Unsupported Browser Detected

Internet Explorer lacks support for the features of this website. For the best experience, please use a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.

North Pacific Observer Program - Federal Register Rules and Notices

Overview

Description
North Pacific Observer Program
Fishing Type
Commercial
Action Status
Final Rule
Published
11/09/2023

Summary

NOAA Fisheries regulatory changes revised the monitoring requirements for pot gear catcher/processors (CPs) participating in Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands (BSAI) groundfish fisheries. This action addresses management challenges created by observer data collection errors that have impacted catch estimates. This action improves observer data collection by requiring participants to carry a Level 2 observer and comply with pre-cruise meeting notifications, and by requiring certification and testing standards for participants choosing any of the following voluntary monitoring options: providing observer sampling stations, installing motion-compensated platform and flow scales, and carrying additional observers on the vessel. Additionally, this action changes the location of existing monitoring regulations for longline CPs and halibut deck sorting by moving them under a single, new subpart within the regulations. This action promotes the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Groundfish of the BSAI Management Area, and other applicable laws.

Federal Register

Last updated by Alaska Regional Office on 08/01/2024

Observer Program North Pacific Observer Program Fisheries Monitoring and Analysis Alaska Groundfish Management Electronic Monitoring Alaska IFQ - Halibut and Sablefish