Amendment 21 to the FMP for the Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

NOAA Fisheries announces the approval of Amendment 21 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area. NOAA Fisheries is also implementing a regulatory amendment that establishes Pacific halibut bycatch mortality limits for trawl and non-trawl gear fisheries in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area. This action is taken under authority of Amendment 21. Apportionments of the halibut bycatch mortality limits as bycatch allowances among fisheries and seasons for 1993 also are specified. NOAA Fisheries is announcing closures of specified fisheries for vessels using trawl gear. These actions are intended to promote management and conservation of groundfish and other fish resources and to further the goals and objectives contained in the FMP.