Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Season and Area Apportionment of Atka Mackerel Total Allowable Catch

NMFS issues regulations that divide the Atka mackerel total allowable catch (TAC) specified for the Aleutian Islands Subarea (AI) into two seasonal allowances; reduce the percentage of Atka mackerel TAC harvested from Steller sea lion critical habitat (CH) over a 4-year period in the Western and Central Districts of the AI; and extend the seasonal no-trawl zone around Seguam and Agligadak rookeries in the AI Eastern District into a year-round closure. This action is necessary to avoid potential jeopardy to the continued existence of Steller sea lions due to fishery-induced localized depletions of Atka mackerel, a primary prey species for Steller sea lions. This action is intended to foster the recovery of Steller sea lions and to further the conservation goals of the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area (FMP).