Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Modify IFQ Survivorship Transfer Provisions

Résumé

NMFS proposes a regulatory amendment to the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program for fixed gear Pacific halibut and sablefish fisheries in and off of Alaska. This action would modify the survivorship transfer provisions to allow heirs of deceased quota share (QS) or IFQ holders to receive such QS or IFQ by transfer and to transfer the resulting IFQs to any person eligible to receive IFQ for up to 3 years following the date of a QS holder's death. This action is necessary to extend survivorship privileges to other heirs in addition to surviving spouses and to allow such heirs to obtain pecuniary benefit from such IFQ. The intended effect of this action is to provide temporary financial relief for the heirs of QS holders.