Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska; Definition of Overfishing

Résumé

These amendments would revise definitions of acceptable biological catch (ABC) and overfishing levels (OFLs) for groundfish species or species groups. The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) has submitted Amendment 44 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) and Amendment 44 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area (BSAI) (FMPs). This action is necessary to ensure that conservation and management measures continue to be based upon the best scientific information available and is intended to advance the Council's ability to achieve, on a continuing basis, the optimum yield from fisheries under its jurisdiction. NMFS is requesting comments from the public on the proposed amendments, copies of which may be obtained from the Council (see ADDRESSES).