Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Season and Area Apportionment of Atka Mackerel Total Allowable Catch

Résumé

NMFS proposes regulations that would divide the Atka mackerel total allowable catch (TAC) specified for the Aleutian Islands Subarea into two seasonal allowances; reduce the percentage of Atka mackerel TAC taken from Steller sea lion critical habitat over a 4-year period in the Western and Central Districts of the Aleutian Islands Subarea; and extend the seaward 20 nautical miles (nm) no-trawl zone around the Seguam and Agligadak rookeries in the Eastern District of the Aleutian Islands into a year round closure. The purpose of this action is to avoid significant fishery-induced localized depletions of Atka mackerel, a primary prey species for Steller sea lions in the Aleutian Islands and to avoid potential jeopardy to the continued existence of Steller sea lion populations and their critical habitat through excessive removal of prey. This action is 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).