Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Allocating Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crab Fishery Resources

NMFS issues a final rule implementing Amendments 18 and 19 to the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands (BSAI) King and Tanner Crabs (FMP). Amendments 18 and 19 amend the FMP to include the Voluntary Three-Pie Cooperative Program (hereinafter referred to as the Crab Rationalization Program or Program). Congress amended the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson- Stevens Act) to require the Secretary of Commerce to approve and implement the Program. The action is necessary to increase resource conservation, improve economic efficiency, and improve safety. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson- Stevens Act, the FMP, and other applicable law.