Dan Hull, Chairman
Chris Oliver, Executive Director
SUBJECT: title
BSAI Trawl Limited Access Sector Yellowfin Sole Fishery - Final action
end
STAFF CONTACT: Jon McCracken
ACTION REQUIRED: recommended action
Public Review of RIR/EA/IRFA
BACKGROUND:
In February 2016, the Council reviewed a discussion paper that examined participation and effort in the BSAI TLAS yellowfin sole fishery to determine the need to limit entry in the offshore fishery. After reviewing the discussion paper and hearing public testimony, the Council initiated an analysis to limit access for catcher vessels in the offshore portion of the BSAI TLAS yellowfin sole fishery. Management measures also under consideration include an option to remove the limited access provisions for all trawl catcher vessels during periods of high total allowable catch assigned to the BSAI trawl limited access yellowfin sole fishery.
At the February 2017 meeting, the Council reviewed an initial review draft of an analysis to limit access for CVs in the offshore portion of the BSAI TLAS yellowfin sole fishery, and released the document for public review. The Council also adjusted the proposed alternative and added a new option for ineligible CVs to participate in the BSAI TLAS yellowfin sole fishery when there is sufficient BSAI TLAS yellowfin sole and halibut PSC available for these vessels.