Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Allocation of Pacific Cod among Vessels Using Hook-and-line or Pot Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

NMFS issues regulations to implement Amendment 64 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area (FMP). NMFS also revises the 2000 harvest specifications for Pacific cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI) to be consistent with these regulations and closes directed fishing for Pacific cod in the BSAI by hook-and-line catcher vessels over 60 ft length overall (LOA) and pot vessels over 60 ft LOA. This closure is necessary to prevent exceeding the respective allocations of the hook-and-line and pot gear (fixed gear) Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) specified for each of these gear sectors in Amendment 64 and implemented by this final rule and the revised specifications. This final rule is necessary to implement Amendment 64 and to respond to the fishing industry's socioeconomic needs that have been identified by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council). It is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the FMP.