# Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Individual Fishing Quota Program
> **Rule** · Final rule. · Published 2008-02-15 · Effective 2008-03-17 · 73 FR 8822
## Document
- **Document number:** E8-2932
- **Category:** catch-limit
- **Federal Register citation:** 73 FR 8822
- **Publication date:** 2008-02-15
- **Effective date:** 2008-03-17
- **NOAA docket:** Docket No. 071029546-7546-02
## Abstract

NMFS issues a final rule to modify the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program for the fixed-gear commercial Pacific halibut fishery and sablefish fishery by revising regulations governing the use of commercial halibut quota share (QS) and the processing of non-IFQ species when processed halibut is onboard a vessel. This action amends current regulations to allow persons holding category A halibut QS to process IFQ regardless of whether a QS holder with unused category B, C, or D halibut QS is onboard the vessel. This action also allows catcher/processor vessels to process non-IFQ species regardless of whether any processed IFQ species is onboard the vessel. This action is necessary to improve the efficiency of fishermen fishing on catcher/ processor vessels. The action is intended to allow halibut QS holders greater flexibility in using their QS, allow use of crew who hold unused category B, C, or D halibut QS while onboard a category A halibut QS vessel, and increase the product quality of non-IFQ species harvested incidentally to IFQ halibut.

## Source
- [Federal Register document](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2008/02/15/E8-2932/fisheries-of-the-exclusive-economic-zone-off-alaska-individual-fishing-quota-program)
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