Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area; Trawl Closure to Protect Red King Crab

Résumé

NMFS issues this proposed rule to implement Amendment 37 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area (FMP). This rule would implement trawl closure areas in portions of Bristol Bay, adjust the prohibited species catch limit for red king crab in Zone 1 of the Bering Sea, and increase observer coverage in specified areas related to the trawl closures. These measures are necessary to protect red king crab in Bristol Bay, which has declined to a level that presents a serious conservation problem for this stock. They are intended to accomplish the objectives of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) with respect to fishery management in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management area (BSAI).