National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

• Main Authors: National Marine, Fisheries Service, James W. Balsiger, Ph. D
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: Abstract; This Environmental Assessment/Regulatory Impact Review/Initial Regulatory Flexibility; Bering Sea; blue king crab; Aleutian Islands
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.168.54; http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/sustainablefisheries/amds/94/srev_earirirfa_0410.pdf

Analysis analyzes proposed Amendment 94 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (FMP) and proposed gear modification for nonpelagic trawl vessels targeting flatfish in the Bering Sea subarea. The proposed regulations would require elevating devices on trawl sweeps to raise them off the seafloor and reduce the potential impact on bottom habitat. The action follows from Amendment 89, Bering Sea Habitat Conservation Measures. This analysis also evaluates changes to the southern boundary of the Northern Bering Sea Research Area to create an area (Modified Gear Trawl Zone), wherein anyone fishing with nonpelagic trawl gear must use modified trawl sweeps and evaluates changes to the eastern boundary of the Saint 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 FMP, which are required to correct typographical and non-substantive errors and to ensure consistency with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. (this page is blank) Executive Summary ES.1