Fisheries off West Coast States and in the Western Pacific; Coastal Pelagic Species Fisheries; Change in Pacific Mackerel Incidental Catch

NMFS announces changes to the restriction on landings of Pacific mackerel for individuals participating in the coastal pelagic species (CPS) fishery and for individuals involved in other fisheries who harvest small amounts of Pacific mackerel. The incidental limit on landings of 20 percent by weight of Pacific mackerel in landings of Pacific sardine, northern anchovy, jack mackerel, and market squid remains in effect; however, CPS fishermen may land up to 1 metric ton (mt) of Pacific mackerel even if they land no other species from the trip. Non-CPS fisherman may land no more than 1 mt or Pacific mackerel per trip. After the harvest guideline of 20,740 mt is reached, all landings of Pacific mackerel will be restricted to 1 mt per trip. This action is authorized by the Coastal Pelagic Species Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and is intended to ensure that the fishery achieves, but does not exceed, the harvest guideline while minimizing the economic impact on small businesses.