Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Allocation of Atka Mackerel to Vessels Using Jig Gear

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NMFS proposes regulations to implement Amendment 34 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area (FMP). Amendment 34 would authorize an allocation of Atka mackerel to vessels using jig gear. Annually, up to 2 percent of the total allowable catch (TAC) specified for this species in the eastern Aleutian Islands District (AI)/Bering Sea subarea (BS) could be allocated to the jig gear fleet fishing in this area. This action is necessary to provide an opportunity to a localized, small- vessel jig gear fleet to fish for Atka mackerel in summer months. The large-scale trawl fisheries typically harvest the available TAC for this species early in the fishing year, which does not allow jig gear fishermen an opportunity for a summer fishery. This action is intended to further the goals and objectives of the FMP.