP), based on the most recent and best available scientific information. Specifically, this emergency action increases fishing year (FY) 2010 pollock catch levels specified by Framework Adjustment (FW) 44, including Overfishing Levels (OFLs), Acceptable Biological Catches (ABCs), Annual Catch Limits (ACLs), ACL components, incidental Total Allowable Catches (TACs) for special management programs, and sector Annual Catch Entitlements (ACEs). The ACL components include sub-ACLs for the common pool and sectors. This action is intended to provide additional fishing opportunities, consistent with the FMP and the Magnuson-Stevens Act.