IB 00-90: NMFS Requests Comments on Proposal to Reallocate Pacific Cod from Trawl Catcher/Processors to Vessels Using Fixed Gear in the BSAI

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has determined that the trawl catcher/processor sector will not be able to harvest its entire share of the Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC), according to James W. Balsiger, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.

NMFS, therefore, is proposing to reallocate the projected unused amount of Pacific cod (9,000 metric tons) from trawl catcher/processors to vessels using hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI). This action is necessary to allow the 2000 TAC of Pacific cod to be harvested.

Pursuant to 50 CFR 679.20(a)(7)(ii)(A), NMFS is required to make the projected unused amount of the trawl catcher/processor sector share of Pacific cod available to the trawl catcher vessel sector. From the years 1997 through 1999 after September 1, the trawl catcher vessel sector of the fishery has taken about 200 mt or less per year in the Pacific cod target and averaged about 800 mt of catch of Pacific cod in all targets. Current inseason data supports a projection of 800 mt for the catcher vessel sector. At the time of this proposal, no evidence exists that catcher vessel effort in the Pacific cod fishery will increase beyond what has occurred on the average during the last three years.

NMFS invites public comments until 4:30 p.m. Alaska local time, October 12, 2000, on its determination that the trawl catcher/processor sector will not be able to harvest its share of Pacific cod and NMFS's proposal to reallocate the unused amount of Pacific cod from the trawl catcher/processor sector to hook- and-line and pot gear.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be sent to Susan Salveson, Assistant Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Alaska Region, NMFS, 709 W. 9th, room 453, Juneau, AK 99801 or P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802, Attention: Lori Gravel.