Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska; Allocations of Pacific Cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area

NMFS issues this final rule to implement Amendment 46 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area (FMP). The measures established under Amendment 46 and implemented by this final rule include: Allocation of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI) Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) among vessels using trawl gear, fixed gear (hook-and-line and pot), and jig gear; seasonal allowances of the fixed gear allocation of Pacific cod; and procedures for unused portions of one gear's allocation to be reallocated to other gear types. This action is necessary to respond to socioeconomic needs of the fishing industry that have been identified by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) and is intended to further the goals and objectives of the FMP.