For Further Information Contact:

• Main Authors: Bering Sea, Flatfish Fishery, National Marine, Fisheries Service, Robert D. Mecum, Diana Evans, Npfmc Or Melanie Brown
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: Bering Sea; blue king crab; St Matthew Island; Aleutian Islands
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.161.3154; http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/npfmc/analyses/TrawlMod509.pdf

Abstract: This Environmental Assessment/Regulatory Impact Review/Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis analyzes a proposed gear modification to require non-pelagic trawl vessels targeting flatfish in the Bering Sea subarea to use elevating devices on trawl sweeps to raise them off the seafloor. The action follows from BSAI Amendment 89, Bering Sea Habitat Conservation Measures. The analysis also evaluates changes to the southern boundary of the Northern Bering Sea Research Area to create an area where anyone fishing with non-pelagic trawl gear must use the modified trawl sweeps required by regulation, and changes to the boundary of the St Matthew Island Habitat Conservation Area to be consistent with the Council’s intent to protect blue king crab habitat. Finally, the document addresses certain housekeeping amendments to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area, which are required to correct typographical and non-substantive errors. (this page is blank) Table of Contents Table of Contents. i