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Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program in Alaska Federal Register Rules and Notices 2004–Present

Overview

Description
Individual Fishing Quota Program in Alaska 2004–Present
Fishing Type
Commercial
Affected Species
Action Status
Final Rule
Published
06/06/2022
Point of Contact
Abby Jahn, (907) 586-7228

Summary

Temporary Final Rule

NOAA Fisheries issues regulations to remove limits on the maximum amount of halibut individual fishing quota (IFQ) that may be harvested by a vessel, commonly known as vessel use caps, in IFQ regulatory Areas 4A (Eastern Aleutian Islands), 4B (Central and Western Aleutian Islands), 4C (Central Bering Sea), and 4D (Eastern Bering Sea). This action is needed to provide additional flexibility to IFQ participants in 2022 to ensure allocations of halibut IFQ can be harvested by the limited number of vessels operating in these areas. This action is within the authority of the Secretary of Commerce to establish additional regulations governing the taking of halibut that are in addition to, and not in conflict with, those adopted by the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC). This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the IFQ Program, the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1982 (Halibut Act), and other applicable laws.

Background

The commercial halibut and sablefish fisheries in the GOA and the BSAI management areas are managed under the IFQ Program that was implemented in 1995 (58 FR 59375, November 9, 1993). The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) and NOAA Fisheries developed the IFQ Program to resolve the conservation and management problems commonly associated with open access fisheries. The preamble to the proposed rule published on December 3, 1992 (57 FR 57130), describes the background issues leading to the Council's initial action recommending the adoption of the IFQ Program.

Historical IFQ Federal Register notices and rules are posted on the IFQ Federal Register Rules and Notices 2003-1986 page. IFQ related Fishery Management Plan amendments are posted within each management plan.

Federal Register

Last updated by Alaska Regional Office on 07/15/2022

Alaska IFQ - Halibut and Sablefish