Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska; Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area; Extension of Allocations to Inshore and Offshore Components

Resumen

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted Amendment 38 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the Groundfish Fishery to the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area and Amendment 40 of the FMP for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska. These amendments would extend through December 31, 1998, the authority to allocate pollock and Pacific cod for processing by the inshore and offshore components of the industry and continue the Western Alaska Community Development Quota (CDQ) program. This action is necessary to continue for an additional 3-year period the allocations of pollock and Pacific cod for processing by inshore and offshore components, as well as the CDQ program. The Council intends these amendments to promote management and conservation of groundfish, enhance stability in the fisheries, and further the goals and objectives contained in the FMPs that govern these fisheries. Comments are requested from the public. Copies of the proposed FMP amendments may be obtained from the Council (see ADDRESSES).