Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Vessel Monitoring System (VMS)

Resumen

NMFS issues a final rule requiring vessels participating in the directed fishery for Atka mackerel in the Aleutian Islands subarea (AI) of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area to carry and use a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) transmitter, and revising regulations governing Atka mackerel harvest in the Community Development Quota (CDQ) fisheries. Additionally, NMFS issues notification of the approval of VMS components for use off Alaska. These actions are necessary to enhance monitoring of fishery activities within critical habitat areas. They are intended to further the conservation goals and objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area (FMP).